Christine Ebersole - Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward
2010, Ghostlight Records
Television. Movies. The Stage. Christine Ebersole seems to make her mark wherever she goes. While Ebersole got her start on the TV soap Opera Ryan's Hope, she's done time as a Saturday Night Live cast member, been in several major motion pictures and guest-starred on such television shows Will & Grace, Murphy Brown, The Nanny, Boston Legal and Samantha Who. Ebersole's biggest impact has been on stage, however. The two-time Tony Award winner for Best Leading Actress In A Musical (42nd Street - 2001 revival; Grey Gardens). Ebersole recently paid tribute to legendary composer Noel Coward with the release of Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward.
Ebersole opens with "Someday I'll Find You", a pining love song steep in melancholy and hope. It's an intriguing starting point, as Ebersole offers a measured performance that's both full of emotion but also detached. "Any Little Fish/It's Only You" is a lilting love song, and Ebersole performs it in classic Broadway style. It's a wonderful performance full of heart and character. Be sure to check out the duet with Howard McGillin on "A Room With A View"; a stellar performance that connects with listeners on several levels, not the least of which is the apparent chemistry between the performers. "Chase Me Charlie" is a charmingly whimsical number; Ebersole injects energy and joy into the number in a vibrant performance you won't soon forget.
Ebersole sails through "Matelot/Come The Wild, Wild Weather" and "I'll Follow My Secret Heart" before interpreting "World Weary" in a brilliant gust of melancholy. It's a brilliant performance that deserves attention. "Mad About The Boy" finds Ebersole in emotional turmoil of falling in love with a movie star, bringing the competing emotions of love, uncertainty and fear to light in shifting and palpable veins. "The Dream Is Over" is a sparking song of heartbreak that simply reinforces Ebersole's presence and ability to emote in believable fashion through song. Ebersole bows with 'I'll See You Again", a bittersweet waltz that finds Ebersole gliding and soaring across a melody line that sounds like it was written with her in mind.
Christine Ebersole reminds listeners of the glory days of Broadway on Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward. The class and grace she displays as a performer are matched only by her voice. The material of Noel Coward is willing accomplice, as Ebersole sounds as if she were born to sing this material. If you're a Noel Coward fan, then Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward it an essential recording. If you're not familiar with the material of Noel Coward, then this is the perfect place to start.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Christine Ebersole at http://www.christineebersole.com/ or www.myspace.com/christineebersole. Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward is available on CD from Ebersole's webstore or Amazon.com. Digital copies are available from iTunes.
