The album of the live show pays warm homage to the talent of Stephen Schwartz, while filled with wonderful stories of Callaway’s experience with the composer & lyricist.
With her latest album, Liz Callaway wonderfully highlights the diversity and deeply emotional nature of the songs that Stephen Schwartz has created over the years.
As well as performing, Callaway also highlights the numerous songs and interactions with Schwartz that have impacted on her life. In a particular highlight, the song that he wrote specifically for Callaway, ‘Fearless’ was a delightful song that was was performed with great appreciation and thoughtfulness. Elsewhere, her proclamation that ‘Meadowlark’ is her favourite song of all time is again reflected in the depth and understanding that she applies to the lyrics.
Throughout the course of the album (which has been extremely well put together), Callaway highlights works by Schwartz both familiar and less familiar – with ‘West End Avenue’ from the 1974 show The Magic Show capturing a love of New York again through Schwartz’s lyrics and Callaway’s performance painting a beautiful sense of storytelling.
Over the course of an hour, there is a real sense of just how carefully this show and album has been put together. The introduction to certain segments then merge beautifully into one song into the next.
Meanwhile, the renditions of songs ‘Bless the Land’ and ‘Beautiful City’ from Godspell are given such pitch perfect delivery that it is hard to resist. Naturally the songs from Schwartz’s best known musical ‘Wicked’ are also included – her version of ‘For Good’ is particularly interesting in the way in which she uses her voice to capture the different characters perspectives.
There is a lovely rendition of ‘Out There’ from The Hunchback of Notre Dame that has great sense of drama and theatricality to it, sensitively performed by Callaway. Meanwhile, the demo version of ‘Just Around the Riverbend’ (which was digitalised) is a wonderfully vibrant unexpected treat. While, the ‘Stephen Schwartz Hits Medley’ brings together songs such as ‘Popular’ , ‘Colors of the Wind’
Throughout it all, there is great warmth and joy to be found. It was recorded live and to hear the reactions of those who were there in person. It really adds a richness to the experience and make the listener feel as though they are there – it is wonderfully intimate in sound.
Overall, there is plenty to be enjoyed about this wonderfully vibrant and heartfelt record that pays tribute to a distinctive composer and lyricist, while celebrating the talents of an accomplished singer and actress.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The Wizard & I: Liz Callaway Sings Stephen Schwartz is available to buy now.