Search - Lynn Manuell :: Return to Love

Love to Return

S. Potter | UK | 04/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lynn Manuell's "Return to Love" was done in memory and honor of her late mother, with all proceeds from sales benefiting the Barbara Manuell Memorial Fund for Musical Theater. A noble inspiration for a noble cause. I was introduced to this recording by Mr. George Costacos (billed here as George Best) who contributed "The Garden" on the compilation. In addition to Mr. Costacos' sweet haunting melody contrasting a dark lyric, Miss Manuell has recorded an eclectic selection with plenty of contrast in her collaborations with other new artists: notably, Seth Weinstein's emotional "I Felt Your Dreams," Steve Ridgeway's lively "It's a Crazy Thing," and Jeff Olmsted's meaningful title anthem. Further, there are new takes on Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, American masters Kander and Ebb, and among others, even Australian Peter Allen and the legendary Judy Garland staple "Zing!" are brought into the world mixture. All that in consideration, for apparent reason, the truest delivery after the long journey arrives in the short closing track, "Barbara."

As suggested by Australian Peter Allen's song on this album, "Love Don't Need a Reason." Ms. Manuell's reason for "Return to Love" is Love to Return.

S. Potter
UK

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