Search - David Shire, Richard Maltby Jr., Sally Ann Triplett :: Take Flight (2007 London Cast Recording)

Very Well Done

E. C Goodstein | Northern CA United States | 01/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like this show. Odd subject matter-- but I had some faith in the creators; Maltby & Shire for the great revue, "Closer than Ever" and Weidman for his work with Sondheim on 'historical' subject matter. And at least on disc I think it's largely successful. Flight takes on many aspects of the word. The subject and the characters reveal aspects that matter to the writers. So 'Take Flight' isn't strictly historically correct or strictly a narrative chronicle. The lyrics and lush orchestrations work well, and concentrating on the the 4 characters of the Wright Brs., Lindberg and Amelia Earhart (& 'minor' character of Amelia's husband George Putnam) makes sense. The darker aspects of the characters are only really hinted at (at least on disc): The Wrights' almost total lack of technical/aerodynamic expertise, Lindberg's aloofness (snobbism/shyness perhaps-- though he later was impressed with Hitler for example), & Earhart's own mysterious ambivalence about fame. Still though the themes and wonder of chance come across. Nice mix of kinds of music from almost contemporary classical to B'way pizzazz to fulsome melodic duets and ensembles. Everyone sings very well for the roles. Some may find it top heavy with 'historical' baggage; but especially I think if you like Sondheim's 'Pacific Overtures' or 'Assassins,' or Maltby/Shire as songwriters, you'll probably want to check out this album."

A nice addition to the Maltby & Shire Songbook...

Coco Pazzo | Long Beach, CA | 02/04/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Maltby and Shire were wise to pick John Weidman as the bookwriter for this musical about the early days of aviation. While not reaching the heights of Sondheim (and Weidman's) Assassins, this is a very nice and varied score dealing with a historical subject. While none of the British actors/singers stand out on this recording, all do a fine job."

Very worthwhile

Damien Slattery | Dublin, Ireland | 09/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Actually enjoyable, the previous reviewers had some valid points about this, it does sound a second cousin of "Assassins", and at times Malby's words land with a thud..really over-declamatory lyrics..Too often the characters sing exactly what they feel, with no room then for any subtext (unlike Sondheim..)

The music has the construction of a film score - motifs, and does have plenty of soaring moments..appropriate to the stratospheric content. They manage to express the joy and exhilaration of flight, the majesty of earth meeting sky, and infinite horizons. I was reminded of Jerry Goldsmith's gorgeous flight-music for the movie -The Blue Max, not in tone but mood. And there is a lovely tint of Americana in the songs.

Considering the levels the musical has sunk to lately, Mamma Mia, Hairspray et al.. this is superior stuff."