Music Review: Reba Greatest Hits Volume III

The subititle for this CD is I'm a Survivor based on one of the new songs on the CD.  This CD presents three songs that are new to Reba, and 12 of her greatest hits.  The song I most enjoyed was "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."  Of course this song is not original to Reba, but she seems to perform it with a special flare.  I like the was her voice adds something to the songs.  It is clear, but also has a highly entertaining flavor.  She does a duet with Vince Gill which is also very effective.  She adds a coupe featured guests, Brooks and Dunn" on another song, "If You See Him, If You See Her" which is also enjoyable.
Most of Reba's songs aren't familiar to me.  I have not been a big follower of her career.   However I was in the mood from some country style love and breaking up songs; and this seemed to fill the bill today. 

Music Review: South Pacific: In Concert from Carnegie Hall

South Pacific: In Concert from Carnegie Hall, Rhino Entertainment Corp., 2006.

This is not a musical, but in fact a concert, although they did add some action and some costuming.  I mean, what would the scene with Luther Billis (Alec Baldwin) in the Thanksgiving program be without Billis dressed up with a coconut brassiere.   Reba McEntire takes the roll of Nellie Forbush and Brian Stokes Mitchell as the love struck Frenchman Emile de Becque.  The Orchestra of Saint Lukes provides the music.  The other notable roles are Jason Danieley as Lt. Cable who does an excellent job of singing “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” dealing with racism.    Lillian White portrays Bloody Mary, who is intent on her daughter marrying the Lieutenant, but thwarted by prejudism, and then the war takes his life. 

The thing this movie has going for it is MeEntire and Stokes Mitchell.  They are both veterans of the music scene, McEntire in country music and Stokes Mitchell in musical theater and opera.  Their voices carry the presentation.  The rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening” is very beautiful.  As are all of the reprises.  Even though I would never have cast Baldwin as Luther Billis, “Honey Bun” is just a hoot.  Maybe it’s the music, or just the scene but even in the medium of a concert this song is very enjoyable. 

This presentation is enjoyable, and except for a couple parts of people finding their places in the script, it flows very well.