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STEPHEN SONDHEIM: THE STORY SO FAR

CD Box Set
Reviewed by Jason Fortner

Though filled with previously released material, this new release is a must have for all Sondheim aficionados.

For the beginner, it's a chronological look at the master at work, from his earliest days to the near present. Selections from SATURDAY NIGHT to WISE GUYS / GOLD / BOUNCE / ROAD SHOW are featured, with great success. It's a nice flow, easing the beginner from show to show.

For the expert, the collection includes material previously not on CD (such as Regine's "I Never Do Anything Twice") to archival composer demo, backer auditions, and instrumental tracks. What a joy to have a lot of these hard to find pieces on CD and in one collection. Obscurities like "A Hero Is Coming" or "Arts & Crafts" get full attention to the better known works.

Coupled with an attractive, picture filled booklet, the set is a joy from start to finish, truly showing the broad scope and creative genius of the man.

Hearing Sondheim sing little known tunes like "The Two of You" (written unsolicited for the Kukla, Fran & Ollie Show) or hearing Jack Cassidy sing his ill-fated songs from SATURDAY NIGHT is a true treat.

Listening to the CDs in sequence provides a magical journey from the past to the present, with cast recording versions mixed in with concerts, demos and the like. Starting with WEST SIDE STORY, the set continues on through GYPSY, FORUM, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, DO I HEAR A WALTZ?, COMPANY, FOLLIES etc with stops along the way for songs from such varied projects as HOT SPOT, THE MAD SHOW, and the film STAVISKY.

I loved every minute and even though I already owned most all of the material on commercial or private releases, I am thoroughly happy that I bought this set.

Celebrate Sondheim and enjoy this lovely set of musical bliss.

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