Myths And Hymns (Based on Material from Saturn Returns: A Concert)
Until this disc, Adam Guettel was best known as the mastermind behindFloyd Collins, the gut-wrenching, boundary-breaking piece of musical theater that never gained the popularity it deserved.Myths & Hymnsis another beast altogether, though just as interesting. Guettel has created a song cycle based loosely on Greek mythology and lyrics he discovered in an antique hymnal. These 15 songs are a combination of art song and show tune, but all are interesting. "Icarus" is funky jazz in which the composer duets with Lawrence Clayton. "There's a Land" is transformed from a traditional hymnal into an upbeat romp à la "This Land Is Your Land." "At the Sounding" is an upbeat yet appropriate transition from the somber "Children of the Heavenly King." Joining Guettel on the vocal parts for these works are Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Theresa McCarthy, and a handful of other fine interpreters. Sublime and moving,Myths & Hymnsis all about reflecting--to God, a lover, or oneself. And while Guettel's roots run deep into the Broadway tradition (he's the grandson of Richard Rodgers), he's thankfully not afraid of musical experimentation. A great, soulful disc.--Jason Verlinde