The Beat Goes On
Liz Callawayhas one of the best voices on Broadway, with a clear-as-a-bell tone, seemingly effortless soprano range, and terrific warmth.  After spending five years on Broadway as Grizabella inCatsand further occupying herself withanimated voiceover work, Callaway has releasedThe Beat Goes On, her first solo album since 1995's outstandingThe Story Goes On, and it was worth the wait. Naturally, any celebration of the frenetic '60s needs a wide scope, and included here are infectious pop ("Wedding Bell Blues"), Broadway musicals (Hair's "Frank Mills,"Promises, Promises' "Half as Big as Life"),the Beatles("When I'm 64"), social protest ("Where Have All the Flowers Gone"), and movie music ("Moon River"), all masterfully arranged by music director Alex Rybeck. Callaway has never sounded better--her "Up, Up and Away" soars, and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is totally irresistible.  She confesses that recordingPetula Clark's "Downtown" has been a lifelong fantasy; it comes true in this dream of an album.--David Horiuchi