Mandy Patinkin Sings Sondheim
Recorded live at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia, this double CD is one heck of an extensive tribute toStephen Sondheim. Backed only by Paul Ford on piano,Mandy Patinkingets through nearly three dozen songs penned by the Broadway master. Some are obvious (excerpts fromSunday in the Park with George, in which the singer created the title role), others less so ("If You Can Find Me I'm Here" fromEvening Primrose). Patinkin is often mocked for his shivering falsetto, but here, it's actually when his voice explores a lower register that it falters. What's more interesting is when he tackles songs usually sung by women, such asFollies' "Broadway Baby" andCompany's "Another Hundred People" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy"--the latter hammed up so much that you can hear the chewing of the scenery. A distinctively mannered interpreter, Patinkin remains an acquired taste, but fans of his will be in heaven with this set.--Elisabeth Vincentelli