Songs of Jason Robert Brown
Is it premature for composer-lyricistJason Robert Brown, after only three recorded shows, to be the subject of a songs-of collection? Not at all when you consider that a strong singer, some new material, and a fresh look at old material makeLauren Kennedy's solo debut a significant addition to Brown's catalog. Kennedy created the role of Catherine inThe Last 5 Years(a conflict prevented her from continuing it inNew York), so three of those songs are included here, plus three fromSongs for a New World, and one fromParade. New arrangements and even some new lyrics make everything sound as fresh as the four never-before-recorded songs (two written for this album). Kennedy is a joy to listen to, singing with beauty, power, and heart, and Brown leads the band from the piano (as one would expect), and even holds up the vocal end of the stirring duet "I'd Give It All for You." Notes by singer and songwriter and full lyrics makeSongs by Jason Robert Browna first-rate package all around (but including "Stars and the Moon" would have made it just about perfect!).--David Horiuchi