Billy Porter: The Soul of Richard Rodgers

Tony and Grammy Award winning vocalist Billy Porter takes the Richard Rodgers songbook and brings it up to date in an R&B influenced mood with a rich collection of guests. The trick on a production like this is to retain the core of the songwriter’s  melody and not lose it in the techno-rhythm of the modernity. Porter does a yeoman’s effort, with some clever vocals with Pentatonix on “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning” while on a duet with Todrick Hall brings in the clever introduction to “I’m Gonna Wash That  Man Right Outta My Hair.” The intro and delivery of “Edelweiss” makes one wonder if this tune is not meant as a political statement, while his teaming with India.arie on “Carefully Taught” is delivered much more optimistically than usual. Ledisi and Zaire Park join together for a version of “Bewitched”  which includes the rarely used intro, and “Cynthia Erivo” sings well on a rhythm heavy “My Funny Valentine.” Points should be given for Porter’s desire to bring classic Tin Pan Alley material to modern ears, the main question is whether this can be a gateway for them to hear versions done by the likes of Ella and Frank.

 

www.masterworksbroadway.com

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