In many ways sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway have been preparing their whole lives for their newest recording of "Boom!." The latest release for these two sisters on PS Classics was recorded live just eight short weeks ago in early May of 2011 at famed jazz club Birdland on West 44th Street in New York. The recording has a street release date of July 12.
The fact that Birdland is on the border with the Theatre District probably makes both these veteran Broadway and Tony-nominated performers smile broadly. Ann had her triumph in "Swing!'', while Liz had her runs in "Baby," "Merrilly We Roll Along," "Cats," "The Three Musketeers" and "Miss Saigon."
But the concept of "Boom!" is not one's typical repertoire of songs culled from the Great American Songbook or the Great White Way. It is more to the point a love letter to the 60's and early 70's and reminiscent of many of the songs that both sisters recall hearing while growing up as part of the Baby Boom generation.
That point is made evident when they open with two AM-rock classics beautifully melded to show off each of their talented voices: The Beatles' "Got to Get You into My Life" and The Turtles' "Happy Together." The orchestrations and arrangements for most of the selections are all by music director and pianist Alex Rybeck and both sisters. However, in the case of solo work, Rybeck rendered specific arrangements with each soloist. (A frequent visitor to New Orleans, Rybeck's hectic touring schedule brought him to town for the "Coast to Coast Marquee" program during the closing weekend of Cabaret Le Chat Noir.)
The banter between songs gives one an insight into how different the two sisters are, but also how deep their love is for each other. This was evident in their previous DRG Records release "Sibling Revelry" recorded live in 1995 at the Rainbows and Stars room.
These ladies have obvious fun with the material, touching lightly on such topics as drug use and favorite bands (Ann wanted to be the fifth Beatle, while Liz wanted to be part of the Fifth Dimension). The "Back-Seat-of-the-Car Medley" includes a spirited, fast-paced group of hits from Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" to Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World." Similar fun is had in their rendition of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and a compendium of hits presented as the "Stevie Wonder Medley."
Both sisters have some of their most tender moments with the solo pieces they selected for this review. Ann's choices of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" and the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" are especially eloquent and moving, while Liz's Jimmy Webb medley of "Didn't We/MacArthur Park" is also quite endearing.
The duets of ballads "Yesterday," "The Way We Were" and Carly Simon's immortal "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" are excellent examples of how the two sisters expertly blend their voices into harmonious accord, each allowing the other to accentuate and amplify their own lilting notes. Ann's deep register and smoky notes are often juxtaposed against Liz's lyric soprano to thrilling results. Rybeck's sumptuous piano and occasional backing vocals are also a perfect accompaniment to the two sisters' incredible vocal stylings and he is joined throughout the recording by a tight rhythm section composed of bassist Jered Egan and drummer Ron Tierno.
The album ends with a tribute to the iconic Carole King album "Tapestry" as the two sisters sing "You've Got a Friend" for their final "Boom!" sendoff. As the liner notes state: "If you can remember the 1960's...then obviously you weren't there." Take heart then, because this is one trip that won't leave you with a hangover or blackouts. "Boom!" has all the highs of the 60's and early 70's that one can do legally (and it's great stuff too). So, take a toke off "Boom!" It's got one hit after another and the best thing is that you'll never come down while listening to it.
"Boom!" is available for $14.95 plus shipping on PS Classics by clicking here.
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