Reviews

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"4 Friends: Who Are Very Vocal About It"

These four friends happened to be performers who wanted an excuse to see each other more often. So what did they do? They did what anybody else would do, they started a singing group. Ducy Lee, that purveyor of stellar musical theater recordings, has produced their first album. With music by composers David Shire, Richard Maltby Jr and Wayne Moore, it would be hard to go wrong. The talent is all there, the songs are great, and the singing is wonderful. There’s “Our Time”, which is beautiful in its simplicity, or “What a Wonderful World” sung by Brenda Silas Moore with a pop feeling that seems to flow naturally. It’s moments like these that make me want more and I look forward to their next CD.  William Gregory  MIDWEST URSINE

What do you get when you mix together four diverse singers and multiple musical styles and pour the mixture into a CD?  You get “4 Friends”: Who Are Very Vocal About It” – a captivating new album from Ducy Lee Recordings.  The liner notes tell us that these four performers wanted to spend more time together and so formed an act.  It was a good choice.  Their different personalities come through clearly through their choice of music and they support each other well.  The one woman, Brenda Moore, has a warm rich voice and an obvious sense of humor while her three male cohorts are excellent singers in their own styles.  Bryan Miller swings through “Change In Me” like a band singer from the 1940’s while Gilmore Rizzo (who I would guess was the youngest of the bunch) re-interprets the 1980’s “bubblegum” sound in “Heartbeat, It’s A Lovebeat.”  Wayne Moore’s version of the ballad “Dog Passages” is simply heartbreaking (pet owners, be warned!) and Ms. Moore’s rendition of “What A Wonderful World” makes me forget Satchmo.    Jason Blume – NASHVILLE STAR

"Atlantis Piano Bar"

Letters to Wayne:

“My husband and I met while listening to you sing one night.  On our next trip (our honeymoon!) we bought your CD.  We listen to it practically every day. We named ‘It Might As Well Be Spring’  ‘our song’.  Thank you so much for your wonderful music”

“I love the range and scope of your repertoire.  What a special treat you are!  Thank you for making my vacation so special.

“I wake up every morning to your CD.  ’Everything Old Is New Again’ is the perfect way to start the day!”

"Believer"

“Wayne Moore wrote the L.A. musical Freeway Dreams as well as the songs on his own album, Believer. There’s humor in ‘Bananas’ (“A song that has bananas has appeal”), ‘I Can’t Go On’ (a performer enumerates all the reasons he can think of for not appearing) and ‘Once Again I’m In Love’ (a movie fan’s catalog of favorite leading ladies, with a kicker). ‘New Orleans Will Always Mean You’ and ‘Shades Of Blue’ have a bluesy feel. ‘Doncha Wanna Know?’ is reminiscent of old-time vaudeville. ‘First Moment’ and ‘Honest At Last’ explore aspects of love. These and the other numbers offer a nice variety of moods.” - SHOW MUSIC

"Dream Big"

Thank you so very much for the advance copy of the new CD, “Dream Big”. I Loved it! It was timed incredibly well too. You may not remember a friend of mine from LA, BC, but he has had a very difficult few months and the night before the disc arrived we talked on the phone a long time. When I heard your music I knew I had to get him a copy. I also thought, “What My Heart Already Knows” would be a great companion disc.  If you would send it right away, I would be very grateful. I am sending him a card today as well letting him know to take this music to heart and comfort him.  Marc Perrault, architect

Finally had some special quiet time to sit and listen to your beautiful CD. What a true joy and blessing this new music is and what a treat to hear you and Brenda singing together again. There are so many wonderful songs but “Surrender” tore me up.  Don’t know if you remember that my younger brother, Steve,is a wonderful inspirational singer by avocation and I want to get a copy for him.I think he would be moved to sing some of your songs….with your permission of course…..in the future.  If nothing else, he will find it inspiring as well.  Much love and AMEN and again AMEN!!!!!  Deborah Tranelli – actress, singer

"Freeway Dreams"

“Wayne Moore’s ‘FREEWAY DREAMS’. A brilliantly original journey through the ups and downs of this sometimes charming city.” – L.A. Reader

“If you attended the Cabaret Convention last fall at Town Hall, you will remember composer Wayne Moore and his wife, Brenda Silas-Moore who stopped the show with two songs: “A Big Woman Needs A Big Man” and “The Bette Davis Chorus”. These two songs come from this intimate musical for which Moore wrote the music and lyrics and collaborated with Michael Greer on the book. The show involves five commuters who are stuck on the L.A. Freeway. The musical focuses on each character and his/her respective daydreams. The lyrics are witty and clever and telling about each of the characters. This was originally produced at Tom Rolla’s Gardenia in Los Angeles and would make a welcome addition to cabaret/theatre pieces here in Manhattan, too! - CAB Magazine

“Pick up a copy of FREEWAY DREAMS, the cast recording of the cabaret show that ran for five months recently at the Gardenia. Wayne says that he wrote the show about an ‘optimistic L.A.’. Sound bizarre? It’s anything but. In essence, the show is about people stuck on the freeway, and the fantasies they have in their lives.  Actually, they’re stuck so long they end up in each others’ fantasies, so there’s lots of funny stuff.   The CD itself features everything from the show, with the original cast, so if you didn’t see it live, here’s a great way to have your own Freeway Dream.” - Drama-Logue

“Interesting concept – it was bound to happen someday. FREEWAY DREAMS is an interesting portrayal of life in L.A. It has awesome songs.  I highly recommend it for the title song which appears [at] the show’s beginning and its end. - Amazon.com

"Moore Piano Bar"

Letters to Wayne:

“This is more like it!  These are the songs I wanted on the last piano bar CD!!”

“Thank you, Wayne, for making this second album.  I haven’t taken it out of my car CD player since I got home.  I can’t believe you do all the ladies in ‘The Cell Block Tango’!  And the song from Wicked makes me cry every time.  Thanks, again.”

“My favorite thing on the CD is  your medley of songs from the 1960′s.  It brings back a lot of memories.  My son’s favorite song is “I Believe I Can Fly” and he says you do a great job of it.”

“Just finished listening to your CD, Moore Piano Bar.  Excellent, as usual.  I especially like the songs ‘Come To The Party,’ ‘The Sixties Medley,’  [LOVE IT11 - I play it over and over again - drives John nuts!} 'On Stage' and the medley from 'Gypsy.  I think your rendition of 'There's A Fine, Fine Line' from Avenue Q is excellent.  It's very moving, with a lot of  feeling in the music.'

"Songs For Ex-Lovers And Wives"

“In the liner notes for the new recording of his songs, composer/lyricist Wayne Moore says that it took three years to finish. ‘This is the album that would not die!’ Thank goodness, because Songs For Ex-Lovers And Wives is one of the best albums of the year. Producer Moore has gathered a great array of talent to interpret his songs, everyone from Barbara Sharma on the circus calliope sounding “The Carousel” to Carolyn Mignini and Jill Eikenberry, whose lovely voices blend on “Nothing I Do Will Make You Mine”. Karen Morrow lends her Broadway panache to the torchy “If Love Is Not Enough”. Bill Hutton still has one of the sweetest voices in the business and he makes “Honest At Last” a standout. Moore’s twelve songs run the gamut from the catchy country/western melody of “New Orleans” with a lead vocal by Mark Smith, to a great one a.m. piano bar song, “You Don’t Know Me”, sung by the composer himself. The album ends fittingly with a paean to the power of love, “Believer”, beautifully sung by Lee Lucas. Moore’s arrangements sound simple and complicated simultaneously, and blessedly not overproduced. The singers are not overwhelmed by synthesizers, and their voices and the lyrics come through crystal clear. Songs For Ex-Lovers And Wives is a real winner.” – It’s Showtime!

“Songs for Ex-Lovers and Wives: The Words and Music of Wayne Moore Various Artists (Ducy Lee Recordings) This is a concept album dedicated to the composer’s ex-lovers and wives, which means this is an album for us, every one of us. Though these songs are distinct in their theatrical style, the sentiments and lyrics of these songs ring out like poetry. They are potent in discovery and richness and at time they are abysmal in their despair, but like life, the despair turns to a better place. There are many heart felt performances on this album, but I especially enjoyed Karen Morrow singing “If Love Is Not Enough” with a thick alto that bleeds like a ripped scar, “New Orleans” is a country-tinged homage to a new love found in the French quarter that is young and freshly sung, as it should be, by Mark Smith. Mr. Moore gives the words “Been There, Done That” a very smart, jazz inflected tune that deserves to be sung by many a singer; Jae Ross does a great job here. I could go on talking about the wealth of material that abounds on this album, but my favorite song is the very romantic and melodic “Believer”, sung with great care and restrain by Lee Lucas. “If you say, I am good, good is what I’ll be, believing what you see, you make a believer out of me.” This collection is rare and beautiful in its delivery and sincerity. I want more music, Mr. Wayne Moore.” - William Gregory Midwest-Ursine.com

“WAYNE MOORE ‘S EX-LOVERS AND WIVES ARE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY. The new, eagerly-awaited CD by Wayne Moore on his Ducy Lee Recordings label is a CD you should add to your collection if you’re a fan of show and cabaret songs. For here you will find the greatest array of cabaret stars ever to appear on one CD: Jamie Anderson, Jill Eikenberry, Bill Hutton, Lee Lucas, Carolyn Mignini, Bryan Miller, Karen Morrow, Jae Ross, Barbara Sharma, Brenda Silas-Moore and Mark Smith, and of course Wayne Moore himself, who wrote the songs. Many reading this know Wayne Moore through his many appearances in cabaret clubs locally and around the world, mostly as one-half of ‘Wayne & Brenda’ … others may know Wayne for the original cast recording of his L.A. musical ‘Freeway Dreams’ and his CD ‘Believer’, both on Ducy Lee. His scores for shows include ‘Good Morning, Hollywood’, ‘Much Moore’, ‘Hollywoodland’, ‘Music Drives Me Crazy’ and ‘Coffin Capers’. His song ‘My Superman’ was featured in the L.A. production of ‘The Gay 90′s’. Besides ‘Ex-Lovers and Wives’ and ‘Believer’Moore’s Ducy Lee label also includes the following CDs: ‘Lee Lucas in ‘The Big Strappin’ Fag Show’ and ‘American Twistory’ with words and music by Kevin Kaufman and John Everest. – 4-Front Magazine (2/98)

“Those interested in new material, either as listener or performer, should check out Songs For Ex-Lovers And Wives … a collection of (mostly) ballads by Wayne Moore (‘Freeway Dreams’). Moore explores the vagaries of love in ‘Nothing I Do Will Make You Mine’, ‘If Love Is Not Enough’, ‘Been There, Done That’, ‘Honest At Last’ and ‘Believer’. It’s a plus these and others are sung by Carolyn Mignini, Jill Eikenberry, Karen Morrow, Bill Hutton, Barbara Sharma, and promising cabaret performers such as Jamie Anderson, Mark W. Smith, Jae Ross, Bryan Miller, Lee Lucas and Moore himself.” - Show Music Magazine

"There's No Place Like Hollywood"

“THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOLLYWOOD (Ducy Lee Recordings) is an affectionate spoof that had three months of weekend performances at Los Angeles’ Stella Adler Theatre starting June 1, 2001.  Dan Berkowitz and Shirley Hillard’s book has visiting movie-struck tourist Dorothy (from Kansas, of course, wearing red sneakers) knocked unconscious in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  Awakening, she is taken on a whirlwind journey through Hollywood history, an impetus for visits by singing movie legends from Theda Bara (“Kiss Me, My Fool”) to Marilyn Monroe and James Dean (“Be Careful What You Wish For”).  The songs by Wayne Moore (Freeway Dreams) wittily capture and often skewer icons including Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald (“Jeanette And I”), Mae West, Bette Davis and Greta Garbo (“Divas”), Gone With The Wind‘s Hattie McDaniel (“Listen To Mammy”), “Busby Berkeley”, gossip queen Louella Parsons (“Louella’s Got To Know”), Rita Hayworth, Hedy Lamarr and Betty Grable (“Pin-Up Girl”), Carmen Miranda (“Bananas”) and Elvis (“Bump”).  The dropped “A Night Like This”, “Larger Than Life” (with the show’s Clay Adkins as Cher and Barbra) and the nostalgic “Once Again I’m In Love” are bonus tracks.  Including Adkins, the cast – Heidi Godt, Stephanie Andersen, David Barnathan, Melissa Brandzel, Amy Collette, Scott Davidson, Patti Diamond and Jeff Griggs – gives the material added sparkle. - SHOW MUSIC MAGAZINE

“And now on to a few discs which you might not have seen but are fun to listen to.  I recently discovered a small label from California which issues original cast albums of small “revues”.  One that caught my eye is titled There’s No Place Like Hollywood (Ducy Lee Recordings).  In the vein of the series of “Forbidden Broadway” revues still running in New York, this show pokes fun at the mannerisms of celebrities.  The plot device (described in the liner notes) is corny but the 20 songs present a “short history of Hollywood”.  There is sufficient fun made of Busby Berkeley movies, Mae West, and Carmen Miranda to tickle the funnybone of any fan of these entertainment icons.  Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy get ribbed also.  And the fate of minority actors in early films is entertainingly, and honestly, addressed as the Hattie McDaniel character sings “Listen To Mammy”.  More recent stars like Elvis and James Dean appear later in the show.  Performed cabaret style (meaning keyboards – played here by the show’s composer Wayne Moore – and percussion), the lyrics are clear and the cast’s voices are pretty.  It’s a delightful find!  - Steve Ramm, IN THE GROOVE

"What My Heart Already Knows"

“Love the CD!  I especially like the title track and ‘Drunk With The Wine Of Life and ‘I Hear Something’ – but you did a great job on all of them.  So glad you did it acoustically, too.  It sounds great.”  - Mark Winkler, recording artist

…an amazing CD that was written, arranged and produced Wayne Moore.  [He] was so inspired that he created a brilliant Metaphysical album that transcends any religious belief you may have.   He captured so much emotion, entertainment and joy into his creation…. it should be heard by EVERYONE!!   The portrait on the cover was painted by the marvelous (& Famous) artist Susan Rios.  Get your copy today!  You will not be disappointed.” - Bill Walker, producer H&G TV

This CD has been in my car since I first received it just before Christmas, and I have logged over 800 miles listening to the same music over and over again, and yet, each time I hear the cut about the “Universal Song” ["I Hear Something"] it’s as though I am hearing it for the first time and my eyes well up with tears.  The whole album is inspired.” - Rev. Dr. Maureen Hoyt:  The Westlake Center For Positive Living

"What's A Brayne & Wenda?"

“One might well be stumped by the question What’s A Brayne & Wenda? (Ducy Lee Recordings) but those who have seen Wayne and Brenda Moore’s Los Angeles cabaret act will know the answer. This release, recorded in the ’80s at The Rose Tattoo, celebrates the talented duo’s 20 years in clubs. Even then they had a casual, bantering style, lobbing affectionate gibes at each other. Their act is an effective balance of standards (“I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love”, “It’s A Good Day”), showtunes (“Razzle Dazzle”, “All That Jazz”, Working‘s “If I Could’ve Been”) and humorous numbers by Wayne, who also sings and plays piano (and wrote the musical Freeway Dreams). A big-voiced belter, Brenda is equally at home with “Hard-Hearted Hanna” or “Over The Rainbow”. Their fans will be happy to have this recording (previously available on cassette) on CD with a couple of bonus tracks. It doesn’t have state-of-the-art sound, but it puts Wayne and Brenda’s entertaining act right in your living room.”  - SHOW MUSIC MAGAZINE

“With “Wayne & Brenda,” called by critics ‘that large and hysterical duo’ and ‘a miniature Broadway show,’ you are always guaranteed a first-class evening of cabaret entertainment with plenty of nutty sponaneity.  You’ll definitely want to check out this CD.”  - Les Traub CABARET WEST MAGAZINE