Tom Wopat Sings Harold Arlen: Dissertation on the State of Bliss

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Many were surprised when Tom Wopat, best known for The Dukes of Hazzard, proved so good in the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun. But while TV gave him fame, the musical theater had provided his acting chops. In the years since Annie, Wopat has only confirmed his status as one of the musical theater's most compelling leading men: He's toured with Chicago and performed as a solo cabaret act. Wopat's husky, sexy brand of masculinity works rather well with this repertoire, as examplified by this disc, his second collection of standards after 2000's In the Still of the Night Backed by a small jazz combo, Wopat opts for a nonchalant approach to Harold Arlen's songs--a nicely swinging version of "If I Only Had a Brain" is a notable exception. Even over-covered chestnuts like "Over the Rainbow" and "That Old Black Magic" come out sounding refreshed. Wopat tackles them respectfully but somehow puts his stamp on them. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Product Description

Tom Wopat is back just in time for Harold Arlen's 100th birthday celebration with DISSERTATION ON THE STATE OF BLISS. This tribute to Harold Arlen one of the 20th century's greatest composers featuring some of jazz music's most acclaimed arranges and musicians, including Gil Godlstein, Mike Manieri, Marc Johnson and Sam Arlen, Wopat leaves no doubt as to why he's now one of Broadway's most acclaimed vocalists., ISBN13: B0007GADVI ISBN10: B0007GADVI Material Type: audioCD