New York critics and theatre audiences fell under the spell of Liza Minnelli’s unmatchable magic when she returned to Broadway’s legendary Palace Theatre and played a recent sell-out engagement. Now, music lovers around the world have the same chance with “Liza’s at the Palace….” the new original cast recording of her incomparable show. Released on February 3rd (Hybrid Recordings)
Helmed by veteran music producer Phil Ramone, the two-CD set captures Liza at her inspired best—with the first CD (Act I) featuring her signature hits and personal favorites followed by the second CD (Act II) a rousing tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson.
Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, “Liza’s At The Palace….” is highlighted with many of Liza’s showstoppers such as “Cabaret,” “Maybe This Time,” and “New York New York” – as well as songs by Charles Aznavour, Roger Edens, John Kander, Johnny Rodgers, and Billy Stritch.
For the first time onstage and now on the recording, Liza pays an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a ground-breaking vocal arranger and musical director/vocal coach at MGM Studios. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza performs musical numbers (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson’s historic act with The Williams Brothers. Songs include “I Love a Violin,” “Clap Yo’ Hands,” “Jubilee Time,” and “Hello Hello” – set to brand new staging and choreography by Ron Lewis. Accompanying Liza onstage is Johnny Rodgers ,Cortes Alexander, Jim Caruso and Tiger Martina.
