The Civil War: The Nashville Sessions (1998 Studio Cast)

 (26 customer reviews)

I was fortunate enough to see the performance of this breathtaking show before its presentation in New York. Unfortunately, this is not the complete sound track of the show. Some of the songs that I liked the most from the production ("Five Boys," "Bound for Glory," "By the Sword," "Greenback," "Candle in the Window") are not on this recording. But, what IS on the CD is spellbinding. I can't listen to it without "clouding up." I LOVE this CD and I play it all the time, and I'm waiting impatiently for the "Original Cast Sound Track" to come out. The only cast member to sing on this CD is the incomparable Linda Eder --- WOW!! Her rendition of "I Never Knew His Name" is powerful! The other artists do a terrific job with this original score. I especially like "This Old Gray Coat," which, for some reason, is NOT sung in the performance. Pity --- but it makes me glad I bought the...Read more

This CD evokes total passion and emotion. One does not have to be a lover of the Civil War to appreciate it, just a lover of freedom and America. The melodies are somber yet hopeful; the lyrics are simple yet genuine. Mental images will flash through your mind as you listen to the music of the great conflict. You are left sad, but uplifted. Buy this CD and be exposed to the very worst and the very best of America. Musically, you will be exposed to the very best!

I was fortunate to hear the music first and then see the perfomance in a recent visit to Houston. The cast performance was as good or better than the Nashville session. Not only is Linda Eder on both the CD and a member of the cast, Gene Miller who sings "Virginia" was also a cast member in the performance I saw and has a phenomenal voice. This music was so enjoyable that after only listening one time it felt familiar-- like an old favorite song! Highly Recommended!