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‘On a Personal Note’
Kristian Lei
(Kristian Lei Enterprises)
As Kristian Lei and her husband, Gavin Vinta, anticipate their first child, this CD is a timely retrospective on where she’s been.
The first few selections represent the trajectory of her career. For instance, Lei sang "I Dreamed a Dream" in an audition for "Miss Saigon" and was cast as Kim in the official German-language production of the show. "I’d Give My Life for You" represents that career milestone. Other songs are from shows as a stage performer in Hong Kong, the Philippines and with Hawaii Opera Theatre. "Anak," a Tagalog hit, acknowledges her mother’s role in encouraging her love of singing.
"Anak" aside, almost all these songs come either from Broadway shows or the pop charts. With the creativity of various arrangers, there is pleasant musical variety. Lei and co-producer Dave Tucciarone enhance it with the work of guest musicians. Makana guests on two songs, a string quartet is heard on a third and Steve Jones plays bass on several others.
Credit producer-arranger Carlos Villalobos Jr. with Lei’s biggest departure from the prevailing pop format. His dramatic dance-club makeover of "I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You" from "Evita!" provides a tantalizing glimpse of what she can do working in other genres.
"On a Personal Note" is available at www.kristianlei.com.
"Oh, What A Beautiful Morning"
