Masterworks have continued their series of first-time-digital releases with what some consider the best recording of Leonard Bernstein’s On the Town. Previously, this had only been available as an LP (and associated unofficial transfers), so it’s great to see this as an official release at last, after 50 years.

With music by Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, On the Town enjoyed a successful Broadway run during the 1940s. The London production opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1963 and starred Elliott Gould along with Don McKay, Carol Arthur, Andrea Jaffe and Gillian Lewis. The Original London Cast Recording of On the Town has never before been available in the U.S. and arrives in advance of a new Broadway production.

On the Town is the story of a 24-hour adventure involving three sailors on leave from their ship. Meet Chip, Ozzie and Gabey, our all-American buddies ready to have as much fun as they can squeeze into a limited amount of time. Chip plans to see as much of the city as possible, and relies on an out-dated guide book his father lends him. Ozzie plans to meet a lot of girls, and kick up his heels. Gabey is the most serious of the three, and hopes to meet one special girl - New York, New York.

I really enjoyed this recording, and it inspired me to search out other recordings too. Sure, it’s not the most complete recording, and I can’t say if it’s the best, but it was certainly a great listen, and nice to be able to ditch my previous transfer. Sonically, it’s good - although clearly it’s not been remastered. The recording was produced by Goddard Lieberson, so there’s quality there.

All of the performances are great - I loved Carol Arthur’s ‘I Can Cook Too’ - and the orchestra sounds fine on it too. In fact, there are some really nice orchestral performances here - it’s not an easy score by any means - and I think it benefits from the work that was done on Bernstein’s original arrangements. The opening is a great track, and shows the album, performances and orchestra alike, in a great light. A really satisfying listen.

8

Ian Gude