Our group had its holiday party and gift exchange last night. We make extensive use of Amazon's wish lists so there weren't too many surprises. I received both "Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook" and "Monty Python's Spamalot" soundtrack, but as both of these had been on my wish list, I was not surprised -- though very pleased.

I also received three CDs from my friend Jane who simply knew I'd like: "Winter Themes for Winter Days" by two London Orchestras, "Saint James Holiday Chorale" and "Madrigals from the Renaissance". My kind of music! I noticed something unexpected about the Madrigal CD; I knew one of the singers pictured. In fact, she was at the same holiday party! "Miriam!" I exclaimed excitedly, "This is your group. You're pictured on the CD!" "What?" Miriam's father asked. "You made a CD?" Turns out the group made it about two years ago and somehow Miriam had neglected to mention it to her parents. Surprise!

Carol

I just finished listening to both "Bette Midler" and "Spamalot" and amusingly they had something in common.

In "Spamalot" the eighth song is "The Song That Goes Like This" by Sir Galahad and Lady of the Lake. The key keeps changing ever higher until Sir Galahad comments in the lyrics that it's getting pretty high. When the key shifts yet again, he just starts swearing. It's doubly funny since Galahad shouldn't be doing any such thing!

In "Bette Midler" the third song is "On A Slow Boat To China" with Barry Manilow. After some banter reminding people that Manilow got his start as a pianist to vocalists (including Midler), she sings the first verse with him accompanying her. Manilow says he had no idea she felt that way to which she replies, "I don't. I just need a pianist." Then Midler says fearfully, "You're not going to change the key are you?" He does and they sing a duet.

I enjoyed both absurd suggestions that a vocalist was at the mercy of musicians who could shift the music into ever higher ranges at will.

Carol

Ah Spamalot! Now THERE's a funny musical. I haven't seen it but I have the soundtrack. And a whole lot of great actors are in it.

DAVID HYDE PIERCE! I am a great fan of his. Concert Pianist, fantastic voice, sense of humour like nothing and he's a real softy for his puppies, Emma and Mabel.

And Tim Curry! He was in one of my favourite films, the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The Python boys are so amazing. I just read Eric Idle's Greedy B*st*rd tour of America diary. He's an amazing man with great musical skill. (I suggest you all read it, especially if you're a George Harrison fan!)

I love the song: His Name is LANCELOT! It was just so ... CAMP! And the idea of a vocalist following anyone is pretty funny! If Unlikely!

Further reviews of Spamalot would be welcome! (if anyone can tell me what it was like watching the Stage Performance, I'd be grateful!)