SCOTT ALAN: Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan

Scott Alan

Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan

© 2007 Scottalanmusic (634479637001)

Composer/Lyricist Scott Alan's debut CD featuring some of todays brightest Broadway Stars including Baby's Liz Callaway, The Pirate Queen's Stephanie J. Block, Wicked's Shoshana Bean, Brooklyn's Eden Espinosa, Xanadu's Cheyenne Jackson and MORE .

notes

'Dreaming Wide Awake' was a labor of love for Scott Alan, and features some of the greatest voices and most talented musicians on the Broadway scene. Live strings, a brass section and full band and Broadway's best bring to life the music and lyrics of Scott Alan. This CD was worth the wait.

I'm a Star - Sung by Eden Espinosa
Surrender - Sung by Cheyenne Jackson
Magic - Sung by Adriane Lenox
Let Love Begin - Sung by Tracie Thoms
Home - Sung by Shoshana Bean
Now - Sung by Jonathan Groff
Never Neverland (Fly Away) Sung by Stephanie J. Block
At Seventeen - Sung by Carly Jibson and Jackie Hoffman
If I Own Today - Sung by Shayna Steele featuring Michael McElroy and Capathia Jenkins with guest Pianist Dave Cook
Kiss the Air - Sung by Danny Calvert
Say Goodbye - Sung by Katie Thompson
The Journey - Sung by Josh Strickland and Jill Zadeh
Goodnight - Sung by Liz Callaway

Producers: Scott Alan and Jesse Vargas
Musical Directer/Arranger/Orchestrator: Jesse Vargas

Violin: Christian Hebel and Hiroko Taguchi
Cello: Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf and Peter Sachon
Trumpet: Nathan Warner
Sax: Mark Phaneuf
French Horn: RJ Kelly
Reeds: Mark Phaneuf
Guitars: Jake Ezra-Schwartz
Bass: Steve Gilewski
Drums: Sean McDaniel
Piano: Jesse Vargas

**************REVIEWS*************

"Songwriter Scott Alan has put together a songbook CD with a little help from his friends ... The results are so much better than some of these amateurish Off-Broadway musicals that come along that one is at the same time heartened and disheartened. Two of the songs, "Now" (sung by Groff) and "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" (sung by Block) are in themselves good enough to warrant giving "Dreaming Wide Awake" a listen... Alan has a voice worth listening to, and he has done himself a favor by producing this sampler of his work to date."

-Steven Suskin, Playbill.com's 'On the Record'

"Scott (Alan) wears his heart on his sleeve - both sleeves - and it's a big heart; he expresses his feelings with unabashed emotion. Run for the hills if you don't like openness and open wounds in songs, but you'll be missing some of our best musical theater singers treating a skilled writer's work with care and matching his passion. It's undeniably exciting stuff ... "Magic" by Adriane Lenox is nicely calibrated in its build, and balances its projected feelings of uncertainty and determination, with strings and piano working in concert, too. Liz Callaway is, as usual, masterful in cutting to the core of a song ("Goodnight"), getting the sincerity and simplicity and avoiding any temptations of goo or overdoing. A hilarious number cut from Piece provides welcome comic relief for this album: "At Seventeen" looks at that age from the (counter)point of view of a teenager and a woman of 43 - Carly Jibson and Jackie Hoffman, respectively, each nailing it.

This 13-song collection has many gripping and touching moments. What could be considered the smallest moment is in some ways the most heartbreaking: Spring Awakening star Jonathan Groff is disarming in a two minute and 46 second song of reluctant goodbye to an ex-lover where the feelings about the break-up are still raw. He perfectly creates a believable guy reeling in the moments where one is in shock, in denial, and still in love. Eden Espinosa's "I'm a Star" is bravura at its best - just delightful. On the more serious side, with songs that start tenderly and gather steam as the characters gather strength before coming down for satisfying cool-down conclusions, are two more standouts: on the subject of divorce, Danny Calvert on "Kiss the Air"; childhood longing in the very accomplished "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" by Stephanie J. Block ...Dynamite was never so heartfelt."

-Rob Lester, Talkin' Broadway

reviews

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  • Fabulous!
    author: Debra Ritter

    I am absolutely thrilled with Scot Alan's CD. Every song is a winner. What a talent and what a collection he has shared with us! Looking forward to more incredible music from this amazingly bright artist!

  • Wow.
    author: Bridey Connolly

    Scott Alan is a very talented composer. He shows a wide range of musical talents in the types of songs he composes. He is able to pull at the heartstrings and get the listener involved with the music. Everyone that has listened to it loves the music. I highly recommend this CD to anyone. I can't wait for the next CD!!

  • AMAZING!!!
    author: Laurie Borthwick

    Scott Alan shows his talent and diversity in this collection. He touches our hearts with his lyrics and inspires us with his melodies. My daughter is a musical theater major and has found many potential audition pieces in this collection of songs. The variety from slow to up-tempo numbers keeps everyone entertained. It is a great addition to our music collection!

  • Hope and Home...
    author: Lori O'Donnell

    Scott Alan is a brilliant songwriter and has a great career ahead of him. Each and every one of his songs connect with me in a different way. "Goodnight " makes me cry and "Never Neverland" makes me smile at the joy Stephanie brings to the song each time she performs it. That is my favorite song of all time. It has made me love Steph even more, I'm a true Blockhead. "Home", however provides me with hope that someday I might be able to sing it about my entire family on Christmas Eve and truly believe in the words. Scott, YRMW! Can't wait for the next one with Julia Murney and Kerry Ellis!

  • A Solace For A Blue Day...
    author: Phantomsinger

    There are a lot of intimate heartaches exposed in “Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan”. Thankfully, in the midst of 13 songs lie a celebration of living through the pain and joys of life. This recording is a gift. It is a generous, unselfish offering borne out of life experiences, wrapped with beautiful chords of music and presented whole heartedly for the enjoyment of the listener. All 13 songs are performed by top notched vocalists, many are considered rising stars of the Broadway stage. While each number is worth the price of admission, stand out performances include Jonathan Groff’s tearful “Now” about the gut wrenching pain of breaking up with someone you love, Shoshana Bean’s tear inducing “Home” about the promise and discovery of true love, and Danny Calvert’s achingly tender rendition of “Kiss The Air” about the courage to admit and face the dissolution of a marriage. Other note worthy performance include the fantasy driven “Never Neverland (Fly Away)” by Stephanie J Block and the exhilarating opening track “I’m A Star” performed with relish by Eden Espinosa. Mr. Alan possesses the talent to capture moments of life and encapsulates them within beautiful melodies. He is able to conjure strong emotions of sadness and laughter with the simplicity of his lyrics. My one very minor quibble was not having the wonderful Lisa Brescia for “Magic”. Ms. Brescia’s pitch perfect performance of the song on YouTube makes her the stronger choice than Ms. Adrian Lenox on the recording. It has been a very long time since I heard something that created a strong urge to grab the next person I see and say “HERE! LISTEN TO THIS!” If you are looking for solace during a blue day, “Dreaming Wide Awake” will keep you company like a true friend. Mr. Alan, I wait with baited breath for your next offering.

  • DREAMING WIDE AWAKE
    author: GEORGE WHEELER

    WHAT A WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF ARTISTS AND THEIR MUSIC. WE BOUGHT EXTRA COPIES TO SHARE WITH OUR FRIENDS. WE HOPE TO SEE MORE CD'S OF THIS CALABER TO ADD TO OUR MUSICAL LIBRARY.

  • Amazing
    author: Cait

    This is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. There is not a bad song on this CD.

  • I...love...this...album!!! KUDOS!!!
    author: Katie Friedel

    This music is fabulous. I am really glad that I came across this new composer. He is extremely gifted. I have been following his work for a while now and was thrilled to see that an album has been produced from it! I have purchased some of the sheet music and have already auditioned with it--with great results! :) I plan to buy the rest!!! Fantastic!!!!!

  • I am SO GLAD I discovered this CD.
    author: Frank

    This is one of the best new composers I have ever heard. The music stirs the emotions and the artists create magic with their voices. The track that I would choose as my favorite track has changed so many times (I can't make my mind up as to which is my favorite) that I must honestly say that I LOVE them all. Scott Alan, you are INCREDIBLE.

  • Awesome
    author: Shaleah

    These songs are fantastic-I'm telling everyone I know to buy this album. Great work!

  • author: Mary Kate

    Can't stop listening to this!!! Scott Alan is genius!

  • WOW!!
    author: Nicole

    First thoughts, wow. Just, wow! This album is so good. Ok, I'm not going to lie, I bought this CD soley for Shoshana Bean's and Eden Espinosa's songs. Now, those aren't even my favorite tracks. (Sorry ladies. You are still amazing though.) Scott Alan's songs are just incredible and he has found the perfect voice for each one. What a talent. I feel privilaged to hear his music and pass it on. Seriously, some of the best music I have heard in years! I cannot wait for more of his music to be available. Keep writing Scott!

  • Dreaming Wide Awake
    author: Phillip Davis

    The CD is wonderful. I also love all the performers that sing on the album. Scott Alan is very talented. I hope he does more in the future

  • Pure Dreams
    author: Dreamer

    Exciting songs from beginning to end. Sensational voices, great lyrics, beautiful ballads most of them, specially Neverland (by OUTSTANDING SJB) and sooo emotive Home (by Shoshana Bean). Surprisingly upbeat and uplifting Surrender and Let Love Begin. A great ovatio to this breakthrough, as overall.

  • Wonderful PURE voices!
    author: Debra Enoch

    I was so excited when I found out about this CD. I bought it because I LOVE Eden Espinosa's track "I'm a Star". Now I have found that the entire CD is a treasure chest of the most pure voices I have heard on an album in years. These singers do not need "over-production" like many of today's pop stars. "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" is beautiful and Stephanie's voice is AMAZING. Eden's "I'm a Star" is so emotional and her voice is PERFECT. GREAT CD - worth every penny!

  • SCOTT ALAN- A WONDERFUL TALENT
    author: JEF

    A few years ago I heard Scott Alan's beautiful song NEVER, NEVERLAND sung by the amazingly talented Stephanie J. Block! Loving it... I had to hear more! WOW! This CD is a treasure chest of songs! Scott Alan captures a multitude of feelings in every lyric and the songs swirl in your mind for days. Scott Alan will join the ranks of today's very successful musical theatre composers. Enjoy his debut CD!

  • Dull.
    author: Charles G

    I thought with all the great performers that this CD would be a hit. Unfortunately the banal lyrics and attempts at interesting melodies lost me completely. There's a few okay songs but for the most part, I'm not too hopeful about what comes next.

  • Pure pleasure…
    author: JT

    This CD is fantastic, a wonderful group of songs performed by an amazing set of artists! My personal standouts are Eden Espinosa, Tracie Thoms, Jonathan Goff & Katie Thompson.

  • A Must Buy
    author: Emily

    I liked it so much after I bought it (as I knew I would) I bought two more copies as Christmas presents. Never Neverland has been a favorite for a couple of years now, but the new arrangement is gorgeous. Other favorites include Now, I'm A Star, Say Goodbye (another old favorite). As it has already been stated: buy it! There's no way you could regret it.

  • A delight in every way!
    author: Dramamama

    I pretty much purchased this CD blindly. I had heard A LITTLE about Scott Alan, and had heard that this was worth purchasing. I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful this album is. Jonathan Groff's track alone (Now) is worth the price of this cd! I could just listen to that day after day and hour after hour. Luckily, 90% of this album is just as addictive. Simply LOVE: Kiss the Air (heartbreaking) Magic (empowering) Goodnight (beautiful) I SO look forward to more from this up and coming composer! Buy this: you will NOT be sorry!

  • CHECK THIS OUT!!!
    author: Mark Jones

    Not only does this CD have an all star cast of great singers...but it is full of great songs...check it out!!

  • Finally!
    author: Jim P

    I recommend this CD to everyone-I haven't stopped listening to it since I received it. I bought extra copies to give as Christmas gifts. Let Love Begin is definitely my favorite and I love At Seventeen....if you're a theatre fan or lover, you should definitely get this CD!

  • Heartfelt and Wonderful
    author: JTT

    This CD is genuine and musically thrilling. Love it!

  • Awesome
    author: Richie

    This CD has been on nonstop in my car since the day it arrived. I have been waiting for this ever since I came upon Scott Alan's music, a year or two ago. The wait was definitely worth it. What an awesome CD!

  • Worth the wait!!
    author: Dana

    I've heard Scott's music evolve for the past three years, and this CD shows how much he has progressed as a composter and lyricist. The music is gorgeous and he does a great job in matching the performers to the songs. Love the CD- don't wait, buy it today!!

  • Yey!!
    author: Matt & Kat

    Awh. <-- 'Nuff said. Artists we already love, songs that their voices "fly away" with.

  • Dreaming Wide Awake
    author: Karen Cattaway

    i initially brought this album for the Eden, Josh, Tracie, Stephanie and Shoshana tracks but have since played it over and over and love all the tracks, well worth the money spent, would highly recommend

  • By The Way This Flew Off The Shelves You Know It's gonna Be Amazing!
    author: Paul

    Exquisitely crafted songs sung by an array of the finest Broadway talent. Fabulous! Can we have your next one very soon please Scott?

  • Amazing..
    author: Joel & Geoff

    One of the best cd's i have bought in a very very long time! Thankyou so much for putting all your beautiful music together so we can listen to it everyday!

  • Worth the wait!
    author: Hallie

    I have been following Scott Alan's career for several years now, and was delighted to find out that his CD was finally released. I have not taken this CD out of my player since I bought it! Every song is so powerful and the artists are superb (especially Shoshana Bean's newest version of "Home"). Scott Alan deserves every bit of praise that comes his way and I look forward to future recordings (and hopefully more stage opportunities!).

  • Wonderful CD!
    author: Carrie Myers

    I've been waiting for this CD for a long time now and the wait was well worth it. I found Scott Alan through Stephanie J. Block's "Never Never Land" and soon grew to love all of his work. I hope Mr. Alan finds the great success and recognition he deserves!

  • Simply Amazing!
    author: Eric

    Having been introduced through Scott Alan by way of Shoshana Bean I was eagerly waiting for an album of his music to be released. This album is just pure gold with the talent that he has put together for it and it really shows off not only his talents but those of the current generation of Broadway Stars.

  • Amazing CD
    author: Christine

    This is one of the most amazing CD's of it's kind. The words and music are beautifully written and very contagious. I've listened to it so many times and always get chills. Scott Alan will soon be one of the most influential musician/songwriter of our time.!

  • wow
    author: Emily Cole

    This CD is amazing. I don't know if I can come up with any other word. The new version of Stephanie J. Block singing Never Neverland (Fly Away) is phenomenal

  • Dreaming Wide Awake
    author: Jeffrey Clark

    I am already a fan of everyone of the artists and the music is a mix of theater and pop! Fantastic!!

  • Scott Alan proves to be VERY promising!
    author: Claire Morris

    Powerful CD that Scott Alan has put out. Includes a range of fun, emotional, inspirational, and sentimental music. Also features some of the greatest Broadway voices of today.

  • Talent! Talent! Talent!
    author: Shelly Niemeier

    From the composer to the artists singing the tunes this album encases talent from front cover to back!

  • Very nice debut album
    author: M Landman-Karny

    Very nice debut album by a promising new composer. All the songs are quite enjoyable and the singers on the disk make up a who's who of the very top Broadway talent today.

  • BEST New CD Evah!
    author: Marisa Prano

    Honestly, I only orignally purchased this CD because of Jonanthan Groff, I knew about Scott Alan and how talented he is, but I really wanted to get the CD because of the song Now. I almost didn't get it just for the one song, but I am SO happy that I did, because it is now one of the best CD's I own! I love all of the songs, and a lot of them really mean a lot to me at this point in my life, so thank you Scott Alan!

  • Hooray!
    author: Melanie

    I love this Cd! Great job... I can't stop listening to it! Hope there will be more where this one came from! Congratulations on a job well done!

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