"Some of the finest songs I’ve ever heard. Charles Bloom is one of the most gifted composer/lyricists in our industry. His work is a constant reminder of what great songwriting was and is." — Peter Filichia, TheaterMania Charles Bloom's music is a unique blend of sensibilities; a command of melody that evokes the Great American Songbook, paired with lyric writing of a more contemporary bent. By turns wry, witty, warm, poignant and ironic, his songs take us on a journey through the human condition, from the challenges of relationships to piqued observations and self discovery. Brought to life by a live 18-piece orchestra conducted by David Snyder, and realized by Broadway luminaries such as Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens, 42nd St.), Howard McGillin (Phantom of the Opera), Gregory Jbara (Billy Elliot), Jill Paice (Curtains), Aaron Lazar (Les Miserables), David Burnham (A Light in the Piazza), Vicki Lewis (Chicago), Jason Graae (Falsettos), Liz Larsen (Most Happy Fella), John Dossett (Newsies), Nikki Renee Daniels (Porgy and Bess), Josh Grisetti (Broadway Bound, Enter Laughing), and Claybourne Elder (Bonnie and Clyde), these performances are definitive. Each tells its own story, fully inhabited by clearly drawn, passionate characters. Some of the songs are just plain fun. "A Children's Traditional" is a dramatic new take on a time-honored classic, and "Christmas and You," as sung by Ashley Fox Linton, recalls the great holiday standards. Christy Faber and her backup boys ask "Why Don't You Love Me Like That?," and Damon Kirsche gives us "You're As Good As It Gets," which is - when it comes to a pure love song - about as good as it gets. If you are a fan of musical theatre, or of popular music that is both intelligent and emotionally evocative, you will truly appreciate this album. The CD booklet is a full 16 pages, with all of the lyrics printed in their entirety. You will want to savor them as you listen, for this is a one-of-a-kind recording, from a one-of-a-kind writer.