Russell Watson Live

Product Description Live concert by "the voice" featuring guest artists Melanie C and Lulu. Amazon.com Two things quickly become clear about Russell Watson, an excellent if slightly unpolished tenor: He has an outstanding voice, and he has studied with commendable care the recordings of Luciano Pavarotti, not to imitate but to learn. He speaks English like a member of the British working class, but he sings Italian (give or take one or two little grammatical slips) like a native of Naples. The Italian is one sign of Pavarotti's influence. So are the little quaver he throws in at the climax of "O sole mio," his stylish treatment of "Torna a Surriento" and "Mattinata," and his choice of Pavarotti's opera favorites, "E lucevan le stelle" and "Nessun dorma." But he has a stylistic versatility that practically defines "crossover"--he sings rock, Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Italian pop songs "Caruso" and "Volare" (the best recording since composer Domenico Modugno's long ago). The live show from New Zealand includes two guest stars, Faye Tozer (of the British pop group Steps) and young New Zealander Hayley Westenra, plus a children's chorus. --Joe McLellan From the Back Cover In February 2002, Russell Watson traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, for an epic open-air concert. The resulting, breathtaking spectacle featured some of Russell's best-loved performances, including Caruso, O sole mio, and Volare. Supported by special guest appearances from Faye Tozer (Steps) and New Zealand singing sensation Hayely Westenra, the concert was his most acclaimed performance to date, capturing the magic of "the Voice" that can only be Russell Watson. Songs: Torna a Surriento, Ave Maria, Caruso, Someone Like You (duet with Faye Tozer), If You Believe (Faye Tozer), You Are So Beautiful, Nella fantasia, E lucevan le stelle, I Dreamed a Dream (Hayley Westenra), Pokarekare Ana (duet with Hayley Westenra), O sole mio, Volare (Nel blue, dipinto di blu), Somewhere, Where My Heart Will Take Me (Theme from Enterprise), Catch the Tears, Mattinata, Nessun dorma, Now Is the Hour (with Faye Tozer and Hayley Westenra).