The Voice - Encore

After listening to "The Voice" I paused mentally for a silent 'standing ovation', and then waited with great anticipation for Russell's 'Encore' to arrive in the U.S.A. Well, this second CD was worth the wait, and though slightly less attractive than his first (very slightly, and only because there are fewer classical arias), it still has much to recommend it.

The CD begins with a delightful rendition of Verdi's 'Va, pensiero' (the original was a chorus of Hebrew slaves, from Nabucco), which is at once warm, then arresting, highlighting well Watson's versatility. His performance of 'Volare' is impeccable, the best rendition I've heard to date, as is 'The Prayer', which is a sensitive, thoughtful duet for which he is joined by Lulu for a superlative performance (Where has Lulu been? She still sings beautifully!).

The popular arias 'O sole mio' and 'Mattinata' are sung with sufficient power and grace, though Russell really shines in 'Pelagia's Song', where his interpretation is done with such tenderness and warmth as is somewhat reminiscent of the great Mario Lanza, the tenor extraordinaire! Puccini's breathtaking 'E lucevan le stelle' and beautiful 'Che gelida manina' are performed with warmth and ardor, though in the latter Russell's voice is sometimes overpowered by the over-zealous orchestra. Still, the performances are breathtaking! Verdi's 'Celeste Aida' provides the tasteful conclusion to the arias (the purest may raise an eyebrow at the electronic fade out at the end, but this doesn't distract from the beauty of the piece, befittingly sung by Watson.)

I found his choice to include 'You Are So Beautiful' less than ideal, as I was around when this particular tune by Joe Cocker was so overplayed (in America, in the '80s?); nevertheless, he renders it anew, and those who enjoy this song should certainly prefer it to the original. He performs 'Somewhere', from 'West Side Story', and I recommend that you hold on to your wineglass when this one begins, for once again the orchestra seems a bit over-zealous, as was Watson, whose interpretation lacks the wistful yearning required by the subject matter. The rest of the popular songs are agreeable enough, with the exception of 'Where My Heart Will Take Me'; oddly, to me, this song doesn't even sound like Watson!

Watson's voice is indeed versatile, so much so that I refer to him as "the tenor with three voices". The first voice is the one he uses for the arias, the second voice for the more demanding popular tunes, such as 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' (on "The Voice") and the third voice for songs like 'You Are So Beautiful' and the uninspiring 'Were My Heart Will Take Me' (the theme from Enterprise). It is with the classics that he really shines, and I hope that he focuses more on this genre.

I find it somewhat difficult to describe Watson's voice. It is powerful enough, and doesn't strain as many others do over the more difficult phrases, such as the final 'Vincero!' in 'Nessum dorma', yet it is not as 'large' as either Jose Cura's or Salvatore Licitra's, nor as full, rich, or romantic as Mario Lanza's. On the other hand, to me Russell's voice bears some resemblance to Lanza's in its overall attractiveness, which is no small compliment! I look forward to the continued maturing of his interpretive skills.

I sympathize with his desire to attract young people to classical music and the combination of arias with popular songs will likely help in this effort. I would like to see him drop the "third voice", however, and concentrate on those popular tunes that are more demanding and attractive, thereby making better use of his extraordinary gifts. If he were to solicit my suggestions for his next release, I'd like to hear him sing popular tunes such as 'Granada', 'Memory' (from 'Cats'), and 'Tonight', and arias such as Donizetti's 'Una furtiva lagrima', Verdi's 'Questa o quella' and 'Parmi veder le lagrime', Puccini's 'Recondita armonia', Ponchielli's 'Cielo e mar', and Leoncavallo's 'Vesti la guibba' (et al).

Finally, for those who follow what appears on Amazon in the U.S.A., I feel compelled to offer a few brief comments regarding the one-star reviews by "a music fan". Likely this is not really necessary, for most people can probably separate the 'wheat' of truth offered by insightful reviewers from the 'chaff' of jejune quibbles, offered by some who seem bent on trying to undermine Watson's success, but it would be unfortunate if some were swayed by comments so lacking in discernment, causing them to miss out on a very enriching experience. Perceptive reviewer James H. Rankin (on the Amazon site, in the USA) has probably hit on the problem where he states that those posts may come from a person or persons who know Watson and are consumed with jealously over his success. Well, Watson has indeed been successful, and I would encourage all who love good music to experience The Voice!