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9th Dec.
Review for THE PLATINUM COLLECTION from Rossland Radio /Canada
RUSSELL WATSON CD REVIEW
November 20, 2010 - 6:49pm — john kereiff
"THE PLATINUM COLLECTION" Russell Watson (Universal) ***
A collection of the best stuff from this British classical singer. What a voice- he definitely gives Andrea Bocelli a run for his money.
I've never heard of this guy, and frankly this style of music is outside of my usual listening range- but in their generosity, the record companies send me tons of stuff I'd never think to pick up for myself, and therein lises the real beauty of this gig. Since finding stardom in the dawning years of the new millennium, Watson has become the best konwn classical singer in the UK. Perhaps his health battles and hospitalizations have endeared him to the public, along with his stunning voice because hey, everybody loves an underdog, right? This kind of music has a narrow appeal, and if names like Bocelli or Domingo mean nothing to you, then this is probably not your best bet. Classical singers are just this side of opera and if that tickles your fancy, this is a pretty good ride.
HOT SPOTS: "Nella Fantasia", "Il Gladatore", "Caruso"
UNIVERSAL.
MUSIC PAGES...AUSTRALIA ... JUNE 2010 /Jazz
Russell Watson | People Get Ready
Label: Decca CD
Release Date: June 2010
ARTISTS
Russell Watson
Russell has always yearned to record this album. It combines tracks that he used to perform in northern Working Men’s Clubs with his love of soul music. Only now does Russell feel confident to record the album in a way that will do justice to the material, allowing the general public to see a side of Russell they’ve never seen before.
The songs chosen demonstrate the power, range and versatility of Russell’s voice and Russell has taken care that each and every track on the album reflects his personal interpretation of the songs. From the emotion of “Georgia” to the infectiously catchy “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” to the total rockout (& knockout) “Soul Man” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” this album really has something for everyone. The vocals on the opening track “Me and Mrs Jones” truly show why Russell is regarded as one of the UK’s most talented singers of today.
In making the album the producer, Nick Patrick, pulled together the best musicians and backing singers that the UK and US can offer. Recorded in Capitol studios, top LA musicians worked alongside Amy Winehouse’s band, who perform on the more up-tempo tracks. The album is a tremendous blend of raw power with a silk veneer.
The arrangers are also the finest the world has to offer, with multi-award and Grammy-award winning Jorge Calandrelli and Patrick Williams bringing their presence to bear on the songs.
In short, this album combines simply great songs, interpreted by one of the nation’s favourite artists and recorded in a manner that oozes class. A tremendous listening experience for young and old alike.
REVIEWS FOR 'WITH LOVE FROM RUSSELL WATSON from Amazon.
RUSSELL WATSON....
Description
'With Love From Russell Watson' is the hugely successful tenor's eighth
studio album, and his first since 2008's 'People Get Ready'. Russell
Watson has been critical in the emergence of the classical crossover
movement, paving the way for artists such as Katherine Jenkins and Il
Divo, and remains one of the most influential and respected artists in
his genre.
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I live in Western Canada and stumbled across "The Voice" while visiting my
HMV "classical section". The CD playing sent shivers down my spine, and l just
had to have the CD and the rest is history. Every time l put his DVD concert
on (when friends are over), they just have to pick up his music and the DVD.
I suppose l could be his North American agent, but really folks, Mr. Watson is
such a personable guy with a wicked sense of humour and throw in the talent
and you can't go wrong. With this , his Latest CD ( l just ordered 3 from the
UK) a compiliation of songs from various CDs, you can't go wrong.
I was glad to hear the seriousness of his health issues are behind him and that
in 2010 is really looking up for him , what with a new management team and and
new label. I hope to see a Christmas CD and a BIG commercial HIT CD ..... on
my wish list. My friends have all been informed and l wish nothing but the
best for this guy. He deserves a break and a larger fan base.
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A Smooth and Smoochy Collection
A lovely collection of love songs from the glorious voice of
Russell Watson, who tackles any genre of music with considerable talent
and aplomb. Here we have pop, swing and soul numbers, along with "We
Will Stand Together" set to "Nimrod" and the beautiful "You'll Still Be
There For Me" set to the theme music of the film "Rob Roy" with its oh
so romantic lyrics.
There are also 3 great duets with Lionel Richie, Alexander O'Neal and Cleopatra Higgins.
This is perfect to listen to any time, but best, I think, late at night cuddled up on the sofa. Dreamy, dreamy stuff!
A REVIEW OF PEOPLE GET READY From ALL CDC COVERS.com.
RUSSELL WATSON....PEOPLE GET READY
Russell Watson....PEOPLE GET READY
This time he turns his hand to the sexy, sultry tones
of classic Soul songs, once again proving that he can sing absolutely
anything and most importantly, sing it extremely well. After seeing him
in concert you'll know he's not only about classical music, although
that is what he is best known for.
So just sit back, relax and ENJOY what I know is going to be a wonderful album.
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Another Review for PEOPLE GET READY ,this is from H K Magazine online.(Hong Kong)
Done with the classical crossovers that made him a household name and
helped him attain sales of over five million albums worldwide, The
Voice/Russell Watson’s seventh studio album sees the self-styled
operatic tenor take a brand-new direction. “People Get Ready” is filled
with easy listening, soul and rock tracks, and backed by Amy
Winehouse’s band, it doesn’t disappoint. “Me & Mrs. Jones” and “If
You Don’t Know Me By Now” sound smooth and sexy as expected, but the
standout track is “House of the Rising Sun.” The song was made famous
by Eric Burdon and the Animals in the 60s, and Watson takes it to new,
well, lows, with his husky baritone voice—so emotional, it literally
sends shivers down your spine. And if you thought the Animals’ version
of four-and-half minutes was lengthy listening, brace yourself for a
long stroll down memory lane at eight minutes.
A REVIEW OF OUTSIDE IN
RUSSELL WATSON...OUTSIDE IN
The
story of Russell Watson is inspirational. It depicts the meteoric rise
of a humble factory worker from Salford who was catapulted into
international singing stardom. He has sold millions of records
worldwide and has performed for some of the most influential people of
our time including the King of Malaysia, The President of the United
States, the Emperor of Japan, our very own Prime Minister Tony Blair,
Prime Minister of Germany, various powerful Sultans, The Beckham’s and
even the late Pope John Paul II who requested a private audience with
Russell at the Vatican in Rome. After staging a recent concert at
Windsor Castle in the presence of Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of
Cornwall, Prince Charles requested Russell’s services as an ambassador
for his coveted charity The Princes Trust. Keeping it in the ‘Royal’
family, Russell has been invited to numerous functions hosted by Queen
Elizabeth II including a recent visit to Buckingham Palace.This
success did not happen overnight. As the son of a factory worker,
Russell found himself following in his father’s footsteps working 12
hour nightshifts in a nuts and bolts factory to earn his living. It was
only when he entered a local radio talent competition, beating 400
other hopefuls, Russell decided to throw down the proverbial oily rag
and pursue his passion, music! Russell spent the next few years
completing his musical apprenticeship in the North West working men’s
clubs. Russell’s
big break came in May 1999 when he was invited to Old Trafford to sing
before Manchester United’s Premiership-winning match. His performance
of the World Cup anthem “Nessun Dorma” received a standing ovation. To
quote respected sporting journalist, Paul Hince, present at the game:
“You know when you have just witnessed something special when even the
cynical hacks in the press box rise to their feet and join in the
ovation. I swear, even the pigeons on the roof of the stands flapped
their wings”. Inevitably this triggered a series of sports-related
performances. He was invited to perform so often that one journalist
was quoted as saying “there is only one person to have appeared more
times at Wembley this year than David Beckham, and that is Russell
Watson!”. Russell
returns this Christmas with an amazing new album ‘Outside In’,
showcasing the diversity and pure brilliance of the man known simply as
‘The Voice’. Outside In features forthcoming single La Califfa
(released 19th November, as well as guest appearances from the
legendary Jocelyn Brown as well as the star of the musical Rent, Denise
Van Outen, who performs the classic Unforgettable and the cheeky ‘Baby
it’s Cold Outside’. Russell is also joined by new singing sensation
Hayley Westenra on the beautiful Time To Say Goodbye.
REVIEW OF THAT'S LIFE RUSSELL WATSON.....THAT'S LIFE 
Russell Watson released his excellent new album on 5 March, his first non-classical album release. That’s
Life is a timeless collection of classic love songs from a golden era
of music - a unique transition for Russell from classical, featuring
well-known hits from legends like Sinatra to Nat King Cole and Matt
Monro.
It
has been an eventful year for Russell who during recording of That’s
Life discovered he had a brain tumour. Now on the road to recovery,
Russell has finished making a record that is very special to him and
has taken him on an emotional journey into the non-classical world. With
five million worldwide album sales to his name, and the fastest selling
classical album since The Three Tenors, Russell Watson has more than
earned his position in the UK Music Hall of Fame. His debut album broke
worldwide records by spending an entire year at No.1 in the UK
Classical chart and he has achieved Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum
success with every subsequent album release. These achievements make
him one of the biggest selling recording artists in the UK, above the
likes of Madonna. The
tracks on this first non-classical release are well chosen and Russell
does every single one the justice it deserved with his mellow tones. That’s
Life sees Russell sing timeless ballads like ‘Strangers In The Night’,
‘Let There Be Love’, ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ and ‘Born
Free’. The album also includes a bonus duet with Alexander O’Neal. Some
of you sci-fi, Star Trek fans out there may have heard Russell before,
perhaps without realising it. He's the voice on the theme to Enterprise
- "Faith of the Heart," also known by the title "Where My Heart Will
Take Me." One
of the only classical artists to cross both classical and contemporary
genres with his music, Russell’s new album is a fitting tribute to the
great singers of years gone by. It's
also all the amazing in that Russell is slowly emerging from the most
traumatic experience that he has endured in his life. Whilst recording
this album he received news that no one would want to hear, he was
diagnosed as having a brain tumour. Despite
this news, he kept it secret from everyone and soldiered on to complete
the record. It most probably is the best explanation for the title -
That's Life
author
Jenny Mogford
THAT'S LIFE review
STAR online Malaysia
RUSSELL Watson sang the opening theme song of the sci-fi TV show, Star Trek: Enterprise, which was a cover of Diane Warren’s Where My Heart Will Take Me.
Most Trekkers hated the song for reasons that still elude me. But, I, a
die-hard Trekker, not only loved it but enjoyed how the British singer
had interpreted the song. So, thanks to that “controversial” piece of
music, I found myself lured to Watson’s That’s Life.
The former Manchester-born factory worker, who used to earn
extra cash singing Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond covers in “working
men’s clubs” before he was discovered, never let the fact that he
wasn’t classically trained stop him from attempting the opera pieces
that made him famous.
But not content with being shelved in the opera section in
music stores, Watson has always peppered his repertoire with a few pop
numbers. However, this is the first album where Watson has decided to
break away from his classical leanings to sing golden oldies.
Although his voice does not soar to the glorious heights he reached in his previous songs such as Barcelona and Nella Fantasia, Watson’s velvety voice just brings classics such as Strangers in the Night and When I Fall in Love to life. He also complements Alexander O’Neal’s gravelly voice well in the bonus duet, To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.
Yet, despite his obvious talent, I will not be surprised if
people say that Watson is just trying to “do a Michael Buble”. Never
mind that his voice is rich, and has a maturity that can rightfully
challenge Buble’s position as modern golden oldies crooner; to the
casual listener, there’s little to differentiate the two singers’
styles.
But listen carefully, and you will find that Watson’s
renditions are more passionate and emotionally raw compared to Buble’s
smooth-as-cream songs.
That’s Life also happens to be a meaningful album for
Watson who discovered a brain tumour last year, two days before he was
supposed to record songs for the album. After his struggle to regain
his health – he could barely walk after his operation and had a few
more health scares following that – Watson finally recorded the songs
at Hollywood’s Capitol Studios, where Frank Sinatra recorded some of
the songs Watson sings on this album.
One can almost sense his joy of being alive in the song, That’s Life. Now, that’s easily the best song on the album.
Although That’s Life is not as vocally distinguished
as his previous efforts, it demonstrates the Salford lad’s
chameleon-like ability to adapt to any genre
Reviewer: ELIZABETH TAI
A REVIEW OF 'OUTSIDE IN'Outside In - Russell Watson
Album Review
To
the despair of friends, family, his record label and an army of fans
across the country and further a field, the release date of Russell
Watson's long awaited album Outside In was met with the devastating
news that the nations favourite classical singer had fallen ill again
with the re-emergence of a serious illness. Inspirational as he is to
his faithful followers, full of true northern grit and determination he
over came hurdles placed before him and regained lost ground to release
an album which is a testimony to one of the greatest singers of the
twenty first century. Truly diverse, packed with an array of familiar
tunes and a few that won't be so, guest appearances litter the album
and include true greats like Jocelyn Brown, Denise Van Outen and Hayley
Westernra. Album
opener La Califfa, released last month, bursts in to life with a
beautiful orchestral accompaniment of soaring strings and delicate harp
and flute melodies that will quite literally bring you out in goose
bumps. With heart string tugging vocals drenched in Italian charm from
Watson that truly justify his trademark The Voice, a passionate and
emotively charged affair ensues. One More Time sees a break from the
traditional operatic course as Watson brings a touch of the Michael
Ball's to the table but without the pomp and ceremony and with more, if
anything, of a Westlife feel. Amazing Grace sees the legendary Jocelyn
Brown jump started into life with a classical dueting representation of
an old sea shanty whilst Denise Van Outen's input on the album sees her
Chicago roots stripped down and applied with gusto to Baby It's Cold
Outside, the Rat Pack treatment is applied yielding modest results.
Watson's vocals and the overall composition on classics like
Unforgettable , Time To Say Goodbye and Adeste Fideles are faultless
and lead comfortably to the albums pinnacle, that being a personal
tribute to the world's greatest classical singer Luciano Pavarotti with
the meteoric Nessun Dorma. All in all the perfect way to round off a
perfect album. Matthew Clutton
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION REVIEW
RUSSELL WATSON...THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
CD Description
The internationally recognised 'people's tenor' Russell Watson's
previous 'Ultimate Collection' is reissued here with abonus disc
containing a live concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The aspect
that comes across most in this wide-ranging collection is Watson's
versatility, ably tackling as many soul and pop tunes as he does
straight Classical pieces. Indeed, the bonus live material shows this
more than anywhereelse, with Watson showcasing this adaptability on a
versionof the R&B standard 'Try A Little Tenderness'. Elsewhere, we
see him duet with ex-Steps singer Faye Tozer on 'Someone Like You' and,
bizarrely, Shaun Ryder on 'Barcelona'.
REVIEW OF THAT'S LIFE from HMV
Tenor
superstar Russell Watson is aiming to break new ground and force the
boundaries. His new record is a collection of some of his lifelong
favourite songs and recording at the legendary Capitol studios in Los
Angeles seemed the only way to do these songs justice by bringing them
back to their original home. With
a collection of classic songs including 'Strangers in the Night', 'When
I Fall in Love' and 'Born Free', Russell truly has encapsulated the
magic of the golden era of music within this record. Whilst
recording this record he received news that no one would want to hear,
he was diagnosed as having a brain tumour. Despite this news, he kept
it secret from everyone and soldiered on to complete the record. To
sum it up this record is quite simply a story of passion versus emotion
and there really is only one possible title. 'That's Life.'
A 2005 REVIEW OF AMORE MUSICA from BroadwayStars.com
RUSSELL WATSON...AMORE MUSICA
British pop tenor Russell Watson is just out with Amore Musica
[Love and Music] his first CD [Decca] in five years. It was worth the
wait, even if there were some mitigating circumstances to his absence.
The
former factory worker from Northwest England, as he sings in one of the
songs on the CD, born with the voice of an angel, got his start winning
a talent competition and, singing in what would seem to be an
impossible register that sent goose bumps up and down enthralled
listeners, went on to million-selling “classical crossover” albums [a
mix of opera and pop]. His stunning, initially untrained voice not only
soared him to stardom but to performing for royalty, presidents, even
Pope John Paul II. But after seeing his 2000 CD, The Voice, go world platinum, he was forced to take time off.
Watson’s
success drove him to a dangerous point. His voice was cracking on those
all-important high notes. He didn’t seem to have a problem with chest
notes, so it took him a while to face the fact that he had a problem.
When he was diagnosed with a growth on one of his vocal cords,
frightened that his career would be destroyed if the information became
public, he confided the news only to his closest friends. They help him
confront a singer’s worst nightmare – the possibility that, he might
lose his voice.
"The day I saw the specialist and was told it
would have to be surgically removed was probably one of the single
worst days of my life,” says Watson. “He was totally honest, informing
me I could lose some of my top register.”
As was evidenced when Julie Andrews underwent surgery, there was no assurance his voice would survive intact.
“And
he didn’t give me any guarantees,” says the singer. “I didn’t know what
was ahead. I walked out in floods of tears." After the operation he was
told he should not talk for ten days and not attempt to vocalize for
two weeks. “That was terrifying because I'm a habitual talker. It’s a
kind of disease. Once I start, I can't shut up.”
A good talker,
but not a good listener – especially to doctor’s orders. “I couldn't
wait to see if my voice had come back. After three days on pins and
needles, I had to know." He attempted a very light warm-up “and it was
like “coming from the dark into the light.”
However, the
experience of nearly losing everything made him revalue what he had.
"I’ve changed everything in my life. I’d been used to instant
gratification and had to learn to be a bit more patient. I’d been like
a giddy puppy taking everything for granted – excited, but on a runaway
rollercoaster, directionless. There were times, such as the day I was
doing a concert for the Pope, that I didn’t even bother to do any
warm-up vocalizing. I’d never do that now."
He says that now he
takes nothing for granted. "Singing is everything to me. I have learned
the very hard way that the voice needs a lot of care and a lot of work.”
The
singer began working with a vocal coach, starting out with 15 minutes
in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon, then gradually got up
to 30 minutes minute sessions.
Much thought and work went into Amore Musica.
“I’d really lost my focus,” says Watson, “on my career, on pretty much
everything. It took that huge shock to get me to refocus.”
Sometimes
you can hear somebody's soul in their voice, and that's what makes the
new CD extraordinarily beautiful. It’s full of stunning vocal
pleasures. It’s also a reawakening. Not only has Watson fully recovered
and become a much wiser singer, but his voice is restored with a
startling new clarity that may often remind you of the very young
Placido Domingo. He still gives goose bumps, but now it’s not just
because of the intensity of his pitch but also because of the “learning
curve” he’s taken his soul and psyche on.
If you’re not among the fortunate to share his remarkable vocal talent live, there’s his Decca disc Amore Musica with 13 breathtaking tracks.
“All
the songs are about love, music, peace, happiness and hope,” the tenor
says. “They really reflect the way I feel right now. I want it to be
something people think affectionately about. It’s an album to hold
hands to, very romantic. I never generated as much passion in my
lyrics. It’s a different sound – not so much in the way I sing, but in
how I’m singing. It’s from the heart, and I don’t think I’ve ever been
challenged to do that before.”
Could there be any songs more inspirational and uplifting than “I’ll Walk With God,” the Mario Lanza hit from the film The Student Prince, “I Believe”or the rousing “You Raise Me Up”? It’s hard to think so, especially as sung by Watson.
Then
there's the lilting “You’ll Still Be There For Me,” based on Carter
Burwell’s theme for the film Rob Roy with lyrics by Watson and Angela
Lupoino; Diane Warren’s poignant pop ballad “Pray For the Love”; and
“La Fiamma Sacra [The Sacred Flame]” which is mainly sung in English,
and has some very apt lyrics:
“… He was only a man of the people
With barely his clothes to his name
But when he sang - There was magic
Touched by love's sacred flame …”
As you might have felt in The Light In the Piazza,
it’s quite uplifting to hear anything sung in Italian [probably the
phonebook would even sound great!]. Well, that can certainly be said
for Wastson’s five Italian tracks. Thankfully, on the Light
CD, unlike in the theatre, there’s a translation. Unfortunately and
quite surprisingly here, there isn’t. The tunes, all with lush,
sometimes awesome, arrangements, sound as gorgeous as Watson’s voice
but, if you don’t understand Italian, you’re at a loss.
The
title track, “Amore e musica [Love and Music],” on reading the English
translation, would be even more poignant if it was also sung in English:
“I don’t want to waste all these tears I’ve shed …
With this song I’m singing without you
But my theatre is empty and this crowd is silent …
Because till yesterday you were music to me
And that’s why, never pretending,
I asked myself: 'who am I singing for now?'
Love and music
I’m here again
Till my last breath
My voice and my soul are everything I have … “
Watson
is especially passionate and deeply-felt on “Magia sará [It Will Be
Magic],” which easily can be listened to again and again, and the
stirring “C’? sempre musica [There’s Always Music].” There’s a bit of a
romantic change of pace with “I’ te vurria vasa [I Could Kiss you],”
which I’m told by my Italian colleague Mario Fratti, is distinctly
Neapolitan in the sound of orchestration and dialect.
“Il Gladiatore,” is a dazzling track, based on Hans Zimmer’s score for Gladiator,
with lyrics in Italian by Gavin Greenaway and Jeffrey Pescetto, and you
might have to remind yourself you’re not listening to an aria from Turandot.
Producer Simon Franglen, who’s responsible for the majority of the
tracks, pulls out all the stops with Simon Hale’s awesome arrangement,
Jenny O’Grady conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a choir
that sounds like the Mormon Tabernacle but which, if you believe the
notes, is only five-strong.
The closing number, “We Will Stand
Together,” has a special feeling of renewal as Angela Lupino transforms
Sir Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod” from The Enigma Variations into a soaring, dazzling hymn of hope, awash with Watson’s brilliant high notes.
From MUSIC REMEDY.com
RUSSELL WATSON ...AMORE MUSICA
 Russell Watson is back. After winning over legions of fans around the
globe, including America, the “People’s Tenor,” took a hiatus from the
spotlight. Many wondered what Watson had in store for his fans, and
exactly where he had gone. The singer’s international career has been
an unbroken string of triumphs since the breakthrough release of The
Voice in 2000 – chart-topping, gold and platinum-selling sales for his
recordings; sold-out concerts at such landmark venues as New York’s
Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House
to name a few; and the kind of adulation classical singers only dream
of. Watson has sung for Queen Elizabeth, Pope John Paul II, U.S.
presidents and world prime ministers, and – perhaps most gratifyingly –
for millions of average people who hear something magical in his voice.
For Russell Watson, being back has a more profound meaning this time.
Listen carefully to Amore Musica, his new Decca CD, and you can sense
an almost poignant gratitude and feeling of renewal in his singing.
This album is something quite special, passionate and deeply felt.
Watson recorded it after confronting a singer’s worst nightmare – the
possibility that his voice might be silenced forever. Riding a
fast-moving career that had catapulted him to an unimaginable place,
the carefree young singer was driving his voice to a dangerous point.
He had encountered some problems with his high notes, and he decided to
consult a doctor who told him what he dreaded most. A growth had
developed on one of his vocal cords, and it would have to be removed
surgically. The most heart-stopping aspect of this diagnosis was that
there could be no assurance that his voice would survive the surgery
intact. “I walked out of the place in a flood of tears,” Watson says,
recalling his departure from the doctor’s office.
Today, the dark days before and after the surgery can be seen as a
turning point in the tenor’s remarkable career. Not only has Watson
fully recovered, his voice restored, he is a much wiser singer with a
more careful technique, and he has learned just how much singing really
means to him. Call it a new clarity. Sample some of the song titles on
Amore Musica, and they tell the story – “You Raise Me Up,” “I Believe,”
“You’ll Still Be There For Me,” “Pray For The Love,” “I’ll Walk With
God” (the Mario Lanza classic) and “We Will Stand Together,” as well as
the title track, which celebrates “Love and Music.” Watson called on
the songwriters he thinks are the best around – Diane Warren, Gary
Barlow and Elliot Kennedy – to provide him with material to match the
intensity of his inspiration. The album’s closing number, “We Will
Stand Together,” transforms Sir Edward Elgar’s noble “Nimrod” from the
Enigma Variations into a soaring, reassuring hymn of hope, awash in the
brilliance of Watson’s resurgent high notes.
Amore Musica is his fourth for the Decca label. The album’s style is a
dazzling variation on the winning equation that inspired Watson’s three
previous albums, each a blockbuster hit – a classical sense galvanized by a pop sensibility, forged in the
golden sound of his voice. It is hardly surprising that Amore Musica
has already conquered Watson’s native England. “All the songs are about
love, music peace, happiness and hope,” the tenor says. “That reflects the way I
feel right now. It’s a record to hold hands to. I want this record to
be something that people think about affectionately. I’ve never
generated as much passion in my lyrics
It’s a different sound. It’s not about the way I sing it. It’s about me
singing from the heart, and I don’t think I’ve really ever done that
before.”
Russell Watson has never shrunk from a challenge. How else would a
factory worker’s son from England industrial Northwest – who himself
was a factory worker, in the beginning – be where he is today? When
Watson was a lad, his passion for singing played out in pubs and
nightclubs. There was always something special about his voice and his
singing, and it was confirmed when he beat out 400 hopefuls in a local
radio talent competition.
The promise was fulfilled when Watson got his big break. A lifelong fan
of the Manchester United football club, he was invited in May of 1999
to sing in the Old Trafford stadium before the club’s
Premiership-winning match. He was asked to sing the number that had
become a favorite of his local fans – “Nessun dorma,” the glorious but
daunting Puccini aria. The intoxicating standing ovation he got from
the football crowd was just the beginning. More sports-related
performances followed, and that summer he joined Sir Cliff Richard at
an outdoor concert in London’s Hyde Park. Watson’s success eventually
captured the attention of the Decca Music Group, which signed him to an
exclusive contract to record his distinctive mix of opera, classical
melodies and pop ballads.
The 2000 release of his debut album The Voice ruled, at No. 1, the
classical charts in England for almost a year, and it even climbed to
No. 5 on the pop chart. The U.S. release virtually repeated that
success, and Watson became the first male English performer to hold the
No. 1 slot on both British and American classical charts. He won a pair
of Classical Brit Awards (voted by the British record-buying public),
and The Voice lost its No. 1 spot on the charts only when Watson
released his next album Encore. Its success exceeded even that of The
Voice, with worldwide sales of a phenomenal 1.7 million albums. It also
won the singer another pair of Classical Brits, for Best Classical
Album and Male Artist of the Year. Watson’s third album, Reprise,
brought more of the same – a platinum record within two weeks of its
release in the U.K., reaching No. 13 on the pop chart and, of course,
No. 1 on the classical chart.
Today, the success of “The People’s Tenor” means something more than
numbers and records. And Watson knows what it is: “To give Classical music back to the people – or, rather, to give it to people for the first time.
Whether I’m singing in front of five or 100,000 people, I just love to
entertain.” Amore Musica is more than an album title. It has become
something of a personal credo. Russell Watson is back, all right, and
better than ever.
REVIEW FOR REPRISE from AMAZON
RUSSELL WATSON...REPRISE
From Amazon.com
Although classical crossover artists are not unique, few are truly adept at handling the subtleties of pop music, as they simply bend their quasi-operatic voices to fit into the confines of a pop melody. It's a bit like watching a seven-foot basketball star exit his limo, and then fold his body into a little sports car -- he may be able to get into the auto, but it's not necessarily a comfortable fit. Russell Watson is the rare exception who is comfortable in both settings, as listening to him is like listening to two distinct people; there is the powerful tenor who can handle the rigorous demands of operatic solos, and there is the suave Europop singer who can deftly navigate the intricacies of a popular song. Unlike his contemporaries, Watson has the unique ability to actually change his voice in order to fit the style of music he is performing. An example of this morphing technique can be heard on the first two tracks of Reprise, his third solo disc. Opening with Cottrau's "Santa Lucia," Watson's well-supported tenor sounds like a younger, less-excitable Mario Lanza as he gives a warm reading to this Italian favorite. Then, as if a multi-CD player were set on shuffle mode, a breathy and slightly husky voice enters in on "Immenso Sogno," a European-style pop ballad that Watson sings in a hushed tone devoid of any classical technique. The difference is immediate and effective, and allows Watson to successfully live in two separate musical worlds that embrace his talents. However, there are drawbacks on each side of the fence. Although his tenor is getting stronger, he will most likely not be able to obtain the majestic richness and depth of a true master like Pavarotti, but that's just fine, as his capable work can still be admired and enjoyed. On the pop music side, Watson doesn't always select the best English-language songs to cover, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mike + the Mechanics' "The Living Years," in which the listless arrangement and repetitive structure simply do not mesh with the balance of the disc. In addition to that misstep, there is not much on Reprise that is different from its two predecessors, except for the fact that Watson's voice is improving. Basically, it adds up to a pleasant listen that will continue to charm audiences of both pop and classical music. --Aaron Latham
REVIEW FOR ENCORE from AMAZON.
RUSSELL WATSON...ENCORE
Amazon.co.uk Review
A year or so on from the release of his debut CD, Russell Watson is back with Encore,
another mix of opera favourites and popular songs. In that time, Watson
has become virtually a household name--he now sells out large concert
venues, has made it in America, while The Voice continues to sell way beyond the million-mark. On Encore
we find Puccini and Verdi sharing the billing with Lulu and Lionel
Richie on 16 tracks which range from the much-loved Bach/Gounod "Ave
Maria" to "Where My Heart Will Take Me", the theme for "Enterprise"
(the latest Star Trek series). Indeed, The Voices might have been a more appropriate title than Encore
as Watson explores opera, sacred works, film and television themes and
pop songs. The orchestral arrangements on tracks such as "Va, pensiero"
will not win him any fans from the opera contingency, but Watson
reveals a captivating sound on pop ballads including "You Are So
Beautiful" and "Lost in the Snow". If you enjoyed The Voice, you're certain to want an Encore. --Rebecca Agnew
............................................................................................................................................................................................................ ENCORE, magnificentI have listened to The Voice every single day since it's release
last year and have waited so impatiently for ENCORE's release. I'm not
disappointed i'm ectstaic. A truly wonderful blend of classic Italian
aria's such as Che Gilda Manina and E Lucevan le Stelle combine with
beautiful love songs. You Are so Beautiful is one of the highlights of
this album. Russell Watson showing his amazing talent and the
unbelieveable versatility of his voice, from passionate and powerful to
soft and sexy. ENCORE RUSSELL, ENCORE !! Perfection is something so
many aspire to but so few attain, Russell Watson has attained
perfection and has The Voice developed over the last 12 months, listen
and make up your own minds. This is spectacular and spellbinding.
Congratulations Russell Watson,Encore the title says it all
REVIEWS FOR THE VOICE from AMAZON
RUSSELL WATSON...THE VOICE
The first time I heard him sing I was blown away- in a land full of fat
old men siging opera- he is anything but- as easy on the eys as his
voice is to the soul, Watson remains one of the most under appreciated
artists of the day. This is my second copy of this CD as the first one
mysteriously walked away. Russell Watson, is a man of many voices- this
CD just shows one side- it's a beautiful compilation- mostly classical
in nature. There is not a bad track in the whole thing but my favorite
was Pelagia's song from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. This was his debut
Cd. He has since done many more but this collection remains one of his
strongest. I would also recommend Encore over Ultimate Collection. If
you enjoy Josh Groban, you will definitely like Watson- except that
unlike many other classically trained tenors, Watson can actually cross
over to pop and rock without sounding like something is lodged in his
colon (not naming any names here). On subsequent CDs the man's voice is
truly versatile. He is a chameleon, moving seamlessly from Nessum Dorma
to a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody to a popular Broadway show tune and
doing them all meorably well. This, his first, remains one of my
personal favorites. This one is definitely a keeper, but you will
defintely want to hear more! 2009
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I first heard Russell Watson during a Fourth of July concert which
aired on one of the major television stations. He sang "Funiculì,
Funiculà" and the crowd went crazy, as did I. Soon thereafter I went to
the nearest record store and asked where I might find any CDs by
Russell Watson. The clerk who helped me smiled. I asked her why she
smiled and she replied, "We have a lot of customers asking for Russell
Watson's CDs." I bought every album of his they had, and then I went
online and ordered more. His voice is stunning. His talent is enormous.
He once said he sang the selections he did, a mixture of opera,
classical, and modern, because he wanted to reach a broad audience. I
have since given his CDs as gifts and I never tire of listening to this
album, as well as others of his. Kathy A Pippig ..Author of Shape-Shifter books
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