"UNFORGETTABLE," a program of classic selections by America's finest songwriters was performed with the Santa Rosa Pops Orch. led by guest conductor Sean O'Lauglin on Sunday. Guest vocalists, Julia Goodwin, a finalist in the 9th season of NBC's "America's Got Talent and Nick Ziobro, nat'l winner of the 2012 Michael Feinstein Vocal Competition. The orchestra opened with a medley of Gershwin tunes evoking the scores of Turner Classic romantic/comedies, setting a jovial and relaxed ambiance for the concert. Members of the orchestra had a relaxed dress code or no apparent dress code other than black pants/skirts with anything else goes. Goodwin sauntered on stage in a satiny, emerald gown, sparkling heels and dangling earrings. Nick joined the stage wearing tuxedo pants, patent shoes, donning a thin tie calling to mind crooners like Sinatra. The first duet, "L-O-V-E" (which was also the encore) sounded LOVEly as their voices blended well together. Maestro told the audience the program was going to stay true to all the classic song's original arrangements, which was true except for the one arrangement he made for "Come Rain or Shine." Selections were mainly recognizable standards, sung with pizzaz. I love a Gershwin tune, how about you? One of my favorites, "S Wonderful" was song beautifully by Julia following a heartfelt rendition of "Over the Rainbow" despite Julia drowning her partner at the start. Nick faired better on his own, especially with "Come Fly With Me" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." His rich baritone and phrasing sounded very similar to Harry Connick, Jr. Nick's singing was a hit but he should turn more towards the audience and less time facing the band. Did you know the iconic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was nearly cut from the movie? (Me neither.) Julia shared Ella Fitzgerald as the singer she most admired and tried to emulate. While Goodwin had a pure, pleasing tone and artful interpretation, I didn't make any connection between her soprano range or style with her idol. Ira Gershwin said, "I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella sing them." One of two ballads on the program, "Someone to Watch Over Me" was first written as un uptempo. Hard to imagine, although I'm curious how that would sound. "At Last" the other ballad has been recorded many times but Etta James' version remains paramount. Being the concert was named "Unforgettable," there were Nat King Cole picks. My least favorite though a very successful recording for Cole was "Nature Boy." based on the trite, overrated poem. "Unforgettable" now a memorable duet with the spliced Nat and Natalie recording, was the piece de resistance and the final score prior to an encore of "L-O-V-E". Yes, we had heard that before.
Goodwin sauntered on stage in an emerald green, satin gown and
No comments:
Post a Comment
Don't be shy, let me know what you think