Cole Porter:  I’m In Love Again

Cole Porter: I’m In Love Again

Just listen to how Bobby Short sings Cole Porter’s ‘I’m In Love Again’! It’s perfection. I am addicted to rough edges around a beautiful voice: that little bit of grit, the almost-growl, the ability to sense the breath in the sound. And pretty much any recording of...
Jacques Brel: Madeleine

Jacques Brel: Madeleine

I could listen to Jacques Brel all day every day: that fast vibrato, that tone, that uvular R… He’s one of my favorite performers—always fully committed and without any barrier to the story he’s telling. I find him electrifying to listen to. ‘Madeleine’ is a...
A Tribute to Jessye Norman

A Tribute to Jessye Norman

This week New York Festival of Song honors the great Jessye Norman and her legacy with a series of remembrances from those she inspired. Today’s tribute comes from soprano Harolyn Blackwell. I first heard Ms. Norman sing when I  was 18 years of age and...
A Tribute to Jessye Norman

A Tribute to Jessye Norman

This week New York Festival of Song honors the great Jessye Norman and her legacy with a series of remembrances from those she inspired. Today’s tribute comes from baritone Justin Austin. Growing up, Jessye Norman was the “Ariadne lady.” I knew her from the famous...
A Tribute to Jessye Norman

A Tribute to Jessye Norman

This week New York Festival of Song honors the great Jessye Norman and her legacy with a series of remembrances from those she inspired. Today’s tribute comes from baritone James Martin. The first time I heard Jessye Norman sing was in Opera History class.  We were...