Longest Held Note

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:42 am

Following up on a posting from Robert in another thread, let's determine the longest sustained note that Matt Monro ever recorded.

I think it has to be the last note in Time After Time. I don't have the piece of paper I wrote the seconds on, but I believe it was around 26 seconds. I'll replay the song and get an exact second count and provide it on Friday.

I know one of Gray's very favourites is a top contender.

Submit your suggestions so we can determine the definite longest sustained note.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:46 am

I don't think we will beat the 26 seconds of Time After Time, Jeff.....................that is just amazing

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:50 am

Perhaps my memory is fading and it's not quite 26 seconds. But it was a long time and he sings it so perfectly. I think Gray's song may actually be longer. But I'll let him offer that song.

Please post your From Russia With Love and The Impossible Dream times Robert, so we have a full list of long notes. I love trivia like this.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:56 am

FRWL 12 seconds - The Impossible Dream 10 seconds

but I also noticed Matt held the final note for quite a while on a couple of other tracks on the CD too

going back to Time After Time, does Matt's final note turn into a low pitched long note instead of the full blast high final note ?? also Jeff, is Gray's track Hello Young Lovers ??

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:03 am

I think you're right about Time After Time. I'll dig it out and listen and time it. Even if it's a lower note, it's still amazing to hold it for 26 seconds. Right now I have Radio 1 blasting in my ears and they don't hold long notes there.

(Thankfully Jo Whiley is back so I can hear some cool new music.

I missed her terribly during her maternity leave.

)

I'll let Gray respond about his song with the long note.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:08 am

Are you at work now Jeff........................you don't seem to be working very hard

......................listening to radio 1 and posting on Matts forum

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:11 am

I was in meetings all day Robert, so I deserve a little break.

And it's 8:00 pm and no one else is still around. I need to leave soon and watch the dramatic American Idol results show.

When I'm at my desk I listen to Radio 1 and 2 all day long. It keeps me sane.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:13 am

I didn't realise it was that late for you Jeff...................but I have enjoyed our little conversations tonight

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:21 am

We had the "spring ahead" time change last weekend, and I don't think you did yet. So I guess we are only four hours apart for this week or fortnight.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:24 am

Our's always goes forward on the last Saturday/Sunday of March

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:50 am

The majestic 'Hello Young Lovers' is an incredible 18 seconds.

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:40 pm

One customers review says.... this awesome voice with a range that must surely be powered by Three lungs.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:08 pm

Absolutely.
Despite the fact that Matt seemed to take such little breaths, he could power a note forever.
We have ample proof of this on The Ultimate Performer.

Rmoore · Post by **Rmoore** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:10 pm

It's not lung strength that is most important to a singer as such (although it does help!). It's actually breath control, knowing exactly how much air to use and how to breath right in the first place to keep a note going for a long time.

What amazes me is just how good Matt was at this just from sheer natural talent. This is something that is normally taught and not something you just know about.

As a trained singer myself I know just how hard this is and I have a constant battle getting singers I work with to take note of breath control and to sing from the diaphragm not anywhere else.

Just to know what to do by instinct is a real gift.

Richard

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:37 pm

Matt was certainly gifted and talented to sing as he did so effortlessly.

Very interesting to hear you are a trained singer Richard. Please tell us more??

Marian.