Hi Everyone!

[John Jenkinson]

Hello everyone, I've been a regular visitor to this site,since it started, and have contributed to a couple of threads, but I have never really said hello, so there you are. I have been listening to Matt for a good few years now, and have always tried to find things out, buy records Etc.,but was always frustrated at the lack of info out there on him, especially before the internet. Thank goodness for this resurgence of interest in Matt!
I can remember when I was about 6 or 7, and being out for a drive with my mum and dad on a Sunday when on the radio came 'portrait', and even then, thinking that this was something special.For it to stick in my memory all this time, it must of made quite an impact! I'm 31 now.I got hold of the 'very best of' cassette and wore it out. Anyway, from that, I have always liked Matt, and held him up there with some of my favorites.
Now I am in a very fortunate in that I sing with a big band, and I have done for over 10 years, long before Robbie Williams, made it 'fashionable' to listen to,what always was,to quote David Jocobs,''our kind of music.'' It is over this time that I have grown,even more so, to appreciate just how good Matt was, and is.
Now it isn't good to copy other singers, but it is hard to learn from the great American songbook, without getting caught up in the slurpy American accent. Try to sing something like,''I've got you under my skin'' without picking up the accent is almost impossible. I never fail to be impressed by Matts interpretation of a song, and it is so refreshing to listen to a singer who can sing these standards and make them so completely his own, owing nothing to any other version that has been recorded before. Just listen to Matts version of,lets say, ''Strangers in the night''. It's as if he had never heard Sinatras version. Now that takes some doing.
Also, Matt makes it sound so natural, but you just try to sing even something like ''my kind of girl''and make it sound as effortless as Matt does, yet be as precise in your phrasing is a real challenge. One of my personal favourites is ''One morning in May'' from the flawless ''...sings Hoagy Carmichael''album. I've had this written for the band, but, my goodness, that really is a challenge to even try to approach Matts version. Even Hoagy wrote to Matt to tell him what a great version it was,''One mornings a real acheivement, Most difficult.''he wrote, yet it sounds as if Matt wasn't in the slightest bit phased! Singers, of any style, can only learn from people like Matt.
Anyway, I just wanted to show my appreciation for all the great music that I have had the pleasure of listening to , and looking forward to all the great stuff still to be released. The Rare Monro should be fantastic!
Thanks,
John.

[Edgar]

Hi John and welcome to the site. There are some great people on here,and if you like Matt's singing, make sure you get to see Matt Jr. He's very good too!

[ROBERT M.]

Hi John, and welcome to the MM forum. Good posting to start off with. Look forward to reading more of the same in the future.

There is absolutely no question about it, regarding your final comments. Britains - Matt Monro is THE BEST in the world, without a doubt.

My tears will fall now that your gone

[Gray]

What a fantastic posting, John, thanks for that.
I couldn't agree with you more regarding Matt Monro making songs his own.
My dad loves September Song and he played Sinatra's version religiously when I was growing up, it is imprinted on my brain!
Yet listening to Matt Monro sing the song and it's like hearing a new tune altogether..he has that certain special something, a quality in his voice that opens new doors musically.
Hope this make sense!

Gray

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Hi John, yes we also say welcome, and nice to read your interesting posting, and we agree with your comments about Matt's wording and phrasing. It's difficult to think of another singer, British or otherwise who doesn't use the American accent for so many words. We do it ourselves don't we.??
This is just one very particular reason why we adore Matt's music. His plain English pronunciation makes his songs his own.
Keep spreading the word John.

[Leeroy Hadders]

Hi John. As you'll already know from previous visits this has to be one of the best forums around so it's good to see you decided to join us. Great post by the way, very interesting, enjoyed reading it.
All good wishes,

Lee H