Other Singers

Hilary · Post by **Hilary** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:29 am

We saw the brilliant Neil Sedaka in concert last Friday night at the Royal Albert Hall. All I can say is, what a performer the man is.

He came on stage to a huge cheer from everyone present and sat down at his piano and just got on with it!!!
I turned to my dad and said something like, "where's his band then?!"

There was NO band or backing singers, just Neil and his piano.
To be honest, he didn't need anyone else as his talent and wonderful personality plus his many stories and jokes kept everyone entertained for two hours.
We all sang along to his songs which was lovely. I think that maybe we, the audience were his backing singers for the night!

Half way through Neil's set a man from the Guinness Book of Records came onto the stage and presented him with an award.
This was for writing the worlds most successful single, "Is this the way to Amarillo" which he wrote for Tony Christie.

Afterwards, who should walk onto the stage! yes, It was Tony himself.
They both sang "Amarillo" together and we all joined in as well!

If there are any of Neil's fans out there who missed this show, then don't worry as it was filmed for a DVD and should be available in the shops by the end of the year.

Hilary

Mark Fox · Post by **Mark Fox** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:41 am

Neil is one of THE ALL-TIME GREATS-both performer and writer.
Thanks for the news,Hilary

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:34 pm

Matt Monro is without doubt in my opinion the greatest "crooner" ever. There is just something extra special about his voice so powerful and strong yet gentle and absorbing. To me he is head and shoulders above everyone else. Of the other boy singers or crooners, if you like Matt you have to like Ol' Blue Eyes a little, as their styles are very similar, but MM has the edge in my eyes. Other singers I like are Vic Damone, perhaps a little bit of Tony Bennett and Jerry Vale has a pleasing voice.

Now of the female singers two stand out from the crowd, the wonderful Ella Fitzgerald and the equally talented Sarah Vaughan.

To get away from the easy listening singers there are two other artists that over the years I have particularly enjoyed. The first one is Meat Loaf who I got into when Bat out of Hell was released. I have followed his career and bought his albums ever since. His music is not too heavy, a mixture of rock and opera which I enjoy, especially ballads like Two out of Three aint Bad, For Crying Out Loud, and Read Em and Weep. The other artist I have really liked since the late 70's are The Korgis whose blend of guitar pop and great sentimental ballads I absolutely love especially All the Love in the World, If its Alright with you Baby, and one of their biggest hits If I Had You.

But for me Matt Monro is supreme, well and truly at the top of the list.

My tears will fall now that your gone

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:37 pm

The above post was from me . I did log in but PC went of during posting.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:45 pm

I am a fan of the film musical especially the old Black and White ones. My two favourite SINGERS from the musical genre are FRED ASTAIRE and MITZI GAYNOR. I could have included Fred in my above post, but I forgot to. He has such a lovely warm voice ideal for singing the type of songs from the 30's and 40's musicals he was famous for. Fred, I think had more songs written for him than any other singer ever has. With his fantastic dancing to go along with the singing you have an entertainer of the highest order. As I write this Fred is the first song on the David Jacobs collection show tonight(Sunday).

My favourite female singer from musicals in the fabulous Mitzi Gaynor, known mainly for her role as Nelly Forbush in the classic musical South Pacific, just about my favourite musical of all time with words and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The way Mitzi sings some of the romantic songs in South Pacific nearly melt my heart, and she looks absolutely stunning in the film, why her career never flourished afterwards I just dont understand. Possibly because the film musical was coming to the end of its popularity at about that time. But what a lovely, lovely voice she had, to match her looks.

My very very favourite actress in any films or film musicals is the absolutely gorgeous ELEANOR POWELL who starred in many black and white musicals. With her fabulous dancing and great looks and personality she looked a million dollars in my eyes. Eleanor sang the occasional song in her films (her voice might have been dubbed), but she was known for her astonishing dancing, with the likes of Fred Astaire and even a very young Robert Taylor. I think she is the top of the tops.

With MATT MONRO on the CD player and ELEANOR POWELL on the screen (not at the same time, though) I am in absolute bliss, even though there has only beeen one DVD release of Eleanor Powells to date. I have seen snippets of some of her other films in the Extras to Singin' in the Rain two disc set.

As i'm about to send this post Matts song Sping is Here is on the radio sung by the Kings Sisters.

My tears will fall now that your gone

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue May 08, 2007 9:22 am

I was just listening to the group G4 talking about their decision to split up on "Breakfast" this morning. They have found living and travelling together for the last three years( how time flies!) is becoming more difficult, with contant bickering, but they will remain firm friends.

Two of them at least, Michael and Ben, want to stay in singing, but revert more to their original classical training or the West End stage. The others Jon and Matt seemed more unsure, but Matt wants to be a University lecturer but still in a musical role.

They are about to start their 18 gig farewell tour.

Marian

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:24 pm

Hi All

I know it's a bit late now, but there was a great give-away in the Mail On Sunday yesterday, Neil Diamond's The Jazz Singer on dvd.

Sorry I couldn't tell you all yesterday...doh!

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:25 pm

I did actually see that ad over the weekend--but I never buy a Sunday paper--and luckily I have got that on dvd--good film.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:27 am

Hi Marian

I actually rented it on dvd about 2 months ago, as it it had been ages since I'd since it and just fancied watching it again.

I really like all the songs from the soundtrack, I think Neil Diamond is touring this year.

Gray

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 5:13 pm

I see Tiatro are on the Alan Titchmarsh Show tomorrow.
Marian