AL Martino

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:46 pm

Thank you John.

We don't meet celebrities that often,

Terence Lee · Post by **Terence Lee** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:28 pm

Wish I can see John's photo outside the theatre.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:25 pm

Al Martino at The Shaw Theatre, London - 22nd September.
It was the first time Peter and I had seen and heard Al Martino live, and it really made us wish we had seen him many years ago. He is still so great now, he must have been really fantastic in his younger days.
Anyway, we felt privileged to see him at long last, and to see him now.
He still has a really strong voice and is still able to sing all those songs that made him famous, going way back to 1952. At nearly 81 he still can sing songs like 'Here in My Heart' like they were meant to be sung, with feeling and passion. He even managed to get onto the piano (unaided) at one point to sing. The only disappointing part of the whole evening was the size of the audience, although those that were there were very receptive and appreciative of Al's singing performance and wonderful touches of humour.
The orchestra were fantastic too. and deserve a special mention.
Al was ably supported by a young talented comedian, Martin Gold, who also gave a memorable performance.
A wonderful show which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Marian and Peter

john · Post by **john** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:52 pm

Another wonderful evening last night at the Shaw Theatre. Al sang extremely well again, and the icing on the cake for me was the "meet and greet" at the end.
It was lovely to see Lena, Harry, Marian and Peter again, we all had a great and very memorable couple of days together, many, many thanks to the wonderful Matt Monro forum for bringing us all together.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:54 am

Thanks for the reviews, Marian & John.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:52 am

When we were at the show at The Shaw Theatre on Monday we noticed Tim Rice, Paul Gambacinni and Mike Read in the audience.
This from today's Daily Express...
"The creators of the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - including Sir Tim Rice, have finally met the man who had Britain's ever first hit single in the Fifties.
From 1977 Rice, his brother Jo, Paul Gambacinni and Mike Read, compiled early editions of the pop fans' bible.
And at the Shaw Theatre in London this week, they finally met U.S. singer Al Martino, 80, whose song Here in My Heart topped the U.K. chart in 1952.
Read, 57, says "Al did a fantastic show. We were thrilled to meet him and he was thrilled to meet us, although he probably would only have known Tim."
Al said to us "It was great to be No 1 that very first week of the very first chart - they can't take that away from me!"
I asked Al, "Are you coming back to London in another 45 years?" and he replied " Now I know you're dreaming!"

From 'Day and Night'.

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:36 pm

Marian, thank you very much for the info that was in todays Daily Express.
The 15th edition of the Guiness Book Of Hit Singles marking the 50th Anniversary of "HereI n My Heart " was a very special Gold coloured edition and the first few pages all about Al and the song.
Al was fantastic at Croydon last night, sang "You Are Always On My Mind" " Amour" "Pretty Woman" and his usual requested and expected ones and today he flies back to Philadelphia to prepare for concerts in Atlantic City, before flying home to California.
You can bet he must be so tired.
Thank you both again and to John. We had a great time didn't we.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:51 pm

We sure did Lena and Harry! ...and a great portion of our good time was so kindly provided by your dear selves, and Harry's magical mystery tour transport!!!!!
Many many thanks for all you did.

Marian and Peter

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:50 pm

It was our pleasure, and the next meet up is at the Beck for Matt Jnr's concert followed swiftly by a date with Mark's Kings Of Swing.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:38 am

Peter and I were watching Al Martino in concert last night, thanks to John, and we suddenly thought how many great singers from the same era more or less, have an Italian connection.

Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Al himself of course, Perry Como,
Mario Lanza. I'm sure there must be more.

Marian

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:56 am

I expect Lena and Harry could provide a comprehensive list....

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:05 am

Can't believe I left out Dean Martin

Marian

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:06 am

Well funnily enough I was going to add Dean Martin--but it just went out of my head.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:45 pm

Another famous one is Jerry Vale

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:54 pm

I did think of Jerry Vale, but didn't know if he was Italian.

Marian