My favourite singer of popular songs, next to Matt. I love a wide range of music but am especially interested in vocal music, both popular and classical. I'm not all that keen on musicals as a genre, though I like individual songs when sung by the right singers. I sang in my university choir and travelled all round, including Europe, giving concerts.
Johnny Mathis appeals because he is a trained singer, with a grounding in classical techniques, and I think he has a similar style in some ways to Matt, though Matt is a baritone and Johnny a tenor, and Johnny is also famed for his remarkable - some would say exceptional - breath control. Few of Johnny's best albums are available on CD, however, and, as he was even more prolific than Matt in output, this means there is a huge raft of his repertoire which is now unobtainable. I have cassette tapes of these rare albums from when they were first released, especially from the 70s, but they are becoming unlistenable to, what with hissing and muffling. I feel there is a poor collection of his output in the shops as almost all the releases are compilations of his standards, and most of my favourite tracks are the less well known ones. I understand, though, that a 50th anniversary compilation is being prepared so I'm hoping this will go some way towards filling the gap. I am not an uncritical fan, however, and feel that, like any artist, he made weak albums as well as strong ones.
I find the comparison between Matt and Sinatra a bit strange as Sinatra has never really appealed to me as a singer because I feel he's overrated (though I don't deny he was a great entertainer). I don't think his technical abilities are as good as some paint them out to be, and I agree with those who say that Sinatra and Matt's styles are quite different. I wonder if anyone else feels the same way as me about 'Ol Blue Eyes.
Johnny Mathis
Hello jon. You and Mariana44 have a lot in common jon, as Mariana44's favourite singers are Matt and Johnny, how's that for a coincidence.
When I was a bit younger I thought Frank Sinatra seemed to TALK his lyrics rather than sing them. I have learned to appreciate his singing now though, but to my eyes he's NOT in the same CLASS as our Matt.
But I DO NOT agree with you concerning the "musicals" as I love most of them, especially the older ones from the 30's and 40's.
When I was a bit younger I thought Frank Sinatra seemed to TALK his lyrics rather than sing them. I have learned to appreciate his singing now though, but to my eyes he's NOT in the same CLASS as our Matt.
But I DO NOT agree with you concerning the "musicals" as I love most of them, especially the older ones from the 30's and 40's.
"My Tears Will Fall Now That You're Gone,
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
Hi Jon-and Robert-well as Robert says, and I have mentioned before I am a huge fan of Johnny Mathis--On the whole I prefer the older stuff--lots of this is still not available on CD.
I am going to see 3 concerts next month--should have been 4, but the Dublin one was cancelled.
As for Frank Sinatra---there are a few of his versions of songs that I think are great---"The way you look tonight" is one---"In the wee small hours of the morning" and "Loves been good to me " are real favourites too.
Marian
I am going to see 3 concerts next month--should have been 4, but the Dublin one was cancelled.
As for Frank Sinatra---there are a few of his versions of songs that I think are great---"The way you look tonight" is one---"In the wee small hours of the morning" and "Loves been good to me " are real favourites too.
Marian
Mariana
-
Lena & Harry Smith
- Posts: 21514
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:05 am
- Location: London UK
Hi Jon Robert and Marian. We simply like all three singers discussed here
Johnny Mathis has always had great appeal, his vocal technique with tenderness and emotion and quality has placed him among the top vocalists for over five decades.
We are Sinatra fans, have everything of Sinatra's, but like you say Jon, with most artists, there were weak recordings too, but few could argue when he was regarded by millions as the Singer Of The Century. His phrasing was unique, but then so was Matt Monro's, in fact Matt's phrasing was flawless, it was different, it was simply plain english spoken lyrics that seperated his talent from all the rest of the singers from that era, and since, and as for breath control, his ability to hold a note is unmatchable, just totally amazing.
We appreciate both vocalists, but have never ever heard or thought of any trace of similarity with Matt's voice and Sinatra. Never.
Johnny Mathis has always had great appeal, his vocal technique with tenderness and emotion and quality has placed him among the top vocalists for over five decades.
We are Sinatra fans, have everything of Sinatra's, but like you say Jon, with most artists, there were weak recordings too, but few could argue when he was regarded by millions as the Singer Of The Century. His phrasing was unique, but then so was Matt Monro's, in fact Matt's phrasing was flawless, it was different, it was simply plain english spoken lyrics that seperated his talent from all the rest of the singers from that era, and since, and as for breath control, his ability to hold a note is unmatchable, just totally amazing.
We appreciate both vocalists, but have never ever heard or thought of any trace of similarity with Matt's voice and Sinatra. Never.
Hi All!
Interesting discussion this!
I love Sinatra. My dad is a huge fan of his and I grew up listening to all Frank's recording (mainly from the 1950's) whilst my peers were getting Pretty Vacant with the Sex Pistols or Rocking Around The World with Status Quo.
I still listen to Frank frequently, in fact last night I put the kids to bed and relaxed by playing 'Songs for Swinging Lovers'. Simply brilliant in my humble opinion.
Oh and Marian, I LOVE 'In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning' also.
That song is gorgeous!
Gray
Interesting discussion this!
I love Sinatra. My dad is a huge fan of his and I grew up listening to all Frank's recording (mainly from the 1950's) whilst my peers were getting Pretty Vacant with the Sex Pistols or Rocking Around The World with Status Quo.
I still listen to Frank frequently, in fact last night I put the kids to bed and relaxed by playing 'Songs for Swinging Lovers'. Simply brilliant in my humble opinion.
Oh and Marian, I LOVE 'In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning' also.
That song is gorgeous!
Gray
-
Lena & Harry Smith
- Posts: 21514
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:05 am
- Location: London UK
Hi Gray, Sons For Swingin lovers, we love this album too, every song a winner, difficult to pick a favourite here but "It Happened in Monterey," "I Thought About You"
Old Devil Moon, wonderful, and yes,"In The Wee Small Hours" is superb.
From a child of Eight, my memories go back to Sinatra, his songsheet of "I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night" excitedly being tested on the piano.
Two other songs are real favourites. "You Are Love " from Showboat and Noel Coward's, "I'll Follow My Secret Heart".
Old Devil Moon, wonderful, and yes,"In The Wee Small Hours" is superb.
From a child of Eight, my memories go back to Sinatra, his songsheet of "I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night" excitedly being tested on the piano.
Two other songs are real favourites. "You Are Love " from Showboat and Noel Coward's, "I'll Follow My Secret Heart".
Good to see this topic has generated some debate. I also have "Songs for Swinging Lovers" (the only Sinatra album I have) and while some of the tracks are enjoyable - I particularly like "That Old Devil Moon" - it is not appealing enough for me to want to buy more Sinatra, I'm afraid.
Among the other singers of popular music I like are: Sarah Vaughan (often referred to as the most "technical" of the jazz singers) and Oleta Adams, a soul singer who has had some chart success in the past. I also enjoy the releases on the Verve record label of updated remixes of jazz classics, rearranged by modern DJs, particularly those for Sarah's voice, which seem to work really well. I am also fond of the voice of James Dean Bradfield, the front man of the group The Manic Street Preachers, and he has just brought out a solo album which I am currently listening to and enjoying.
Among the other singers of popular music I like are: Sarah Vaughan (often referred to as the most "technical" of the jazz singers) and Oleta Adams, a soul singer who has had some chart success in the past. I also enjoy the releases on the Verve record label of updated remixes of jazz classics, rearranged by modern DJs, particularly those for Sarah's voice, which seem to work really well. I am also fond of the voice of James Dean Bradfield, the front man of the group The Manic Street Preachers, and he has just brought out a solo album which I am currently listening to and enjoying.
-
Lena & Harry Smith
- Posts: 21514
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:05 am
- Location: London UK
H Jon, like ourselves you have a wide and varied interest and enjoyment in all kinds of music.
We also enjoy listening to some classical music, but particularly like operettas and have a vast collection of the famous Tenors.
We like all kinds of music ranging from the early years of the British Dance Bands with vocalists to the Big Band sound with those famous band leaders from the Forties and crooners.
Few could compare with jazz singers like Sarah Vaughan who worked with music giants such as Dizzie Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis.
and there was of course Ella Fitzgerald too.
We also enjoy listening to some classical music, but particularly like operettas and have a vast collection of the famous Tenors.
We like all kinds of music ranging from the early years of the British Dance Bands with vocalists to the Big Band sound with those famous band leaders from the Forties and crooners.
Few could compare with jazz singers like Sarah Vaughan who worked with music giants such as Dizzie Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis.
and there was of course Ella Fitzgerald too.
Harry/Lena,
it's pleasing to see you have such a wide range of musical tastes. Can't say I'm a huge fan of Ella Fitzgerald though - she has a fine voice and is of course a jazz legend, but she just doesn't really communicate much to me, so I don't have any of her recordings. I also have an interest in more serious classical singing, and prefer the song and lieder repertoire to opera, though I do like some operas. Don't really go for the three tenors type of thing and I'm also not much enamoured of "crossover" - I avoid the likes of Russell Watson like the plague (though he has a perfectly decent voice, I guess)!. Overall I enjoy good singing from whatever genre it comes, but I just like musicians to stay within their own fields and not try to be all things to all people.
it's pleasing to see you have such a wide range of musical tastes. Can't say I'm a huge fan of Ella Fitzgerald though - she has a fine voice and is of course a jazz legend, but she just doesn't really communicate much to me, so I don't have any of her recordings. I also have an interest in more serious classical singing, and prefer the song and lieder repertoire to opera, though I do like some operas. Don't really go for the three tenors type of thing and I'm also not much enamoured of "crossover" - I avoid the likes of Russell Watson like the plague (though he has a perfectly decent voice, I guess)!. Overall I enjoy good singing from whatever genre it comes, but I just like musicians to stay within their own fields and not try to be all things to all people.
Well, you have been very busy on this discussion!
In time Jon, you will see that we discuss a very diverse selection of singers, in various places on this forum,but of course we all have a common bond in Matt Moro, but from then on, we tend to fly off in different directions,sometimes coming back together again--sometimes not
Was it Oleta Adams who sang "Get back"? No I do not think it was, but I know there was one song in particular that I liked hearing her sing--oh, I know what it is---it is "Get here"--silly me
I have quite a few versions of "In the Wee Small hours of the Morning", including one by Johnny Mathis, which is really gorgeous, but Sinatra's version, has just got a little something extra!!
And I love some of Ella Fitzgerald--especially "The Rodgers and Hart Songbooks 1 & 2".
Marian
In time Jon, you will see that we discuss a very diverse selection of singers, in various places on this forum,but of course we all have a common bond in Matt Moro, but from then on, we tend to fly off in different directions,sometimes coming back together again--sometimes not
Was it Oleta Adams who sang "Get back"? No I do not think it was, but I know there was one song in particular that I liked hearing her sing--oh, I know what it is---it is "Get here"--silly me
I have quite a few versions of "In the Wee Small hours of the Morning", including one by Johnny Mathis, which is really gorgeous, but Sinatra's version, has just got a little something extra!!
And I love some of Ella Fitzgerald--especially "The Rodgers and Hart Songbooks 1 & 2".
Marian
Mariana
Oleta Adam sang "Get here". She has quite a powerful voice - though I sometimes think it is a little too influenced by R&B singing - and she has a background in gospel.
I also have JM's "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning", though it's not a standout song for me.
My favourite JM songs? Too many to mention (though there are also the turkeys). A rough list might be:
All the Things You Are
Didn't We
Make It Easy on Yourself
Oh How I try
It Was Almost Like a Song
But this is very tentative.
Don't really like his well known ones (hate the bit where he talks on "when A Child is Born" - so corny). I think he's really more of an album artist.
I also have JM's "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning", though it's not a standout song for me.
My favourite JM songs? Too many to mention (though there are also the turkeys). A rough list might be:
All the Things You Are
Didn't We
Make It Easy on Yourself
Oh How I try
It Was Almost Like a Song
But this is very tentative.
Don't really like his well known ones (hate the bit where he talks on "when A Child is Born" - so corny). I think he's really more of an album artist.
Hi Jon--Oh yes I totally agree--the best songs are on the albums. "When a child is born" has special memories, as he sometimes sang it at the end of a concert, and I would be literally within a few inches of him singing!!!
But my all time worst song is one of his most successful- "Too Much Too Little Too Late"--even more infuriating , it is included on every single compilation CD.
Marian
But my all time worst song is one of his most successful- "Too Much Too Little Too Late"--even more infuriating , it is included on every single compilation CD.
Marian
Last edited by mariana44 on Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mariana
Perhaps you already know this, but my favourite charity, The Society Of Singers, is honouring Johnny Mathis with the Ella Award on September 12. A black tie event will be held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The promotional material mentioned that he was a basketball player. I had thought baseball was his sport, and that he almost played for the Major Leagues, but decided on a singing career instead.
I didn't know that he was classically trained. Speaking of classical music, perhaps Jon could recommend some lieder albums by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, who died a few weeks ago in her 90s.
I didn't know that he was classically trained. Speaking of classical music, perhaps Jon could recommend some lieder albums by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, who died a few weeks ago in her 90s.
Hi Paul--I did know about the "Ella " Award---Terence had kindly emailed the information to me. This will be held just a week before his first concert at Wembley on September 20th.
He did play basketball, but I do not think he ever played baseball. He was more serious about athletics, especially highjump, and in fact had a call to go to an Olympic Trial, the same week that he got a call to have a record test. And yes, he did have some classical music training.
Obviously, the record test won. Next months "Spotlight" feature will be on Johnny Mathis.
Marian
He did play basketball, but I do not think he ever played baseball. He was more serious about athletics, especially highjump, and in fact had a call to go to an Olympic Trial, the same week that he got a call to have a record test. And yes, he did have some classical music training.
Obviously, the record test won. Next months "Spotlight" feature will be on Johnny Mathis.
Marian
Mariana
I also knew about the Society of Singers award: it is mentioned on Johnny Mathis's official website.
I have to say I don't have any particular recordings of Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, though her Schubert recordings are especially well regarded and you could find these at a reasonable price in decent record stores. For those not familiar with lieder but who would like a taster, you could try the Hyperion Schubert edition, which is obtainable for £3.99 or so; it's a sampler of recordings by major singers from the Hyperion Schubert Edition series, which consists of (I think) some 37 CDs of the entire Schubert song repertoire. If you like this you might then want to sample the more detailed recordings further: an immediate recommendation which comes to mind would be that of the Welsh soprano Margaret Price (Vol 15, I think).
I am also very keen on the English song repertoire, thjough this does not have the same standing in the field as the German (or even French) material. Hyperion, the record label, has produced many fine original recordings in recent years, often of rare and little-performed songs. Perhaps inevitably, some of these are not of the highest standard and it is not difficult to see why some of them have not been done before, but others are excellent. I would recommend in particular Anthony Rolf-Johnson's recordings of songs by women composers and Paul Agnew's (both tenors) collection of songs by the composer Ivor Gurney. They are solid pieces without being inaccessible to the unintiated, and are in the vein of substantial 'art' songs rather than 'parlour' songs (which, let's face it, can be pretty dire).
I have to say I don't have any particular recordings of Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, though her Schubert recordings are especially well regarded and you could find these at a reasonable price in decent record stores. For those not familiar with lieder but who would like a taster, you could try the Hyperion Schubert edition, which is obtainable for £3.99 or so; it's a sampler of recordings by major singers from the Hyperion Schubert Edition series, which consists of (I think) some 37 CDs of the entire Schubert song repertoire. If you like this you might then want to sample the more detailed recordings further: an immediate recommendation which comes to mind would be that of the Welsh soprano Margaret Price (Vol 15, I think).
I am also very keen on the English song repertoire, thjough this does not have the same standing in the field as the German (or even French) material. Hyperion, the record label, has produced many fine original recordings in recent years, often of rare and little-performed songs. Perhaps inevitably, some of these are not of the highest standard and it is not difficult to see why some of them have not been done before, but others are excellent. I would recommend in particular Anthony Rolf-Johnson's recordings of songs by women composers and Paul Agnew's (both tenors) collection of songs by the composer Ivor Gurney. They are solid pieces without being inaccessible to the unintiated, and are in the vein of substantial 'art' songs rather than 'parlour' songs (which, let's face it, can be pretty dire).