Warm album of classic songs from terrific tenor (From Swindon Advertiser)

Warm album of classic songs from terrific tenor

5:07pm Wednesday 23rd November 2011 in Reviews

Alfie by Alfie Boe £8.99 available at HMV and all good record shops.

Alfie Boe has certainly stripped away the elitist tag of opera showing that a youngster from a Lancashire fishing village can become one of the UK most popular tenors and this new album simply entitled Alfie sweeps away all boundaries.

Being Alive is the first track, bringing up images of an epic movie with Alfie's strong technicolour vocals soaring rich and resonant throughout. It is followed by Maria from West Side Story which brings all the hopeless passion of the Romeo and Juliet tale to life with tenderness and intensity by passionate vocals sitting beautifully over some fabulous string background.

An unusual choice for a cover is When You Wish Upon A Star and it is given an unusual arrangement. The famous song is slowed down and somehow produces a more theatrical, more twinkly feel rather than the usual sentimental take.

Music of the Night Alfie's operatic background comes into play. He is in his comfort zone and gives a glorious rendition of this song which crosses the divide between opera and popular music with ease.

Over The Hill And Far Away is the Sharpe TV theme tune and has that strong military feel. It is a rousing tune willing you to follow the drum and show your patriotism.

Someonw To Watch Over Me is a track sung with truth and integrity, disgarding the mawkish and slushy. First Time Ever I saw Your Face is a Robert Flack number that gets the haunting Alfie magic. The track builds the tension through great timing and crystal diction of a master tenor. Weaving through the track is some delicious flute.

It Was A Very Good Year makes us think of our own mortality and takes a wistful look back at times gone by and Empty Chairs and Empty Tables is full of bombast and power.

When I Fall In Love is one of the most classic love songs of all time and from the opening bars the warm and depth of Alfie's voice woos us, persuading us that love actuallly is all around.

In Song To The Siren you can feel the darkness below the waves, the pressure of water above and the call of the siren through the green mist of the sea> it is an emotive song.

In My Daughter's eyes has all the sentiment of a tear in the eye ballad, soft and sweet lyrics that whisper with a voice of hope.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas rounds off a powerful album with a sing-song round the Christmas tree while hot chestnuts roast over the yule log fire leaving us with a cozy warm feeling that all is well with the world.

Alfie will be singing songs from the album when he visits Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre on January 18.