What people search:
 | Title : Sometimes I Dream
Author : Frangoulis, Mario
Release Date : 20020917
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $13.99
Amazon.com Price : $9.99
(29
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Editorial Reviews :
Forget the age of battling boy bands, the era of dueling young tenors is upon us. Hot on the heels of Josh Groban's dizzyingly successful, Ally McBeal-fueled debut comes this first international release from African-born, Greek-raised tenor Mario Frangoulis. There are some clear parallels between Groban's debut and this Frangoulis release, but some distinctive differences as well. While Groban coated his slick, David Foster-molded pop sense with a veneer of classical respectability, Frangoulis has effectively turned the formula inside out. With similar classical training--but a few crucial years of experience on his American rival--Frangoulis treats the classics reverently but not slavishly, with the title track effectively turning an aria from Puccini's Tosca into romantic Europop. Elsewhere, the international flavor is further expanded by three melody-rich songs ('Hijo de la Luna,' 'La Luna de Valencia,' and 'Naturaleza Muerta') by Spanish singer-songwriter Jose Maria Cano and a sing-along-ready take on the 1950s Neapolitan chestnut 'Luna Rossa.'
Like Groban, Frangoulis and producer Steve Woods also plumb the music of la cinema italiana for inspiration, turning Nicola Piovani's bittersweet Life Is Beautiful theme into the ponderous 'Buongiorno Principessa,' but faring better with a moody, dramatic take on Rota-Wertmuller's 'Canzone Arribiata.' The obligatory rock-pop cover here is the flamenco-inflected 'Nights in White Satin', with Frangoulis joined in a bilingual duet with original Moody Blue Justin Hayward that's surprisingly effective. Less showy perhaps than Groban's debut, but a more nuanced and emotionally satisfying album overall.
Buyer Reviews :
Mario Frangoulis is a very solid new vocalist. He has a nice operatic voice-though not truly an opera singer; a young male Sarah Brightman perhaps. This album mixes styles ranging from pop to new age with traditional classical pieces of music. Mario's cd falls squarely in the Classical Crossover genre. A genre which is gaining in popularity--artists such as the forementioned Sarah Brightman carved this niche out to bring a freshness to Classical music which broadened the appeal.
Mario's interpretation of Nights in White Satin is incredible--mixing English and Italian vocals the way that Russell Watson and Sarah Brightman do. This interpretation is interesting and inventive, though some of the songs on this album i have heard done better by other artists. Hijo de la Luna i feel is performed way to slowly--it soars as a waltz but drags slightly in this interpretation.
This album is a strong first effort from someone who is going to be a huge star. The fact that this talented man also writes songs is something that sets him apart from the other talented young vocalists---like Josh Groban. Groban's rich full voice is better developed than Mario's at the moment, but Mario is hot on his heels and has something extra to add.
This album will be a great addition to anyone's classical crossover collection. If you already are a fan of Josh Groban, Russell Watson, Sarah Brightman or even Andrea Boccelli--this i a good bet for you. If you are a classical purist--don't buy it, you might not like the liberties taken.
But when looking for Mario's album in your local music store---you better ask where it will be-- i found it in easy listening, vocals, classical, and the pop/rock section in various music stores.
Tough to be so talented no one knows what to do with you--isn't it Mario?
(by divafan7)
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