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The new album: Tenor at the Movies
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Dilog



Joined: Feb 19, 2006
Posts: 81
PostPosted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I am not sure what I expected from this album when it landed on my mat. I know Jonathan Ansell has a great voice but it has not been maximised on disk up until now and the production on the previous G4 albums was, shall we say, not as good as it could have been.

Well this album is an absolute triumph, not only Jonathan but the guys from G2 Music and Nick Ingman all deserve the roses for this one. Vocal range, dexterity and passion truly amazing, orchestration fantastic and the production values really high.

The track selection is appealing at first glance but when you hear some of the most evocative soundtracks ever written - plus a few hijacked from Handel, Verdi and Puccini - combined with this stunning tenor it certainly hits the spots others cannot even dream of reaching.

There are also some interesting collaborations, the duet with Hayley Westenra is quite lovely, their voices entwine beautifully round the love theme from Romeo and Juliet and Vois Sur Ton Chemin with All Angels as the choir gives a wonderful twist to the Les Choristes theme. But my own favourites are when David Garrett's haunting violin complements Jonathan on The Godfather theme and Se from Cinema Paradiso.

However the track to knock your socks off is the first one, Here's to the Heroes from Dancing with Wolves - have been lucky enough to see this performed live but it is equally stunning on disk.

With this album Jonathan is redefining the crossover genre as there are no poppy songs operatised just beautiful popular music from many different eras complementing that spectacular voice.

Di
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Molly



Joined: Jan 14, 2006
Posts: 642
PostPosted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lovely review Di. You have said it all beautifully.

I am hugely impressed by this first album - and other than Race to the End every song is a winner for me.

I am especially impressed by the fact that Che Gelida Manina was done in one take with the orchestra - a big pressure to get it right and a really difficult aria for a very young singer. Jonathan does it great justice. It still brings tears into my eyes.

Love Molly xx Smile
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JessicaL



Joined: Sep 19, 2007
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Molly wrote:


I am especially impressed by the fact that Che Gelida Manina was done in one take with the orchestra - a big pressure to get it right and a really difficult aria for a very young singer. Jonathan does it great justice. It still brings tears into my eyes.

Love Molly xx Smile


Indeed Molly a beautiful album Jon should be so proud of Smile-my fave track keeps changing it's such a strong album Very Happy.
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Marian



Joined: Sep 19, 2007
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Although I have listened to this album all week and thoroughly enjoyed it each time, when I played it this morning, I found the WOW factor. At an early hour, nothing much is going round in my head so when I listened to the music, that is all I heard and I wasn't distracted with the daily mundane thoughts one has during the day.

I had a chance to listen in peace and quiet and I was overcome by the beauty of this album. Not only could I appreciate Jonathan's magnificent voice but I could clearly hear all the orchestration and harmonies on another level.

I have now been able to appreciate everyone that has taken part in this album from each member of the orchestra to the beautiful collaborations with Hayley and All Angels and I was able to concentrate on David Garrett's exquisite violin pieces that so wonderfully blends into the tracks. The arrangements and production are first class.

This whole album had a wonderful rounded sound even though each track is very different. I have been trying all week to pick my top five which I do with any album but this time I have failed.

I sat with a piece of paper and wrote down my favourite as they played only to end up with 11 tracks written down!! The one that didn't make it for me was Now We Are Free, but please don't ask me why as I cannot really fault this wonderfully sung track.

I have put all the others into my top five for different reasons eg. best vocal, best arrangement, best high note, best low note, most powerful........I could go on!! I have given up choosing my favourite cos it ain't gonna happen!! I am just listening to the album as a whole and loving every minute.

Jonathan's voice has taken on a new and deep sound. When I say deep I am not talking about vocal range I mean deep as in quality. I cannot believe that this rich and glorious sound comes from someone so young! It has a freshness to it yet mature for his years.

The clarity and preciseness of the major notes sends me to the rooftops whilst the sensuous and evocative quieter notes warms me and stirs emotions.

I have to say that collaborations on the whole are good but I usually prefer the artist featured to be alone - well that is why I buy an album but not in this case. The track with Haley Westenra is outstanding and I am captivated as their voices entwine so beautifully. They were made for each other. Both have a clear and pure sound that work so well together. All Angels are a wonderful addition to their tracks with Jonathan. Their voices dance around in this light and I think fun track.

I had no idea what to expect from Jonathan's first solo album. I loved G4 with their harmonies and arrangements so I was a little nervous how he would be on his own. With the right help and backing from his manager and record company, he has had the chance to work with the finest arrangers, producers and musicians this country has to offer and just look at the result - a triumph in my books. I love the mix of styles which is why and album made from movie tracks is ideal. There is a theme to the album but without making it in one style. That will come in later releases (I hope) but for now, this is perfect as there is something for everyone and a great introduction to Jonathan Ansell - The Tenor.
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E05297535



Joined: Sep 21, 2007
Posts: 136
PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
My, oh my...what an Album and a half!! Surprised Wink All I can say is if you haven't purchased this CD yet..GO OUT AND BUY IT RIGHT NOW ....it's a Album worth it's weight in gold. This man deserves an award for this , so superbly done and with duets by Hagley and All Angels, it stands out in a class of it's own!! Very Happy All tracks on there are excellent..personal faves being tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (5 & 9 on top at the moment)

WELL DONE JONATHAN ANSELL...your name will go a long, long way and so will the music/songs you produce!!
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Molly



Joined: Jan 14, 2006
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
A lovely review of the album here - together with a great little video of Jonathan singing My own True Love live - the expression on his face at the end is brilliant - makes me smile everytime I watch!
Thanks to Willowy on the OS for finding it!

http://new.3sacrowd.com/articles/G-Force/

Love Molly xx Smile
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JessicaL



Joined: Sep 19, 2007
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lovely review and brilliant video -Jon's lovely personality and talent shines through every time


Quote:
it stands out in a class of it's own!! Very Happy


Totaly agree Mandy -was listening to the album on the bus on the way home earlier and it struck me this is the first time in ages i've loved every track on a album -I loved all G4's albums but every time there was at least one track I just could not take to or I felt was not a strong enough song to test the guys ..

On G4 it was Everybody Hurts
On G4 and friends it was You're the voice and The wonder of you
On Act three it was Danny Boy and We'll meet again

I just so pleased i'm loving every track on this album -so hopeing Jon gets a classical number 1 -he so deserves it.Smile
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cathyk2002



Joined: Sep 18, 2007
Posts: 776
PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Molly wrote:
A lovely review of the album here - together with a great little video of Jonathan singing My own True Love live - the expression on his face at the end is brilliant - makes me smile everytime I watch!
Thanks to Willowy on the OS for finding it!

http://new.3sacrowd.com/articles/G-Force/

Love Molly xx Smile


What a brilliant little clip of Jonathan singing My Own True Love. His expression at the end is so Jonathan and made me laugh ................... wondering where the applause was I expect !!!! Laughing Laughing
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Marian



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PostPosted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
You are right Cathy, classic Jonathan!!



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Marian



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PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Aww, thanks xadmin for putting them in the gallery Very Happy
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ClassicalX
ClassicalX


Joined: Jan 02, 2006
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
You are welcome Marian Very Happy
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Molly



Joined: Jan 14, 2006
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Love those photos!

They are so typical Jonathan! Smile

Love Molly xx
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Marian



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PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Straight in at Number 9 on the mainstream chart today!! Blooming marvellous!! Very Happy

Many many congratulations to Jonathan and his team for such an achievement. Very Happy Now looking forward to seeing how he has fared in the Classical Chart as well.

Off to have a drink to celebrate. Wink
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E05297535



Joined: Sep 21, 2007
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Great stuff Jon...that Album IS 1ST CLASS!!

WeLL DONE AGAIN....and to the team who helped you put it together...roll on that tour of yours now!!



(so loving the 'smileys' on this site)
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Molly



Joined: Jan 14, 2006
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I cant remember whether we are posting reviews in here? Im a bit lost now but I cant find a reviews thread.

Thanks to Willowy for posting this on Jonathans OS:

http://music.entertainment-focus.com/reviewalb267.php

Quote:


Reviewed by Gregory Hughes

Posted: Wednesday 13th February 2008

Formerly a member of the hugely successful classical quartet G4, Jonathan Ansell has now gone solo following the group’s split. This album is a collection of songs from the movies; some already established classical pieces, others written especially for the films.

The album opens with Here’s to the Heroes, the theme from Dances With Wolves. Despite Ansell’s clear English voice, this version of the Wild West theme works well with a strong tenor. Now We Are Free, the theme to Gladiator, originally written by Hans Zimmer for female vocals, is another brave choice and Ansell’s tenor version is so different from the original that it stands up well on its own. It is also pleasing to hear him sing in European languages, firstly in Italian for Parla Piu Piano from the Godfather. Whilst his voice is possibly a bit young for this theme, in that he lacks the sleazy quality the melody requires and comes across as pure and honest, and a bit flat, it makes a change to see British artists singing in the original language.

Race to the End is the weakest track on the album. Vangelis’ theme from Chariots of Fire works well on its own but vocals over the top of the delicate melody are an encumbrance. With some of the most maudlin lyrics ever penned, this track rapidly irritates and it’s a shame it was included on the album as Ansell’s excellent voice is poorly served here.

Fortunately, the album gets back on track immediately with a duet to Un Giorno per Noi from Romeo and Juliet. Ansell has paired up with the ubiquitous, ever-popular and excellent Hayley Westenra, the phenomenal young talent from New Zealand. Their voices work together extremely well, making this love song poignant, with their voices rather than the music carrying the meaning of the song. Vois sur ton Chemin sees Ansell team up with classical girl group All Angels.

My Own True Love from Gone With the Wind is another track that defies expectation and has been re-imagined as an Anglicised version of an American song; with the more traditional sounding Down to the River to Play giving the album a welcome change of pace.

There are a few songs you may not instantly recognise, and Prayer in the Night may be one. It is from the much-neglected Stanley Kubrick movie Barry Lyndon and is a welcome addition to this album that may remind you just how good this song is and that Barry Lyndon is well worth revisiting. Si un Jour from the French film classic Manon de Sources sees Ansell singing in French. The song itself will be familiar to British audiences as the melancholic Gallic theme in the popular Stella Artois adverts. It’s great to hear the full version, and after the accordion introduction it swells into quite an uplifting song. He ends the album on Che Gelida Manina, which was used on the film Moonstruck, which seems a tenuous reason for including Puccini’s famous aria from La Bohème; but one can hardly blame Ansell for wanting to include such a beautiful piece of opera, and his talent is more than equal to the challenge of Puccini’s music. The album ends on a real high, and there is more than a suggestion that Ansell has significantly more to offer. A few weaknesses and lightweight efforts aside, this is an excellent album with plenty of variety and a consistent musical integrity.

With some interesting and original choices and excellent orchestration throughout, Ansell has once again demonstrated that he has an incredible voice, but may now have proven that he is capable of forging a successful solo career.



Love Molly xx Smile
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