Aled [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
A Re-release of the Gold Selling Album "Aled" to Coincide with the Launch of Aled Jones' Autobiography. The Boy Countertenor of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Original "Requiem" Recording is all Grown Up Now and Has Returned to the Recording Arena. This Special Disc Includes Many Popular Favorites, Including the Older, Baritone Jones in Duet with his Younger, Countertenor Self on "o Holy Night" and his Solo Take on the Piece that Made Him Famous, "Pie Jesu". The Album Includes Three Previously Unreleased Tracks from Bbc1's "Songs of Praise", as Well as Schubert's 'ave Maria', 'panis Angelicus', 'how Great Thou Art'. Peaceful Welsh Melodies Including 'all Through the Night' and 'suo Gan', 'vespera' and 'nunc Dimittis'.

Tracks:

The Pilot
The Stars
The Pilot Meets The Prince
Sunsets
The Prince's Planet
The Baobabs
On My Planet
The Rose
The Cranes Are Flying
The King
The Vain Man
The Drunkard
The Businessman
The Lamplighter
We Light Our Lamps

Tracks:

The Snake
The Rose Garden
The Hunters
The Fox
The Taming
Here's My Secret
If We Don't Find A Well
The Walk To The Well
The Well
The Time Has Come
The Snake Returns
It Is The Place
Look At The Stars
The Little Prince Song

Amazon.com

This may not be the most sophisticated opera undertaking of the decade, but it's one of the loveliest. There are precious few operas which really appeal to children--I've never seen a child sit through Hansel and Gretel without fidgeting--but this one is magical. Composer Rachel Portman is well-known and respected as a composer for film; she has among her credits The Cider House Rules, The Human Stain, Chocolat, not to mention Emma (1996), for which she won an Oscar. Antoine de Saint-Exupery's novella Le Petit Prince is a sentimental favorite of millions, and it's easy to explain why: the combination of poignancy and perception, and the wistfully sad relationship between the Prince from another planet and the downed pilot, which ends in a transcendent acceptance of death, is exquisite once the refusal to believe is eliminated. If you meet the work half way, you're absorbed entirely. Portman's music, and this performance, will bring you right into the vividly colored dream in an entirely accessible idiom. It would be easy but fruitless to condescend to this work. It's just so pretty, and the performances so fine, that all criticism falls by the wayside. Treble Joseph McManners is an ideal Prince; he never makes you sick with cuteness. Baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes is always believable in the role of the Pilot--and this is not an easy, throwaway part. The familiar Leslie Garrett, Tom Randle, and Willard White are on hand as soloists too, and former boy soprano Aled Jones makes a cameo. This is beautiful, charming music that complements the words. The more one hears the music itself, the more unselfconsciously enchanting it becomes. Drop your pre-conceptions and enjoy. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

To watch the stars rise to.......2007-04-18

When the BBC production of The Little Prince was playing on our local public TV station two years ago, I was sick on the couch--sick enough that I was there to see it 4 times as it was repeated over the week. I suspect I had West Nile, because in addition to various roving physical symptoms, I was in a slightly odd, emotionally reflective state of mind for days--during which this musical score of The Little Prince simply engraved itself into my head. Eventually recoverying from pining over the eventual demise of my '81 Subaru and again able to stand up and not pass out, I ordered this CD and the music to this day elicits a quiet wonder unique from any other favored music I enjoy. Something very special about this seemingly simple work.

The Prince is Flying ..........2005-04-25

Portman herself describes this as a "children's opera". It is full of children's voices, and, as one result of this, is so charming that one can easily underestimate its other qualities: its wit, its inventiveness (the duet between the adult soprano and the boy treble is especially unusual), and the sense it evokes of soaring, yearning flight. The libretto is beautifully judged, and the whole captures wonderfully the mirage quality of the book. A lovely, haunting, moving work.

Charming, if unvaried retelling of children's classic..........2005-04-07

An opera lover must be heartend when a major film composer decides to write an opera. It's doubtless less financially rewarding than writing film music, but still composers are drawn to this parallel form of musical story telling.

Unlike alpha-male symphonic film composers like John Williams or James Horner, Rachel Portman's scores have always maintained a certain delicacy--a certain distance from the writings of the old masters, and here she provides us with many charming and beautiful scenes. A smaller orchestra is employed, and much of the music has an impressionistic quality, with many plaintive solos for flute and oboe. Truly lovely melodies also emerge from the essentially through-composed work.

Yet Ms. Portman's unfamiliarity with operatic writing also shows through. First and foremost, I had a certain feeling of monotony. Each scene is beautifully scored, but how many times can one sing "Danny Boy" befoe one becomes sick of it? There was very little musical distinction between scnes. Secondly, the orchestral writing was much finer than the vocal writing, which often seemed repetitious and unimaginitive.

The fact that a boy soprano sings the lead shows a break with operatic tradion. In the end, this seems very much like a children's opera...though one that, like the beloved book upon which it is based, deals subtly with the meaning of love and death.

Average customer rating:

I wish I can give more than 10000 stars to this CD
Perfection!
A masterpiece
Fantastic

Higher
Aled Jones
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas Album
Aled
From the Heart
New Horizons
Journey with Aled Jones

ASIN: B0000C0XRK
Release Date: 2003-10-06

Tracks:

San Damiano (Heart and Soul)
Deep Peace (Gaelic Blessing)
You Raise Me Up
Where 'Er You Walk
Abide with Me
David of the White Rock
Marble Halls - Aled Jones, Julian Lloyd Webber,
Count Your Blessings
Be Still
Silent Night
Aberystwyth
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Aled Jones,

Customer Reviews:

I wish I can give more than 10000 stars to this CD.......2006-11-20

I have his "Aled" before and I thought it was very amazing, but this one "Higher" is even 10 times better than "Aled", really go to a "Higher" level and quality. There is not a single song that I do not find amazing, from the more "pop-oriented" San Damiano, more sacred version of "You Raise Me Up", traditional hymn "Abide With Me", and some other selections like "Marble Halls", christmas song "Silent Night", "Deep Peace", "Count Your Blessings", and Welsh selections "David of the White Rock", "Aberystwyth", etc. Don't hesitate, just buy it and you won't regret.

Perfection!.......2006-08-11

I'm starting my own grassroots effort to turn America onto Aled Jones! I've converted everyone at work and my family as well. I played "Abide With Me" at my Grandma's funeral and we all cried like babies. His music touches my soul like no other. My dream is to catch him in concert in the UK. That would be a thrill!

A masterpiece.......2004-07-13

Higher is a brilliant album! I purchased it several months ago and it has been the only CD I have listened to since. Aled has an amazing voice so rich with emotion. At times his voice is achingly sweet, angelic, and pure but then suddenly he will open up into this warm, full, deliciously rich, powerful baritone. He makes even the simplist word sound like poetry! Aled has a vocal tone very similar to Josh Groban but he still has his own sound. Maybe a little more on the classical side. The stand out selections on Higher are: San Damiano-probably the most pop sounding track on the album...so catchy with gorgeous vocals, Where 'Er You Walk-Handel must have had Aled's voice in mind when he wrote this several hundred years ago, David of the White Rock-The welsh lyrics add to the beauty of this haunting song, Count Your Blessing-Aled's voice at it sweetest...heavenly!, and Aberstwyth-Aled's voice at it's most powerful...and can this man SING! Other selections worth mentioning are You Raise Me Up and Marble Halls a great duet with cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. In closing, a masterpiece!

Fantastic.......2004-03-23

This cd was my first exposure to the music of Aled Jones, it belonged to my mother. I kept hearing the songs in my mind and now I have a copy of my own. The words are inspirational, uplifting and hauntingly beautiful

Average customer rating:

You Raise Me Up: The Best of Aled Jones

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Aled Jones
Christmas Album
Angel Voices
Higher
Living a Dream

ASIN: B000GWBO34
Release Date: 2006-12-04

Tracks:

You Raise Me Up
I Believe
Panis Angelicus - Aled Jones, Bryn Terfel
Walking in the Air - Aled Jones,
Deep Peace (Gaelic Blessing)
How Great Thou Art
Marble Halls - Aled Jones, Julian Lloyd Webber,
Silent Night - Aled Jones, Hayley Westenra
Vespera
All Through the Night (Ar Hyd y Nos)
Pie Jesu
My Life Flows On
Places (To the 'Out of Africa' Theme)
Abide with Me
San Damiano
Did You Not Hear My Lady?
Suo-G
O Holy Night - Aled Jones,

Album Description

2006 compilation from this Welsh vocalist, who initially hit the British Pop charts in 1985 with 'Walking In The Air' while still a young schoolboy. Aled Jones has gone on to become one of the most consistent vocalists in Britain. His voice may have dipped to a baritone, but Jones has still shifted over six million records, entertained the Pope and the Queen, and has even become something of a minor television celebrity. One hit wonder, he isn't. You Raise Me Up collects together highlights from his 16 albums to date. Featuring many of his best-loved hits including "I Believe", "Silent Night", "Abide With Me", "Marble Halls" and, of course, the title track. Jones has also pulled off the wonderful masterstroke of re-recording "Walking in the Air", superimposing his current voice onto the original to create a most enchanting self-duet. Universal

Album Details

Aled Jones is the Ultimate Entertainer, Travelling with Ease Between the Roles of TV Presenter, Radio Presenter and Singer He Has Won a Special Place in the Heart of the Nation. He's a Regular on Songs of Praise, Both Singing and Presenting, He also Presents Good Morning Sunday on Bbcr2 and the Choir on Bbcr3, He Performed at the Tsunami Relief Concert 2005, He was the Last Person Ever to Be Given the Red Book on this is Your Life and He Consistently Sells Out Tour Venue Across the Country. For this Album, Jones Has Gone Back Into the Studio and Re-recorded the Smash Hit `walking in the Air', as a Duet with his Young Self. It's 21 Years Since the Original Recording Stormed the Charts, and the Inclusion of this Track on the Album Will Make it a World Exclusive.

Pacini - Saffo / Pedaci, Pencheva, Bertagnolli, Ventre, A. Hall, De Candia, Baronchelli, Benini [Wexford Festival Live]

Average customer rating:

Pacini who?
Interesting and satisfying

Pacini - Saffo / Pedaci, Pencheva, Bertagnolli, Ventre, A. Hall, De Candia, Baronchelli, Benini [Wexford Festival Live]
Giovanni Pacini , Maurizio Benini , Francesca Pedaci , Mariana Pentcheva , National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland , Wexford Festival Opera Chorus , Gemma Bertagnolli , Carlo Ventre , Aled Hall , Roberto De Candia , and Davide Baronchelli
Manufacturer: Marco Polo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mercadante: La vestale
Meyerbeer: Semiramide
Mercadante: Il Giuramento
Federico Ricci: La prigione di Edimburgo (Highlights)
Pacini - L'ultimo giorno di Pompei / Giménez, Tamar, Rivenq, Bonfatti, S. Lee, Carella

ASIN: B00000465M
Release Date: 1996-12-17

Tracks:

Scena I - Preludio E Coro D'Introduzione
Scena II
Cavatina - Di Sua Voce Il Suon Giungea
Scena III - Faon
Scena IV - Quando Il Mio Caldo Genio
Scena V - Finale
Scena I - Al Crin Le Cingete La Rosea Corona
Scena E Cavatina - Ah! Con Lui Mi Fu Rapita
Scena II - Uno Stranier!
Duetto - Di Quai Soavi Lagrime
Scena III - Ancelle E Dette
Scena IV - Coro Dell'Imeneo
Scena V: Finale

Tracks:

Scena I - Signor Di Leucade, Occhio Del Cielo
Scena II - IPPIA, Aruspici, Quindi CLIMENA, E Delli
- Al seno stringi
Scena III - Ah! Giusta Pena Io Colsi
Scena IV - IPPIA, Aruspici, E Detto
Scena V - Parte Meno Ripida
Scena VI - Scena Ultima, FAONE, IPPIA, Neocori, E Detti

Customer Reviews:

Pacini who?.......2003-02-18

Imagine: no TV; no radio; no cars. This is the Italy of the 1840's. Every community of any size had an opera house and this was their entertainment. It is hard to imagine why this opera did not make it as it is, by any definition, a true masterpiece. It is hard to believe that those opera houses just didn't hear this great work. If they had, surely the bravos, would have flodded the house dozens and dozens of times, and after virtually evert aria, duet, and choral piece of the opera. Absolutely overwhelming !It is equal to early, if not middle, Verdi, and certainly serves as a link from Rossini and Bellini to Verdi. Not is this purely beautiful singing, there are tunes after tunes, Broadway play style! Hats off and deep, deep thanks to Opera Rara for a great recording of a great, great opera and for just an outstanding booklet and package! Folks, this is one that you just can't pass up. A shame that it is not in the standard repetoir. This is one in a thousand and don't die until you hear it and have your own copy to enjoy many, many times.

Interesting and satisfying.......2000-09-15

Pacini's Saffo is, despite its neglect, an artistic masterpiece well worth reviving for its own interest and for its place in the development of opera. While a master of the bel canto style, Pacini concentrates more on lovely singing than on vocal pyrotechnics. Fine legato and phrasing are required and are rewarded by producing a highly satisfactory experience.

This recording from the Wexford Festival serves the opera well. The principals, though not outstanding, do serve the piece adequately. The women seem to me to have more difficulty than the men do, especially in the range required and with the extent of low notes that seem to produce difficulty. Saffo sounds more like a mezzo than a soprano role and while Francesca Padaci sings some wonderful passages in the title role, her voice doesn't quite fit the needs of the part. By contrast, I greatly enjoyed the tenor, Carlo Ventre, singing the part of Saffo's fickle lover. Roberto de Candia singing the baritone role of Alcandro, Saffo's unknown father (The plot, in a fairly strong libretto, is not more plausible than most such classical efforts.) also produces a strong and enjoyable performance. Though "fit" of the voice to the role is also a problem with the other female principal, Marina Pentchava, as Climene (Saffo's sister who steals her lover,) she nevertheless produces some lovely singing.

The Wexford Festival Chorus turns in a worthwhile performance, though I confess that I could not make out any of the words sung by the female half of the chorus. The National Symphony of Ireland, under Maurizio Benini, performs adequately, with the wind sections (which play a prominent part in the proceedings) being particularly noteworthy. The sound is good, though a bit on the cold and distant side, and the audience for the performance are rendered marginal. Finally, the booklet is a model of its kind. One might wish for a major company to record the opera with some outstanding singers, to see how much more exciting such treatment would render this work. Failing that, the present production makes a very satisfactory addition to one's collection if one is interested in widening the scope of one's enjoyment of mid- 19th century opera.

Average customer rating:

The voice of an angel!

Beautiful, haunting Christmas Album

Christmas Album
Aled Jones
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
International | Imports | Stores | Music
General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Higher

The Best of Aled Jones

Aled

Ave Maria

New Horizons

ASIN: B0005F2ZK8
Release Date: 2004-12-06

Tracks:

Away In The Manger
In The Bleak Midwinter
Silent Night (Ft Hayley Westenra)
Candlelight Carol
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Come O Come Emmanuel
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance
Little Road To Bethlehem
Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Angel Gabriel
Still, Still, Still
Conventry Carol
O Holy Night (Ft Young Aled) (Bonus Track)
Do You Hear What I Hear (Bonus Track)
Silent Night (Solo Version) (Bonus Track)

Album Description

ABC Classics. 2004.

Album Details

International Artist and One of the UK'S Most Popular Singers, Aled Jones Presents "The Christmas Album".

Customer Reviews:

The voice of an angel!.......2006-11-27

I stumbled across this album quite by accedent and it hasn't been off my CD player since. Aled Jones really has the most beautiful male voice I've ever heard. His beautiful renditions of some of the most well known and loved christmas carols, as well as some of the less well known is a delight to the ears. His versions of The Covantry Carol, The Angel Gabriel and God Rest You Merry Gentle men gave me goose bumps and his duet Silent Night sung with Hayley Westenra is really too beautiful for words to do it justice. This album really is not to be missed.

Beautiful, haunting Christmas Album.......2005-11-19

I have to admit to being an absolute sop and say I LOVE CHRISTMAS and Christmas music. I am manic at this time of year. This is one of the most beautiful Christmas albums I have heard. Aled Jones has a beautiful soothing voice and being a traditionalist I love the songs he has chosen. It is worth buying this CD purely for the most haunting versions of the `Coventry Carol' you will ever hear. His duet on `Silent Night' with Hayley Westenra is also magnificent, along with my favourite carol `The Angel Gabriel'. He also sings a duet with himself on the bonus track `O Holy Night', himself as a boy soprano which will take your breath away. If you want a haunting, beautiful and soothing traditional Christmas album don't miss this one because it is a real Gem.

Average customer rating:

Can I give it 6 stars?
I cant wait for the album getting here
A pure and calming voice
Just Beautiful

Aled
Aled Jones
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Higher
Christmas Album
The Best of Aled Jones
New Horizons
Ave Maria

ASIN: B00006J3KG
Release Date: 2002-10-21

Tracks:

I Believe
My Life Flows On
Vespera
Pie Jesu
Suo Gan
Did You Not Hear My Lady
Ave Maria
How Great Thou Art
Do You Hear What I Hear
All Through The Night (Ar Hyd Y Nos)
Panis Angelicus
Nunc Dimittis
Lead Kindly Light
O Holy Night (Duet With Young Aled)

Album Description

The boy soprano, famous for his rendition of 'Walking In The Air' from Raymond Briggs' The Snowman, returns after a time away from the music industry (16 years to be exact). The album comprises a mix of popular classical songs which help showcase his unique vocal talents. Aled also features the song 'O Holy Night', a duet with himself when he was still a young boy. Universal. 2002.

Album Details

The Boy Countertenor of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Original "Requiem" Recording is all Grown Up Now and Has Returned to the Recording Arena. This Specialt Disc Includes Many Popular Favorites, Including the Older, Baritone Jones in Duet with his Younger, Countertenor Self on "o Holy Night" and his Solo Take on the Piece that Made Him Famous, "Pie Jesu".

Customer Reviews:

Can I give it 6 stars?.......2006-08-11

I bought my first album after listening to one song that debuted on Classic FM (back when they were allowed to stream outside of the UK). The song was "All through the Night" and I've been hooked on Aled ever since. I gladly paid through the teeth at Amazon.co.uk or whenever I visited London. His music is that good. I have his albums on the speaker system at my work and of all the 50+ albums played, his gets the most inquiries. I'm so glad that his music is now available in the states. It really is the most beautiful, effortless voice I've heard. And there is something else in his phrasing that is so incredibly sincere. He's not just singing the words, he's feeling them. I can't say enough wonderful things about his music. Just buy a CD and you won't regret it. I promise. And for those looking for a truly unique Christmas experience, buy the Christmas album!

I cant wait for the album getting here.......2006-06-04

Well, I have not listen the entire CD yet. I just discovered him when I search for Hayley Westenra's videos in youtube, I saw a video that Hayley Westenra, Choirboys, and other ppl singing "who will buy". Actually the performers were all good, but suddenly I heard a rich, powerful but clear and smooth baritone voice came out, I was like "oh my god, who is this guy? His voice is so amazing and beautiful", seem like he was the one stand out the most in the whole performance. Then I continue to search for him, listening his "silent night", "do you hear what I hear?", "places", and "you raise me up", he sings every song in different voices, he can sing in a soft, crystalic tenor voice, and also in a rich baritone voice, depending on what song he is singing. Actually most of his singing I heard he prefers to use tenor voice, but I like his baritone voice more :) However, after listening this amazing singer I have already made my mind to buy his CD. I cant wait for the album to get here. But how come no US ppl know this gorgeous singer? I am just 22, not a very old guy though, but I think the mainstreams and raps in US all suck. Mostly when I see a rapper trying to "rap in a cool attitude" I wanna go on stage to give him a punch, coz I dont think they even know what they are doing on stage, basically just bull sxxting. US so-called music just always the same and the new generation mainstream singers almost all performed so boring that I could not even listen till the chorus, but instead US young ppl think some singing styles like Aled Jones does is boring!! Well I guess maybe the trashes produced by US music industry have ruined the audience's taste. I recommend US audiences really need to listen to this album and realize how "truly good singer" sounds like, I think Aled Jones is one of the most gorgeous voice I have heard in my life, if u missed a chance to listen his voice I think u have missed one of the most beautiful moment in ur life.

A pure and calming voice.......2004-07-04

I was not aware of Aled Jones until a recent stay in England. Surely he is one of the most neglected and underrated voices in the world today. He has been singing since a child and his adult voice retained the clarion nature of his boyish charm. This man is an outstanding Welsh tenor and should be heard to be appreciated; his is a pure and crystal sound.

Just Beautiful.......2003-06-24

The CD is beautiful. Aled has an amazing voice, in the true Welshman tradition! But I have to say that the last track is stunning. O Holy Night was recorded as a duet with himself as a young lad. Young Aled's voice was recorded in a cave in Bethlehem (during a Christmas BBC TV special). It's been resurrected and dubbed in with today's Aled. The accoustics of the cave make young Aled's voice sound like a bell. The mature Aled's voice with the young Aled's voice gave me goose-pimples.

Average customer rating:

Pleasant but mediocre
He's still got it
Its the voice.....

From the Heart
Aled Jones
Manufacturer: Planet Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005424M
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Father and Son
Whenever God Shines His Light
Morning Has Broken
Power of Love
I Found a Dream
Tears in Heaven
Tell Me Boy
What a Wonderful World
Christmas Song
Because
Garden (Instrumental)
Amazing Grace
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Heal the World
I Will
Because (Aled's 4-Part Harmony-Just Because)

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant but mediocre.......2002-01-03

I'm not sure what I expected from the now grown Aled Jones but I have to say that I was disaapointed by this album. The once exceptional treble voice has matured into a very pleasant but very mediocre tenor. The odd electic collection of songs belies a person with such backround and training. Still having said this, to be fair the album is at least pleasant easy listening.

He's still got it.......2001-06-09

I own and love many of Aled's renowned treble recordings, and was delighted to come across this recent album by the now young tenor and BBC broadcaster. I must say that "From the Heart" has become one of my favorite easy-listening choices, somewhat to my surprise. I find the collection of songs a bit disjointed (e.g., what's The Christmas Song doing next to a Beatles piece and Tears in Heaven?) - that's the only reason for the 4 stars - but Aled's gorgeous tenor voice is a straight 5.

He has an extremely even and smooth straight tone, save for a slight (and rather attractive, I think) vibrato flutter at the very end of certain lines which he has had since his soprano days. It is an unusual treat to hear such exquisite phrasing and control brought to pop standards (he puts me in mind of The King's Singers, a group in which I think he would fit marvelously). In these songs, you can literally hear the years of cathedral training; Aled has probably been studying singing since he could speak.

Among my favorites are I Found a Dream, Because, and Make Me a Channel of Your Peace. Be prepared - the sincerity and perfection with which the latter is delivered may actually draw your tears. Although it seems that Aled has not chosen to pursue the full-time classical performance career which would have been very open to him -- and one can rather understand his choice, after spending his entire childhood as a working professional -- I'm sure that many people the world over would welcome future releases from this exceptionally polished and unusually experienced young artist.

Its the voice............2001-05-09

I bought this album after hearing Aled Jones on BBC's Songs of Praise. He really does have a powerful voice. Nothing fancy - just a really clear, defined voice that is seemingly perfect. And the songs, although traditional, are a healthy mix of new, old, loved and uknown. Try it out - its the sort of CD where you can put it on while in a traffic jam, ...and relax.

Average customer rating:

O Ymyl Y Lloer (The Edge of the Moon)

Manufacturer: Sain Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009UNB8O
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Handel: Messiah; Athalia; Esther; La Resurrezione

Average customer rating:

Handel: Messiah; Athalia; Esther; La Resurrezione

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Handel - Arminio / Genaux, McGreevy, Labelle, Custer, Petroni, Buwalda, Ristori, Il Complesso Barocco, Curtis
Handel: Radamisto
Handel: The Occasional Oratorio /Gritton * Milne * Bowman * Ainsley * George * The King's Consort * King
Magdalena Kozená ~ Handel Italian Cantatas / Les Musiciens du Louvre, Minkowski
Handel: The Triumph of Time and Truth

ASIN: B0009A41VK
Release Date: 2005-10-11