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Why Raider?… Time to ‘fess-up! I have thoroughly raided many singers over the years, shamelessly trying to copy sounds they made, the way they phrased, the way they used the microphone, just about anything musically & vocally. Some were simply too high (but that didn’t stop me … to begin with!) And some were girls! Thievery was not my intention, it was out of admiration, amazement and fun. Here’s a list of some - roughly in order of discovery:

Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Vic Damone, Scott Walker, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand Jack Jones…and then Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye, BB King, Bishop Neal Roberson!

I enjoy ‘The American Songbook’ standard repertoire, and the Art Songs that came from that era. in many ways, I don’t think the quality of writing has been bettered but the lyrics (superb quality though they are) sometimes feel dated or ‘of a time’.

It seems to me the best singers of these Art Songs are not really crooners, They are technically accomplished singers having something in common with light opera and early musical theatre singers - this is not surprising, really. Here are some of the vocal attributes in my opinion:

• A ‘good’ rich and complex voice
• Excellent breath control
• A good range with strong high notes (slightly operatic, compared to modern twang)
• Good diction/enunciation
• Dramatic vocal capability
• Well controlled vibrato
• Capable of some impressive vocal excursions, perhaps a hint of virtuosity (rather like opera singers)
• Good storytelling skills
• Accurate pitching of the sometimes challenging intervals
• Generally controlled and assured, but with some breath-taking dramatic moments
• Artistic use of the microphone
• Minimal electronic processing - with the exception of reverb

Below is an ‘album’ of ‘Art’ songs, or you can go to the songs page.

Une Collection De Chansons D'art 1 - zipped mp3s

Une Collection De Chansons D'art 1 - full WAV

Une Collection De Chansons D’art 1 Video/Audio On YouTube

I Got Lost In Her Arms - I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Our To Dry -I Will Wait For You
I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face - Miss Otis Regrets - On Days Like These
Once Upon A Summertime - People - The Hungry Years - The Summer Knows
When Joanna Loved Me - You Go To My Head - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life