Memorable evening with ‘The Voice’

The ‘Voice’ is certainly back – and with a vengeance! Russell Watson not only packed them in again, but the lad from Salford’s programme seemed to show even greater variety and versatility.

Of course, presentation is crucial, and here Russell is the supreme showman. Opening with O Sole Mio, he had the audience onside from the first bar, and by starting the closing set with Nessun Dorma, he knew just how to wind his listeners up for the final offering. But one of Russell’s greatest assets is the way he moves so seamlessly from an operatic aria to a belting rock and roll number, or from Ave Maria to a real old standard like Georgia, with the vocal production exactly right each time, aided by some great musical accompaniment.

Joining him on this 19-venue UK tour was Liverpool-based a capella ensemble Sense of Sound, who provided the vocal backings as well as giving Russell a well-deserved breather with a couple of solos, where their virtuoso performance of Cry Me A River was breathtaking.

With a spot of audience participation, the customary walkabout, and everyone thronged at the front at the end for autographs, this was classic entertainment at its best, and even if the amplification seemed occasionally over-cooked, nothing could detract from such a thoroughly memorable evening in the presence of a sincere, yet totally slick professional.

Source: This is Plymouth