Search - John Newton, Anonymous, BBC Concert Orchestra :: Lesley Garrett - I Will Wait For You

Not a diva in the traditional sense, Lesley Garrett is establishing herself as a kind of musical Michael Barrymore. A comfortable and generous host, she lets young Ramón Vargas shine alongside herself in "Parigi o cara" from La Traviata while Ladysmith Black Mambazo provides an interesting contrast to Garrett on the closing track. Undeniably, Garrett is happiest alone in front of the band, be it the BBC Concert or Grimethorpe Colliery. Among many seamless arrangements are a delightfully schmaltzy version of "La Vie en rose" and the beautiful new Karl Jenkins composition "He Wishes for the Clothes of Heaven." Her take on Handel's "Tornami a vagheggiar" is frank and confident, though lacking in intimacy and ensemble play. "Bel raggio lusinghier" from Rossini's Semiramide is flawless, but Cole Porter's "Night and Day" sure don't swing. Garrett takes her widening audience on a distinctly unrocky road. Making sure she won't have to wait too long for her next gold, she makes the noises we like to hear, and therein lies the secret of her success. --Yngvil V.G.