Search - Walker, Vignoles :: Blah Blah Blah & Other Trifles

HAH, HAH, HAH

seventeen_apartment@hotmail.com | Australia | 01/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the classical singers on the international circuit today, Sarah Walker is definitely our favourite, and has been for many years. Her interpretation, phrasing, warmth of tone and sheer power have been heard in Opera, lieder, french song etc., but this album is an endorsement of her great sense of style and wit in the modern repertoire.It was with some trepidation we bought and listened to BLAH BLAH BLAH - "what could Sarah Walker do with these songs ? ", we wondered ? Would she sound like other opera stars trying to sound trendy ? Would we cringe with embarassment as she added unnecessary cadenza's and trills everywhere ? All completely groundless.We were hooked after the first playing and have recommended the CD to many others who are also hooked.Sarah Walkers' humour and tongue-in-cheek interpretation are hilarious. Of course all the hall marks of a great singer are still present and the recording is enhanced greatly by being able to hear every single word - a great necessity with "Table Settings" and the "Usherettes Blues" . However, there are also other gems tucked away on the CD, such as Bernsteins' " Who am I?" from his Broadway show "Peter Pan" and the evergreen "There are fairies at the bottom of our garden" by Lehman.It is a live recording from the Wigmore Hall, and Sarah Walker is greatly supported by her pianist Roger Vignoles. If you only listen to one song - make it the Flanders and Swan " A Word on my Ear", and, if you have ever been a singer, you will know how difficult it is to sing off-key, but Sarah Walker does it with such aplomb, that when you pick yourself up off the floor, you will say - that's singing - that's comedy - that's Sarah Walker !"