Search - Yanni Voices :: Yanni Voices [CD/DVD]

An Astounding Musical Experience

Joel S. Peters | New Jersey, USA | 05/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About 2 months ago I happened to catch a PBS broadcast of this concert performance, and I was instantly mesmerized by it. This experience led me to buy the CD and then ultimately see Yanni in concert at Radio City Music Hall on May 2. It was an absolutely amazing event, both musically and visually.



Previously, I only owned Yanni's "Live at the Acropolis" CD. I recently bought three more of his CDs, and all are nothing short of excellent. As far as I know, all of Yanni's previous works are almost entirely instrumental, so "Voices" represents a departure from his usual work in that regard. There is still a connection, however, to these other works because several of the tracks on "Voices" are previous Yanni songs with lyrics added. The lyrics were either written entirely by the singers themselves or in collaboration with Yanni (and a few others).



I can understand that some reviewers may be unaccustomed to hearing a substantial vocal content to Yanni's music, but this in no way detracts from the album. Quite the contrary, the vocals are profoundly moving and make this album a phenomenal piece of artistry. If I had to characterize the vocal quality of each of the four singers I would say:



Chloe: sultry, sensual

Leslie Mills: angelic, velvety

Nathan Pacheco: majestic, emotive

Ender Thomas: impassioned, exotic



The album has 17 tracks which represent a rather eclectic mix of music:



1) Omaggio (Tribute): performance by Nathan with Chloe on a few background vocals in the beginning; Italian lyrics

2) The Keeper: solo performance by Leslie

3) Our Days: a mostly instrumental piece (Middle-Eastern flavor) with some vocals by Leslie

4) Never Leave the Sun: solo performance by Leslie

5) Before the Night Ends: solo performance by Leslie

6) 1001: instrumental

7) Más Allá: solo performance by Ender; Spanish lyrics

8) Unico Amore (Enchantment): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics

9) Vivi Il Tuo Sogno (Almost a Whisper): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics

10) Orchid: instrumental (Asian flavor)

11) Set Me Free: solo performance by Chloe

12) Kill Me With Your Love: solo performance by Chloe

13) Mi Todo Eres Tú (Until the Last Moment): duet by Chloe and Ender; lyrics in Spanish (mostly) and English

14) Rituál de Amor (Desire): solo performance by Ender; Spanish lyrics

15) Moments Without Time: instrumental (piano and guitar)

16) Nei Tuoi Occhi (In the Mirror): duet by Chloe and Nathan; Italian and English lyrics

17) Amare di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics



I would also add that the musicians on this album, especially those who play violin, cello, and harp, are incredibly talented. (Each of them was spotlighted in a solo performance at the Radio City Music Hall concert.)



I would heartily recommend this album. I have not stopped listening to it since I bought it. In my estimation, it not only represents the amazing musical talent that Yanni possesses, it also is a forum to introduce four very gifted singers to the music/performance world.



Other Considerations:

This CD comes packaged with a bonus DVD that includes the following tracks (some of which are not on the CD): Unico Amore (Enchantment), Kill Me With Your Love, Change, Ritual de Amor (Desire), Before the Night Ends, Amare di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor), Mi Todo Eres Tu (Until the Last Moment), The Keeper, Nei Tuoi Occhi (In the Mirror), Bajo el Cielo de Noviembre (November Sky), Omaggio (Tribute), and Tour Highlights. These tracks are *not* taped from tour performances; they are studio versions, either with Yanni sitting at the piano playing while one of the four singers performs a song or tapings of studio recordings (the duets). The tracks also include some commentary by Yanni and the album's producer, Rick Wake.



The CD comes with a menu of choices that include links to (a) get the lyrics to the album's songs; (b) join Yanni's fan club; (c) get information about this album's tour; and (d) tell Disney records what you think about the CD.

"

Disappointing

Eduardo Maubert | mexico city | 05/11/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I went to the original concert in Acapulco, it was nice, but from that moment we doubted about how good the CD would be. Yanni's music has been always great, but when you change your focus from the music to the voices, the result is not quite interesting. The singers perform well, but it is nothing exceptionally good. If you want to listen to some good music, the CD is OKAY, but if you expect more of real Yanni, wait a bit for a new production."

Fabulous blend of Yanni's melodies and fresh voices

Beth A Brezinski | 04/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yanni introduces some fantastic young singers in this new CD. The music is an eclectic mix of styles and languages, with Yanni's familiar melodies as the base to all of the songs. There were no bad songs on this CD! The following are my absolute favorites:



The Keeper - Leslie Mills. Mills' etherial voice adds to Yannis' haunting melody.



Our Days - Leslie Mills. This time, Leslie Mills song adds power to song with a decidedly Middle Eastern flair.



1001 - Yanni. This solo piece by Yanni is powerful and emotional. Yanni at his best!



Vivi Il Tuo Sogno - Nathan Pacheco. Pacheco's operatic voice adds new layers to this romantic, soulful melody.



Set Me Free - Chloe. Chloe's passionate vocals are edgy and powerful.

"