Ettore Stratta, Jose Cura - Boleros

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Music reviews of Boleros

Music Review: Cura and Boleros - - Both Totally Seductive
Rating: 5 Stars

The success of such a romantic and introspective CD rests on the ability of the singer to convince the listener of the honesty of the music--and José Cura is more than up to the task. An outstanding dramatic tenor in demand by opera houses around the world, Cura displays equally impressive vocal technique as a 'pop' singer. Effortlessly reining in his thrilling, full-bodied operatic voice, Cura caresses the notes of these easily-accessible songs with a natural sensitivity that illuminates the lyrics with astonishing insight: he seems born to sing this type of music. From mellow baritone depths through achingly-lovely tenor heights, Cura succeeds with disarming tonal quality and charming directness.

The smooth-jazz rhythms and inventive orchestration work to infuse the album with the sultry atmosphere of a night club. The piano work of Jorge Calandrelli is particularly memorable; it's the perfect accompaniment for Cura's lush, emotional voice.

This is a first rate, first time pop effort from one of the most intriguing and complete vocal artists on the market, presented with intelligence and captivating freshness. Don't buy the CD expecting to hear a divo--there's no high-brow operatic excesses here. Rather, buy it to hear a sensitive vocal artist at the peak of his interpretive powers, an all-round artist who is capable of presenting a uniquely beautiful interpretation of the romantic music he grew up listening to in his native Argentina. Then sit back and listen as Cura's warm, expressive, and lovely voice works magic with these songs.

While he will undoubtedly remain one of the biggest stars of the opera world, I'm already (eagerly) looking forward to Cura's next venture into this more accessible genre.

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