Russell Watson Live

The Italian is one sign of Pavarotti's influence. So are the little quaver he throws in at the climax of "O sole mio," his stylish treatment of "Torna a Surriento" and "Mattinata," and his choice of Pavarotti's opera favorites, "E lucevan le stelle" and "Nessun dorma." But he has a stylistic versatility that practically defines "crossover"--he sings rock, Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Italian pop songs "Caruso" and "Volare" (the best recording since composer Domenico Modugno's long ago). The live show from New Zealand includes two guest stars, Faye Tozer (of the British pop group Steps) and young New Zealander Hayley Westenra, plus a children's chorus. --Joe McLellan

I bought the Russell Watson DVD hoping for the best and I honestly did not expect him to be such an effective performer. Yes, he sings differently from Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, etc. but this is what makes him an original. Just let go and appreciate him as Russell Watson. All I know was that he was able to raise goose pimples several times during the concert and I simply had a extremely gratifying concert experience.


A gem of a concert DVD!   April 10, 2003
Weiwen (Singapore)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

When I first heard Russell Watson on CD at my local HMV a couple of years back....I was simply taken away by that powerful, yet emotive factor so reasonant on that voice. Without hesitation, I listened to a couple of tracks from the CD and I was hooked..Volare blew me away and for what seemed like an eternity, I was flying up there with Watson among the clouds ..(felice di stare lassu'...).

This DVD is a gem indeed and a must for all fans. If you have a 5.1 set-up at home, that's even better as Watson's superb vocals emanate beautifully and the surrounds convey the crowded atmosphere of the outdoor concert. In other words, simply a treat as there you have it....your very own front row seat in front of this young tenor. Watson's strong stage presence and charisma is remarkable and he uses his witty charm to good effect. Eg. When announcing the arrival of guest singer Faye Toyser, someone screams crazily from the crowd. Russell appears very amused,throws a glance towards the direction of the culprit and shoots a humorous question,"Do you know me more?" :)

Unlike the older tenors like Pavarotti and Domingo(who are undoubtedly opera legends themselves), Watson utilizes his youthful energy to good effect, especially during the Volare cue where he does a couple of neat steps(.."Una musica dolce suonava soltanto per me") that will put a smile to your face. Imagine Pavarotti doing a little dance like that?! When he sings O' Sole Mio, you'll be mesmerised by his passionate inflections and energy.

The young NZ guest singer Hayley Westenra is absolutely impressive and when she starts off Pokarekare Ana.... I was absolutely spellbinded by the beauty of her pristine voice that echoed lightly throughout my living room.

Overall, a gem of a concert DVD!!! E' magnifico!!!


Fantastic performance   February 27, 2003
Leland R. Somers (Vallejo, CA United States)
20 out of 21 found this review helpful

Russell Watson is more than "The Voice" he is a phenomenon on stage. His voice is certainly one of the most beautiful that the world has ever heard. He is a gift to the entire planet.

What makes watching him so wonderful, aside from the voice of the century, is the smile that lights up everything; a smile that lets you know that he is having the best time in the world. He clearly loves what he does and it shows, man does it show.


Super DVD (Best xmas present I've ever had)   May 11, 2003
Mr. M. J. FRAYNE (Swansea, South Wales. UK.)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

First heard Russell singing at the opening of the Commonwelth games in Manchester, was instantly hooked, bought the DVD and enjoyed it so much that I rushed out to buy all the CD's he's made. My wife and I were lucky enough to get two tickets for his live Show at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena, with a middle row four from the front seat, it was a night to remember, the man's a oneoff.
Buy this DVD with confidence, but beware you will get hooked like me.