Two rounds of aural joy arrived today. First, Percy Faith's soundtrack to The Oscar finally arrived from Amazon almost a month after release. Now I know that Tony Bennett has gotten a little bonkers in his old age, but his rendition of "Maybe September" on this album is phenomenal--the man's breath control defies description. These are huge, arching lines (gigantic intervals), and I swear he takes about two breaths during the entire song. Phrases just hang on and on with absolutely perfect vibrato. Such a welcome change from the likes of Josh Groban.
And second, the "test CD" from Saturday's Tigard Pops concert arrived. This is the first "professional" (it's the guy's hobby) recording we've had done, and it's blowing my mind. This group is open to the public, no audition required, but I must say they sound absolutely incredible. Our version of Rick Astley's "Cry for Help" is goosebump-inducing, if I do say so myself (and I do, I do--ooh, a Schmidt/Jones reference).