‘Magnificent’ tenor Russell Watson goes down a storm in Newbury church

Russell Watson Magnificent Buildings Concert Tour

at St Nicolas’ Church, Newbury on Saturday December 28

Review by DEREK ANSELL

It was, as previewed in the NWN, a star gig turn, at St Nicolas’ Church. Russell Watson, singer of classical and popular music came to town as part of his magnificent buildings tour.

The town’s parish church joined with the likes of cathedrals in Chichester Blackburn, Glasgow, St Albans, Liverpool and others.

On arrival at St Nic’s on Saturday there was no entry at the main entrance. Everybody was directed to the side door by bouncers, where a long queue stretched way back along West Mills.

Entering the church people were directed one by one to their numbered seats. I have never seen quite so many people packed into the church for one particular show. Russell Watson’s reputation preceded him.

The tenor has sold over seven million albums and performed in front of the late Queen, the Pope and two US presidents. And the voice is powerful, even when he chooses to sing without the microphone , as he did, briefly, on Shenandoah. This was a special moment.

He can, and does, put as much power and effectiveness into songs as unlike each other as O Sole Mio and Henry Mancini’s Moon River, the latter played along with a brief few bars of Debussy, as part of pianist Mark Moran’s introduction. I understand he even sings Just One Cornetto on the tour sometimes, but Newbury missed out on that one.

Ave Maria was interspersed with Intermezzo and Watson demonstrated his range and attention to effective dynamics on Send In The Clowns. He can build up his vibrant voice in most impressive fashion on songs like this and end some phrases with little more than a whisper of sound.

Special guest Nancy May sang Over The Rainbow with warmth and clarity, her soprano voice caressing the lyrics. Perhaps more suited to her voice, she gave a vivid performance on O Mio Babbino Caro. She also locked together very effectively with Watson on their duet.

Nancy’s second half appearance featured a song from My Fair Lady which she delivered with power.

Russell knew well how to please his audience and asked if anybody would like to hear an Elvis Presley song. A woman near the front asked for Love Me Tender and that is exactly what she got. With Russell managing a goodish Presley imitation, no less.

I thought his encore, Abide With Me featured his best singing of the evening. It was, at times, difficult to accept that all the music was sung and performed by just three people, Russell, Nancy and keyboard wizard Mike Moran. It was though.

Last week’s @newburytoday interview pointed to Watson’s performing for VIPs, but wondered about how he would be received by a Mrs Bloggs in Strawberry Hill, Newbury. Judging by the thunderous applause and stomping feet at the end of this concert there were hundreds of Mrs Bloggs’ present, listening and enjoying the singing on this evening.

The standing ovation was testament to the show’s success.