Serenata is one of the stronger albums to be released independently as far as production and sound quality is concerned (and the physical album design is worth a mention, too). It's polished and it even has the odd song written for Gari Glaysher from none other than Luciano Pavarotti's daughter, Cristina.
Glaysher's performance is unrelentlessly passionate and driven throughout the album. The opening song 'Romanza' exemplifies his ability to carry a melody with ease, but also to narrate us through a story as he sings with such conviction and power (not to mention his superb diction). He has the range of a tenor, but has the deeper and richer tones of a baritone which gives him a unique flavour.
The album Serenata is refreshing and quite creative in its selection compared to other crossover albums. It has a good balance between predictable standards (Sarah Brightman's 'Nella Fantasia', Bocelli's 'Con Te Partiro' and Handel's 'Sarabande'). If there was only one word that could be used for Gari Glaysher, it would be 'passion'. Serenata is an album that delights in introducing its audience to unpredictable material but more importantly it delivers conviction and emotion from a tireless singer whose energy is infectious and touching.
Review Nicola Jarvis www.classical-crossover.co.uk
When I first heard Gari Glaysher sing ‘Sarabande’ I was absolutely blown away. I kept playing it and playing it. I thought “this is not like you as you never do that” but there was something very special about his voice and his interpretation that made me want to hear more..
Being an Opera singer myself, it takes an extra special voice to gain my attention and he certainly did that. I was so impressed that I asked him if he would like to record a couple of duets for a new album I was doing at the time and was so overjoyed when he said yes..
We were both thrilled with the end results of the duets we did on “Anytime Anywhere” and the feedback has just been overwhelming..
His new CD ‘Serenata’ is just wonderful. His soaring Tenor voice gives one goosebumps, and as before ‘Sarabande” stands out for me. Each track can stand on its own (not like most Cd’s you buy that if you’re lucky you like 2 or 3 tracks.) this is NOT the case with this CD. Each song is unique in its own way and Gari gives of his best. This is a voice that should be heard by everyone…..A voice that is One in a million !!!!
Kathleen Procter-Moore, opera and classical/crossover soprano
Gari Glaysher has excelled himself on debut album, Serenata. I knew this spinto tenor was something special when I heard him sing live at Indig02 last year, but this album cements that belief. A collection of gorgeous, popular Italian love songs and serenades, 'Serenata' includes two songs which were written and composed by Andrea Bellentani and Cristina Pavarotti, daughter of the famed opera tenor. They were offered personally to Gari by the composer and lyricist- now, can you get a bigger stamp of approval than that?
Gari is passionate about opera and passionate about Italy and here, those two loves meld into a delectable whole. The track 'Sarabande' is not quite as it seems, set to the classical music by Handel, it is however sung with original lyrics written by Gari himself, their prowess revealing not only a powerful voice but a talented lyricist. Amongst the many lovely inclusions is 'Nella Fantasia', a favourite with audiences, given a new lease of life under Gari's vocals, as is the breathtaking album closer 'Con te Partiro'.
Gari has a beautiful warmth to his voice, and anyone who has still to discover the beauty of opera would do well to being right here. Fans are already desperate to find out when the new album will be released, and rumour has it that it will be spring 2010.
Keep up to date with the latest on his website, www.gariglaysher.net, where you can also buy a signed copy of the album; the perfect treat for yourself or a wonderful present for someone else this Christmas.
Shelley Marsden
Irish World Newspaper
I fell in love with Gari's music five years ago, when I first heard his rendition of E lucevan le Stelle and Aranjuez which is my favourite to date. His breathtaking vocals left me spell bound wanting for more…I remember getting in touch with him asking where I could purchase his music. He was so gracious he sent me the music as the cds were sold out. Since then I have become a huge fan.
“Serenata” is an album not to be missed. Exciting, dynamic, world class, that won’t leave you disappointed.
Gari's execution leaves me breathless. He has a unique and rare quality in his voice, with his soulful touch, embracing each word,
that takes you to amazing heights as you wait to exhale with him…
He is a brilliant Spinto Tenor, an outstanding lyricist with a heavenly and rich voice, that delivers straight from the soul.
Well done Gari, outstanding in every way.
May you always be passionate and inspired to create and continue to touch so many with your magical talent.
Best regards,
Much love
Rania Watson, Director and Producer
Headway Studios
E: rania@headwaystudios.com.au
A while back, a friend drew my attention to Gari Glaysher and suggested, given that he knew I loved music; that I should check out Gari’s CD “Serenata”. I went to his web site to find out more and discovered this hugely talented, good looking (and most reprehensible), YOUNG, man. Some people are just beyond the pale! I listened to some clips and as a consequence bought the CD.
I loved it! It went straight to my iPod and I have been listening to it regularly ever since.
I am not an operatic purist. So you will need to seek answers from others as to where Gari sits in comparison to the “great” tenors.
But Gari is a singer of huge talent, musicality and emotion - and emotion is of the heart; the heart is where music comes from (when it is good); and also where it goes to. Gari has a fabulous voice. But more importantly he sings with his heart not simply his voice. A voice can be trained and Gari’s clearly has – but the heart and emotion is instinctive, natural - and he has it in spades. From beginning to end, this CD can transport me from a troubled World directly to a Tuscan hillside, with a glass of red wine, great food and a pace of life that proves, whatever else goes on in this World it is still a beautiful place.
Thank you Gari for “Serenata”; a great album that is my passport to a better World, wherever I listen to it.
David P Elliot, Author of "Clan"
In today’s world of churned-out, canned, and commercialized music that all starts to sound the same, Gari Glaysher is a uniquely rare talent and a proven world class star. He possesses an amazing voice, staying power, and a good soul… a powerful combination today. Serenata is a must have for anyone that appreciates truly fine music. You will find yourself playing this CD over and over. And you will realize that you can’t be without it!
Lee Travathan, Recognized as the world’s top mentor to artists worldwide by Mentors Magazine.
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