This is a terrific CD.  Of course, it has a gay slant to it, but these are some beautiful songs whether you're straight or gay. Niceto has an equally beautiful voice, rich and warm and full of emotion.  I loved this album.
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I love this CD.  It takes you through the full cycle of relationships.  From that great wonderful feeling of a new love to the heartbreak and pain of it ending.  Niceto Festin has a beautiful baritone voice and takes traditional 'female' classic romance songs and recreates these classics from a gay man’s perspective.  A must have for every gay man’s CD collection!!!  Great for cocktail parties and commitment ceremonies.
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UNDER THE RADAR 

Our weekly nod to a not-very-well-known CD that was released without much fanfare, but will find some fans. 

NICETO FESTIN 
LOVING THAT MAN 
Day For Night Productions 

I don't even know how to pronounce his first name, but the first four letters of it will give you an idea of how this man's CD sounds. While we're in sincere mode, I'd like to tell you about the debut recording of a singer named Niceto Festin. He reeks of sincerity in an unpretentious way. Without trying for tricks or fussy phrasing, he presents his material and serves the songs rather than showing off. He sounds comfortable with the material. Talkin' Broadway, there are well-known standards like "They Say It's Wonderful" from Annie Get Your Gun, two songs from Show Boat and "Bewitched" Pal Joey. Festin sounds as sincere in his approach to these famous tunes as anyone discussed above. He has a breathy quality with strength when he chooses to belt, and some nice low notes. No, he's not stunning in that goosebump kind of way. He's just good company for you if you're in a loving frame of mind.

The songs were written for and introduced by women and concern being in love with a man. The singer happens to be openly gay and chose to sing the lyrics to these ballads without changing the pronouns. It comes across almost matter-of-factly and though it's a clear choice from the album title and brief liner notes, it's not a gimmick overwhelming the listening experience. In the Show Boat numbers, "Bill" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" it is more pervasive because the lyrics repeatedly refer to the man in question, but it doesn't sound at all self-conscious or coy. Thus, it's not the focus. The concept will attract some customers who want to be able to listen to a man croon about loving another man, but I find that his honesty in such an approach is consistent with the unpretentious way he sings. Period. 

The arrangements and keyboard accompaniment are by W. Brent Sawyer and, here again, there's a love for the songs and understated sophistication. On a few tracks, he gets to spread his wings a little more, and even get gently jazzy. His presence is graceful and adds greatly to the romantic feel. Bass and percussion are present and pleasant, but this is mostly about piano. The CD is shamefully short in length, clocking in at 33 minutes with just 8 songs, but hopefully he has more to pour his ready heart into next time around. 

We'll be looking for and at some more proudly gay artists who have albums "out" to acknowledge Gay Pride Week at the end of the month, but since June is bustin' out all over as of this week, here's a recommended heads-up and a head start. 

And so ends our column of sincere singing. It's been a sincere pleasure to tell you about these recordings and to seek out more for next week, because there is life after the Tony Awards. There's always interesting theatrical music and we'll be listening for you. 


-- Rob Lester
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