Last night while trying to finish some Christmas leather strap orders, I listend to Andrea Boccelli (sp.) on the tube. I know virtually nuthin' about the guy, other than he's hot hot hot! The public love him, the critics hate him, and in the meantime he's rakin' in the dough. I have to admit, I think the critics are right. He took a few very sloppy scales, and I didn't notice that intangible 'resonance' in his voice, that SEEMS to mark the great tenors.

Two nights ago I watched a biography on Mario Lanza, who the critics apparently hated as well. To me he really seemed to have it all. Was he simply too casual for the critics? He laughed, ate, drank, and fornicated a lot, and made hokey Hollywood movies. Could that be why they didn't take him seriously?

And while we're on this, what's the name of the very pretty young girl who (sort of) sings opera on the late night info-mercials? I guess promoters know that the time is right to market classical voices. Fine with me. Maybe someone will see a TV special...get interested...do a bit of hunting...and eventually find Lucretia Bori's 1920 recording of "Un Bel Dia". Hey, The Kingston Trio helped me find 'real' folk music.

Haven't heard the Irish Tenors yet Don....but I will.

Rick