Music Review: Andrea Bocelli: Cieli Di Toscana (Tuscan Skies)

 Andrea Bocelli is more than a singer, he is a gift.  This C.D. is recorded in Italian and even though I don't understand what is being said, I enjoy the music, the high tenor notes and the times he holds a note out for longer than seems humanly possible.  

This album was released in 2001 and became the highest selling album in the world that year.  It sold millions of copies in the first weeks after it was released.  It was #11 on the U.S. billboard 200 and #1 on the US classics billboard.

At the Movies: **** Solo Mio (2026)

 This is an enjoyable romantic comedy based in Italy, complete with some language issues.  There is a big surprise in this movie, to the characters and the audience.  The story is Matt (Kevin James) takes his fiancée Heather (Julie Ann Emery) to Italy for the wedding; but she leaves him at the altar.  He finds another woman, Gia (Nicole Grimaudo) and they eventually become friends, and then more.  Things seem to hit off, but he does not tell her that he is on the rebound, and when he does she takes it hard.  Lots of funny stuff about relationships, and the two couples he meets in the honeymoon tour package, while he is single, really add to the movie, Meghan and Neal (Alyson Hannigan and Kim Coates) and Donna and Julian (Julee Cerda and Jonathan Roumie).  The really add some humor, one a couple divorcing each other twice and remarrying thrice.  The other present as therapists, and this gives me a laugh being a therapist and the language they use.  This made for a fun feel good movie.  Andrea Bocelli and family with an appearance.

Music Review: Andrea Bocelli: My Christmas

 Andrea Bocelli: My Christmas was released in 2009.  It includes many traditional Christmas songs with Bocelli's high tenor voice.  It is very relaxing and mellow.  Several of the hymns are duets, "The Christmas Song" with Natalie Cole, "What Child is This" with Maty J. Blige has a very nice arrangement, and "Blue Christmas" with Reba McEntire.  He performs the "Lord's Prayer" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and "Jingle Bells" with the Muppets.  "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" includes a children's choir.  It is a very catchy arrangement.

Music Review: Andrea Bocelli: Concerto: One Night in Central Park

This C.D. did not touch my cup of tea.  It was too operatic in nature for my taste.  I guess I should have expected that, but some how it caught me off guard.  A couple of his songs are very nice.  This includes "Amazing Grace" and "The Prayer."  "The Prayer" he sings with Celine Dion.  He also does a version of Nessum Dorma, which my niece's son recently did an is on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=809243619087125&set=vb.100000044841500&type=2&theater

Christmas Musical Review: Andrea Bocelli: My Christmas

Last I recorded Andrea Bocelli and David Foster, ****"My Christmas."  It is very fun to listen to Andrea Bocelli.  They had a full orchestra behind them and sometimes a small choir.  Bocelli sings with such a clear and pure voice, it is very enjoyable. He is joined by Natalie Cole for "The Christmas Song" and it is beautiful.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir backs him for the Lord's prayer and this is perfection.  Mary J. Blige joins him for "What Child is This?" again a beautiful arrangement.  Bocelli climbing the scale at the end is lovely.  "Caro Gesu Bambino" is also beautiful with its clear dulcet tones.  Their are other featured guests including Reba McEntire and Katherine Jenkins.  I love listening to this music, and it makes me closer to the Christmas spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Xdqfci0rM