There is an interesting study in constrasts in the CDs recorded by orchestra leader Nelson Riddle with Linda Ronstadt (three of them) and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Ronstadt was basically a rock singer, and all things considered she did a remarkable job of making the transition. Still, there is that noticeable inconsistancy in her ranges (belting from the chest in the lower register and significantly weaker when she goes into the higher head tones). Te Kanawa's phrasing is always smooth and very pleasing, but a times you want to say to her, "Loosen up, Kiri." Neither of them is going to make us forget Ella Fitzgerald.
But, as always, there are those impeccable arrangements by Riddle. Lush and rich. He has the remarkable ability to completely feature the singer while at the same time dominating the performance.
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