And let's hope John accomplishes what he has set out to do: bring some pretty wonderful music back into our everyday audio lexicon. (Which is the beautiful thing about American Idol in general.)
Like Rod Stewart and Linda Ronstadt---as well as Michael Buble and Julie Murphy Wells (Eddie From Ohio---and don't miss this one, "Chanteuse Julie Murphy Wells Enters WWE Diva Competition!")---lots of people who have music in their soul eventually share the love in what we lovingly call "standards."
This is the music that, indeed, set the standard. As Rolling Stone said of Frank:
Frank Sinatra transformed popular music. Often cited as the single finest interpreter of American standards, he influenced generations of vocalists such as Nat King Cole and Carmen McRae by focusing on phrasing and matching narrative nuance and emotional naturalism with amazing breathing control.
In the 1930s, Sinatra starting bringing back "old" songs by such masters as Cole Porter while he was still a Big Band singer.
He became a national institution in the '40s, and even though Ray Charles has praised the flawless technique of this Columbia period, Sinatra kept evolving.
Starting in the '50s he concentrated on groundbreaking concept albums and a fresh Big Band sound with master arranger Nelson Riddle.
If John Stevens does emulate his musical icons, namely the Chairman of the Board, while bringing his own red-headed, baby-faced, buttah-voiced, Buffalo charm to his tunes, it will be all good.
So good that, in addition to "Red," you can check out the "Making of Red" here.
Yep, John's site already has up an entertaining and illuminating video that is not to be missed. It even starts with a cute pic of John as a bay-bay, and you KNOW that's irresistable.
Finally, a word to John personally: Congratulations! You did it your way.
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Article comments
1 - Joe Battista
When you mentioned "I Only Have Eyes for You" as an Art Garfunkel tune, you're not serious, right? That song is a standard and was covered by just about everyone and their dog back in its day. The Garfunkel version is nice though--much better than the John Stevens attempt.
2 - George Lyons
Maybe I'm predjudiced because I'm not 17, but it seems that some life experience is a necessary ingredient when interpreting Sinatra tunes....."Red" really is only qualified thus far to sing one verse of "It Was A Very Good Year".
3 - Sticker
Joe--
You have proven Spousal Unit correct!
SU said the first post you are going to get is about saying "I Only Have Eyes For You" is an Art Garfunkel tune!
I agreed, but said Artie's version would always be gold to me and, if I want to pay tribute to Artie's version, it's my blog and "I"ll cry if I want to."
So, you are correct. SU is correct. And I'm right :-).
Thanks for writing (and I'll be sure to forward your comment to SU for appropriate gloating purposes).
4 - Sticker
George,
I agree with you (that singing Sinatra takes some life experience, by which I take it you mean, years on you), but only to an extent.
Plenty of people have lived a good number of years and still could not convey a song in a meaningful way.
I think a "kid" like John Stevens, who by the way---check out the vid at his site (linked in the article)---is quite mature for his age, has had time to experience some of life's deeper emotions.
And remember, John's grandfather introduced him to Sinatra at a very early age. It has been John's music all his life.
Plus John learned it at the foot of someone (his grandfather) who had listened to it all his life and who still had a deep---and many-decade-old---love for it.
So I don't think is your average 17-year-old kid picking up a Sinatra tunebook and going, hey, I dig that.
Also, have you listened to the tracks yet? Again, check out the vid. I found John's voice absolutely riveting.
Plus his version of Maroon 5's "This Love" convinced me that John is going to be a singer who can create new "standards" (which the world desperately needs).
Steve Tyrell says he thinks "This Love" may be the best track on the disc and I'm inclined to agree.
Take a listen and let me know what you think.
5 - Sticker
also, this teaser from the Variety review of John's cabaret gig--
Variety (subscription) - Jun 22, 2005
In his Gotham cabaret debut, 17-year-old John Stevens croons the old ones with a swinging savvy and romantic allure that belies his age. ...