"Ritenour labels herself a "dramatic soprano". Striding onstage with a rendition of "Dich, teure Halle", she made good on her billing, producing an impressive--in fact, thunderously loud--sound, one that might be able to ride over a Wagnerian orchestra in an opera house. Ritenour's pop technique revealed the smoky beauty of her lower register, most notably in Alec Wilder's "Blackberry Winter", an obscure gem."
Shirley Ritenour's "Let My Song Fill Your Heart" is a loving and marvelously conceived tribute to the legendary singer of opera and the Great American Songbook Eileen Farrell.
Ms. Ritenour is the perfect choice to present this program of Farrell favorites.
With a beautiful classically trained voice she puts her heart and soul into operatic favorites by Wagner, Puccini, and Mascagni along with songs by Rogers and Hart, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, and others. There aren't many singers around who can make these kind of vocal transitions. Ms. Ritenour proves she is one of the few who can.Farrell was one feisty lady and I especially enjoyed hearing stories about her in the show. At the end of the evening a well deserved standing ovation with the audience demanding more. Don't miss an opportunity to see this wonderful presentation. Having know Eillen Farrell and interviewed her for my radio shows many times I know she would have enjoyed it too.
"In her recent Merkin Concert Hall debut, Shirley Ritenour not only filled our hearts with the songs of the great Eileen Farrell but also lovingly and convincingly kept Farrell's extraordinary pop/opera crossover tradition alive and well!"
Shirley Ritenour is blessed with a dramatic soprano that just pours out of her. She dedicated her concert to Eileen Farrell, the be-loved American soprano. Like Farrell, Ms. Ritenour is able to sing both classical and popular fare.
The first half of the program opened with “Dich, Teure Halle” (“Dear Hall, I Greet You Again”), from Tannhauser, with a blast of sound. She demonstrated dramatic abilities in arias from La Gioconda and Cavalleria Rusticana and Menotti’s The Consul. The first half was rounded out with the waltzy “Let My Song Fill Your Heart” (Ernest Charles) and the traditional “Danny Boy.”
When Ms. Ritenour doffed her gown for a pantsuit and picked up a microphone, she sang standards of American songwriting, some using Eileen Farrell’s arrangements and bringing out surprising qualities of these oft-sung tunes. She swung “Old Devil Moon” and was introspective on “He Was Too Good to Me.” Her “Just in Time” rollicked and she was lushly romantic on “My Romance.” She included a premiere of a torch song, “The Dream Is Done,” with music by Robert Farnon and lyrics by her director, Barry Kleinbort. She sounded eerily like Ms. Farrell, who loved her torchy ballads. She ended the show with a soaring “Over the Rainbow” and, as an encore, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Director Kleinbort brought naturalness to the proceedings. Ted Taylor, her Musical Director and pianist, was the backbone of her second act ensemble which included “Sweet” Sue Terry (winds), John Redsecker (percussion) and Bill Ellison (bass).
Soaking up the Farrell Spirit, Ritenour Makes Predecessor's Arias & Songs Her Own
Following in Farrell’s footsteps is Shirley Ritenour, who gave a winning recital at Merkin Concert Hall, on December 5, entitled “Let My Song Fill Your Heart—inspired by Eileen Farrell.”
Ritenour greeted us and the concert hall with a ringing and exultant "Dich theure Halle," Elisabeth’s entrance aria, and a Farrell favorite, from Richard Wagner’s “Tannhäuser,” with our singer’s rich, pure soprano handily filling out the early Wagner line and filling Merkin as well.
Ritenour invested “Suicidio,” from Amilcare Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda," with emotion, and with musicality as well, taking all of its challenges—the high notes, piano and forte, and the many low phrases—in her stride....
For the second half of the afternoon, Ritenour doffed her diva dress in favor of a glittery top with
black pants, and she and Taylor were joined by a combo, made up of drummer John Redsecker, bassist Bill Ellison, and Terry on soprano saxophone. Microphone in hand...
....Farrell numbered Jule Styne among her friends, and Ritenour favored us with a gently swinging "Just in Time," from Styne, Comden and Green’s “Bells Are Ringing,” with a lovely hummed vocalise before the repeat, and a radiantly romantic "Time After Time" which Styne and Sammy Cahn wrote for the film “It Happened in Brooklyn.” “My Romance” and “Time After Time” are both on Ritenour’s CD “Both Sides Now,” with music direction by Christopher Marlowe.
To see the full review:
"From soaring operatic pieces to classic Great American Songbook tunes, Shirley Ritenour's exquiste vocals bring a lushness to the music seldom heard. Her magnficent soprano draws listeners in, whatever genre she is showcasing, and keeps them engaged and delighted. I am thrilled to introduce Shirley to new audiences who soon become very loyal fans."
One of the Most Gifted Singers Today! Shirley Ritenour's Career is reaching new highs with her cd, "Both Sides Now".
"Shirley is at ease expressing herself and provides a rich interpretation of these classic tunes."
Incredible sounds...brings so much emotion... hearing a tremendous standard of authenticity... A beautiful CD.”
Shirley Ritenour Provides Pure Pleasure with CD Both Sides Now.