| Benjamin Britten Folksong Arrangements - Review Excerpts |
 Music and Vision Daily (UK) (19 April 2009) Classique News (France) (22 September 2009) "This is a great CD ... a fine introduction to some of the loveliest and most attractive songs in the repertoire." "But even at his [Pears'] peak, I don't believe that he sang these beautiful, simple songs as well as Australian tenor, Steve Davislim." "... the luminous, warm voice of Steve Davislim and the perfect accompaniment of Simone Young ... this SACD is the genuine surprise of the season." "Davislim accomplishes the taskof beautiful singing and sensitive expression needed for these songs to come alive. His voice is elegant and well mannered. I don't think these songs could be better served. Young's piano is particularly lovely and precise...The recording is very alive and sophisticated...Way to go Melba! "The credit here must go to Davislim's unerringly warm tenor, from his elegant through 'Salley Gardens' to his closing salute to summer's final rose. *****5 stars" Musical Criticism (UK) (21 April 2009) "...it should be said at the outset that Steve Davislim's disc is a joy...Davislim's bold approach and full tones match the extrovert spirit of the youthful Britten, and the result is a disc that gives a lively and faithful account of these beloved works." Readings Monthly (Australia) (July 2009) "Steve Davislim and Simone Young are outstanding...This CD will certainly be on my list of top 10 recordings for 2009." "... it's the idealised recreation, in almost rosy pastels, of country life that nuances the rounded voice of the Australian tenor.*****5 diapasons" "...this recital is an utter delight." "A disc to treasure, without doubt." "The early recordings of Britten's folksong arrangements, with the composer on the piano and his partner tenor Peter Pears singing has finally been matched by this Australian duet." "...understated beautiful performances" "Tenor Steve Davislim's timbre and passionate style of singing is often reminiscent of that of Peter Pears in this excellent collection of Britten's folksong arrangements." "...the superb young tenor Steve Davislim ...is equally at home in this generous collection of Britten's folksong arrangements, and is ably accompanied by Simone Young, best known as one of he leading conductors of the day." "This is without doubt a disc well worth recommending and a tenor to watch over the next few years..." "[Davislim's] voice is of unusual consistency of warm tone and color all through its range. Most impressive is his solidity of tone." "Accompanied with total empathy by pianist Simone Young, Davislim shapes songs such as 'Early One Morning' and 'Ca' the Yowes' with sensitive awareness, but the six Irish Melodies from Thomas Moore including 'The Minstrel Boy' and 'Last Rose of Summer' are special..." "The dynamic, convincing playing of Simone Young highlights the nuanced singing of Steve Davislim. His rounded and well-placed voice, his care over pronunciation and the sensibility of his approach sketched the contrasting themes contained in these songs." "Steve Davislim and Simone Young make a convincing case for listening to these not so simple songs with the same attention given to a lied or mélodie." |