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I have a thing for guy voices, especially baritones. My favorites are Michael Ball and Josh Groban.
I was introduced to Michael Ball via the Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert at Royal Albert Hall. He sang the role of
Marius, and I fell in love with his voice. (It helps that I think he's cute. ^_^)
When I found You Tube, I looked him up, just on a lark, and found some videos with him singing. He once sang the role of Raoul
in Phantom of the Opera, and I think he sang it well (from what I could tell from the video). If I find one of his albums,
I'll have to give it a listen.
I was introduced to Josh Groban when watching an episode of "Ally McBeal". He played a high school student named Malcolm
Wyatt who sang a song at prom to a female friend of his (You're Still You). I expected to hear something along the lines of
the popular boy bands of the time, but was instead amazed at his beautiful deep voice! He returned in a later episode when
he sang a song at his mother's funeral (To Where You Are).
After the episode ended, they had a quick advert for his first CD. Of course I went out and bought it. I also have his other
studio albums, plus two concert CDs. I've also found a couple videos on You Tube with his singing (mostly fan-made videos
of other media). He had a concert here in St. Louis a few years ago and I had a blast. He's a very talented musician.
An honorable mention goes out to Philip Quast. As with Michael Ball, I was introduced to him through the Les Mis concert,
in which he sang the role of Javert. I really like his voice, but I have yet to hear him sing anything else. I have no doubt,
however, that he would be on my favorites list if I could hear him sing more.
Another singer I like is tenor Ted Keegan. My first time seeing Phantom at the Fox Theatre, he sang the role of the Phantom.
He is my favorite Phantom in regards to voice (looks go to Gerard Butler), and will likely remain that way (especially when
he did that maniacal, but sexy, laugh before the chandelier fell; I was a puddle in my seat). A friend of mine has his CD
and I wouldn't mind having a copy.
My favorite band is The Moody Blues. My mom listened to them at my age, and has since then, so I grew up listening to them. I was born the same year they came
out with their 10th album "The Present".
The Moody Blues consist of Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge. These guys have been through about 15 albums (I think),
from "Days of Future Passed" to "Strange Times". I have been to two of their concerts, while my parents have attended many
more. My favorite member is Ray Thomas, actually a former member of the band who played the flute (and got me interested in
being a flautist). He retired in 2002 and will be sorely missed. My favorite song of his is "Legend of a Mind", which has
some beautiful flute solos.
My mom has practicaly all their albums, either on record or tape. We also have their concert at Red Rocks, Colorado on tape,
and a video interview called "Legend of a Band". Call it crazy or call it devoted fan, whichever you prefer. I call it good
music.
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