Customer Reviews

Sumi Jo - Only Love

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While I am an avid opera fan as well as "show tunes," with limited exception (Dawn Upshaw, Frederica von Stade and, to an extent, Thomas Hampson) I am NOT a fan of -- and, in fact, affirmatively DISLIKE -- opera singers' attempts to "cross over" into the popular repertoire. But Sumi Jo's foray into this arena is for the most part magnificent.

Sumi Jo's singing is completely devoid of the over-enunciated diction, swooping, scooping and other affectations that often afflict opera singers who perform this music. In fact, she often sounds less like an opera singer on this disc than does Sarah Brightman on hers, and she uses her "opera singer voice" generally only where it serves the interpretation of the song - as in her, IMHO, very interesting and moving interpretation of "Losing My Mind." The pure sound of Ms. Jo's voice is glorious -- there are various points on the disc at which the sound she produces is so beautiful that it gives me chills.

But this is not just a disc of pretty sounds. Although much of the material itself tends to be on the bland side (and includes a disproportionate number of songs by schlockmeister Frank Wildhorn), she gives intelligent and appropriately dramatic interpretations. To my mind, she does a wonderful job with one of my all-time faves -- "Unusual Way" -- which can be ruined by a misguided interpretation (such as that by Mrs. Schlockmeister, Linda Eder). And when she sings songs that are intended as duets ("In His Eyes" and "I Still Believe"), she uses the different parts of her voice so effectively as to sound as if two different people are singing. Admittedly, though, her Korean accent does intrude sometime, but it quickly (for me at least) ceases to be distracting. And to top it off, the disc is beautifully produced and conducted by Ettore Stratta, and the songs have been arranged by Mike Renzi in his typically intelligent manner.

Check it out!

I never know who is Sumi Jo until I heard her voice while I was passing by a CD shop. I never like opera singer but her voice was just irresistible! I bought the CD without hesitation. Relaxing, dreamy, beatiful and emtional is what I would discribe her voice. Go and get it!

This is a fabulous album! I was very hesitant to purchase this but I'm really glad I did. I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Sumi Jo has done a terrific job at so-called "cross-over." Her interpretations are very convincing. One has to listen very closely to hear any kind of an accent. The selections are all wonderful pieces. And I'm so glad to hear this music with someone singing who actually has a beautiful voice instead of the typical "screaching" that is so prominant in popular or contemporary music. Not that she sounds like an opera singer. Quite the contrary. Most of the time one would never guess that opera is her career field by this album. Jo alters her voice to fit the music without losing a beautiful sound. Her vibrato is a bit of an acquired taste, as one reviewer commented, but it's better than none at all! "Only Love" and "Dream with Me" are particularly wonderful. But there really isn't a single selection that I don't like. I'd love to see more good singers take on this kind of repertoire. Brava Sumi Jo!

for sumi's fans who have been used to listening to her arias, it might be a challenging and dramatic experience. as sumi has always explicated, to fuse classical music with popular songs is not a simple trend but a fixed flow in the music world. in this sense, to listen to her songs in this album including broadway muscial songs as well as jazz songs will guide you not only to the whole new world but to the current inclination of the music. I strongly recommend you the last song_ I still believe-the main song in miss saigon, which has been interepreted in different way from the one done by musical singers. enjoy!

I may be a little soft of Sumi's performance here. There are a few places in the album where I feel she could have made a better effort.

She is not Sarah Brightman, Barbra Streisand or Linda Eder. She is Sumi Jo, an opera singer. I'm a real fan, who can't get enough of that fine voice! So, maybe I hear something more than others hear. I like the album.

Its hard to believe that this is the same voice heard in Sumi Jo's previous album's. She sounds totally different! Either way, I hope she develops this side of her art further. It may be an area where Sumi can grow.

One would expect an opera singer to overpower these "broadway" tunes, but Sumi Jo takes a nice approach. I like breathy!! To me, the songs are sung very well. Well enough to suspend judgment relax and listen to many times.

I bought it! I love it!

Proof that musicals can be sung without the "Belt-technique". Pure, beautiful and amazing! This is what I call crossover!

I don't know anything about opera or musical. I was just roaming around HMV when this beautiful and heart-felt singing came out and it just captured me. It was one of HMV's recommended CDs. I am immensely enjoying it.

I purchased the CD after hearing Sumi Jo in person and found it moving and so full of joy. Every song is a lyrical masterpiece. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Broadway show music performed by someone schooled in opera. She brings the strength and drama of opera to these beautiful love songs.

Coloratura soprano Sumi Jo's album "Only Love" again demonstrates why she is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices of recent times. On this album, Sumi Jo concentrates her talents on songs from the musical theatre world. Many opera singers do have trouble adapting and manipulating their precision-trained voices into another style, but Sumi Jo sings in a fresh, appealing way that makes these songs come alive, almost like they were written yesterday.

The crown jewels of the album are "Unusual Way" (from Maury Yeston's NINE), and the title track, "Only Love" (one of the more distinguishable ballads from Frank Wildhorn's otherwise-dreadful SCARLET PIMPERNEL score). Sumi effortlessly transforms herself into a Broadway diva on this album; instantly she's at home with the material. I heartily recommend this surprising about-face from opera singer Sumi Jo.

[Erato/Warner Music 8573802412]

Sumi Jo has been the world's prominent soprano. she cut a fine figure especially in operas so Sumi's fans in the world including me have been used to listening to her beautiful and lyrical arias. unlike other classical musicians, however, Sumi has made great efforts to fuse classical arias with less serious but more popular music such as musicals and jazz, which led to this album named only love. I loved all the songs in this track but strongly recommend the last song "I still believe" well known for the love song in miss saigon. this song sung by Sumi was interpreted quite in different way from the ones done by other musical singers. it's more dramatic, emotional and full of sorrow. this album is great. enjoy her other arias as well.