Noah Stewart: Noah - an album guide
Classic BRIT-nominated tenor Noah Stewart's debut album, Noah, showcases the Harlem-born singer's rich, versatile voice perfectly. Here's our track-by-track guide.
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1. Without A Song
Originally composed by Vincent Youmans, this song was featured in the musical 'Great Day'. Since then, it's been performed and recorded by the likes of Perry Como and Frank Sinatra - and now Noah Taylor, too.
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2. Deep River
This traditional song has been tackled by many artists over the years, but Noah's rendition is a decidedly stripped-back affair with only the barest piano and guitar accompaniment.
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3. Recondita Armonia
Taken from Puccini's (pictured) opera Tosca, this gorgeous song is perfectly suited to Noah Stewart's voice. The narrative tells of a painter comparing the titular Tosca to a woman he's painting: "My only thought is of you, Tosca, it is of you!"
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4. Campos De Oro (Fields of Gold)
One of Sting's most famous songs is given an Italian operatic twist on this delicate reading.
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5. Cara Mia
Another popular song given the operatic treatment, this slinky classic was originally written by Tulio Trapani and has since been recorded by such diverse artists as Jose Carreras and Richard Clayderman.
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6. Hallelujah
One of the most covered songs in history, Leonard Cohen's epic, tortured love song is given a unique orchestral and operatic spin.
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7. Nearer My God To Thee
A soulful take on the hymnal classic, Stewart's delicate and rich vocals are the star of this restrained rendition.
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8. Shenandoah
Another chance for Noah to show how adept he is at interpreting traditional material, this version of Shenandoah is haunting.
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9. Ave Maria
Ave Maria has rarely sounded so warm - Stewart's version of the Bach standard gives it a good polish and spruces it up with a beautiful string arrangement.
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10. Pourquoi me Reveiller
Massenet's opera Werther isn't exactly regularly performed, but it's best-known for this particular aria - of which Noah gives a typically soaring performance.
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11. Notte di Luce
We're not sure if The Moody Blues' prog classic 'Nights In White Satin' has been sung in Italian before now, but perhaps it will be from now on… Noah Stewart's version is charming.
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12. I'll Walk With God
Nicholas Brodzsky's 1954 song was made famous by Mario Lanza's (pictured) rendition in the film 'The Student Prince', but Noah's version is very much his own.
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13. Amazing Grace
Perhaps the most famous of all traditional spirituals, the wistful nature of Stewart's voice lends this rendition a fantastic gravity.
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14. Stille Nacht
The album wraps up with this tranquil classic. Even if you're not feeling the Christmas spirit, Noah's beautiful voice is more than enough to make you feel positively festive.
