Three Mo' Tenors

A play upon the popularity of the original Three Tenors tour, this live recording attempts to document a tribute to both the classically trained voice and the African American experience. Because of its title, the CD almost had to begin with a classic opera piece like "La Donna È Mobile," but the arias are not where these musicians shine. Rather, it is the pop and jazz standards that show up later in the album that really show off the talent of these vocalists (though their performance of "Nessun Dorma" is pretty successful). The disc ranges stylistically from pop vocal to blues to gospel, along with its obligatory classical songs, but one of the most intriguing songs is their Christmas medley, "Have You Heard About the Baby/Glory to the Newborn King." The album closes with a great gospel medley that shows off the power of those classically trained voices better than any aria could, while making a nice tribute to a musical style that throughout history has been an integral part of African American culture. ~ Stacia Proefrock, Rovi

Inspired by the astoundingly popular The Three Tenors series, Broadway director Marion J. Caffey conceived and directed Three Mo' Tenors, bringing greater visibility to the classically trained African American voice. Starring seasoned tenors Roderick Dixon, Thomas Young, and Victor Trent Cook, Three Mo' Tenors is a theatrically staged concert set taped for public television's Great Performances. A companion to the taped show, the disc features just over an hour of live music from it. The phenomenal showmanship of Dixon, Young, and Trent Cook takes shape in the styles of opera, Broadway, blues, jazz, soul, spirituals, and gospel. The three virtuosos hit high C's with clarity and brilliance; scat with grace and grit; belt, bend and hold a note to beat the band. They move the audience to a state of near-ecstasy performing the traditional "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)" and Puccini's glorious "Nessum Dorma." Other standouts include the jazz classic "Twisted," a rollicking version of "Today I Sing the Blues," and the salty "Minnie the Moocher." Boisterous, bold, and bountiful, Three Mo' Tenors is a modern classic. --Paige LaGrone