With such a career in the opera house, it might surprise many to hear that she is currently engaged in a project recording cabaret songs in a live studio setting. The CD, which will be titled Diva on Detour, will be released on the GPR label later this spring. With songs by Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Edith Piaf and many others, she has chosen a mix that draws a laugh one moment and a tear the next. Accompanied by the marvelous pianist, Craig Terry, this duo been performing together for several years, and the familiarity they share is evident throughout. #
I heard one of the sessions and was astounded by Ms. Racette’s capacity to live every word, every note of the songs in a way that was dramatic and communicative yet completely in the style of American Popular Song. She was careful to color her voice to the genre, avoiding vocal placements appropriate to opera but which would fail miserably in this particular music. At times I could have been listening to a singer in a darkened club setting, but where the average crooner leaves me wanting more depth of experience, this artist delivered all of the emotional goods. Patricia Racette takes her expressive skills from the world of opera and applies them to the cabaret repertoire with a result that is, in a word, magical. She has an amazing capacity to take her listeners well beyond what we think we know about a familiar tune – turning a tin can alley ditty into a veritable map of the soul. #
This isn’t a cross over album. Rather than hearing a famous soprano trying to sing popular songs, you’ll hear a great artist who has a range of expression far wider than most of us might expect. #
You can preorder this album on GPRrecords.com. I know that, at least for me, Patricia Racette and Craig Terry just made my gift shopping for this year a LOT easier. #


Recent Comments
nancy dotterer field on Masur on Beethoven
Have been making notes, on his comments also....and yes, the "magic" and the soul which Masur helps musicians and conductors find...often...Trudy Miller on “Must See” Streaming Internet
Thank you for sharing some of Mr. Mann's comments. The beauty and truth in what he says transcends his medium:...Marly Harris on Public Concert, Private Music
I'm late to the party but this essay moved me profoundly.Barry Johnstone. on Field Trip!
Thank you for posting this MOST important article. The last five sentences sum it up for me!Claudia cutler on Field Trip!
Thank you for posting this. I am a dance teacher who helped form - with great music, dance and drama...Gene on Penny for your thoughts
Thank you for a great idea! We're going to try this at our chamber music festival next June. ...Stephen Soderberg on What are we doing here?
A wonderful project & a beautiful post!John Thomas Dodson on Discovering the Baroque Above a Torture Chamber
We did check into that. We spoke to several people well versed in history and in the archives here. It...MWnyc on Discovering the Baroque Above a Torture Chamber
Sounds like a wonderful project! Any thoughts of reviving any sacred music from the colonial period that may have survived in...Justin Saragoza on A moment of attention is enough
What struck me in your post, and it was a bit unclear to me (just me maybe), is wondering if...