> And while we're talking about truly great singers (this thread has been > around for five minutes and I've already made it curve) . . . who has > listened to (or heard of even) Linda Eder? While Joni is unparalleled > as my favorite songwriter, Linda Eder is my favorite singer. She has > the most unbelievable instrument. Her soprano range is perfect, her > lower register is perfect, and she has the most powerful belt voice on > Earth. She could cause avalanches from miles away with this voice. > ANYway, she has a great version of "Over the Rainbow" too, so check > her out if you like big, dramatic voices.
I have Eder's album (It's Time) where she sang OVER THE RAINBOW and yes, I must agree that her version was really a showcase of her enormous talent. Just today I heard another version of this song: soprano Sylvia McNair with piano accompaniment by Andre Previn. Usually bel canto voices singing jazz standards are quite an acquired taste, but McNair's version was more in keeping with the non-operatic versions. Very unassuming. Lastly, I would like to encourage those who love OVER THE RAINBOW to seek Jevetta Steele's version. This song was included in the CORRINA CORRINA soundtrack. Her version is like no other I have heard in a long time. Where certain vocal flights are expected, she swoops down, and flies in the air when you least expect it. Truly amazing! I wonder how this song will sound from my other favorite singers: Rickie Lee Jones, Holly Cole and Diamanda Galas! joseph (enduring 38 degrees of heat!)
