THE BEST AMERICAN ART SONG COLLECTION AROUND
If American's could appreciate their art songs the way the German's, the French and the English appreciate their classical art songs, Nathan Gunn would be in the same league as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. It doesn't hurt Mr. Gunn's career that he is a handsome fellow but music isn't about looks especially when you're listening to a CD. Nathan Gunn is truly an artist and should be recognized as such. And these beautiful songs, if one takes the time to read the poetry and tries to appreciate how the composers and the artist interpret the words, these songs can be a revelation. The U.S has the equivalent of Schubert & Debussy in Samuel Barber, John Musto, William Bolcom and some of the others represented on this disc. Think like a poet and you will fall in love with this music, Mr. Gunn's interpretations and his absolutely beautiful voice.

Not crazy about this one
I wasn't crazy about this one. I absolutely love "Just Before Sunrise", but this one is just annoying. He has an incredible baritone voice, but the piano accompaniment and the song selection . . . Buy "Just Before Sunrise". It's incredible!

Voice like velvet
Nathan Gunn's baritone voice is a delicious blend of velvet and dark chocolate. These are art songs and may not be to everyone's taste, but if you listen to them for what they are and the voice behind them, they are wonderful. Glad I caught him on 2nd Cafe to find out about this album. There are a couple of songs that may be familiar, but most of them are the type of songs my daughter learned with her voice teacher. LOVELY, LOVELY album.

pleasant singing by a gifted baritone
There'd be 5 stars if I liked all of the songs, but I don't. (You might.)
I have a problem with some American song writing: it seems to me (perhaps wrongly) that too often songs sound alike in the sense that they seek to hang onto the musical coattails of, say, Ives or Copland. Others sound to me as cousins of "Oklahoma" or "Carousel".
Despite my carping, I did enjoy this CD, in large part because Gunn knew just how to get into the mood of each song. Besides this, he has a rich, robuist voice and used it nimbly.

From Opera to Soaps?
Remember the movie, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers? Well, Nathan Gunn gives that kind of performance. He's the kind of singer/actor that could really cross over pretty easily from Opera to Soaps or old school broadway productions. This album is a little dry if you're not a hard core Opera fan, but if you need a little somber in your life, this would be perfect. I made the mistake of listening to Andre Bocelli first. Mr. Gunn would never be able to fill those shoes, but is very good at delivering his personal best. Technically perfect, but lacking the passion and flare of Bocelli, which can't be learned.