Alternative/Experimental Crossover/Classical.

RAW. VOLATILE. THROW THE RULES OUT THE DOOR. ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES. AN EXPERIMENT IN MUSIC. This is an album long gestating my my mind. I have a philosophy that songs are meant to be sung. This should not be restricted to rules and regulations and how it should be done. Such cliché is anathema to what I believe music, art and related are supposed to express.

It does not matter to me that the majority of the aria on this album are called classical. I just like to sing them. This is not an album of a singer/tenor who attended a conservatory of music. There are a multitude of fantastic singers who rightly claim to be classical opera singers. I make no claim to that whatsoever. I make no apology for the lack of grace in my singing either. This is supposed to be a rebellious collection albeit with respect unto the music underneath. This is a dirty vocal working with the beauty of the solo Cello played by Deryn Cullen.

However I do not feel such facts should restrict my expression and of course, none of the aria herein are technically exact or sung to a precise formulae. That is exactly the point. I sing these songs raw. I invest into them some kind of character some kind of soul, some kind of earthbound human being or at times a monster, flaws and all. Insomuch I can say that each song is a character all by itself and that is how I have recorded them. Each song has a style, a personality and I think the stylistic of each and understanding the difference is key.

The same dirty technique applies to the mastering and mixing. Perfection is out the door here and I believe the music and vocals benefit greatly from this freedom.

I simply have to thank the enormous talent and spirit and gusto of Deryn Cullen. Unlike me she does indeed play to musical expertise and precision. Her emotional playing and brilliant musical arrangements are impressive to say the least. She allowed me the freedom to try things out as her wonderful music supports me. She is a true Artist and provides the Heart of this album. Thank You also to the wonderful James Olley for his artwork.

Sincere Thanks to You, the Listener, I am very grateful to you, wherever you may be and I hope these songs, this music, takes you away from any troubles...

Aidan J Crowley Oxford, July 2019