Favourite new track

[roger]

Having watched the DVD many times, I have eventually decided which of the new songs is my favourite. "Down To The River" (the second song from the Spiritual Medley) came a very close second but my vote has to go to "May It Be" from Lord of the Rings. It is really lovely and suits Hayley so well it is hard to believe it wasn't written for her.

But there are four more songs not previously recorded by Hayley so which one does everyone else like?

Roger

[Dave]

Hmmm... my favourite new tracks are:

1) May It Be
2) Down to the River

Oh, you said that too, Roger! I believe Hayley's version of "May it Be" is the best ever recorded, beating even the original, by its composer/singer, Enya.

I also love a "new" track not on the DVD - Bridal Ballad.

However, the DVD track that most *impresses* me is "Aria Cantilena" by Villa-Lobos. I cannot believe Hayley even attempted that - it seems to me to be really REALLY technically difficult, even for a formally trained classical singer. Katherine Jenkins would find it hard, and pop singers would find it quite impossible to contemplate.

I've heard quite a few versions of this song now, all by classical singers, and Hayley's version was not perfect: she seemed to go very slightly off course for a few seconds towards the end of the first (main) part but recovered very well immediately, and completed it well. Most people won't even have noticed the blip and in any case, I absolutely love it! (Susan, you've a lot to answer for )

But this is one of the things I love about Hayley, she is always eager to push the boundaries and often attempts the unthinkable. First, Wuthering Heights, then in the other direction, Aria (Cantilena), then ClassicAlive, and now, Chattanooga Choo Choo!!!!. I really hope Hayley records "Aria" on CD one day - and continues her occasional excursions into the World of "real" classical music as well as crossover, the more folky stuff and even pop music.

The steadily increasing breadth of Hayley's musical talents (as shown on the DVD) is simply phenomenal! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[Richard]

Hello folks, it's time for a double celebration! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

1) This is my 200th post in four and a half months! I'm having such a great time sharing my thoughts and experiences with other Hayley fans from all over the world, and I really enjoy reading everybody's posts.

2) This deserves a fanfare, but I don't want to break the new software already! Yesterday I finally bought myself a DVD player and spent the whole evening watching Hayley's fantastic DVD. The quality and production are superb, Hayley's voice is more beautiful than ever, and I can honestly say it's the best thing I've seen on TV in over fifty years! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

The whole DVD is totally stunning, and the concert clearly demonstrates Hayley's versatility and her ever-improving vocal range. My favourite new song is "May It Be", closely followed by "Down To The River" and "How Many Stars?", but Hayley performs every song to perfection and with feeling. She is very professional and natural, and clearly loves performing to a good audience, so Hayley should have a long singing career that we can all look forward to! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

The bonus features are a delight, and the half-hour documentary will give great inspiration to other aspiring young singers. I particularly enjoy the contributions from Hayley's primary school teacher and Dame Malvina Major.

Now I can't wait for Hayley's new album in September, but first I'm looking forward to seeing her with Jose Carreras at Hampton Court on 15th June. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

See some of you there,

Richard

[Natasha]

Hey everybody! I finally managed to recieve the activation code by using a different e-mail address! Phew!

But now to stay on topic...Hmmm let's see. My favorite new track would have to be "Both Sides Now." The song is just georgeous and Hayley's expression on it is amazing!

My second favorite is "Down by the River" because its so beautiful and I like how it starts out a capella and then gradually the backing comes in...love that!!

"Ave Maria" and "May it be" are next. Hayley's words to "Ave" are new and its nice to hear someone singing something different from the orriginal! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

By the way congrats on your 200th post!! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[Joe]

Hi all,
I've just been notified that Borders has Hayley's DVD that I special-ordered two weeks ago!!! I'll pick it up on Saturday; before I see a certain sci-fi movie yet again...

Richard...congrats on your 200th post! It's been a delight to read them all !! Oh, glad you've got your DVD player!

I can't wait to finally watch the DVD and share my thoughts with all of you!

[HWI]

classicgrace said:

Hey everybody! I finally managed to recieve the activation code by using a different e-mail address! Phew!

Hi Natasha,

Great to have you back with us. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I loved "Down To The River". I have never heard it done quite like that and, in my opinion, it is the best version ever.

As for the other songs on the DVD, as usual with Hayley I am having trouble separating them to decide on a favourite three. So far, I am working on perm any three from all of them. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I am going to have to go and watch it again.

Keith.

[Joe]

I would have to say that my top three new songs are :
1. Down To The River (love the rich melody)
2. May It Be (so calming; very well suited for Hayley)
3. How Many Stars (a great duet)

Plus when I heard this version of Ave Maria, I wasn't sure what language she was singing until mid-song and realised they were in English! I loved Both Sides Now; especially in the doco when she was busking!

[kcuteus1]

Down To The River I think she does this song very good.

[Raymond]

I love 'May it be'.

[Belinda]

We all seem to like the same songs,
i think May it Be is the best new song it really suits her voice (perfection)
2nd i like Down to the river. Yes i also like Both sides now although,it does not suit her voice as well as May it be .
Maybe some of the songs not all ready ear marked for Odyssey will end up as bonus tracks later. eg Down to the River,How Many Stars

[fusilier23]

Hmm, everyone loves "Down to the River" me included. Well, hopefully it finds its way onto the next album

[hayleydisca]

honestly speaking!!I love Dark Waltz__It's not on the DVD tho!

[hayleydisca]

Does anyone have "how many stars" lyrics??
I've been looking for it on net!!

[Richard]

Hello Rebecca!

"How Many Stars?" is from the film "Bombay Dreams", and I've found the lyrics at stlyrics.com.

Bombay Dreams Soundtrack Lyrics

Song: How Many Stars Lyrics

Akaash
How many stars have to shine
Before your eyes meet mine?
How many stars must I see
Before you dream like me?

Priya
How many tides have to turn
Before you turn to me?
How many stars have to shine
Before my heart is free?

Akaash
How many stars?

Priya
How many stars have to shine
Before your hands hold mine?
How many stars must I see
Before you come to me?

Akaash
How many tides have to turn
Before you turn my way?

Priya
How many stars have to shine
Before you say you'll stay?

Akaash
Everyone needs a sense of belonging
Someone there who always understands
That precious gifts can come from empty hands

Priya
Precious gifts can come from empty hands

Akaash
How many stars have to shine
Before we find our way?

Both
How many stars have to shine

Akaash
Before we love each day?

Both
How many stars have to shine

Akaash
Before we find our way?

Both
How many stars have to shine

Akaash
Before we love?

Priya
How many stars?

------------------------

Best Wishes from London,

Richard

[Andrew]

Hi all,

You've probably already guessed which one I like best... OK then, I'll spell it out (since I love this song so much!) 'Down To The River', which Hayley performs on the DVD with the Elim Gospel Choir. This was closely followed by 'May it Be'.

For anyone who may be interested, 'Down to the River' may be found on the soundtrack CD for the film, 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' ... I'm not sure who wrote this song originally, but on the soundtrack CD it is labelled as 'traditional'. I guess it is was a negro spiritual song.
On the soundtrack CD it is, entitled: 'Down to the River to Pray'. Although on the CD this song goes on 'for ever' and is longer than Hayley's Concert rendition, I find this song so uplifting... It reminds me of touring Cape Town, South Africa in March 2001, with a Gospel Choir which I sang with, called 'Origin Gospel Choir' (comprising of people from various Churches in Edinburgh). We made a CD called 'Midnight Cry' in Edinburgh and distributed this out in Cape Town, after each of the 5 shows we performed at various locations. It was the end of the South African summer, although still 35 degrees C on some days!. Our mission of course, was to spread the Good News of the Gospel. What struck me, was the huge divide between rich and poor people. You'd see corrogated iron type shanty towns one minute, then only a few minutes drive away you'd see a house with 2 Mercedes in the driveway. A lot of children from poorer families would be forced by their parents to go out and beg for money (some of them would seemingly be collecting for charities). It was a real eye-opening experience, to say the least.

Roger, I believe you sang in a Gospel Choir too?

Anyway I took my 1 copy of the soundtrack CD to, 'The Lowry', Manchester December 6th (5 weeks ago yesterday!) and asked Hayley after the show, if she'd heard the CD- pointing out that 'Down To The River to Pray' was included on it. She said she hadn't heard this particular CD, so I gave her this and only hope that she keeps singing it over and over again until, she eventually includes the song in one of her concerts again!

Andrew