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Not Tyra, Tyler, but Tyrell. Steve Tyrell.
As part of his inaugural Asian Tour, the award-winning producer, composer and singer flew in from Seoul for a one-night-only concert on Saturday at the Suntec Convention Hall.
Tyrell, who has been in the music industry since he was 19, is well-respected for his knack for producing great hits. While working on the set of "Father of the Bride" in 1991 as the music pre-records producer, he was asked to play a cameo part in the movie in which he delivered an amazing rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight".
One thing soon led to another and to date, Tyrell has recorded seven albums of jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook – "A New Standard" (1999), "Standard Time" (2001), "This Time of the Year" (2002), "This Guy's in Love" (2003), "Songs of Sinatra" (2005), "Disney Standards" (2006) and "Back to Bacharach" (2008).
Calling Singapore "the Monaco of this area", the prolific musician – who looks younger than his 62 years – appeared delighted to finally be in this part of the world to continue his mission as an ambassador of jazz.
"I want to bring my music around the world. The music fits the world stage – it's international music. I think jazz is America's greatest contribution to the arts and I love the idea of trying to keep it alive for the young generations," he said enthusiastically. "At this point in my life, I enjoy producing my own albums and performing 'live', 'cos it's my own music."
Tyrell's sell-out 'live' performances in the United States have been regularly attended by celebrities such as Dustin Hoffman, Larry King and Loni Anderson. And we in Singapore can easily see why.
With an easy charm and a winning smile, his deep and soulful voice – at times pleasantly raspy – set the mood for love early in the concert as he belted out jazz favourites such as "Isn't It Romantic", "Georgia On My Mind" and "I've Got The World On A String".
Genial and engaging, he paid tribute to mentors like Ray Charles, Quincy Jones and Burt Bacharach while dispensing bits of insider's information about Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart, with whom he produced the Grammy-winning "Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol III".
Those who had hoped Tyrell would let on more about himself got their wish in the second half of the concert when he spoke about his late wife. Sombre, he gave a decidedly heartfelt performance of "A House Is Not A Home" – a song that was played at Stephanie Tyrell's memorial in 2003.
But before a dismal descend to a somewhat doleful atmosphere could be made, Tyrell offered "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" which he termed as his 'happy song'. Written by Hal David and Bacharach, this song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1969 and could be found in his latest album, "Back to Bacharach", with a refreshing arrangement.
His connection with the audience was finally made complete when he closed the show with the song, "Always On My Mind", coupled – rather unexpectedly – with the words, "I love Singapore".
Prior to the concert, Tyrell had said: "I want to come back every 18 months or so, so that people will know me here like they do in States. It's a lovely place. I'm just sad we won't have more time to spend here."
I certainly hope Singapore holds him to his word.
- CNA/so
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