Wow! What a class in how to use every aspect of one's voice from soft deep tones, falsetto to expressing powerful guttural pain. He even has changed his vocal quality to one that sounds more like Elvis Costello! Just brilliant!
The great looks, the wonderful instrument, and add to those the great acting ability with which he gives such a marvelous and unique interpretation to Costello’s incomparable song….what a package!
I think Raul is brilliant with, not only his interpretation of songs, but his ability to tell the story through his voice. I went back and listened to Costello's version because I had never heard this song and I wanted to hear how Elvis and Burt interpreted it. Costello seems to sing the song with a sadness rather than an anger. Raul probably brings more anger to the interpretation of the song, but neither is wrong. That's one thing I love about Esparza. He brings his own passion and emotions to every song he does. He doesn't try to be like any other singer. Most anyone can sing a song, but not everyone can tell a story that communicates to the listener what the writer is trying to say. Raul is brilliant at telling the story, not only on stage in the many Broadway and off Broadway shows he has done, but also when he sings at events. Raul never just gets up and sings a song. He is "all in" when he sings and he brings the listener in with him.
ITA! He uses his awesome voice like Van Gogh used his paint brushes & pallet to paint an awesome picture for his audiences & I thank God for giving him his terrific talent...JMO
Love both versions, but Raul can act when he sings. I think that's the difference. Also I don't think Elvis is the same angry young man he used to be. :)
You should also check out a movie called Grace of My Heart. It's the first time I heard this song and it's a wonderful movie. Kristen Vigard dubs the vocals for Illeana Douglas.
His ability to convey the story, the phrasing, his raw, true emotion and in my opinion, flawless delivery are magnificent, almost too much to take in. I loved this one!
Thankyou, this is lovely. I played it by mistake, it came on after another song, and I couldn't get to my laptop to stop it. SO glad I made that mistake, I love this. Love Raul.
Yes it is. There are a lot of great videos of him singing on here. You should check out him singing 'Petrified' in the musical "Taboo" (in drag) and 'Hallelujah'. He is a four-time Tony nominated Broadway actor.
