Search - Michael Junior :: Traumland

A Magnificent Achievement

Frank Perry | Seattle, WA USA | 02/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a startlingly beautiful album of classic songs, and that it was recorded by a 13-year-old Belgian boy makes it all the more remarkable. What a voice! This child has complete control over his voice. He sings softly, with an aching yearning in songs like "Ich Liebe Dich"; with power and passion in songs like "You'll Never Walk Alone" (you'll never hear this song sung more effectively than Michael Junior does); with playfulness and joy in songs like "La Spagnola". This is a wondrous achievement in one so young. "Traumland" is essentially the soundtrack of the PBS concert "Dreamland" that was aired in August and September of 2000. It contains all the songs of that concert plus two extra songs. It is sung in four languages, impeccably pronounced: English, German, Latin, and Italian with only the slightest and most charming accent. He also sings in French and Dutch (his native language.) The "Dreamland" CD is the same program except that the German lyrics here are in French on "Dreamland." If you were lucky enough to see the concert on TV you know that Michael has another quality: a natural, charismatic sense of showmanship. And he's cute as a bug's ear!Of course Michael has considerable help on this album. He is backed by a full symphony orchestra. A protege of Helmut Lotti, Michael sings two duets with Lotti. The chorus that sings with him is large but never intrusive, with voices that blend so smoothly they sing like a single instrument of immense power and beauty. The arrangements are exciting and varied. The songs and arrangements are so well chosen and executed that the CD achieves a unity, a "wholeness" most albums do not achieve. In every way, this is a first rate, professional production with no gimmicks of editing to enhance the voice . . . It's just a fine singer with a great set of songs doing what he clearly loves to do most: Sing. AND HE'S ONLY 13 YEARS OLD!Michael Verschuere (Michael Junior) has a child's voice, clearly. Unlike female child singers whose voices mature only by degrees, gaining in richness of tone but essentially staying the same, a boy singer faces the dangers of puberty. His voice matures into a new voice, often no longer resembling his "boy" voice at all. All too often boy singers lose their ability to sing entirely. Many fans of Michael express fear for this inevitable voice change.But I have great news!Michael was only 13 when this album was recorded. Since then, he has been on tour all over the world with Helmut Lotti. In April, 2001 Michael will turn 15. Recently his new single, "Anna Maria", was released in Europe. Throughout the month of January, 2001 he has been recording his new album: "Italian Classics", a mixture of Italian classical and popular songs. It is the perfect choice. (Back to "Traumland" for a moment: if I were to choose one song on Traumland that demonstrates the power of Michael's voice in all that makes a voice interesting, it would be the Italian "Il Mondo" which is such a stirring performance I get deep chills listening to it.) So "Italian Classics" seems a perfect choice for a new project. "Italian Classics" should be be released in Belgium by the end of February, 2001 and is scheduled to be released in Germany in April. On the voice change issue, one German reviewer has stated, "Michael's voice has changed over the past months, and I can assure you that it sounds still just as amazing as before . . . very matured and powerful now, but also warm and full with feeling." Those of us who are fans will be eager to buy the new CD. So keep checking Amazon. It'll show up soon . . . I hope!Just because there is a new album on the way, do not wait. Buy this "Traumland". (And "Dreamland"?) You will love it. As Michael matures, I am sure he will become one of the great international stars. This album can never be repeated again. Imagine if we had such a document of the 13-year-old Placido Domingo or Elvis Presley or Kiri Te Kanawa or Petula Clark or ??? What a treasure that would be! You do not want to miss out on having THIS treasure in your music library. Buy it! Buy it! Buy it! Your heart will soar as you listen."

An inspiration

Adriel C. Gray | McGaheysville, VA USA | 08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A powerful voice emanating from this disciplined and assured voice of thirteen-year-old Belgian singer Michael Junior. If you did not see the PBS production of Junior singing these songs, you missed one of the great musical performances of 2000. This album will not disappoint you."

Voice like an Angel

ELIZABETH MARTIN | UNION, NJ USA | 10/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was surfing through my TV channels when I came across this young boy with a voice like an angel. I stopped and watched the rest of his show, then I watched it again later that night. I also taped it and sent it to my brother in Dallas, Tx. I was so in awe of this child I had to tell everyone I knew of his performance and where to watch it. I hope he continues to sing and stays as sweet as he is now. He is a joy to watch and listen to."