Franciscan Friar Alessandro (also known as
Alessandro Brustenghi) has achieved considerable fame on the strength of his first album,
Voice from Assisi, and he is likely to win over new listeners with his second release, a Christmas album titled
Voice of Joy. The program of religious-themed songs is well-suited to
Friar Alessandro’s light tenor voice, and though there are some stretches to high notes, notably in O Santa Notte (O Holy Night), Agnus Dei, the Ave Marias by
Bartolucci and
Bach/
Gounod, and A Gaelic Blessing, his voice isn’t taxed with truly operatic challenges. While
Friar Alessandro has natural vocal ability and obvious personal charm, his uneven tone and exertions are sometimes apparent, suggesting a lack of support from his diaphragm and a tendency to sing from the throat. Nonetheless, his fans will appreciate the warmth and smoothness of his singing without needing any displays of virtuosity or technical prowess, and the mellow, easy listening arrangements will appeal to his mostly crossover audience. ~ Blair Sanderson