Pavarotti & Friends For The Children Of Guatemala And Kosovo

by Adam Greenberg This is a recording of a live concert on the part of the War Child organization, which works to "alleviate the suffering of children caught up in the horrors of war." Originally, the proceeds of the concert/album/video/etc. were tagged to go to victims of the Guatemalan civil war, but upon the chaos in Kosovo, Pavarotti decided to channel a spare million towards the Kosovars as well. As to the music, it is often forgettable. What makes the concept interesting is the possibility inherent in collaborations between Pavarotti and the various pop/rock/blues stars that joined him in the project. Unfortunately, it doesn't usually work out so well. On "The Thrill Is Gone," he can be found giving simply the backing "aaaah, aaaah, aaaah, aaaah." In most other places, he does work more lyrically, often giving something of a translated Italian version of the English lyrics. The problem isn't in his skill, it's simply that his style of operatic projection, etc., doesn't lend itself well to pop tunes. On a related note, Ricky Martin doesn't lend himself well to more operatic endeavors either. After a good long time of butchered duets and decent renditions of solo works, the album finishes off with the requisite "We Are the World," making use of all of the artists involved. Overall, lots of big names, not a whole lot of outstandingly remarkable music.