If there are any fans of Barbra Streisand out there, you might want to set your DVR for the upcoming “Back To Brooklyn” concert (from her most recent tour) with several guest singers. (If you are not a fan, feel free to ignore this thread and move on…)
It is being aired this Friday, November 29th (check your local listings) on PBS.
Yes, and the age factor has definitely changed her voice - she no longer hits quite those really high notes that she used to. However, Bab’s ears have NOT failed her and she knows to take those songs down a key, or select songs that keep in her current range.
Thus, even though she knows her current limitations, she is clever enough to arrange songs, and select songs, that will allow her to sing with the quality she is known for. As the well-known perfectionist, I am sure she has gone over every song with her critical ear to determine what works and what doesn’t work.
Some older singers do a rotten version of sorting of “talking” their song, with a big band covering the melody. Babs will never do that. I am sure if she gets to the point that she cannot perform certain songs, no matter what key, she will hang up the towel. I mean, it is not exactly like she needs the money to pay her car loan and fill up the tank.