As famous as he was for mixed metaphors, when Yogi Berra  said that the ballgame isn't  over 'til the fat lady sings,  he never could have imagined someone going even one step further - having  internationally acclaimed opera singers belt out 23 cowboy classics.

Yes, neighbors, this is a product endorsement, but one done for beauty, not money.

Chris Allinger [WQNY] knows that country & western isn't generally my thing, but listening to baritones, basses and mezzo sopranos sing those Gene Autry, Roger Miller, Cole Porter, Dale Evans, Hank Cochran, Roy Orbison and Patsy Montana tunes just sent me into my stuffed armchair with my teenager by my side.

Oh, the sweet music. Riders In The Sky, Don 't Fence Me In, Walking After Midnight. It's a magical compendium of classic Americana backed up by 40 supporting instrumentalists playing big "Hollywood" arrangements and simple guitar and fiddle accompaniments.

Lansing's Steve Stull (the guy who masterminded this concoction) is one seriously talented guy with a way of seeing the world that defies conventional wisdom. Most of the time he's journeying around the world where his baritone voice supports classical opera. Other times, he just seems to jump the tracks.

Two years ago he issued a CD of Irish and Scottish ballads arranged by Ludwig van Beethoven. Yeh, I'm serious .. but it's a whole different story.

This time our master of the unpredictable has demonstrated again that operatic rigor can add panache to music of any origin. Check it out.
Opera Cowpokes by CRS [Barn Studio]. Call 257-2043.

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