On this crisp autumn afternoon, Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall hosted the annual Spivey Memorial Concert featuring tenor Ben Bliss and pianist Craig Terry. About sixty patrons attended Sunday’s concert which presented a mixture of art songs, operatic arias, and mid-20th-century American songs.

Mr. Bliss is an imposing figure on stage. He is tall and lean, characteristics that lessen the need for him to “overact” while singing. He has a clear yet full tenor, with no hint that the music ever challenges him technically. He has excellent breath control and is a relaxed singer; that is, his diaphragm and larynx don’t appear to struggle to keep his airflow. Yet, when he transitions from his operatic style to more popular songs, he becomes quite relaxed, retaining little to no body tension.  For the complete review, go here:  https://www.earrelevant.net/2022/11/ben-bliss-and-craig-terry-proffer-songs-of-love-and-loss-at-spivey-hall/