Grammys, ladies all flock to Michael Buble

The Canadian crooner has broad appeal with his sultry voice and sexy stage presence. He brings them to Tampa tonight, on the heels of winning his first Grammy. 

By Jonathan Milton, Times staff writer
Published February 22, 2008

From his velvety voice to his cunning lyrics, Canadian singer Michael Buble has won over hearts around the world. Known for his sultry renditions of tunes such as Fever and Feeling Good, the 32-year-old hepcat pays homage to the crooners of yesteryear, while creating a sexy stage persona that draws a diverse fan base.

Buble credits his Italian grandfather for his love for jazz. His grandfather sharpened Buble's performance skills by booking him for numerous gigs in smoky bars and hotel lounges, until he finally was discovered at a high-profile wedding gig.

With eight albums under his belt, Buble (pronounced boo-BLAY) recently scored his first Grammy, for Traditional Pop Album, for Call Me Irresponsible. Tonight, he'll perform for a sold-out crowd at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Last week, we spoke with the Vancouver native by phone.

So you just won your first Grammy. What has it been like since that moment?

It's been great! It's actually been really quiet for me, since I couldn't make the award ceremony.

You're a pro when it comes to wooing women. If I were to use a line from one of your songs to pick up a woman, which one would you suggest?

Ha! I have one that I love to sing from I'm Your Man. It goes: (humming melody) "Ah, the moon's too bright. The chain's too tight. The beast won't go to sleep." There's also another part that goes: "I'd crawl to you, baby. And I'd fall to your feet. And I'd howl at your beauty like a dog in heat."

I'm going to have to try that. Everybody is working with artists and musicians like Timbaland, T-Pain and Wyclef Jean these days. Who would be your dream artists to collaborate with?

I feel that I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of the people I would consider my dream artists. I have been able to work with people like Tony Bennett, the Bee Gees, people I consider real icons. I recently got to work with Boyz II Men. They are just amazing musicians.

A friend said she does cardio to your music. She's 24. Is that cool or what?

Really? That is hot. I would like to meet her. I would sing for her while she's doing cardio.

I read you nearly became a journalist. If you were the journalist, what would you ask a singer?

I would probably be the guy to get hung up on. I would ask the most annoying questions just to get under their skin.

Jonathan Milton can be reached at jmilton@sptimes.com

---

As a fellow jazz musician, I could get all technical in assessing Michael Buble's musical talents and the song choices on his various albums. But at the most basic level, music is a great vehicle to tell others who we are. Since music is made to be shared with others, I feel it's my duty to share a few of the Buble songs that impressed me. Download these tunes to get pumped up for the concert if you are among the lucky who have tickets. Or, use this as a playlist for a romantic evening at home. Let the music do the talking. It really does work.

1. Quando, Quando, Quando
2. My Funny Valentine
3. Call Me Irresponsible
4. The Way You Look Tonight
5. I'm Your Man
6. It Had Better Be Tonight
7. Fever
8. Feeling Good
9. Lost
10. Home