a rising young baritone with a powerfully operatic voice. Supported by Isabelle Trüb's acommpaniments, often rather more assertive and colourful than reticent Brits expect, he gives the Songs of Travel a distinctively dramatic edge...It's already had the good word from Sir Thomas Allen, and no wonder.

It is a real pleasure to make the acquaintance of David John Pike on this quite superb recording. The singer has all the qualities that one looks for in this repertoire: a well-focused and steady delivery, imaginative response to the text, and a real sense of legato.

[Pike] has a powerful, generous and malleable voice, that he puts to use with rare sensitivity...Trüb shows great sensitivity and admirable flexibility in the colours of her piano accompaniment, never ceasing to explore all the psychological finesses.

a baritone with pithy, but warm, rounded, never hard intonation, a piano accompanist who follows suit perfectly, music full of temperament, plus a accompanying personal note from the singer...Most impressive perhaps are the fresh and lively interpretations that make one forget that this is a studio production.

With the congenial accompaniment of pianist Isabelle Trüb he achieves a degree of emotional penetration not necessarily obvious with this repertoire. Pike finds the right voice, the right tone, for every song. A further strength is the warmth of his pleasantly nutty, powerful voice, calm breath control, a beautiful legato and good mastery of the mezzovoce.