Richard Hadfield presents Swingfield - The Way You Make Me Feel

Find out more about Swingfield here (Facebook)

Most people will already know Richard Hadfield from vocal group Collabro. Since their meteoric rise to fame via Britain's Got Talent they've emerged as genuinely likeable and talented stars who make all the varied diverse genres that they tackle feel like they belong up there on the stage in the world's most harmonious musical. What's particularly engaging about the five lads is that together and separately they've contributed so much more to the world than music. They've challenged the perception of piercings as forms of personal expression; they've been passionate about equality for LGBTQ+ teens; Michael has surely proved that a smile is something special (which must lead to a cover of this on their third album :D); and Richard has done more for feeling positive about your body shape than any self help could ever achieve.

It's Richard who we are here to focus on today - for, as the lads take a break from their euphoric tour (I was there in Birmingham, felt inspired to go and buy 3 new suits after!), Richard has been demonstrating how he uses his voice to approach different genres that don't necessarily fit into the Collabro mold. Performing as Swingfield, the most electrifying of the videos he has shared is a cover of Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel. He's like a man transformed, as if he's tapped into a different hitherto hidden part of his vocal range to become a seductive and charming raconteur; at one with the languorous nature of swing and rat pack like he's channeling influences such as Frank Sinatra, Matt Dusk and (of course) Robbie Williams. In recreating the smooth r'n'b grooves of The Way You Make Me Feel as a finger-clicking rat-pack jam, Richard has clearly stripped the song back to the very structure it was built around, examining the lyrics, flow and melody. This makes the reinvention have that much more of an impact because it reveals hidden nuances of the song both through the instrumental production and Richard's deliciously mellifluous vocal tones. Shuffling percussion underscores a dancing piano riff whilst Richard leads the melody forward with a commanding presence that is all too hard to resist. He infuses every note and word he sings with the tangible excitement that the indelible lyrics demand, ensuring the listener is consumed by the emotions and sentiments so exquisitely portrayed.

All of those elements of the song, production and performance are more than enough to make this something rather special (and hint at a solo career for Richard inbetween Collabro projects) - however, the video above really shows that Richard is doing something he is passionate about. You can see it in the way he sings, his bodily movements and facial expressions. It enhances the overall enjoyment of the song and leaves a lasting impression. If, like me, you are then hungry for me you could do far worse than check out his other you-tube videos and luxuriate in the music he has created. Magnificent.