Album Review: The Light Princess Original Cast Recording

The Light Princess (Original Cast Recording)

Mercury Classics

Released on Friday 9th October 2015

★★★★

Marking two years since Tori Amos and Samuel Adamson's musical The Light Princess premiered at the National Theatre, Amos has reunited the original company to release a cast album. I have fond memories of being swept away by the production; not only was it visually breathtaking and courageously creative, but I adored Amos' score which captures the beauty of the sweetest fairy tale as well as the pain of the darkest nightmare.

Album Review: To Do. To Be. by Tim Prottey-Jones

To Do. To Be. 
Tim Prottey-Jones
Released 7th September 2015
★★★★★

As if opening in a major West End musical wasn't enough to keep someone busy, Tim Prottey-Jones (who is currently appearing in Kinky Boots) has returned to writing with the release of his new album To Do. To Be. The past year has been tough for new British writing, but Prottey-Jones has fully restored my faith.

Album Review: Cool Rider Cast Recording

Cool Rider Cast Recording

Released on Monday 29th June 2015
★★★★

Last year Cool Rider (known to many as Grease 2) began its theatrical journey with a one-night-only concert staging at the Lyric Theatre. The production then returned for a week-long West End residency at the Duchess Theatre and now, due to popular demand, the company have reunited for a cast recording. 

Album Review: Rush Of Life by Julie Atherton

Rush Of Life
Julie Atherton
Theatre Bench Records
★★★★

In the land of musical theatre West End star Julie Atherton is known as the Queen of new writing. As well as showcasing her remarkable vocals, Atherton's latest studio album Rush Of Life features material by some of the industry's most exciting new writing talents.

Album Review: If Everyone Was Listening by Michael Ball

If Everyone Was Listening

Michael Ball

Released on Monday 17th November 2014

★★★★

Marking Michael Ball's nineteenth studio album, If Everyone Was Listening features music both old and new. The musical styles and influences vary, but impressively Ball brings them together with a consistent sound which runs throughout.

EP Review: The Road To Find Out - East by Ramin Karimloo

The Road To Find Out - East
Ramin Karimloo
Big Hand Recordings
Released on Monday 7th April 2014

Breaking away from stereotypical musical theatre albums whilst remaining respectful of musical theatre standards, West End and Broadway star Ramin Karimloo is releasing four EPs to showcase his new genre of music, Bluegrass. The first EP, 'The Road To Find Out - East' features four very different yet consistent numbers, two of which are original songs.

Karimloo's genre is clearly influenced by country music, but the sound is also very fresh and raw. First of all the performer, who is currently starring as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway, takes on 'Oh What A Beautiful Mornin'' from Oklahoma. The song is a far from obvious choice, yet this re-invented arrangement suits Karimloo's voice perfectly. Written by Karimloo and Hadley Fraser, 'Losing' is the first original track on the EP. The song instantly showcases Karimloo's hypnotising vocal talents. The song steadily builds and is very memorable.

Album Review: Ushers - The Front of House Musical

Ushers - The Front of House Musical
SimG Records
Released Monday 10th March 2014

Ushers - The Front of House Musical is a new show which premiered last year at the Hope Theatre. The musical is currently in previews at the Charing Cross Theatre featuring a new cast who have recorded a cast album. I saw the musical last year and while it was clear improvements were needed, Ushers was bursting with potential. I am yet to see the updated version of the show at the Charing Cross.

Album Review: The Reason by Rachel Tucker

The Reason

Rachel Tucker

Big Hand Recordings

Albums made by musical theatre stars run risk of sounding unimaginative when filled with predictable covers. Rachel Tucker's debut solo album, The Reason, may be an album of covers but Rachel has chosen every single song for a reason and (along with the help of her team) has made each song her own. Most importantly the album features a good mix of pop songs, songs Rachel grew up performing as well as musical theatre numbers. 

Album Review: The Confession Room Concept Album

The Confession Room 

Concept Album

SimG Records

The Confession Room, with music and lyrics by Dan Looney, book by Patrick Wilde (based on an original idea by Dan Looney and Reece Looney) and additional lyrics by Reece Looney and Sam Champness, is a brand new, hilarious musical comedy. A full length concept album has been released featuring some of the West End's biggest stars including Billy Elliot's Anna Jane Casey, Top Hat's Alex Gaumond and Rock Of Ages' Ross Hunter.

Album Review: Looking Up by Simon Bailey

Looking Up

By Simon Bailey

SimG Records

At the end of last year West End star Simon Bailey released his debut solo album, Looking Up. While Simon is known for starring in big West End shows including Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, Looking Up has proven that he is also an extremely gifted song writer and recording artist.

Album Review: Someone Else's Story by Meredith Braun

Someone Else's Story
Meredith Braun
Stage Door Records

Meredith Braun has released a deluxe edition of her 2012 album Someone Else's Story which marked her return to performing following a ten year break. She has had an incredible West End career starring as Christine in Phantom of the Opera, Eponine in Les Miserables and creating the role of Betty Schaeffer in Sunset Boulevard. The album features fourteen songs as well as five extra bonus tracks.

Album Review: Momentous Musicals recorded live at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Momentous Musicals
Recorded live at the New Wimbledon Theatre
Speckulation Entertainment

Following a highly successful performance at the New Wimbledon Theatre last year, Speckulation Entertainment have released a live recording of Momentous Musicals which is set to return for its first ever UK Tour later this year. The album is a must have for musical theatre fans as it features a wide variety of songs from both new and classic musicals, performed by some incredibly talented West End stars.

Album Review: Chita! / And Now I Sing! by Chita Rivera

Chita! / And Now I Sing!

Chita Rivera 

Stage Door Records

Stage Door records have released Chita Rivera's debut solo albums Chita! and And Now I Sing! on one CD for the first time since they were recorded and released in the 1960s. Every single track on both albums showcases Chita's versatile, timeless voice. Chita sings with an extremely distinctive style which is consistent throughout both albums.

Album Review: I've Loved These Days by Ruthie Henshall

I've Loved These Days

Ruthie Henshall

Three Pin Productions

Ruthie Henshall's latest album I've Loved These Days contains a stunning variety of songs which allow Ruthie to showcase an incredible amount of versatility. Paul Scofield and Lewis Andrews' arrangements successfully reinvent some classic songs.

Album Review: Centre Stage by Kimberley Walsh

Centre Stage

Kimberley Walsh

Decca Records

After a decade of being in Girls Aloud, Kimberley Walsh is releasing a musical theatre themed album following her recent stint as Princess Fiona in the West End production of Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

I am pleasantly surprised with Kimberley's album. Most of the songs have been completely reinterpreted instead of simply being covered. Kimberley's voice has quite a distinctive tone which gives Centre Stage a fresh, unique and identifiable sound.

Album Review: The Last Song by Anthony Newley

The Last Song
Anthony Newley
Stage Door Records

The Last Song is the final studio album from legendary performer Anthony Newley. The album was recorded in London between 1996 and 1997. All the songs have remained unreleased... until now. Anthony passed away in April 1999 after losing his battle with cancer. He had a hugely successful career in musicals, stage shows, television and of course music.

Album Review: Top Hat (original London cast recording)

Top Hat
Original London Cast Recording
First Night Records

Reviewing the original London cast recoding of Top Hat The Musical has been an interesting experience for me as I haven't seen the show... yet and I have not seen the film. After one listen I was not convinced however over the last week it has grown on me. Sometimes this can be the case with music, after one listen the music is forgettable but after a few listens you suddenly realise you are whistling the songs while doing the washing up. I was also surprised that I knew quite a few of the songs already.

Album Review: Singin' In The Rain (2012 London Cast Recording)

Singin' In The Rain
2012 London Cast Recording
First Night Records

What I love most about the 2012 London cast recording of Singin' In The Rain is that it is more than just a cast recording. It is also an album containing great vocalists singing great versions of classic songs. The album captures the magic of the show which is not something cast albums always manage to achieve.

Review: The In-Between Concept Album

 

The In-Between Concept Album
Music, Lyrics & Book by Laura Tisdall

http://www.theinbetweenmusical.com/

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I sat down to listen to The In-Between Concept Album for the first time. Obviously I was excited by who was involved - stars from musicals including Wicked, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You. However the true star of The In-Between is its composer, Laura Tisdall. Her music is enchanting.

The first song on the concept album, 'She's My Sister' is one of my favourites. It introduces us to clashing sisters Alice and Flick who consider their love-hate relationship during the song. It is sung by Dianne Pilkington & Cassandra Compton who don't just sing the song - they act every single word. This enables you to picture exactly what is going on the whole time, as if you are watching it being performed. Their voices compliment each other perfectly and trust me, after listening to this song once you will never be able to get it out of your head! It is extremely catchy.

'Never Expect' is the second song on the concept album, during the song Flick extols the virtues of being average. This song shows how incredible Sabrina Aloueche's voice is. She sings with such power and emotion. This song demonstrates how inspiration has come from other musicals although it also brings something new to the table. The In-Between has a distinct sound which is consistent throughout the concept album. While each song is different you could hear the song somewhere and straight away identify the song as being from The In-Between. This shows how clever Laura Tisdall's writing really is.

'Out Of Your World' is another extremely catchy song, sung by Daniel Boys. This song introduces us to Calicus. The song is about him offering Flick the chance to travel another word. Daniel's voice really draws you into the world of the In-Between, making you forget about about the real world for 2 minutes and 26 seconds. It is one of those songs that you realise you are humming around the house and think 'hang on - what is this song'. The In-Between would be one of those musicals that you leave singing all the songs on the train because after just one listen you remember them.

'When I Was Nineteen' is sung by Julie Atherton. The sons is about Alice, Flick's sister, looking back on her family's troubled past. You don't just listen to this song - you live it. When I listen to this song it touches something inside of me, enabling me to feel each and every emotion of the song. It is refreshing to hear such a simple song being so powerful. This song is extremely moving and it was not until the silence after the song finished that I realised how much it had touched me. When I Was Nineteen is simply stunning.

One of the most popular songs on the album is 'Beyond The Door'. Hadley Fraser was the perfect choice for this song! The song has so much depth. It is about Calicus, who is unable to forget Flick, wondering what life is like outside of the In-Between and how finds himself tempted to look through one of the exit doors into the worlds. You can take the song metaphorically enabling the song to mean something different to each and every person who listens to it. The song builds tremendously and like 'When I Was Nineteen' has a long lasting effect once the song is over. As Hadley Fraser sings  with such intensity, while listening to him I freeze and can do nothing but concentrate on what he is singing. This is something not all singers can accomplish. 

I love 'Someone You'd Be Proud Of' because anyone can relate to it. Everyone can think of a moment in their life which is similar to the situation Flick finds herself in. This song is the one I connected to the most. I also think Lauren Samuels' voice is breath taking. She starts off singing so soft and beautifully before slowly building up and belting out the most heart wrenching notes, once again showing us how versatile she is. If this show was to be performed on stage I would love to see Lauren portraying role of Flick. 

The final song on the concept album, 'Not Alone' really does leave you wanting to know how the story ends. While Laura Tisdall is keeping what happens to conclude the story a closely guarded secret this song definitely leaves you wanting more. Alexia Khadime & Liam Tamne's voices together create magic.

The In-Between concept album opens your eyes to the next generation of theatre. It comforting getting to know new characters, new music and a brand new composer. As The In-Between has proven to be incredibly popular among theatre fans on social networks and at West End Live I am confident it won't be to long before we can buy tickets to see the show in the West End...

The concept album is available to buy from www.dresscircle.co.uk or can be bought on iTunes
The music can be heard online at www.theinbetweenmusical.com
Like The In-Between on Facebook www.facebook.com/theinbetweemusical
Follow The In-Between on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/TIB_Musical

Album Review: Louise Dearman's 'Here Comes The Sun'

Here Comes The Sun

Louise Dearman

Big Hand Recordings

When I heard Louise Dearman was returning to the studio to record her second studio album I knew the finished product would be good. However I did not realise it would one of the most moving, beautiful albums I have ever listened to. Although the songs are covers Louise really makes each one sound like an original. You can tell how she understands every single lyric in every single song as she sings with a great deal of emotion. After seeing Louise play Glinda in Wicked I thought I knew her voice well but the songs on the album allow Louise to show different areas of her voice which I think is one of the most beautiful voices that has ever been heard on a West End stage.

There is a variety of songs on the album which create different atmospheres and takes you on a journey. The first song 'Here Comes The Sun' is so gentle. The first 30 seconds almost hypnotise you, putting you into a trance which makes you stop what you are doing, sit down and open your imagination. The orchestrations are also perfect and joins forces with Louise's voice to create something magical.

The second track on the album 'Squander' quickly takes you onto the next step of the journey. The song slowly builds up and shows the unique power of Louise's voice. While so many singers have strong voices and can belt out a song, Louise's tone stands out and connects with something on the inside of your body making you go 'wow' (as I did, while sitting on the tube listening to the song on my iPod - I got a few strange looks).

I think 'Time After Time' is one of the most famous tracks on the album. Louise sings this song with Steve Balsamo and their voices compliment each other perfectly. Before hearing this version I didn't realise how beautiful the lyrics of the song are as this version is so stripped back and raw. The way the last phrase of the song is almost whispered gives me chills every time I listen to it. Both singers put so much emotion into the way they sing. This was the first song on the album which left me felling emotionally moved. The next track, 'Gravity', is one of my favourites from the album, it really gives Louise the chance to show off her vocal ability which is extraordinary! I cannot get over how effortlessly she sings the song and makes it sound like it was written for her.

'See The Day' continues the journey of the album, changing the emotion from vulnerable to powerful. It is a great contrasting song on the album and, yet again, shows a different side to Louise! As the song progresses we get to hear some incredible rifts and power from Louise's voice before the song is suddenly stripped back before its massive climax. Then the atmosphere completely changes as 'Little Bird' begins. I never expected Louise to sing a song like this. It has such a catchy beat and leaves you with that upbeat inspired feeling - as if you could do anything.

While 'This House' is a ballad it is completely different to any other song on the album. It makes you imagine a dark place. Then 'Uninvited' comes along. This song shows us how delicate Louise's voice is. It shows us a glimmer of hope. 'One Day I'll Fly Away' starts the end of the journey and makes you look into the future, showing you that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. 

The final song on the album 'Kissing You' is stunning. It shows off the talent of Louise Dearman who has such a delicate yet powerful, unique voice. The song ends, finishing the journey of Louise's second album 'Here Comes The Sun'. It leaves you feeling inspired and touched, as if someone had been in the room singing to you directly. This is honestly the best album from a musical theatre artist I have ever heard. You can get a signed physical copy of 'Here Comes The Sun' direct from Louise's webshop at www.louisedearman.com. Alternatly you can buy the Album from Amazon, Dress Circle, HMV and iTunes.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com