Album Review: It's Time by Louise Dearman

It's Time

Louise Dearman

Silva Screen Records
Released 2nd December 2013

Louise Dearman's third studio album takes her in a very different direction from last year's release 'Here Comes The Sun'. In Louise's own words she has 'returned to her musical theatre roots' and recorded some of the most iconic musical theatre songs ever written. 

The album is beautiful and a must-have for any musical theatre fan. 'It's Time' is an album which you can listen to in the car, play through your earphones on the tube, put on to relax whilst you're in the bath or use as background music during a family meal. It's very atmospheric and easy to listen to. I love the simplicity, each track features huge orchestral arrangements, yet no song is too overpowering. 'It's Time' certainly doesn't feature any album fillers, Louise has recorded each song with thought and care.

Louise Dearman announces musical theatre album and UK Tour

Louise Dearman has announced she will release her third studio album 'It's Time' on 18th November 2013.

The album will feature covers of various musical theatre songs from shows including: Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables and A Chorus Line.

The track-list will feature: I Dreamed a Dream, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Tell Me On a Sunday.

She has also recorded versions of Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music, What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line, People from Funny Girl and The Perfect Year from Sunset Boulevard.. 

'It's Time' will include a duet of Falling Slowly from Once which Louise sings with X Factor winner Shayne Ward who recently starred in Rock Of Ages, winning the 2012 West End Frame Award for 'Best West End Debut'.

Speaking to The Stage, Louise said: “Working on this album has been a whole new experience for me. For years, I’ve shied away from singing or recording iconic musical theatre songs, and tried to find less known material. But this year felt like the right time to embrace all those truly wonderful classics and put them together with some beautiful orchestrations on my new album. It’s really taken me back to my roots and I’m very proud of the end product.”

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. 

Rachel Tucker to perform first ever solo concert at the St James Theatre and names solo album 'The Reason'

It has been announced that Rachel Tucker will star in her first ever solo concert in London. 'Rachel Tucker For One Night Only Live In Concert' takes place at the St James Theatre on 25th July 2013. It has also been revealed that her debut solo album will be called 'The Reason' and will be released on 22nd July 2013.

Rachel said: “People have asked me for years if I would ever record an album – well I’m absolutely thrilled to finally be able to say YES ! I can’t wait to get the chance to perform it live”

In March it was announced that Rachel had signed a record deal with Big Hand Recordings in a joint venture with Elate Studio. Rachel is well known playing Elphaba in Wicked. She starred in the West End show at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for two-and-a-half years.

Rachel played Elphaba for over 1,000 performances meaning she has played the iconic role for longer than any other actress in the production's history. Last year Rachel won the West End Frame Award for Best Performance of a Song in a Musical for her performance of Defying Gravity in Wicked.

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