There aren’t that many bands whose musical output and fame spans some 6 decades. But an American duo, who originally performed in 1956, under the name ‘Tom & Jerry’ and are still today one of the most recognisable groups ever. Their music is, for many people, the soundtrack to their lives and their songs are as well-known today as they were when they were … [Read more...]
Reviews of Cast Recordings, Soundtracks from Musicals & Music
Reviews of music from performers from the stage, cast recordings, soundtracks from stage productions, albums etc...
London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s debut album GIRLFRIENDS
With such a talented cast, it’s difficult to single out stand-out performances. But the ones that stick in my mind are Bronté Barbé’s rendering of ‘The Chances Are’, a heartfelt number about the sitting and hoping that goes on when one’s partner is out to war, and Rob Houchen’s tenor voice is perfectly suited to the soaring melodies in this musical. It’s not often that a new recording of a musical with an orchestra as large as the LMTO is released these days. Rather longer than most cast recordings, coming in at just under two hours, this is set to be the go-to album for Girlfriends, a hearty and passionate listening experience.
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Liza Pulman Sings Streisand at The Other Palace | Review
It’s a bit of a giveaway, really, calling a show Liza Pulman Sings Streisand – lo and behold, Liza “lie-sah not lee-sah” Pulman does sing Streisand, and quite a lot of it, though as she points out, there’s no point even attempting to go through the entire back catalogue – there’s simply volumes and volumes of Barbra Streisand’s recordings over half a century. And … [Read more...]
Quentin Dentin releases debut album: The Quentin Dentin Show
Following on from his sensational runs in London and the Edinburgh Fringe, Quentin Dentin, the star of his very own musical show The Quentin Dentin Show, has stepped off the stage and has released his long-awaited debut album. The album has music and lyrics by Henry Carpenter and is produced by Paul Garred, co-founder and original drummer of The Kooks. I’m not … [Read more...]
Joe Stilgoe Band at Ronnie Scott’s | Review
As good as it gets. That’s my feeling after being privileged to watch Joe Stilgoe the best singer-pianist in the world at indubitably the best jazz club in the world: Ronnie Scott’s. As soon as he walked onto the bandstand at Ronnie’s at 8.15 last night one knew one was in the presence of a true entertainer. Joe Stilgoe oozes charisma, sex appeal and showbiz glamour. … [Read more...]
Broken Wings: The Original Concept Album | Review
New York City, 1923. An ageing Gibran narrates from his cold studio. Through poetry and music, he transports us back two decades and across continents, to turn-of-the-century Beirut. His 18-year-old self returns to The Middle East after five years living in America, to complete his education and discover more of his heritage. He falls deeply in love with Selma Karamy, … [Read more...]
The Best of Wham! at The Churchill Theatre | Review
In the history of the world, four years is not that long a period. In the history of pop music, the four years between 1982 and 1986 mark the rise of a musical supergroup who are as popular today as they were back in the day. They sold more than 28 million records, topping the charts with three albums, four number one singles and eleven top ten hits. The group was, of … [Read more...]
Billy The Kid Live Cast Recording – a ‘sparkling and lively recording’
The National Youth Music Theatre seems to have a tradition of presenting musicals set in a bygone era: in its illustrious history stretching back to 1976, previous productions have included The Ragged Child, set in 19th-century London, Pendragon, about the Arthurian legends of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing … [Read more...]
Review of The Barricade Boys at The Other Palace
The minute you walk into the intimate space that is the Other Palace Studio you cannot help but feel Christmassy. There's a Christmas tree, lots of tinsel and a lovely projection of a log fire which makes you feel like you have walked straight into someone's living room on Christmas Eve. I only wish my living room could also be adorned with a grand piano and four men … [Read more...]
A Christmas Carol: Simon Callow with The Brighouse and Rastrick Band
Simon Callow has been a knowledgeable figure in theatre on Charles Dickens (1812-1870) for some time. I recall seeing one of his solo shows, The Mystery of Charles Dickens, a mesmerising biographical show in which everyone from his wife to characters in Oliver Twist were featured in a rather intense and fast-paced production. This audio recording, relatively more … [Read more...]