I was never lucky enough to see Michael Jackson perform live and to give an opinion of his performance. I enjoy his music and think he was an incredible performer and the “King of Pop” title seems to be well deserved, however I am not a diehard fan who knows all the words to every song or be able to identify every dance routine. Michael Starring Ben is a … [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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Whitney – Queen Of The Night at the Savoy Theatre
If Whitney Houston (1963-2012) is, even in death, ‘Queen of the Night’, then who is ‘Queen of the Day’? These are the sorts of questions that fleetingly crossed my mind during Whitney - Queen of the Night, which has even less exposition than Thriller Live. There are a few moments in which the audience is given a few facts about Houston’s life, but nothing that her … [Read more...]
PIAF: The Legend featuring Mandy Meadows at Crazy Coqs
Piaf: The Legend is not so much a tribute act - more an act of tribute. Mandy Meadows, who was raised on a sheep farm in New Zealand, had a wash, and arrived at the Brasserie Zedel’s wonderful Crazy Coqs cabaret space, is, as she herself confesses, nothing like Edith Piaf - “the Little Sparrow” - in stature, shape, deportment or lifestyle. But boy, can she sing. … [Read more...]
The Clockmaker’s Daughter Studio Cast Recording
For theatregoers, cast albums essentially serve two separate purposes. For those who haven’t seen a show before they provide a taste of the show and may influence a decision about whether to visit; for those who have seen the show, a cast album provides the chance to relive the show and to enjoy the memories. So when listening to The Clockmaker’s Daughter I have … [Read more...]
FOLLIES 2018 National Theatre Cast Recording | Review
For those who have been fortunate enough to have seen this production, no expense has been spared, or so it would seem - and the same appears to go for the album. As Follies prepares to return to the National Theatre, there’s been much hype over the release of the cast recording. At the time of writing, it is available in digital format, and the physical compact disc … [Read more...]
The Simon & Garfunkel Story at the Vaudeville Theatre
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...]
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...]