The last time I heard Hugh Maynard sing was in Miss Saigon where his emotional rendition of ‘Bui Doi’ had me reduced almost to tears. So when I was asked to review his self-produced album “Something Inside so Strong” I was really intrigued to see what this musical theatre performer could do. The track list was my first clue that this was not going to be an album of musical standards, as I saw a fantastic mixture of classical songs and show tunes - all arranged by Hugh himself - that would … [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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5 star Paradise Lost concept album
Like many people throughout the world I’ve heard of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost but never actually got around to reading it. Let’s be honest the original 1667 version was over 10,000 lines of verse – all very worthy but not exactly right for a quick read on the bus. Luckily, Lee Ormsby and Jonathan Wakeham not only read it but decided it could be translated into a musical and the result “Paradise Lost” has been recorded into a concept album that left me begging for the show to be made … [Read more...]