Nick Wakeham casts an eye over some of the latest CD releases.
Musical Theatre Review’s CD reviews page is presented in association with DRESS CIRCLE, the longest-running Musical Theatre specialist shop in the world.
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM – Original London Cast
I have to admit that I am reviewing this album without having seen the actual show on stage. This is something I really like doing because I am always of the mind that many people are in the same boat and the cast recording of any show should stand on its own, bringing the full atmosphere of the piece to your ears through the speakers. If this show is full of exuberance and joy onstage then the recording has certainly done the trick.
The cast is excellent and brings the show to life as you are listening, both individual performances and ensemble work are terrific.
The music by Howard Goodall is a wonderful mix of pop and Bollywood filled with energy on both levels. Whether it is an upbeat production number or a more laid-back ballad, the score always hits the spot. Charles Hart’s lyrics are at the same time witty but gritty. Although there was one point when I thought if I hear the phrase ‘bend it’ one more time I think I might scream! But, apart from that, I loved it.
If the energy on stage is only half as much as this recording then I think the Phoenix Theatre may have another Blood Brothers on its hands!
Click HERE to buy from Dress Circle.
TO DO. TO BE. – The Music of Tim Prottey-Jones (My Protege Records – MP201504)
To Do. To Be. is an album compiled from music written by Tim Prottey-Jones (Once, Kinky Boots) for original musical theatre pieces and both short and feature-length films. All the music is composed by him but with differing styles of lyricists. Add to that a collection of outstanding voices and you have a CD that is going to be part of many collections throughout the world, of that I have no doubt. Those voices include: Amy Lennox, Joe Tracini, Emma Hatton, Alistair Brammer, Jacqueline Hughes, Paul Ayres, Ambra Caserotti, Declan Bennett, Tyrone Huntley, Zrinka Cvitesic, Evelyn Hoskins, Brian Gilligan, The Paper Hearts, Arthur Darvill, Andrew Bateup, Cameron Sharp, Laura Pitt-Pulford and not to forget Prottey-Jones himself who appears on the duet ‘Leaving For You’.
The styles of writing vary between rock, pop and ballad, but nothing let’s you down. There truly is something for everyone on the album, whether you are in a toe-tapping mood or feeling just all warm and cozy. Each song tells a story and whether that is a humorous, uplifting or heart-breaking tale, you are certainly drawn in. That is, in no small part, thanks to the wonderful lyricists that Prottey-Jones is working with on this material.
I thoroughly recommend this album to everyone who loves listening to good music with a great story in the lyrics – superb.
Click HERE to buy from Dress Circle.
ANN VERONICA – Original London Cast (Stage Door Records – STAGE 9042)
I have to admit that I wonder with awe just what is going to come out of the Stage Door Records stable next – and I am never disappointed.
Perhaps it is because I am of the age where the recordings they are transferring so beautifully to CD are shows I remember from my youth in London. Shows that I would go and see at matinees when I wasn’t working and wishing I was in that show rather than the one I was actually appearing in at the time. The whole of the London musical scene appeared to sparkle and, no matter how abysmal the show (Liza of Lambeth immediately pops into my head), I loved them.
I remember seeing this show at the Cambridge Theatre and it simply added to my idea of musical magic. I fell in love with Mary Millar and wanted Hy Hazell as my big sister – I was only 17 at the time after all. I went out the next day and bought the cast album which has been a regular visitor to my turntable over the years. Unfortunately, the show didn’t have a long life, but that was not due to anything other than audience’s tastes in music were changing rapidly – especially with the opening of Hair the year before.
The music is by Cyril Ornadel with lyrics by David Croft (of future Dad’s Army fame). In fact there were a couple of future Dad’s Army stalwarts in this cast – Arthur Lowe and Ian Lavender, and even a small part played by John Inman. However, it was Mary Millar, Hy Hazell and, to some extent, Peter Reeves that stuck in my memory and it is absolutely wonderful to hear them in crystal clear digital format – ah the memories they invoke!
As usual, Stage Door Records has done an exemplary job in transferring the original material and the booklet that comes with the CD is full of wonderful photographs and reminiscences. Anyone who is at all interested in musicals just needs to add this to their collection and subscribe to Stage Door Records’ website to keep up to date with all their future releases. Without these wonderful productions we certainly wouldn’t have the musical theatre we have today.
Click HERE to buy from Dress Circle
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