Actor and singer Will Barratt launched his album Confessions of a Justified Sinner at the London Hippodrome.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A familiar West End leading man due to his many credits in musical theatre including The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to name just a few, Will Barratt is the performing package. As a classically trained pianist and composer, he stands out from the crowd. No wonder his solo album Confessions of a Justified Sinner has been much anticipated.
Barratt started his launch gig at the London Hippodrome with ease and style after overcoming a technical difficulty with a faulty microphone (which he laughed off with self assured charm). Joined by guest Ryan Molloy, the Michael Jackson favourite ‘Man in the Mirror’ displayed Barratt’s incredible vocal tone and range.
Indeed the versatile Barratt quickly proved that his great vocal power allows him to sing almost anything. It was evident that the rest of the concert was going to be something rather special.
The most rousing number on the album, which he also performed here, is ‘Demon’, sampling the introduction to ‘Ave Maria’ (sung by guest singers and producer Nikki Davison), before taking on a life of its own. Nadim Naaman then joined him during the number, telling the story of a Sweeney Todd client who escaped a gruesome death.
Naaman (also on guitar) and Barratt singing ‘Hallelujah’ was absolutely stunning. The two men’s voices blended so well together, this is definitely one song that needs to be recorded as it’s not on the album!
The instrumental skills of Barratt were on display when accompanying Rebecca Trehearn on ‘Surrender’, the song he wrote just for her. A beautiful vocal demonstrated the song’s vulnerability to perfection and the tenderness of the composer’s accompaniment.
The gorgeous ballads kept rolling on with Michael Conway and Barratt joining forces to sing the John Legend song ‘All of Me’, as well as ‘Winter Lullaby’, a newly composed song from the album full of wonderful harmonies.
With the record label and production team from Auburn Jam Records both on stage in the form of Joe and Nikki Davison, with Joe being musical director and Nikki on ukulele and backing vocals, it really felt like there was a genuine bond between everyone. This family atmosphere was extended by the way Barratt chose material that showcased the talents of others as well as himself, something that reaffirms a humility that also radiates in his music. Having his brother Phil join him for the last two songs, that happened to be family favourites, was a touching and fun moment.
An injection of comedy was provided by the title of the album, inspiring a segment called confessions. Before the show band members and singers had told Barratt a few of their naughty secrets (!), ranging from the downright silly to those many of us could relate to, raising a lot of laughs from the audience in the process.
There were no sins committed at this extraordinary concert performed by an extraordinary performer who has shown just why he is a leader in the musical theatre field. The array of instrumentalists and guest singers all added to what a pleasurable evening it was, with carefully considered song choices and an array of new classics from Confessions of a Justified Sinner which is simply an outstanding album.
Francesca Mepham
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CD Review – Will Barratt – Confessions of a Justified Sinner
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