| This Week's Highlights |
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analysis w/e 14.5.11 |
DVDs out 9.5.11 |
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@ DVDfever Youtube |
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May 11 2011 
DVDfever co uk
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Chalk and cheese come together …with interesting results. David McAlmont comes from the high end of soul. Michael Nyman comes from the minimalist neo-classical sphere. Together they’ve formed an unlikely partnership delivering an album of 11 songs skimmed from Nyman’s previous work from either stand alone compositions or soundtracks. Chances are you’ve heard the music before. McAlmont, renowned for his spectacular vocal gymnastic (first featured on dazzling single Yes paired with Bernard Butler - 1995) has never fitted the moniker of soul singer comfortably. Now maybe he’s found his rightful niche in the popera stylings of Nyman, by adding his own lyrical (topical) observations, some of which are quite harrowing. Truth is, it’s only because of Nyman’s minimalist repertoire that this works as a crossover piece. Anything too complex simply wouldn’t work. Opener Take The Money And Run is the perfect example with its repetitive chorus set to Seville Fanfare, though Secrets, Accusations and Charges proves more challenging for McAlmont , stretching his vocal dexterity to the max. Musically, City Of Turin proves to be the most interesting so far, where Nyman’s music has a distinctive Italian patina.
The serene Friendly Fire is a melancholic gem with the sweeping orchestration fluttering as a backdrop allowing in McAlmont to tenderly add some exquisite vocals. Next, In Rai Don Giovanni packs a real punch. The edgy string arrangement gives it plenty of drama. Joanna Lumley’s visit to Nepal is covered on A Great Day In Kathmandu a peculiar choice of subject matter which must have stirred up something in McAlmont, and the title track – The Glare targets the exploits of SuBo (Susan Boyle / X-Factor) whilst in America. His own experiences in the States are covered on jolly Going To America. It’s a pretty straightforward affair which doesn’t really ‘go anywhere’, lacking any sort of impact. The most tragic song is that of a pregnant drug mule incarcerated in an Asian jail - In Laos. The haunting piano sequence is enough to tears from the most hardened of listeners, especially when the violin kicks-in. The Glare is a great exercise in polarised disciplines, but it won’t rock the world. The verdict – A fascinating listen.
Weblinks: michaelnyman.come / davidmcalmont.co.uk
The full list of tracks included are :
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier. PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
