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DVDfever.co.uk – David McAlmont and Michael Nyman: The Glare CD reviewElly Roberts reviews
MN Records
- Released: October 2009
- Rating: 6/10
- Vote and comment on this album:View Comments
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 theyve formed an unlikely partnership delivering an album of 11 songs skimmed from Nymans previous work from either stand alone compositions or soundtracks. Chances are youve 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 hes 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, its only because of Nymans minimalist repertoire that this works as a crossover piece. Anything too complex simply wouldnt 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 Nymans 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 Lumleys 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. Its a pretty straightforward affair which doesnt 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 wont rock the world.
The verdict A fascinating listen.
Weblinks:michaelnyman.come /davidmcalmont.co.uk
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Take The Money And Run
2. Secrets, Accusations And Charges
3. City Of Turin
4. Friendly Fire
5. In Rai Don Giovanni
6. In Laos
7. Going To America
8. Fever Sticks And Bones
9. A Great Day In Kathmandu
10. Underneath The Hessian Bags
11. The GlareView the discussion thread.blog comments powered by Disqus= 0) {query += ‘url’ + i + ‘=’ + encodeURIComponent(links[i].href) + ‘&’;}}document.write(”);})();//]]]]>]]>
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.