Music Archive

Kerry Ellis and Brian May – Anthems: The Concert Review

hobo

– May 2, 2011Posted in: Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Music, Musicals, Wicked

Name of Show: Anthems: The Concert

Date: 1st May 2011

Starring: Kerry Ellis, Brian May, Adam Pascal, Escala, Dan Gillespie, The West End Chorus

Words and Music: Various!! Queen, Steven Schwartz, Don Black

Opened: One day only at RAH but first day of national tour

Theatre: The Royal Albert Hall, London

Seats: Originally 3rd Tier but we were upgraded for free to Stalls L Row 4 Seats 84 & 85

Seat Review: Amazing view and the RAH has these awesome swivelly chairs so you can face any part of the hall!

Price: £35 for 3rd tier seats. The people in the stalls near our upgraded seats paid about £60

Visit number: First and only!

Rating out of 10: 100

Recommend: Absolutely – you MUST see this tour!

Describe it in 5 words: A truly spectaular anthemic extravaganza.

MiniHobo’s Review:

WOW! It is so hard to know where to start with this review. Do I start with the magnificant building in which I cheered, clapped and standing ovated? Or perhaps I should begin with the ecstatic atmosphere filled with musical theatre fans, rock fans and Brian May pilgrims? Or would it be disrespectful not to mention first the unquestionably important work of Leukemia and Lymphona Research? Do I go with my head and review in detail the set, lighting, sound, direction and the many costume changes? Or do I go with my heart and start with the reason most of use were there – KERRY ELLIS!!

Nearly 2 years to the day since she left WICKED (May 9th will always be known as Kerry Ellis Day!), Kerry signed, sealed and delivered, confirming that she is indeed the QUEEN of musical theatre. With 4 impressive costume changes, rifftastic anthems (both vocally and guitarally!) and flawless, stunning vocals, she went from stage songstress and friend of Brian May to international megastar. She growled the crowd into no less than 3 standing ovations and her vocals could’ve become a live recording with NO editing necessary – at one point I was longing for her to miss a note just to show she’s not perfect but, I am jealous to confirm that indeed, she is!!

Kerry has an incredible way of effortlessly making her concerts a personal performance; I felt she was there for me and only me. And while proving herself a superstar, never once did she show diva tendencies – she gave recognition where due to every single person on the stage; a very humbling trait in such a well-loved performer.

You may notice I haven’t mentioned too much detail about the performances. This is because you, as the reader, will fall into one of the following 3 catagories:

You were at Anthems: The Concert. In which case you are looking at this with your own opinions already in tact….please stick them in the comments so I can have a nosey at them…I’d love to know what you thought!!
You are going to Anthems: The Concert when it tours. In which case I don’t want to give away anything except that you will have the time of your life and the Ellis and the May will not disappoint.
You didn’t go and you aren’t booked in. In which case…whyever not? If you love Kerry, or Brian, or rock, or musicals, or music full stop…you need to book tickets. It’s a showstopping production that puts X Factor alumni and many of the chart topping artists to shame!

We were very lucky last night to also witness the musical talent of Adam Pascal, Escala and Dan Gillespie. Dan (from The Feeling) joined Kerry and Brian on stage to sing ‘I love it when you call’. He added an extra dimension that we hadn’t heard on the CD and they were having a ball up there on stage!! Adam Pascal sang a selection of songs from RENT, HAIR and Spring Awakening. My personal favourite was Seasons Of Love! Escala performed a couple of Anthems however I don’t think the concert would have been any more or less enjoyable without them there.

If you were at Anthems…what did you think? If you are going…how excited are you? If neither…why not?? Leave me a loverrrrly comment!!

Thanks

Jo xXx

Kate Voegele – A Fine Mess MiniHobo Album Review

hobo

– February 11, 2011Posted in: Kate Voegele, Music, One Tree Hill, TV

Name of Artist: Kate Voegele

Lowdown of Artist: Kate shot to fame when she was chosen to play budding singer/songwriter Mia in One Tree Hill season 5. Since then both her music and acting career have been increasingly successful and in 2011 she will be releasing her 3rd album.

Name of Album: A Fine Mess

UK Release Date: May 18th 2009

Genre: Pop, Folk, Jazz, Soul

Tracks: 9 (14 on the bonus which I have)

Best Track: Oh my gosh…pretty much all of them…99 times, Angel, Who you are Without me, Manhattan from the Sky, Talkin’ Smooth….I could go on…

Worst Track: Lift Me Up

Rating out of 10: 10

Recommend: Absolutely YES!

Describe it in 5 words: Cool, fresh, stylish, sassy, awesome!

Favourite Lyrics: You lie but I’m a pretty good liar. You chose a game I can play better. You’re bright ooo but baby I’m clever! (Talkin’ Smooth)

MiniHobo’s Review:

I love Kate Voegele! I loved her first album, Don’t Look Away. She introduced me to this whole new genre of female singer/songwriters and I have since discovered the likes of Lenka, Colbie Callat, Dana Glover and Lissie. This album, her second, is full of the most incredible tracks. She takes you on this amazing journey through all sorts of emotions and settings – it could easily be turned into a mega-money-making RomCom!

Kate writes all of her tracks, a trait I admire hugely in this manufactured music business (yes WESTLIFE I’m talking about you!), and she pours her heart and soul out in every single one. From the songs, through the cover artwork and even the tracklisting on the back, this album just screams out Kate’s arty side and it just makes me want to listen to it more and more.

The album contains sassy tunes like 99 Times, smooth ballads like Forever And Almost Always, catchy rhythms like Manhattan From The Sky and a lot of attitude like in Talkin’ Smooth. Kate’s voice is this beautiful mixture of your classic pop voice with a deep soul edge. She can hit incredible notes with a beautiful tone and sounded just as amazing in concert when I saw her in December 2009…oh…and she was absolutely lovely in person when we met her afterwards. Just an all round fab music star!

Please, please, please buy this album and support Kate in her future releases, I promise you you won’t regret it!

MH xXx

Album can be bought here. (Play.com Download or CD)

Tags: * Review, a fine mess, album, Kate Voegele, One Tree Hill

Shoshana Bean – A Little Hope (Review and Lyrics)

hobo

– February 11, 2011Posted in: Music, Scott Alan, Shoshana Bean

I have waited many, many months for this mammoth charity song to be release as a single and, finally, it has been. A Little Hope is a song that I featured in my review of Simply The Music Of Scott Alan in September. It was my favourite song of the night. Shoshana gave it a mega introduction and sang it beautifully with her backing singers. In my original post there is a video of her singing it on the night, but now you can download a studio version of it here on iTunes. Please do download it because, not only is it a fantastic track, all money raised goes to a fantastic cause!

I know a lot of people are after the lyrics for this track so, to the best of my knowledge…here they are below…enjoy!

MH xXX

P.S I make no money from the iTunes link above.

Shoshana Bean and Scott Alan – A Little Hope (for Broadway in South Africa)

When you look around you,

Tell me what you see.

Are there things you’d change?

If you thought you could,

Would it do any good?

Everyday, dreams are slipping through our fingers.

We’re afraid to raise our voice because we’re afraid we’ll stand alone.

But even if life has taken all we have, all we need is hope.

(A little hope)

To bridge the gap between what is and what can be.

(A little hope)

We must believe in more than simply what we see.

(A little hope)

If you imagine all the possibilities.

Doesn’t mean, it’s not yet, just because it has yet to be.

In times when no one knows exactly what tomorrow holds,

It’s easier to stand aside and watch our lives unfold.

Be brave, stand up, and make a change.

All you need is hope.

(A little hope)

To bridge the gap between what is and what can be.

(A little hope)

We must believe in more than simply what we see.

(A little hope)

Can you imagine all the possibilities.

Doesn’t mean, it’s not yet, just because it has yet to be.

Green for this Earth that we love and we stain with.

Red is the blood that we’ve spilt

And we pray for peace that is white like a flag,

And erases black for the struggle that’s gone on for ages.

Blue is the unity nothing assuages ,

Yellow for hope that’ll keep us courageous.

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh….

Green for this Earth that we love and we stain with,

Red is the blood that we’ve spilt

And we pray for peace that is white like a flag,

And erases black for the struggle that’s gone on for ages. (Key change)

Blue is the unity nothing assuages,

Yellow for hope that’ll keep us courageous.

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh… (Key change)

Green for this Earth that we love and we’re staying with.

Red is the blood that we’ve spilt

And we pray for peace that is white like a flag,

And erases black for the struggle that’s gone on for ages.

Blue is the unity nothing assuages,

Yellow for hope that’ll keep us courageous.

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh.

Green for this Earth that we love and we stain with,

Red is the blood that we’ve spilt

And we pray for peace that is white like a flag,

And erases black for the struggle that’s gone on for ages.

Blue is the unity nothing assuages,

Yellow for hope that’ll keep us courageous.

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh

(A Little Hope)

Green for this Earth that we love and we stain with.

Red is the blood that we’ve spilt

(A little hope)

And we pray for peace that is white like a flag,

And erases black for the struggle that’s gone on for ages.

(A little hope)

Blue is the unity nothing assuages,

Yellow for hope that’ll keep us courageous.

(A little hope)

Keep us courageous.

ALL COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO SHOSHANA BEAN AND SCOTT ALAN FOR BROADWAY IN SOUTH AFRICA

MH xXx

Bruno Mars – Doo Wops & Hooligans MiniHobo Album Review

hobo

– February 11, 2011Posted in: Bruno Mars, Music

Name of Artist: Bruno Mars

Lowdown of Artist: After co-writing and lending his smooth vocals to tracks for B.O.B, Flo Rida and Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars has released his freshman album.

Name of Album: Doo Wops & Hooligans

UK Release Date: January 24th 2011

Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul

Tracks: 12

Best Track: Just The Way You Are and Runaway Baby

Worst Track: I’m not a huuuge fan of ‘Our First Time’.

Rating out of 10: 8

Recommend: Definitely if you like ‘chart’ music that has more depth than your average ‘chart’ music!

Describe it in 5 words: Funky, witty, relax, cheeky, smooth

MiniHobo’s Review:

I’ve been after this album for absolutely aaageees. The US got it at least a month before we did over here…it’s so not fair!! But hey, when it arrived it certainly lived up to my expectations. Obviously, I’d only heard two of the songs on it: Just The Way You Are and Grenade and so was very excited about hearing the other 10.

The album is just the perfect easy listening singer/songwriter album. Bruno Mars’ voice is perfect and the songs he sings are clearly not just picked out of nowhere…each lyric and tune is specific to what he desired from the album. There is a good mixture of sounds without the album sounding like a variety album.

The sound is a mixture of R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk and some modern pop – just the most perfect combination for a brilliant freshman album.

Special mention must go to The Lazy Song which started playing for the first time about 3pm when I was sat in my pyjamas having done nothing all day. The opening lyrics are:

Today I don’t feel like doing anything,

I just wanna lay in my bed.

I thought HOW TRUE!! He really got it right there!

Pleeease do pick up this album and let me know what you think of it, I promise you it won’t disappoint you!

MH xXx

Album can be bought here. (Play.com CD)

Tags: * Review, album, Bruno Mars, Doo Wops & Hooligans, Music

Kerry Ellis – Anthems MiniHobo Album Review

hobo

– February 10, 2011Posted in: Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Music

Name of Artist: Kerry Ellis

Lowdown of Artist: From Stage to Ghettoblaster!! Kerry has graced the famous stages of the West End and Broadway in Wicked, Oliver!, Les Mis, We Will Rock You and many other much-loved musicals. She has been a strong presence in the ‘Showbiz’ world and her name has been cropping up more and more with her collaboration with Queen Ultimo-Guitarist Brian May!

Name of Album: Anthems

UK Release Date: 13th September 2010

Genre: Rock, Pop and Showtunes!

Tracks: 11

Best Track: Defying Gravity

Worst Track: Gosh, I don’t think I could choose a ‘worst track’…but I guess my least favourite would be I’m Not That Girl.

Rating out of 10: 10

Recommend: Certainly

Describe it in 5 words: Rocking, Singalong, growl-friendly, divaish, exhilarating!

MiniHobo’s Review:

This album was a veeerrrry long time in the making and had so much showbiz hype surrounding it that there was the possibility it could not live up to the excitement. Thankfully, that didn’t happen and instead it ripped through the hype, burst out of the ‘showbiz’ bubble and made a rightful appearance in the real world for everyone to enjoy.

Kerry and Brian spent ages making, writing, recording and promoting this album and, although I don’t have any official sale figures, I’d like to predict that it’s been to much success!

Like the title suggests, this record is full of rocking, show stopping, killer anthems that just make you want to turn the volume up, sing like nobody’s listening and dance like no one is around! It contains songs from Kerry’s career, songs that have been turning points in her life and an original track and some new lyrics on classic tracks!

For any musical theatre fan this absolutely is a must-have album. For any rock fan this is a must-listen album!

What do you think of Kerry and her first solo album??

MH xXx

Kerry Ellis – Anthems can be bought here. (Play.com affiliate link)

Tags: * Review, album, anthems, Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Music, Oliver! The Musical, Wicked The Musical

The Band Perry – MiniHobo Album Review

hobo

– February 9, 2011Posted in: Music, The Band Perry

Name of Artist: The Band Perry

Lowdown of Artist: Three siblings from Alabama that sound a bit like Lady Antebellum

Name of Album: The Band Perry

UK Release Date: 12th October 2010

Genre: Country

Tracks: 11

Best Track: If I Die Young or Postcard from Paris

Worst Track: I guess Lasso because it’s the least memorable…but every track is fantastic!

Rating out of 10: 9

Recommend: Definitely

Describe it in 5 words: Cool, fresh, fun, deep south!

MiniHobo’s Review:

I bought this album for only two reasons:

1 – Sam Tsui had covered one of the songs on YouTube and I loved his version of it.

2 – Kara Dioguardi announced on her website that she had written one of the songs on the album.

I quickly previewed all the songs and bought the album. When it arrived I was mega excited and put it straight in my stereo. I loved hearing this mellow but crisp country sound coming out. The band have some really witty lyrics and they’re not afraid to experiment with the words or tune. The album is basically the best of Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum – to me that is just perfect! Every song tells it’s own unique story and has a catchy chorus with heartfelt lyrics.

I’ve never really realised my love for country music until I bought this album. Yes I’m a massive fan of Lady A, Taylor Swift and The Wreckers, but this is the first predominantly ‘country’ band that have sounded particularly country to me. I guess the other three all have had time to add a rock/pop edge to their sound. I love that this is The Band Perry’s freshman album…it is so pure and real and clearly the band haven’t been hugely affected by their fame.

If you’re on the market for a new great album but not sure what to get, can I recommend these guys to you. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Do you like country music much??

MH x

Album can be bought here. (Play.com Download)

Tags: * Review, album, Sam Tsui, The Band Perry

Vote in the MiniHobo award for Female Musical Personality of 2010.

hobo

– January 30, 2011Posted in: Grease, Kerry Ellis, Legally Blonde, Music, Musicals, Oliver! The Musical, Wicked

The awarding is still happening…Wicked won best musical, LOST won best TV show…now it’s the turn of individuals…

Vote here for your favourite Female Musical Personality of 2010…there are some strong contender so choose wisely!

MH x

Keep your eye on the MiniHobo Facebook Page for a Musical February Giveaway to celebrate 1 year of MiniHobo.com!!

Tags: Ashleigh Gray, Chicago, Kerry Ellis, Legally Blonde, Oliver, Sheridan Smith, Velma Kelly, Vivien Carter, Wicked

Oliver! The Musical Closing Night Review by George

hobo

– January 30, 2011Posted in: Kerry Ellis, Music, Musicals, Oliver! The Musical

Review by George

Name of Show: Oliver! The Musical
Date: 08/01/10
Starring: Gwion Wyn Jones (Oliver), Kerry Ellis (Nancy), Griff Rhys Jones (Fagin), Steven Hartley (Bill Sykes), Ben Wilson (Dodger)
Words and Music: Lionel Hart
Opened: December 2008
Theatre: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Seats: B4-5 (Balcony)
Seat Review: Seats were okay! Only problem is we had a group of the 2008 cast sitting infront of us and kept leaning forward and shouting down. Other than that, Seats were great!
Price: £17.50
Visit number: 1
Rating out of 10: Definitely 10
Recommend: Yes I would definitely recommend. My favourite show in the westend. If it tours, Go see it!!
Describe it in 5 words: It is Bloody amazing dude! (5 words Haha!)

George’s Review: This show really is amazing! If Im going to be honest, I went to the show to see Kerry Ellis in her last musical theatre show for a while! But as soon as the overture started the show automatically shot to the top of my list! Like I am not kidding, This show was phenomenal! Before the matinee show I met all of the main cast and they were all so lovely, Especially Kerry!! In a way I was wishing the show away because I wanted to hear Ms Ellis sing As Long As He Needs Me, Seriously, this song was amazing and the growl at the end was to die for! The best bit in the whole show for me was Consider Yourself because it just sold the show, seriously the whole cast really went for it!

Thanks George for that great review.

If you’ve seen something great recently and you’d be willing to review it for MiniHobo.com then do visit the discussion tab of my FaceBook page!

MH xXx

Tags: Closing Night, GRiff Rhys Jones, Kerry Ellis, Oliver, Oliver! The Musical

Katie Waissel – Katie V – Katie Vogel – Lola Fontaine

hobo

– November 15, 2010Posted in: Katie Waissel, Music, The X Factor, TV

UPDATE:Well I can’t quite believe that she’s still in the competition after 4 fantastic sing offs. Last night (Sunday 14th November) I was sure that it was her time to go, even Dermot tweeted that he was sure he was going to read Katie’s name on the envelope. As it turns out, the public had voted Aiden Grimshaw to leave. This came as a shock to many but has also sparked off the Katie hating for another week. Poor girl, she was probably hoping that it was her time to go just to avoid all this hatred, bullying and negative publicity she is receiving for, in reality, doing nothing wrong.

Today there is a new story about another track that is released with Katie’s vocals that has nothing to do with X Factor. The track in question is called ‘Moving Mountains’ and is on an album called and by ‘The Private Life Of David Reed’. The song is absolutely gorgeous and has a completely mellow and jazzy feel to it. I can see it becoming a favourite of mine. Here is the link to the iTunes download…preview it and I guarantee you will love and download it.

As you may have gathered from my first post about Katie, I am a huge fan of her because of her original songs and jazzy/soulful voice. I really feel that she has not had the opportunity to show this fabulous talented side of her on The X Factor. We get a hint of it everytime she’s in a sing off which, let’s face it, is almost every week at the moment, but she has in no way been able to showcase her true talent. Having been at the forefront of a lot of controversy since GamuGate, she has never had the chance for the public to ever like her. Apparently people are voting for her because she is getting more votes than the incredible Aiden! I will happily and freely admit that I can’t afford to vote for her…but if I could, would I be voting?? Probably not. As a fan of her original music on her EP, Songs From Under The Covers, I do NOT want her to be X Factorified. She needs to be writing her own songs in her own style that will appeal to people who like her…not catchy songs in a generic style that everyone will like.

I really hope that as of next week she will be freed of the burden of being everyone’s least favourite X Factor contestant and that she can get a record deal, write some beautiful songs, maybe another collaboration with The Private Life Of David Reed, settle down into becoming the artist she once was before all this hype and speculation and then her true fans, like me, can enjoy her music once more.

What are you views on Katie Waissel? Do you like her original music and the David Reed track? Do you think she’s been given the chance to shine on The X Factor??

MH xXx

Embedded below is a video of ‘The Private Life of David Reed’ talking about Katie…skip to 1 minute in.

Below is the only video on Katie’s original official YouTube channel. It’s a song called Rock Steady, I LOVE it.

For X Factor Live Tickets:

ORIGINAL POST: She’s made it through to the final 12 and will be seen performing in the live shows next week but rumour and speculation, innuendo and outtuendo have failed to pass by X Factor hopeful Katie Waissel.

News has reached many fans of the show, The X Factor, that Katie is no stranger to media attention or the music business having appeared in a Coca Cola sponsored YouTube series entitled Green Eyed World. As part of this series, she moved to the United States and began her singing and songwriting career. She had some success and many loyal fans followed the show and purchased her music.

She released music under the name Katie V or Katie Vogel and I have recently purchased it from itunes. However, in the month since I bought it, all her original material has been removed from ITunes. BUT…it is all still on Amazon. I suggest you head over there and have a listen. I totally LOVE every single track on the EP and am hoping that The X Factor will not ruin her chances of being the quirky singer songwriter she was destined to be. No doubt she will be forced to sing covers week after week but, at least, I can rest safe in the knowledge that she DOES have talent as a writer as well as a singer.

Green Eyed World and The X Factor have proved that Katie is not only determined to be a star but that she is willing to use her acting skills to get her there. People will love her, people will hate her, but I hope that her original music doesn’t get drowned out of the whole equation.

Katie took to her new Twitter account to explain herself on Sunday night. She said:

“I don’t know how long I’l have on this until I get in trouble, but I had to rejoin twitter to say that I’m not a fraudster at all! Yes, I may have done green eyed world, yes I may have had a record deal, but I don’t now, and I’m so excited about the live shows. Everyone has a dream, and this is mine. All of you saying you hate me when you don’t even know me. I am trying my hardest to do what I want and ALL I want in life is to sing. Be remembered for my singing. A legacy. Next weekend I hope to change your minds because this is no fix. I’l be working my butt off to entertain you the best I can. All I ask, is that you give me a chance .”

What are your thoughts of Katie??

MH x

P.S You can get tickets to the X Factor tour already by visiting Ticketmaster below…

Tags: David Reed, Duet, Katie V, Katie Waissel, Lola Fontaine, Moving Mountains, The Private Life Of David Reed, The X Factor, X Factor

Katie Waissel – X Factor Week Two – Saturday

hobo

– October 17, 2010Posted in: Katie Waissel, Music, The X Factor, TV

Last night on X Factor Katie Waissel completely blew any prejudices out of the water. She sang a beautiful Etta James song in a completely stripped down performance. A variation on last week when her song was very performance orientated, this week Katie had no dancers, no props and no scary GaGa-ish outfits. It was just her and her beautiful voice and dress on stage proving her haters wrong. To buy Katie’s version of I’d Rather Go Blind, click here.

I cannot wait to see the results and am hoping sooooooo much that she gets through to next week’s show. I am also supporting Aiden, Matt, TreyC and Storm.

Did anyone else notice the bitchiness between Simon & Cheryl and Dannii & Louis. Everytime Dannii said something Simon disagreed and everytime Cheryl said something, he agreed. It was completely distracting and unnecessary.

Who are you supporting in X Factor? Have you changed your views on Katie?

MH xXx

P.S. Katie’s original music is still avaliable on Amazon here.

Tags: Katie V, Katie Vogel, Katie Waissel, Lola Fontaine, Week Two, X Factor