"Royal Albert Anthems" - Kerry Ellis and Brian May take "Anthems" on tour!

Kerry Ellis is royalty in the world of musical theatre.  Her most recent role was playing “Nancy” in the West End production of “Oliver” but she is probably most known for her time spent playing the lead role of “Elphaba” in the hit musical “Wicked.”  This role not only saw her triumph in London’s West End when she took over from Idina Menzel, (who originated the role) but also took her across the pond to New York where she reprised the role with critical acclaim on Broadway.  Kerry has always been destined for big things in the world of theatre.  She trained at Laine Theatre Arts where her incredible vocal talent was championed.  This training and without a doubt her natural talent allowed a gifted and ambitious Kerry to chase her dreams and live out her passion on stage.  Over the years she has played many a musical theatre role.  Before “Wicked” and “Oliver” Kerry played “Fantine” in West End production of “Les Miserables,” and “Ellen” in the National Theatre Tour of “Miss Saigon.”  She understudied the role of “Eliza” in Trevor Nunn’s production of “My Fair Lady,” at the National Theatre and Drury Lane.  She often stood in for Martine McCutcheon who was frequently absent due to illness.  It was here that Brian May first encountered the young Kerry in action and her presence and vocal ability blew him away.  When it came to finding performers for his new musical, “We Will Rock You,” he simply had to have her audition.  Of course she was hired and originated the role of “Meat” in the original London Cast recording of the now smash hit musical.

Brian has shown an everlasting faith in Kerry and has invested his heart and soul into their “Anthems” project, both the album and the tour.

May 1^st 2011 saw me witness their partnership in its prime at London’s Royal Albert Hall.  The show opened with a tribal fanfare of drums after which the orchestra built up the brass and string arrangement whilst mysterious caped, hooded figures leapt and weaved around the stage, trying to guard, protect and prevent a hidden treasure from breaking away from the group.  The frenzy of chords built to a crescendo just as Brian May strides on stage with his signature guitar playing the musical hook to the anthemic “Dangerland.”  Kerry bursts free from the shadows and rips off her cape to reveal a daring black diamond encrusted corset and some very short, feathered hot pants!  Her heart is pumping and she’s ready to live dangerously, rise to the challenge and delve courageously into a programme of performances that will take her to another level mentally, physically and vocally.  Her voice is in prime condition and as she sings her vocals soar powerfully around the majestic walls of the Royal Albert Hall.  Kerry Ellis reigns supreme in belting out ballads.

“Anthems: The Concert,” is where theatre meets rock, where structure mixes with wild abandon.  With her radiant blue eyes and cascading blonde locks, adorned with some quirky designer outfits, Kerry has a striking visual presence on stage.  Kerry Ellis and Brian May pour their heart and soul into every interpretation, stamping their unique sound on many musical styles from Queen classics such as “Somebody To Love” and “Save Me” to musical theatre, “I’m Not That Girl“ from “Wicked,” and “Anthem,” from “Chess” to classic power ballads like “Diamonds Are Forever,” and pop covers like “The Feeling’s” hit “I love It When You Call.”  For this performance she is even joined by “The Feeling’s” Dan Gillespie and together with Brian May they delivered an effervescent and upbeat interpretation of the song that sees everyone in the Royal Albert Hall on their feet, dancing along and clapping their hands above their heads.  Kerry transcends with ease through the scripted introvert world of musical theatre to the unpredictable, extrovert and self expressive world of music.  She can no longer hide behind a character, acting out a role.  She now has to expose her soul and reveal Kerry Ellis the artist and that she does triumphantly, her personality, energy and enthusiasm shining through on stage.

Kerry Ellis is an extraordinary vocal powerhouse and Brian May is a living legend.  The bond this pair share on stage is unique.  Anthems: The  Concert is an empowering rock symphonic spectacular, it’s star, the phenomenal rising star, Kerry Ellis!  A stellar performance packed full of “Royal Albert” Anthems! *

*The shows at the Royal Albert Hall were special performances which helped to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Research charity.  Special guests that night included Broadway star Adam Pascal and violin virtuosos “Escala.”

You can catch Kerry Ellis and Brian May as they continue on the Anthems Tour.  

Book your tickets here:

Ticketmaster: http://bit.ly/i3zpnK

Ticketline: http://bit.ly/f62bot

Kerry’s debut album, “Anthems” is available to buy: 

http://amzn.to/l0Lopm

For more information on Kerry visit her official website:

www.kerryellis.co.uk

Follow Kerry on Twitter :  

www.twitter.com/kerryjaneellis1

Visit her artist page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialkerryellis

*All Photos in this blog with the exception of the "Anthems" poster photo are owned by Louise Marris.

This Is Michaela!

Pop Princess, Michaela Wright was born in Aberdeen, Scotland.  From an early age she was a natural born performer where she would often take to the stage in local plays and productions in her home town.  A natural performer from a young age, she took the stage in local plays and productions in her home town. Keen to pursue her dream of being a singer, at seventeen Michaela moved from the U.K. to the U.S.  There she began writing her own material and recorded cover songs to gain exposure. During her time in the US, Michaela hooked up with International House DJ/Producer Christian Dio. Three years later, the dance track “Don’t Let Go” was born in 2008.  She has also worked with an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, Allon Sams. Together, they produced “Teardrops”. They also remixed “Don’t Let Go”, giving it a more retro sound.

Michaela then moved back to the UK to develop her sound and gain a more ‘British’ edge to her music. It’s here that she was spotted by one of the UK’s biggest songwriter/producers, Simon Ellis. Ellis was impressed with both her vocal and songwriting abilities so got in touch with the view of working with her.  Simon and Michaela have wrote and recorded three songs that showcase her sound, combining strong, clear vocals with power pop melodies with rock leanings. The strength of their partnership can be heard in the songs “Never Gonna Give In”, “Spinning Our Wheels” "Maybe I'm Wrong" and “Better than That”. The catchy pop/dance track “Never Gonna Give In” was released in March 2010 as her debut single.  You can listen to all of these songs and more on her Myspace Page www.myspace.com/thisismichaela/music 

You can view her video for “Never Gonna Give In” on Youtube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITia_e495o4

  

Michaela is currently gigging all over London gaining exposure and inspiration whilst continuing to write and record for her debut album.  I’m certain that her album will have something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds and will paint all aspects of Michaela’s personality; pumping dance club numbers, power pop ballads, RnB/pop grooves and some edgier rock anthems!  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Michaela perform live on many an occasion and she always lights up the stage with her not only her singing but also her striking presence and effervescent personality.  She’s bubbly and charismatic and enjoys being close to her audience, encouraging them to let their hair down, dance and sing along.  Her songs pull from her own life experience and also her view of the world and the way aspects of life affect not only her but others too.  Let’s face it we all have things that anger us, frustrate us, disgust us.  We’ve all fallen in love and out of love, been loved, been hurt, sought revenge, forgiven, been forgiven, forgotten, learned lessons and grown.  The best songs come from a place of truth, a genuine emotion and a need to express and Michaela delves into these feelings and emotions and brings them to life in song, releasing frustrations and anger, expressing love and warmth and sharing happiness and hope.  That’s the power of a song and Michaela delivers every time!

“Never Gonna Give In” is a song celebrating moving on from a bad relationship.  The voices in your head try to lure you back into a lover’s arms, your heart tries to control your head but in the end you manage to gather your emotions, let the anger flow.  You find the strength and overcome temptation, see the truth and get yourself out of a bad situation, you’re “Never Gonna Give In” on yourself!  The song carries a powerful message to a situation we’ve all found ourselves in before.

“Gotta Be The One” is all about discovering the courage to trust yourself to make the right decision, to find a faith and a strength within and to listen to your heart as you are the one who knows yourself best.  You’ve got to be the one who stands up, speaks up and stays strong, to believe in you.

“Spinning Our Wheels” is written about a relationship that has gone stale, the spark has died, about trusting your instinct and facing up to the truth that it’s over, allowing it to come to an end.  Michaela believes in the lyrics and this makes her live performances even more real. . 

Here’s a video of Michaela performing an acoustic version of “Never Gonna Give In” shot at a recent Embassy Club show that she performed at for Poprocktic supporting John Adeleye: 

Michaela  is certainly never gonna give in writing, recording and performing.  The stage is where she’s most comfortable and where she comes alive, where she belongs!

Discover more about Michaela here:

Myspace www.myspace.com/thisismichaela

Twitter www.twitter.com/michaelawright1

Facebook www.facebook.com/michaelawrightofficial

Brand new website coming in May!

He can run, he can hide, but he can't "Escape" London's love!

Do you want to go see Enrique Iglesias?  Me, oh yes I do! Power pop at it's best and a hot bod to watch strutting his stuff.  Who wouldn't turn down a night of such pure guilty pleasure?!  I'm not ashamed to admit, I love a bit of Enrique and yes I do know most of the words to most of his songs! After a long week of twelve hour days it was just the therapy I needed!

After a somewhat delayed start to the show, the audience was rearing to go.  An effervescent Enrique bounded onto the stage in an explosion of energy.  Toned and dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt, he's still very much drool worthy!

With three stages set out in the O2 to perform from, this meant he could get close to his audience.  He tells London that it's been ten years but they are by far the best crowd he's had and he appreciates it.     

It's clear that he means it too.  That's exactly what Enrique likes to do, make every member of the crowd feel like they are part of the show.  At this he excels and they grasp at his every move.  Without a doubt he commands the stage and the crowd become his puppets, in some cases quite literally as he pulls unsuspecting audience members up on stage.  

Once there he makes them feel at home, asks them their names and where they're from.  He then serves them Jack Daniels and sings to them.  You can see the girl quivering with nerves and most probably intoxicated with desire and the guy, well he too goes weak at the knees and melts into a lustful haze as Enrique works casts his spell on them.  He takes audience participation one step further as during his first encore he pulls up a middle aged woman, clad in fangirl T-Shirt and cowboy hat and makes her dreams and fantasies come true as he sings "Hero" to her.  He dances around with her and being the joking type she squeezes his buttocks and plays right back at him.  I'm surprised she didn't faint when he shoved her rouge cheeked face up his T-Shirt against his sweaty chest and popped her head out against his face.  I'm sure a heart was racing and it sure wasn't his!

The production wasn't in slightest bit grandiose but people weren't there for a fancy stage set, that would only distract from the beauty up on stage! His backing singers did a sterling job and kept the show rolling when he slipped on impromptu sprinting sessions across the stage and into the audience.   

He wasn't pitch perfect but nobody expected that of him anyway so it didn't matter.  He is one of the warmest and most genuine performers to grace the stage.  With every song he sang, all his greatest hits including "Rhythm Divine," "Bailamos," "Takin' Back My Love," "Tonight I'm Fucking You," the audience were in fiery spirit and sang along relentlessly.   

Closing the show with the epic pop ballad, "Escape" he called on security to "let London do whatever the hell they want!" People streamed down to the runway of the thrust stage to come closer to their "God" whilst streamers and giant balloons filled the arena to send the show out in one big celebration.

Enrique, you can run, you can hide but you can't escape London's love for you!  You know what London, he doesn't want to!

Follow Enrique:

Website: www.enriqueiglesias.com

 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/enrique305 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Enrique

She's no "Pretender," Elouise is a veritable "Little Belter!"

In this day of super synthesised, auto tuned, power production, it’s refreshing to strip back the trimmings and reveal a truly extravagant raw vocal talent, reminiscent of times gone by.  A true diamond, Elouise carries herself exquisitely on stage and ignites a passion in her performance that transcends effortlessly to her audience who she mesmerises with her voracious vocals. 

Elouise is a diva personified.  Being a diva is not about demands, strops and an entourage the size of a small country.  Being a diva is being confident in your skin, having faith in your talent, stepping up to the spotlight and shining like a star.  But being a diva is also about being humble and appreciative so you can savour the success.  Elouise is all of the above and more!

“Little Belter,” a new show written by Terry Ronald and with specially crafted production from musical director, Steve Anderson, showcases Elouise’s stupendous talent to the maximum.  “Little Belter” tells the story of Elouise’s life through epic interpretations of ballads from the likes of famed Diva’s who have influenced her life; Dusty Springfield, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.  Cleverly and humourously scripted, we learn how Elouise would sing into her Mum’s curling tongs and this is how she earned the name of “Little Belter.” 

The audience instantly warms to this petite, tiny framed young woman who stands before them, who with endearing personality, takes them on a journey through her life and through song.  Bright lights, big hair and extravagantly sparkly dresses are all part of the night but what stands out by a mile is Elouise’s belter of a voice. 

Every song is a vocal masterpiece requiring the stamina of an athlete.  If ballad singing was an Olympic sport then Elouise would bring home gold!

The intimacy of Madame Jo Jos offers Elouise the opportunity to connect with her audience and mingle with them throughout some of the numbers.  From divas, to disco, to original interpretations, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds.  “Could it be magic” will have you dancing in your seat, “Enough is enough” will have you singing along, “Diamonds are forever” will leave you in awe and “The Winner Takes It All” will send shivers through your spine and leave you with goose pimples galore.   Mixed into a show packed with juicy classics is some original material.  “Pretender,” co-written by Terry Ronald fits right in there with the plethora of epic ballads.  This fabulous song has everything a timeless ballad is made of and with the Elouise stamp on it this song steals the show for me.  It’s sultry and gutsy and sends Elouise’s vocal to soaring heights. 

Another breathtaking show stopper is “Another Day,” written by Terry Ronald and Steve Anderson, a song which interestingly was turned down by Dame Shirley Bassey.  Too bad for Shirley as Elouise takes this song to another level.  “Fireman of My Dreams,” sees Elouise bring her own life into the mix.  He may not have been the fireman of her dreams but the hunky young man she brings on stage is certainly eye candy for the audience and brings a light hearted atmosphere to the venue.  A brave change in the set sees Elouise steer away from the classic ballad and give her take on a more modern track.  Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way” is given the Elouise sparkle.  With just her raw vocal and a keyboard Elouise delivers perfection.  This leads me to suggest a cover for a future show, I’d love to hear her put her own vocal vision on Bruno Mars’s “Talking To The Moon.”

Accompanying Elouise on her journey are her two stunning backing vocalists, Bonita Delaney and Alex Robertson .  Together, along with talented keyboard player, they  add class and sophistication to the show’s splendiferous production.  

If this show has wet your appetite then don’t despair, Elouise will be doing two more dates at Madame Jo Jos, 8-10 Brewer Street,  London  on 17^th April and 18^th May.  Tickets can be booked via Ticketweb http://bit.ly/hxeFjM  and earlybird tickets are available for a limited period so hurry along and book now.

She’s no pretender, Elouise is a veritable little belter!

For more information about Elouise get linked here:
Official website http://www.elouise.co/
Youtube www.youtube.com/user/elouiseofficialweb
Twitter www.twitter.com/elouiseofficial
Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ELOUISE/125421786605