Review: MS. A SONG CYCLE Concept Recording

For their 30th album release, SimG Records have announced their new concept album Ms. A Song Cycle, created in aid of MS Society UK. The aim is to increase awareness and raise funds for this brilliant charity and worthwhile cause. Every day, fourteen people are diagnosed with this debilitating disease and it affects two to three times more women than men. For this album conceived by lyricist Rory Sherman, fourteen West End leading ladies showcase their talents on a number of tracks with music by composers from across the globe.

This song cycle has an emotional journey featuring highs and lows: some tear-jerking but others inspiring and rather humorous. Lyrically, there is truth yet a shocking sense of reality infused in all tracks. Although the music has been written by different composers, there is a tangible thread that Sherman provides, linking them all together making it feel very united and strong.

Caroline Quentin performing on 'What's that, Jim?' is a number composed by George Stiles, minus his usual counterpart Anthony Drewe. Focusing on a high-spirited woman suffering with MS and her relationship with her supportive husband, this track stands out for being more upbeat and showcases a certain style generally associated with Stiles' back catalogue. 'Mummy's Not Well', sung brilliantly by Lauren Samuels, is told from a child's point of view and on balance, definitely pulls at the heart strings.

There are high levels of musicianship and arrangements throughout with Hannah Ashenden's cello enriching many of the numbers. Julie Atherton's powerful performance of 'How Can I Tell You?' is particularly poignant, along with Laura Pitt Pulford's vocals on the stunning 'Cerulean Skies'. 'Cadenza', performed by Alexia Khadime, is melodic and interesting; whilst Jodie Jacobs delivery of 'Perhaps I'm Stronger Than I Think' which builds with realisation, is a very empowering musical number.

Emotionally charged and powerful writing across the board featuring some of the best female musical theatre vocalists this country has to offer.

Ms. A Song Cycle is released on Monday 9 May and is available from www.SimGProductions.com in physical format and digitally later on in the year.