Annalene Beechey has become a respected and established West End leading lady. Her West End credits include creating the role of Annette in the world premiere of ‘Marguerite’ opposite Ruthie Henshall, Glinda standby in ‘Wicked’, Belle in ‘Disney's Beauty & The Beast’, Johanna in ‘Sweeny Todd 25th Anniversary’, Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’, Alternate Christine in ‘The Phantom of The Opera’; numerous Regional Theatre work including Cinderella in 'Into The Woods', Pat Collins in 'Moon Landing'; Molly Cassidy in the World Premiere of 'The Ha'penny Bridge'; a regular Guest Artist on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’, and Eliza in the Northern Sinfonia Concert of ‘My Fair Lady’ opposite Anthony Andrews and under the baton of John Wilson.
For more information please visit www.annalenebeechey.com
‘Close Your Eyes’ is Annalene’s long awaited debut album. Featuring an enchanting selection of songs by leading British and American songwriters; beautiful new arrangements by Peter White, Jonathan Williams and Richard Taylor; West End guests Julian Ovenden (Marguerite, Annie Get Your Gun), Rebecca Lock (Avenue Q, Phantom of the Opera) and Simon Greiff (Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot); and a special album foreword by acclaimed American composer Mr Scott Alan.
Released 5th October 2009 by SimG Records
Composer Quotes:
“Annalene is a rare and gifted actress who layers startlingly focused emotion into her singing. This album is her own choice of songs that all have a powerful story to tell - give it a listen...you won't be disappointed.” George Stiles
"Annalene Beechey is a stunning performer who finds new meaning in every song she sings. You'll love this album." Richard Maltby Jr.
“Annalene manages with her debut album to surprise, delight and reward the ear at every turn. A deeply personal collection of songs, new and familiar, are delivered with such a passionate connection to the material that you feel each of these songs must have been written specially for her. And as the lucky composer of one of those songs I can certainly say that was the case. Of course I wrote the song four years before I met Annalene, nevertheless it seems to me now that I must have been hearing this newly recorded version when the inspiration struck. ‘Close Your Eyes’ is a wonderfully classy CD. Beautifully sung, tastefully arranged, lovingly programmed. The first of many I hope.” Grant Olding
“To have a singer want to record your song is always a treat, but when it is someone of Annalene’s stature and artistry it is a dream. Her sense of phrasing, communication of the text, and sheer musicality, makes anything she sings a joy to listen to.” Richard Taylor
Reviews:
"Fans will be happy to know ... it’s a winner. Lovingly produced ... it’s a fine showcase for this talented singer’s lovely voice, with some beautiful new arrangements and a thoughtfully chosen playlist focusing on narrative numbers. This respected West End leading lady with the angelic voice is a pleasure to listen to, from the very first track to the last. This is an album full of highlights: Schwartz’s marvellous 'Lion Tamer', Stiles and Drewe’s comic number 'Carrying a Torch' (“for the boy who’s carrying a spear”), Finn’s 'Sailing', Olding’s 'Hannah’s Dream', Joni Mitchell’s 'River', and a dreamlike six-part vocal arrangement of 'Perfect Day' which evokes Gregorian chant. Another standout is a slow, haunting 'Doll on a Music Box', completely rethinking the familiar Sherman Brothers’ number from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is sure to make you see the song in a completely different light." Catherine Surowiec from whatsonstage.com
"West End star Beechey brings such sweetness and delicacy to show tunes ranging from Stephen Schwartz's 'Lion Tamer' to William Finn's 'I'd Rather Be Sailing' that she truly surprises when giving 'Doll on a Box' a satisfyingly haunting spin."
Andy Propst from TheaterMania.com
Various Internet Customer Reviews:
"This is a lovely album. The perfect album to relax & chill out to!! I was very excited when & heard that Annalene was recording her debut album. The CD exceeding all my expectations! Annalene has obviously spent time choosing just the right track - a perfect combination of beautiful songs. It is refreshing to see so many new songs (- far too often artists choose to record cover versions of old songs). My particular favourite is "If I Told You" with Simon Greiff. I have seen Annalene perform in The Ha'penny Bridge, Marguerite, Alice in Wonderlnd & Wicked & have always admired her stunning voice - now I have her on my iPod to play any time!! I must re-iterate a previous review and say this album is destined to become a classic!!!"
"Stunningly flawless ... Words fail in trying to share the quintessential beauty found in Close Your Eyes, it is perfect start to finish. The song selections, song order, arrangements, musical accompaniments (both instrumental & vocal) all come together complimenting Ms. Beechey's phenomenal voice. Take the time to read the liner notes as they give an introspective peek into the heart and soul of Ms. Beechey, which in turn will help you realize why this album is destined to become a classic."
"Wow...what an album - and about time too i might add! It is so refreshing to find an album from a musical theatre performer that isn't filled with the usual musical theatre tracks we all expect to hear! Annalene's choices are so perfect, and all show off her INCREDIBLE voice to perfection! Personal favourites include Lion Tamer, Nothing More, Hannah's Dream, River, and the most heart-wrenching version of Always/Goodnight! A nice treat is the choice of "If I Told You" as a duet with her husband Simon Greiff, who i feel we also never get to hear enough of! If there is one album i insist you buy this year it is this one. It has something that will appeal to any taste - well, with a voice like that, how could it not!!!! Annalene, you should be proud!!"
"Stunning debut CD ... I was lucky enough to see Annalene Beechey perform in Wicked, Marguerite and most recently in concert with singer/songwriter Scott Alan, and I purchased this CD on the strength of those performances. I am happy to say I was not disappointed. The CD is simply stunning, and contains some of the most beautifully written tracks I have ever heard. Particular favourites are Always/Goodnight, River, It's Never that Easy/I've Been Here Before (duet with Rebecca Lock) and No One Is Alone/Children Will Listen.I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves musical theatre, beautifully crafted songs, or just likes to hear a song sung perfectly."
"Close Your Eyes ... And dream you shall as Annalene's exquisite vocals soothe away all your cares...Rarely will one hear a voice so pure, that connects on such an emotional level with listeners. The tracks chosen by Ms Beechey are exciting and enchanting, not a single dud! Stand-out songs include a haunting version of Doll on a Music Box, the gorgeous duet It's Never That Easy / I've Been Here Before featuring a wonderful performance from Rebecca Lock and Hannah's Dream, a previously unrecorded gem. I can say with all honesty that each and every track is a mini masterpiece. So it's five stars and a standing ovation for Annalene Beechey who's delivered an album showcasing real emotion, real passion and above all things, real talent."
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