Album Notes

To lovers of musical theatre around the world, Colm Wilkinson definitely needs no introduction. On stages in London, New York, Toronto and beyond, he has firmly established himself as one of theatres greatest performers. His definitive portrayal of such leading characters as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" and the Phantom in "Phantom of the Opera" has brought the Irish born singer huge critical acclaim, a trophy case crammed with awards, and the adoration of millions of theatregoers.

There is another side to Colm. He is a highly accomplished songwriter and film composer, as well as a skilled interpreter of songs from a wide variety of musical genres. Through the 70s, he had numerous pop hits in his native Ireland, often with his own compositions. Wilkinson's multiple talents are now showcased on his new album, the appropriately entitled, "Some of My Best Friends Are Songs".

Colm Wilkinson created the role of Jean Valjean in the original London and Broadway productions of Les Miserables, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Actor as well as Tony and Drama Desk nominations, and winning the Helen Hayes Award, the Outer Critics' Circle Award, and a Theatre World Award. Colm returned to the role of Jean Valjean for one night only in October 1995, starring in the now legendary London 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. A video version of the concert has since been seen by millions on televison stations throughout the world.

Colm created the role of "The Phantom" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at the composer's annual music festival at Sydmonton. He went on to star in the Toronto production at the Pantages Theatre, from the show's premiere in September 1989 until May 1994. For his portrayal Colm received the 1989-90 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Review or Musical.

Colm also received his second Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role as Valjean in Les Miserables in 1998 in Toronto.

See below for a review from one of the most important magazines in the musical industry - Billboard magazine.

Visit Colm's web site at www.colmwilkinson.com.