Unwritten Songs

You won't believe this is a first album

     

Whether it's mournful torch songs, joyful romantic numbers or comedy songs where the tongue is either twisted or thrust firmly into the cheek, there's something for every fan of musical theatre writing on this album.

"Portrait of a Princess" is the standout track, with its dystopian take on the traditional Hollywood idea of the fairytale princess effortlessly portrayed by Julie Atherton. But that only scratches the surface of what's on offer: check out Jessie Buckley's rendition of It's Not Gonna Rain, or Michael Xavier singing Unwritten Song to get an idea of the emotive depths that Michael Bruce's writing is capable of.

It doesn't sound like a new composer's first album at all, with strengths on all fronts, from the sumptuous orchestrations and the quality of the vocal artists who grace each track..