The West End star’s album was recorded live at Cadogan Hall in June 2024 and features a strong range of songs.
Offering fans an opportunity to re-visit some of his best known performances in West End shows, this recorded live album from Bradley Jaden’s concert in London last year, showcases perfectly his versatility as a performer.
Including songs from popular musicals such as Wicked and Shrek the Musical as well as his role in new musical Treason the Musical, this album covers his career to date perfectly. In addition, it also offer hints of what he would be capable in other shows such as ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Man of La Mancha’ for example.
Beginning with ‘Who I’d Be’ from Shrek the Musical, there is a richness and distinctiveness to Jaden’s vocals which are really hard to resist and I can only imagine what it was like experiencing this concert in person.
The orchestrations are incredible and complement Jaden’s vocals perfectly as can be heard on ‘On the Street Where You Live’ (My Fair Lady) that would have impressed Lerner and Loewe. Meanwhile, the rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’ (Man of La Mancha) is wonderfully moving and emotional, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the musicians and singers (Jaden was joined by Adam Pearce for this particular number) are in perfect harmony.
There were a couple of moments early on in the album in which it felt like the sound balance was a tiny bit off but this just emphasises that it was recorded live so does in many ways make it feel more authentic – but it also means on occasions we miss a few of the lyrics.
Throughout, the album offers plenty of high quality renditions of songs – including the particularly beautiful version of ‘As Long as Your Mine’ (Wicked), which Jaden performs to heartfelt effect with Louise Dearman – both bringing the romance out to full effect even if you can’t see how they are performing it.
Perhaps I would have liked to have heard just a touch more depth to the version of ‘Music of the Night’ which feels just a little too light in contrast of the nature of the song but the version of ‘Sway’ is delightfully playful and showcases a different quality to Jaden’s voice which is pleasing.
The album ends on a powerful high with Jaden’s rendition of ‘Stars’ (Les Miserables) that seems particularly fierce and passionate, leaving the listener on an exhilarating high.
If you missed the concert in person, this album is well worth listening to.
By Emma Clarendon
Bradley Jaden: Recorded Live is available to buy and download now and was released via Westway Music.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️