This album recorded live at the London venue showcases perfectly the versatility of James’s vocals.
Recorded and performed during the actor’s run in the West End production of Hadestown, this album of Zachary James’s live performance at Crazy Coqs last year is of high quality.
With a wide range of songs, this is an album that has been carefully curated and really showcases the performer’s vocal versatility perfectly – particularly when accompanied beautifully by George Francis on piano.
From a pitch perfect rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ all the way through to a wonderfully playful version of ‘Wonderful World’, there is much to be enjoyed on this classy album. But it does have to be said that the transitions between songs are less than smooth and awkward.
There is plenty of emotion on display throughout, with particular highlights being a rich and sensitive ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (highlighting the fact James is at his best when his vocals are allowed to soar), while ‘Stars’ is a powerfully moving moment.
It is an album that knows how to rise and fall in the right places, but there are moments in which it feels as though some of the songs aren’t given enough room to breathe and for listeners to truly sit back and enjoy.
For me though, particular highlights was the impeccable ‘Some Enchanted evening’ which suits James’s voice to the ground and ‘Sixteen Tons’ which again captures the depth and range of tones that he is able to convey in a song.
Throughout, there is also a strong sense of storytelling on display with each song matching the overall tone of the album well. There might seem like there is aspects of sadness to be found in the lyrics in places, however there is also plenty of comfort and love that is interwoven into it as well.
Overall, this is a really pleasing album to listen to or revisit if you attended the live performance. It is classy and elegant from start to finish – despite a few transitional issues between tracks.
By Emma Clarendon
Zachary James: Live at Crazy Coqs, London is available to listen to now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️