BWW Reviews: Anthony Newley, THE LAST SONG

Anthony Newley has had an extremely successful career since the 1950s. A star of stage, screen and music; this new album The Last Song is a celebration of his work and features fourteen previously unreleased tracks including duets with Petula Clark, Julia McKenzie and Marti Webb.

Sadly Newley passed away back in 1999 following his battle with cancer. The songs on this album were recorded between 1996 and 1997 prior to the deterioration of his health. With many strings to his bow, Newley was also a wonderful songwriter; and some of his compositions are performed on this CD.

Stage Door Records have once again produced another great quality album. This will be a real treat for those who have fond memories of Newley and have appreciated his work over the years.

The Last Song has a lovely feel about it and there is a good variety of genres within the track listing. Definitely the highlight for me is 'Are We Having Fun Yet?' from the musical Chaplin in which Newley duets with Julia McKenzie - their voices compliment each other very well. It is not very often that you can listen to a track and hear a smile (and a big one at that). This comes across in this song and also in the other two duets. Here's a man who clearly enjoys working with others.

Newley has a really nice tone to his voice and is very Andy Williams-esque at times. I can't help but think of g Grandfather singing around the piano at Christmas time when listening to certain tracks which is by no means a bad thing. What he occasionally lacks in gusto he makes up with in charm.

Anthony Newley's album The Last Song is available from www.stagedoorrecords.com