BWW Reviews: DANIELLE HOPE Bring The Future Faster - Live at 54 Below Recording

By: Jul. 06, 2015
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Danielle Hope's debut album Bring The Future Faster was recorded at 54 Below in New York and has recently been released by Broadway Records. Shooting to stardom following her triumph in BBC's Over The Rainbow and becoming the West End's Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, ever since her feet haven't touched the ground. Hope went on to star as Eponine in Les Miserables, the Narrator in Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat and is currently touring the UK as Maria in The Sound of Music - all massive roles to have portrayed by the age of 23! She enjoyed a superb debut concert in London's Delfont Room in June last year which led onto her American solo debut heard on this recording.

The entire recording is a stunner and is definitely one of the best concert recordings I have heard in recent years. Hope's personality is infectious and shines across the 19-track album. Some of these tracks are built up of dialogue but these are equally as endearing as her vocals. Hope is very well spoken and classically British, something which she is proud of, although she makes her love for New York clear. She is extremely confident and when fully relaxed, she does drift in and out of her soft Mancunian accent. There are many sides to the young performer that are demonstrated and she can turn the sassy diva on in the blink of an eye. However, the humble girl-next-door persona is just as easy for her to go back to after a performance. One of Hope's biggest strengths is her storytelling and crystal clear diction. For the past hour, I have been completely transported to her concert and provided with an intimate look into the triple threat's life, both personally and professionally.

The selection of songs is inspired, showcasing all of Hope's many talents - including singing in French. She could almost be mistaken for a 1920s jazz singer during 'Manhattan'. Although she was superb throughout Over The Rainbow, the years following the competition have honed her skills and she will only get better. Danielle gives a touching tribute to her father, along with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Crawford who have both had a massive impact on her career so far. She did this by singing 'Music of the Night' from The Phantom of the Opera which has a sublime arrangement by Musical Director Steven Jamail. She performs alongside "her Tin Man' Edward Baker-Duly who now resides in New York and Ceili O'Connor who was also a member of 'The Wizard of Oz' company. One of Hope's favourite songs is 'Mambo Italiano' which she performed on the BBC reality show. Fiery and sexy Danielle comes out and I recall judge John Partridge's face when the camera caught his reaction during the number!

Hope also refers to car journeys with her mother when she was younger, singing along to great female pop vocalists such as Gabrielle, Macy Gray, Janet Jackson and Shania Twain to name a few. This medley showcased the playful and care-free side to Danielle that everyone loves. Furthermore, she is the first to admit that she is a complete Disney fanatic and this slight geekiness is lapped up by everyone watching. She has great camaraderie with the audience during her Disney medley which she feeds off, making for a passionate and committed tribute "to the mouse". Hope would be perfect casting for any Disney princess and any production would be lucky to have her.

Bring The Future Faster is available from Broadway Records in America and on Amazon for those in the UK.



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