AND THERE WAS MUSIC Ben Stock
'And There Was Music' is the debut album from West End and UK theatre actor, pianist and musical director
Ben Stock
. From panto to Pinter, from Wolverhampton to the West End, the album reflects the music that has influenced his life and career so far; with music by Jerry Herman, Noel Coward, Tom Lehrer, Meredith Wilson, Cole Porter, Craig Carnelia and Amanda McBroom amongst others.
The album goes hand in hand with his acclaimed one-man show of the same title. Ben sings and accompanies his own arrangements.
"Ben Stock is a quadruple threat ... actor, dancer, singer, pianist ... so, naturally, I hate him. Stop stealing my gigs or I'll send the boys round…!"
Bobby Crush
"Ben Stock … sparkling and charming" (Noel & Gertie)
The Stage
"Ben Stock plays the piano splendidly and paces the patter songs very well indeed: Mrs Worthington seems freshly hilarious however many times you’ve heard it." (Noel & Gertie)
Remote Goat
TRACK LISTING
- Wanna Sing A Showtune
by Ray Jessel - Dreaming Medley:
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow
by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg
- Dreamers
by Marvin Hamlisch & Christopher Adler - Mrs Worthington
by Noel Coward - Optimistic Medley:
- Look For The Silver Lining
by Jerome Kern & Bud De Sylva
- Pennies From Heaven
by Arthur Johnston & John Burke
- Tomorrow
by Charles Strouse & Martin Charnin - Love Don't Need A Reason
by Peter Allen, Marsha Malamet & Michael Callen - Favourites Medley:
- It Only Takes A Moment
by Jerry Herman
- Till There Was You
by Meredith Wilson - Mama, A Rainbow
by Larry Grossman & Hal Hackaday - Tattooed Lady
by Paddy Roberts - The Rose
by Amanda McBroom - Moving On Medley:
- Where Do You Start?
by Johnny Mandel, Alan & Marilyn Bergman
- You Can Have The TV
by Craig Carnelia - We Live On Borrowed Time
by David Friedman
Released 1st June 2015 - Catalogue No: SimGR-CD026
LISTEN NOW... to a selection of tracks from the album
REVIEWS...
"Stock has an extensive list of credits in musical theatre – this experience is reflected in his vocal and musical abilities. Stock provides bounds of personality along with plenty of light and shade throughout. The medleys of songs are very cleverly combined with smooth segues; the 'Dreaming' medley has real hope and aspiration underlying. Stock has a very soft and gentle tone to his voice but ultimately knows when to use crescendos and diminuendos to dramatic advantage. The order of songs tell a wonderful story and are delivered by one very talented man and his piano."
BroadwayWorldUK
10/10 "SimG’s latest release is truly one of those CDs that’s made me say ‘This is something I will treasure’. From the first listen, this album captures you. There’s no big orchestras, no grand productions. Just a guy and a piano, and a CD packed with quality music. I can’t fault any choice of song on here - indeed there’s some of my favourite numbers of all time featured along side some very funny patter and music hall songs … a very rewarding and well-balanced listen. If you only buy one vocalist album this year, buy this one."
Review Graveyard
"Stock’s depth of understanding and clear love for the genre beams out of this album creating a very intimate and glittering experience … he moves seamlessly from song to song which is a thrill for the listener as the subtlety of the arrangements means you never know what is coming next … in the acid tongued ‘Mrs Worthington’ Stock gives a gutsy and raucous performance … ‘The Rose’ is performed with delicacy and revealing the subtle power of Stock’s voice making it a real showstopper. His piano playing is crisp and precise yet, along with everything else is communicated with panache and charisma … the accompanying booklet is full of Stock’s opinions, humour and candour which, again brings the listener into the experience. The personable quality of the album is arguably its strongest selling point. Of course Stock is incredibly gifted but this cozy quality is what sets it apart from other, similar albums … with such an experienced MD it cannot fail to be beautifully understood and communicated. Easy listening with an old world glow evokes the by gone musical era that Stock clearly adores. A light hearted album that speaks from the heart."
The Public Reviews
"SimG Records have done it again. Another absolutely delightful, simply delicious, album. There is no big orchestra or even a digitalised band - it is simply Ben Stock and his piano. The range of genres in the choice of material works extremely well … a really superb album.."
Musical Theatre Review
