Album review: Schwartz Songs (Westway)

No matter how many compilations of Stephen Schwartz’s works I listen to, there are always one or two songs that are new to me, and that is a testament to the quality and writing ability of this musical theater phenomenon.

Here in the new album Schwartz songsthe song that stood out is “Let There Be” by Children of Edena musical that I know but have never actually seen or heard.

These facts make me want to see a full revival, and John Owen Jones, with his soaring voice, gives this piece an unforgettable character.

The opening song of Schwartz songs“Defending Gravity” by Evilunites four former Elphabas into a quartet full of vocal power.

Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, Lucie Jones and Rachel Tucker each bring something different to the role, and this supercut or mashup of the song puts each of them at the forefront, with Tucker returning later in the album to deliver her striking version of “The Wizard and I.”

This album is so well curated, with power ballads that balance the more subdued numbers like “Meadowlark” by The Baker’s Wife (beautifully sung by Louise Dearman) and “Beautiful City” by Divine Magic (sung by Oliver Tompsett).

It is a key album for music fans of all ages and proves that Schwartz is moving with the times while keeping his distinctive musical legacy alive.

I enjoyed hearing Jordan Luke Gage and Rob Houche show their softer sides. Divine Magic“On The Willows” by The Willows is a beautiful melody of hope and inner strength in times of need. For me, another highlight of the album.

There is something for every taste, from the abundance of strong melodies for the female voice to choir-based pieces such as “Deliver Us” by The Prince of Egypthere presented with enthusiasm by Hiba Elchikhe.

As a composer and lyricist, Schwartz referred to the former as “art” and the latter as “craft” in this online Q&A – he is obviously highly gifted at both, developing a show with both his head and his heart.

Schwartz songs does not approach his work in chronological order, although you can of course listen to it in any order if you want to explore his development as a writer.

There are sixteen tracks in total, featuring Jamie Muscado, Jamie Lambert (sings the thoughtful song “Forgiveness’ Embrace” from the 2023 film Jimmy and Carolyn), Samantha Barks (a lively “Colours of the Wind” by PocahontasMarisha Wallace & Trevor Dion Nicholas (the beautiful “When You Believe” by The Prince of Egypt).

Emma Kingston, Rachel John (a breathtaking “Oh Bless The Lord My Soul” by Divine Magic), Billy Luke Newers and Peter Jöback are the remaining artists who contribute to this fascinating and fabulous record.

Your – and my – selection of Stephen Schwartz’s works may be quite different. The man has written twenty plays for the stage (including children’s plays and operas) as well as contributions to film music, television music and choral pieces.

Starting in 1969 with the title song of Butterflies are freehe rarely stopped, and whether he was providing lyrics for other composers or taking on both roles himself, it was always worth listening to him.

With a well-received Schwartz with 75 concert in the West End last year and a major revival of The Baker’s Wife With its performance next month at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Schwartz’s star appears to be a well-deserved and permanent fixture on the musical theater scene.

I can highly recommend this album.

*****

Schwartz songs is available from June 28th, published by Westway.