Eleri Ward is continuous her yearslong celebration of Stephen Sondheim with a heartfelt acoustic tackle one of many Broadway composer’s most beloved songs.
The New York actor and musician unveiled her model of “Not Whereas I’m Round” from the musical “Sweeney Todd” Friday. The tune, she stated, presents “a timeless and common message of consolation” that listeners “want to listen to proper now, given the state of the world.” It additionally stands as a testomony to the endearing legacy of Sondheim, who died final yr at age 91.
“I’ve at all times been enamored by the darkness he digs into and splays open in his music and lyrics,” Ward defined. “People are messy and sophisticated and it’s what’s hiding beneath that's much more attention-grabbing to discover than the rest, for my part. It’s in that darkness beneath that we see the sunshine in a extra palpable and poignant means than if we solely addressed the floor.”
Watch the music video for “Not Whereas I’m Round” under.
“Not Whereas I’m Round” is featured on Ward’s forthcoming album, “Maintain a Tender Distance.” Due out Sept. 16 on Ghostlight Information, “Maintain a Tender Distance” options 14 songs from an assortment of Sondheim musicals, together with “Firm” and “Into the Woods,” reimagined in a means that Ward believes presents “a unique musical entry level for individuals who know and love his music already, and for individuals who may not.”
“Maintain a Tender Distance” is a worthy followup to Ward’s first Sondheim album, 2021’s “A Excellent Little Loss of life.” That 13-track assortment drew glowing opinions from shops like American Songwriter and landed the Chicago native a coveted spot because the opening act for Josh Groban on his Concord Tour this summer time.
“Sondheim’s work is nothing however trustworthy and true to its core, and I’ve merely chosen to decorate his music up in a way more uncooked and stripped-back costume than initially designed,” she stated. “I solely ever need to honor the person and the music I like so dearly.”
“Maintain a Tender Distance” will kick off a busy fall for Ward. In October, she’ll seem within the new off-Broadway musical, “Solely Gold,” that includes songs by British singer-songwriter Kate Nash.
Although she’s mum on specifics, Ward stated the present “embodies all the things I stand for as a theater artist.”
“It’s a brand new, unique work primarily based in coronary heart whereas being advised in a contemporary, daring means each visually and musically,” she added. “I’m simply so grateful to be making my off-Broadway debut in a stupendous present that I imagine will dazzle audiences whereas forcing them to have a look at themselves and assess whether or not or not they’re dwelling their lives listening to their hearts.”
Post a Comment