mon 04/11/2024

McAlmont & Nyman, Union Chapel | reviews, news & interviews

McAlmont & Nyman, Union Chapel

McAlmont & Nyman, Union Chapel

Minimalist and soul man invent a new musical language?

Here's glaring at you: Michael Nyman and David McAlmont

It’s taken David McAlmont over 15 years to find the right outlet for his remarkable voice and songs but, fingers crossed, it looks as if he's finally done it. In prospect, McAlmont's collaboration with Michael Nyman and his band, which received its first public airing last night at the Union Chapel, seems rather random. What, you might well ask, has a man with the vocal chops of a soul legend such as Curtis Mayfield got to say to a minimalist composer and soundtrack specialist with a gift for classical pastiche? Seldom have the musical codes of the street and the salon been more obliquely positioned.

It’s taken David McAlmont over 15 years to find the right outlet for his remarkable voice and songs but, fingers crossed, it looks as if he's finally done it. In prospect, McAlmont's collaboration with Michael Nyman and his band, which received its first public airing last night at the Union Chapel, seems rather random. What, you might well ask, has a man with the vocal chops of a soul legend such as Curtis Mayfield got to say to a minimalist composer and soundtrack specialist with a gift for classical pastiche? Seldom have the musical codes of the street and the salon been more obliquely positioned.

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The song Going To America has nothing to do with my first trip to America. It is about Abdiwali Muse's journey to America to be tried for the crime of piracy. I appreciate your positive review but I was not mute at the show. I thanked the audience after each number and allowed the songs to speak for themselves. It's good to see you writing again. David M.

The performance at the Union Chapel was breathtakingly beautiful on Saturday night. As with the reviewer, I had heard a pre-release copy of the album and was pleased to hear the album played in order, as no doubt that order was chosen for a reason! David's voice was as smooth and luscious as it has ever been on his solo work or other collaborations (better, probably) and he was very gracious with the audience. Secrets, Accusations & Charges has to be a front-runner for song of 2009 - wonderful!

We were also present at the Union Chapel on Saturday night and can assure your readers there was nothing hubristic about David or Michael's delivery of this remarkable performance. They were also graceful in their acceptance of the audience's standing ovation which you neglected to mention. On leaving the Chapel, both Michael and David were on hand to chat with the audience. According to Amazon and iTunes, The Glare is available in the UK from today.

Anita Sandall It was a beautiful evening. Robert and I took our daughter Grace, to what was her first proper show. It is Michael Nyman's birthday, today, btw. Anita Sandall

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