Reviews-


Ramin – Ramin. Released March 5th on Sony


Music Ramin is one of the biggest stars of the West End having played the lead in both The Phantom Of The Opera and its sequel, Love Never Dies, and he is now ready to make his mark in the


world of popular music with his debut album release.


The self-titled release steps beyond the world of musical theatre, taking influence from some of Ramin’s favourite artists and songwriters. Produced by Tom Nichols, a producer who has worked on hit records with the likes of Celine Dion and Sugababes, it includes two newly- imagined versions of “Till I Hear You Sing" (from Love Never Dies) and "Music Of The Night" (from Phantom) alongside covers of Bryan Adams’ "Everything I Do" and Muse’s "Guiding Light". These, combined with brand new songs penned by Ryan Tedder (creator of Leona Lewis’ megahit "Bleeding Love") and broadway composer Duncan Sheik, as well as 4 songs co-written by Ramin himself, come together to create a fresh and diverse springboard for a truly exciting new voice.


Competition To win one of three copies of the album, just answer this


simple question: Which West End musical has Ramin famously performed in? A Hair B The Phantom of the Opera C Spamalot


18 | You First | www.c-i-c.co.uk


Your chance to win the latest album releases.


Rodrigo y Gabriela - Area 52. Out now.


They’ve sold 1.2 million records, soundtracked a Pirates of the Caribbean movie and even performed for President Obama, yet to many the name Rodrigo y Gabriela remains unfamiliar. This is set to change when the acclaimed Mexican acoustic duo release their new, highly anticipated album ‘Area 52’. The pair, who are renowned for their spellbinding acoustic guitar playing, have teamed up with a thirteen-piece Cuban orchestra known as C.U.B.A for this latest eclectic release. Alan Howells, CIC Training and Development Manager, reviewed the album for You First: “After years of developing their talent in Europe as well as their native Mexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela have created in Area 52 a masterpiece of various musical styles: a brilliant and eclectic fusion of Latin, salsa and Cuban music, jazz, rock, heavy rock, and even a sitar being used to add to the potent mix.


Area 52 is one of those albums that makes a positive impact the first time you hear it. At times it did remind me of some of the earlier vibe of Santana, which is not a bad thing at all, but definitely gives it a contemporary feel. I think this album will break Rodrigo y Gabriela into the mainstream.”


Competition To win one of three copies of Area 52, just answer the following question:


Which famous blockbuster did Rodrigo y Gabriela record a soundtrack for? A Avatar B Jurassic Park C Pirates of the Caribbean


Great Expectations, BBC One (12). Out now on DVD.


Review by Hannah Mickleburgh CIC volunteer work experience student.


The BBC’s adaption of Great Expectations follows Dickens’ classic story to the word: the poor boy off the moors who is suddenly declared to have a very rich benefactor. Dickens’ tale charts the life of Pip (Douglas Booth) from young lad to young man and his falling in love with a girl he once had to entertain (Vanessa Kirby).


Directed by Brian Kirk (The Tudors, My Boy Jack), the actors will be familiar to many having appeared in other period dramas. However, they acted excellently and you can see why they are so often given these familiar roles.


One thing is for certain though, Great Expectations is not a ‘normal’ period drama. The all-star cast (featuring Gillian Anderson as the estranged Miss Havisham) portrayed these complicated characters with the ease and grace deserved of a literary master like Dickens, appearing completely comfortable in this world of mud, silk and Yorkshire accents.


Email your answers to john.hughes@c-i-c.co.uk or send your answers to our address on page 3. Deadline for entries is 27th April 2012.


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