Madalena Alberto

Though she has performed in many shows before and since, Madalena Alberto is most likely to be recognised for playing Fantine in the hugely well-received 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables. She has since been in London in shows like Godspell and Jekyll and Hyde both at the Union, and now the Portuguese-born Alberto is taking the opportunity to stretch her wings as a singer-songwriter with the release of her debut EP Heart Condition.

Over the four tracks recorded in Lisbon with producer José Canela, there’s just a snapshot of this artist here but an intriguing one at that as her self-penned songs embrace a wide range of styles. The layered theatricality of the title track bursts with a surprising complexity as it incorporates globe-trotting influences and a most alluring honeyed vocal, but this is neatly contrasted with the relaxed simplicity of the guitar-led Fairytale and the beguiling Rainbow and the Sky, the highlight of the collection with its gorgeously crafted lyrical imagery and captivating melody.

It is a little hard though to get a real sense of Alberto’s musical identity over the limited opportunity offered here. The quirky rhythmic nature of Gentleness is Power adds another string to the bow with its lyrics of pragmatic optimism but feels a little disconnected on a musical level, where perhaps a little more continuity in the material might have strengthened the cohesion of the whole. But what we do get is an indication of the richness and diversity of Madalena Alberto as a singer-songwriter to add to her already affirmed status as a performer of note.

The EP Heart Condition can be downloaded from iTunes or signed copies ordered from the website www.madalenaalberto.com - The Public Reviews

Getting the opportunity to review Madalena Alberto’s newly released EP ‘Heart Condition’ was very exciting to me, having heard her phenomenal performance as Fantine in the 25th Anniversary touring production of Les Miserables. Even more exciting is that the four songs featured on the EP are written by Alberto herself. For me, there is nothing more refreshing than a musical theatre performer who can take direction and deliver someone else’s music AND be able to write, compose and perform their own work as well.

Alberto is a Lisbon-born performer and moved to London to study performing arts upon receiving a scholarship. Since graduating, she has had great success in numerous musical productions including the aforementioned Les Miserables tour, Jekyll & Hyde and Godspell (Union Theatre), Fame (UK Tour), Chicago (Kuala Lumpur), Zorro The Musical (West End) and Over The Threshold (Edinburgh and Off West-End).

The EP has great style and a real mixture of sounds. I think it is quite hard to define as a particular genre but her Portuguese roots definitely shine through, which is a nice touch. The title track begins with a sultry jazz vibe until the Spanish guitar kicks in and we are transported overseas. On paper it seems like a bizarre merger but works incredibly well. Recorded at the Rock Box Studios in Lisbon earlier in the year, the production of this track and the whole EP by Jose Canela and Tiago Borges is very impressive.

‘Fairytale’ is a more mellow track which highlights Alberto’s wide vocal range. Lyrically all of the tracks are really interesting and well written. ‘Gentleness Is Power’ and ‘Rainbow and the Sky’ have a wonderful folk/country undercurrent and are my favoured tracks on the EP - the former really sticks in your head as well!

My only complaint is that there are only four tracks!

To get ‘Heart Condition’ digitally, it can be downloaded from iTunes or for a hard copy, visit www.madalenaalberto.com where signed copies are currently available. - BroadwayWorld