Marisha Wallace - Tomorrow (album review)

Buy-stream Tomorrow here

 It was at The Beginning of the year that I discovered theatre star, Marisha Wallace, had also embarked on a burgeoning pop-soul career via her glorious song, The Beginning. No-one knew that 2020 would take life-altering turns that would affect every single person on the planet; but in the dark times, glimmers of light sparkled through as creative folk found edifying new outlets for their gifts. Through a chance encounter, Marisha teamed up with producer Steve Anderson  to transform classic and contemporary standards into an equally timeless gospel anthems that showers  healing musical glitter over the cracks in our collective souls during these unprecedented times. The title track, Tomorrow, took on a life of its own to become an anthem of hope; the album is equally as radiant - world class vocals with beautifully nuanced and rousing scores...

• Somewhere ~ it all begins with the West Side Story song; an exploration of what lies just over the horizon (even if we can't quite see it just yet). The slow burn a cappella crescendo captures all the fragility of life right now but shows how the indomitable human spirit will always find a way to rise again. The swell of orchestra alongside Marisha's increasingly powerful voice is as magnificent as the sun rising in the morning. As near to a religious experience you can get.
• Alive ~ The Sia modern-day standard is given a dramatic overhaul and is an early indication of how the songs simply flow into each other to maintain a cohesive narrative for those willing to seek it out. Marisha has come through the other side of the flames and is full of fiery determination and soaring gratitude. With booming percussion & emphatic piano, it is a glorious melange of euphoric sound. 
• Tomorrow ~ the song that started a journey. The song begins as a mesmerising piano-vocal duet with Ms Wallace tentatively exploring the possibility of a brighter future. It is as if the bruising experience of life make it hard for her to accept a brave new world ahead of her. Mercifully, her lush tones wrapping around the inspirational words ensuring they unfurl like a flower blossoming in the mid-day sun. The words give Marisha strength but, equally, she gives the words power, leading to a spine-tingling key change. It is a truly triumphant sermon.
• The Show Must Go On (with Michael Ball) ~ there is a restlessness and ennui to Marisha's voice as haunting organ conveys the unease and dissatisfaction we all feel in this moment. Michael is equally as resonant in his denouement, yet as emphatic strings swell around him there is a glorious crescendo into the chorus. M&M are seemingly inspired by reaching out to each other, drawing power and passion from their shared creed. 
• Rainbow ~ turns out Marisha is one of the great story tellers of our time; like a melodic Jackanory, she has the ability to see through the external bravado and convey our most secret emotions. This sweetly sung ballad is full of gentle encouragement, not just Ms Wallace's expressive voice but from the beautifully played piano and shimmering backing vocals. If you lose yourself in the reflective magic of the music you won't be alone.
• Before I Go ~ written by the super talented Jamie Hartman, it is the type of song that brings alive the story - not just with lyrics but through thoughtful, considered production and, of course, that sterling vocal from Ms Wallace herself. Marisha sings of moving on but not before she speaks her truth, and what a truth it is. Fuelled by her righteous honesty, this is a theatrical performance that comes from her lived experience. She commands every word and every note, using emphasis and dynamic voice control to infuse the song with the power it deserves.
• My Declaration ~ Marisha delivers Tom Baxter's aching composition with such earnest grace that it is like a modern day hymn. Strings sweep in like mist on the horizon, gently buoying Marisha's voice and giving her the courage to continue her soul searching. When the wall of sound instrumental crashes in on the second verse, she is utterly majestic - soaring and sharing her message as a rallying call to arms. The song becomes a beacon of light in the dark.
• Faith ~ there is something to be said for the cathartic power of dance and Marisha practically commands you get to the dance floor on this rousing anthem. Decadent 90s house piano takes me back to the great Sabrina Johnston track, Peace In The Valley, whilst the uplifting instrumental sends you soaring past seventh heaven to rest on cloud 9. The song we all deserve to take us into 2021. Brothers in Rhythm remixes please!
• You're The Voice - remember when the likes of Westlife would take songs like this to the top of the charts? It is time for those days to return because this is what my mum would call a bobby dazzler. The effusive wall of sound in the chorus feels like a deleted scene from The Greatest Showman, whilst the delicious layered vocals are like a rallying call to arms for the theatrical folk all blighted by the global lockdown. Genuinely thrilling.
• Divine ~ a simmering hymn to help the woes of the world around you pause, even if just for the length of the song, while Marisha gives succour to those who need spiritual nourishment. Tapping into her lower register is truly breath taking. The elegance and reverence of the accompanying harmonies and instrumental just makes you want to testify to the majestic performance you are privileged enough to witness.
• Purple Rain ~ Marisha joins Sinead O'Connor as one of the very few who can take a Prince song and make it feel like perhaps the Great Purple One meant it for them all along. This song has been stripped back to become a delectable acoustic jam, full of insightful emotion and a vocal that caresses the words. Imagine this on a stage, Marisha in the spotlight. You would be able to hear a pin drop in the second before the rapturous applause. 
• Reflection ~ I love a Disney ballad and Reflection (from Mulan) is one of the finest. It transcends the movie it accompanies to become an actual anthem for those seeking to find themselves. Like a soliloquy moment in a musical yet to be written, Marisha emotes from the very core of her being, matched note for note by that incomparable score. The quiet moments have just as much impact as that astonishing pinnacle of sound. Exquisite.
• I'm Free ~ the 12" vinyl remix package options from this album are becoming more and more potent and alluring as we hurtle towards the season finale of this tale. This is a gospel clapping endorphin rush that floods through you, making you grab the one you love (or the one you are with) and shimmy. HARD. She sounds entirely joyous, exhilarated by singing the song - it is a gleeful sentiment that is thoroughly contagious.
• Angel ~ the Sarah McLachlan jewel is in safe hands with Marisha. I'm rather protective of this mesmerising masterpiece but Ms Wallace sings with a deference to the original whilst imbuing it with her own musical style. Cocooned by the celestial choir and a piano accompaniment that makes you want to weep at the elegiac beauty. It is the musical equivalent of a hug from the person you have missed most. You just lean into it and never want it to end.
• Climb Every Mountain ~ drawing from her own experience, Marisha imparts wisdom like few know how to do. Her voice guides the ascension of the music, adding in a nunnery of backing singers that animate the spirited refrain. It is jaw dropping how the music comes at you with such resolute emotion that it simultaneously swaddles and comforts you. Not to sound too hyperbolic but those final fifteen seconds may be some of the best moments of music you hear all the live long year.