Cheshire’s Harmonious City of Altrincham Welcomes Composer Randy Edelman’s Debut @ The Bowdon Rooms – 2 June 2024
Manchester always had an edgy, radical, city vibe. Just outside of the urban surroundings of the great borough is the posh picturesque area called Altrincham and the historic Bowdon Rooms where Composer Randy Edelman made his grand debut on June 2, 2024.
Edelman took the stage, no introduction, no pomp and circumstance, with a cool swagger of mystery. He’s a performer who brings his art on a podium, or in his case a piano…so present in the moment that you can’t take your eyes off of him. He’s there and not wishing he were somewhere else.
Randy’s music is at the very heart of time. Fans gathered early in hopes of getting a photograph, a signature, or just a visit to the familiar shadows of the past where echoes of his music still reign true and give rise to joy even before he played his first note. The fans recalled songs he performed tonight including Uptown, Uptempo Woman, Concrete and Clay, A Weekend in New England (covered by Barry Manilow), Isn’t it a Shame (covered by Patti LaBelle, Nelly, Shirley Bassey), You (covered by The Carpenters), and The Laughter and the Tears (covered by Dionne Warwick). He also shared some new songs including Everything is Possible, Pretty Girls, Coming Out the Other Side and a parade of others.
Randy treated the congregation to some of his over 100 movie scores including his comedies, My Cousin Vinny, 27 Dresses, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Ghostbusters ll, Beethoven, Billy Madison and a plethora of others. The silent audience sat mesmerised as he unleashed his dramatic momentum of awe-inspiring film soundtracks inclusive of Gettysburg, The Bruce Lee Story, Dragonheart, and Last of the Mohicans which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Aside from his music, the composer also told stories of backstage humour. He was funny but also emotional while introducing the song ‘You’ by the Carpenters. His tales enhanced the charm of his concert and allowed the audience to form an intimate bond with the artist. There was a respectful awe-struck silence from the crowd throughout the show, no clanking of drinks, no conversation amongst each other, no bathroom calls…only cell phones held high in the air recording the beautiful music they came to hear, a tribute to the artist.
Often revered as one of the world’s most elite and exquisite pianists, Edelman’s version of the show Carousel’s You’ll Never Walk Alone was beyond spellbinding, a musical matter of life and death. You were made to feel the inside of drama and passion and eloquence when notes and poetry unite. Randy has an aura that surrounds him and his music with his unique and effortless kaleidoscope of warmth and tonal colourings that is sure to guarantee him a place among piano immortals.
Coerced back onto the starlight lit stage, edged with candlelight by the audience that no longer remained silent after his first good night, Randy did a rare encore. Still, they shouted for more even after his nearly 2 hour charismatic performance.
Randy has championed new music set to release September 6, 2024, a full-length album of eclectic, exhilarating and passionately crafted songs. He will also be performing at the iconic Carnegie Hall on December 8, 2024.
Review by Meredith Grant
Randy on Facebook
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