Currently starring as Jean Valjean in the acclaimed new production of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables, Simon Gleeson’s eagerly anticipated debut album, Elements has just been released.
Offering a stirring tapestry from both stage and contemporary music, Elements captures the essence that makes Gleeson the acclaimed artist he is: a captivating storyteller with a rich and extraordinary voice.
The album mingles composers such as Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein alongside the likes of Elton John, George Harrison and Matt Alber and includes his stunning interpretation of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables. It is both an intimate listening experience and a thrilling insight into the music that has shaped this remarkable performer.
Simon has forged for himself a diverse career, working extensively in theatre, and screen in Australia and the UK, including performing in London’s prestigious West End. He has starred in major musicals such as Love Never Dies, Chess and Mamma Mia and worked with esteemed theatre companies such as the STC, MTC and The Royal National Theatre in London.
Sir Cameron Mackintosh himself has placed Simon with the greats who have played Jean Valjean saying ‘his inner-spirituality’ is what makes him so unique, and has earned him a 2015 Helpmann Award nomination for Best Male Actor in a Musical.
He has appeared regularly on screen in shows such as Eastenders and My Life in Ruins alongside Richard Dreyfuss and Nia Vardalos, and has also been involved in many innovative original works, from sung through opera television in Kombat OPERA for the BBC to the epic Hipbone Sticking Out with respected the Australian Theatre company Big hART.
Elements is a reflection of Simon’s personal and professional journey: from a childhood where he was as comfortable exploring the plains of country NSW as he was channelling his musical idols for the patrons at the local hotel, to the bustling streets of London and a homecoming to Australia with a realization of a boyhood dream come true.
“This collection of stories represents the elements that make up this moment in my life, says Gleeson. “They are songs about family, love, loss and hope. Some are stories I’ve told on stage and others completely new to me and I’ve tried to tell them using the bare elements in as intimate, uncomplicated and honest way as possible.”
Elements is distributed through The Planet Company and is available from www.simongleeson.com or through iTunes.
Image: Simon Gleeson – Elements