John Barrowman, The Man, The Dream, The Music



Posted: Friday, May 01, 2009

by Pam Johnson

Multi-talented John Barrowman has captured the hearts of the UK as well as the US through his role as the swash-buckling con-man turned savior of the world, Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC series "Torchwood". Captain Jack was introduced in the show Doctor Who where he valiantly rescued the fair damesle Rose Tyler who is suspended from a air balloon in the middle of an air raid.

Aside from his current role, Barrowman has been highly visual in light entertainment venues. He was host of "Live & Kicking", a Saturday morning children's magazine program on BBC. He was also featured as a judge in "Any Dream Will Do" a realty show that searches for the Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joesph" for the West End revival of "The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". He also served on the the star search judging panels for "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" and "I'd Do Anything".

John Barrowman showed off his skills on the ice when he participated on "Dancing On Ice".

A renowned star of the West End, Barrowman has trod the boards in a vast array of musicals. He has also been featured on the BBC series "The Sound Of Musials" where performers delighted thier audience with renditions of various sounds from the musicals of the West end and Broadway.

That said its no wonder that John Barrowman's albums feature a nice mix of songs from the various stage shows he's performed in as well as some excellent renderings of his personal favorite songs.

My top ten songs are from the 1999 album "Aspects Of Lloyd Webber", his 2000 album "Reflections Of Broadway", his 2007 album, "Another Side" and the recently released "Music, Music, Music". Below I've listed that top ten and the reasons why I think these songs are not to be missed.

1. I Know Him So Well (Duet with Daniel Boys) [Music, Music, Music]

This song tells the story of a broken love affair. John and Daniel's voices blend to form a lovely harmonic that speaks of the joy of love and the pain of heartbreak.

2. What About Us [Music, Music, Music]

Another love song. John's West End training brings a new quality of clarity to this song. You can hear the pain of heartbreak and need in every note.

3. Angel [Music, Music, Music]

John's rendition of this song speaks of pain and despair. And hope of redemption.

4. From A Distance [Music, Music, Music]

John's singing voice has a purity of spirit that brings a force of life to this song.

5. I Am Who I Am [Music, Music, Music]

This is a song, from the Broadway musical "La Cage aux Folles" is about a man who is trying to explain why he won't hide is gay lifestyle to his son. With the knowledge that John is openly and proudly gay, this song, for me, is a declaration of John's peace with being who he is... and not hiding his personal life choices.

6. Heaven [Another Side]

The song proclaims they were "young and wild and free". These three word more than anything describe the man and his music.

7. Please Remember Me [Another Side]

Johns rendition of this song has an aching quality of a man who is putting a lost love behind him. It is lovely and haunting.

8. I'd Rather Be Sailing [Reflections Of Broadway]

This is a fun light-hearted song. Just something that never fails to make me smile.

9. Any Dream Will Do [Aspects Of Lloyd Webber]

A song of hope and strength. John's version of this song is full of joy in the face of adversity.

10. Dreamers [Reflections Of Broadway]

What can I say. this song is about dreamers. About reaching out for the limits and beyond. John personifies this vibrancy of embracing the impossible and making it possible in everything he does.

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