“Someone should commission a music theatre piece from Cheryl Frances Hoad: this disc reveals a dramatic instinct straining at the leash....Jennifer Johnston is a superb advocate, the glossy depth of her voice matched by the spirited intelligence of her musicality.” ★★★★
“One Life Stand (2011) for mezzo soprano and piano epitomises the wonderful inventiveness and persuasiveness of Frances-Hoad’s response to iconic compositions of the past, and the thoughtfulness and acuity of her text setting…the melodic arcs soar above diverse scintillating piano textures and figurations which are articulated with bright clarity by Joseph Middleton…[the] piano accompaniment to ‘Rubbish at Adultery’ (meticulously executed by Middleton)”
