Matt Monro Forum

One of my favourite singers, Gabrielle, has a new album "Always" coming out on the 1st of October -- perfect timing to coincide with Fans Reunited II. It's almost as if she knew I would be in the UK for her album release (same thing happened for her Play To Win album! ). I will definitely be purchasing the album on Monday morning! Her new single "Why" is in the shops on the 24th of September and available for downloading on the 17th. "Why" is already on Radio 2's "A" playlist.

She's been away for long, that all of her fans are thrilled she's back. I know that Mariana and Gray don't care for her. But her concert that I saw in 2001 in Cardiff is still the best concert I've ever seen. (Runners-up are Ella Fitzgerald, Jamie Cullum, and The Magic Numbers.) I plan to return to the UK in 2008 to see her in concert once again.

She will be appearing on Thursday morning's LK Today at 8:35 - 9:25 on GMTV. I'm not familiar with this programme or TV network, but I wanted to let you know as the early-risers may want to check out her performance and interview.

I bet you are very excited Jeff but I didn't think you were very fond of Jamie Cullum

I don't care for some of Jamie Cullum's songs, but Mind Trick from his last album was one of my five favourite songs of 2006. I also loved the song These Are The Days from his first album. Last year I stood for about 4 hours at his concert in Washington DC ... the venue only has two small benches . My legs were really tired: 30 minutes waiting for the opening act, 45 minutes for opening act, 30 minutes of setup for Jamie, and over 2 solid hours of Jamie Cullum! He was absolutely amazing at the piano. Yes, I cringed whenever he would walk on the piano keys and climb on the piano; hopefully he will outgrow that silliness soon. People would throw him requests on pieces of paper or undergarments , and he would sing their requests. One such request was the Peggy Lee song, Hallelujah How I Love You So. Outstanding! I wish he would record that song.

Jamie was on Celebrity Popmaster on Monday's Ken Bruce programme. Ken played the standard "After You've Gone" by Jamie. It was another great rendition of a standard. Perhaps it will be on an upcoming release.

Yes, Robert, I'm very excited about Gabrielle's return. There was such electricity at her concert in Cardiff. On her interview with Radio Scotland last week, she said that performing is what she loves to do and what she does best. I can't wait to see her again.

Hi Paul


I am sooooo suprised she is a favourite of yours.
I may change my mind on her if she covers 'Lyin' Eyes'

Gray

Gabrielle is a singer I've sometimes thought about exploring more as I liked the song she sang, "Out of Reach", that was featured in the movie "Notting Hill". Maybe now I will.

I know that Out Of Reach was included in Bridget Jones' Diary. It may have also been included in Notting Hill.

Yes, you should explore Gabrielle's music, Jon. I highly recommend her Rise album. The UK version includes Out Of Reach. The greatest hits is also worth purchasing as it includes Dreams, Going Nowhere, Give Me A Little More Time, If You Ever (with East 17), and Walk On By---as well as the singles from Rise.

Paul, you may be right about "Out of Reach" being in "Bridget Jones's Diary" and not "Notting Hill". I've seen both of them but I sometimes get those something-with-Hugh-Grant-in movies mixed up. But out of the the triumvirate of "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Notting Hill" and "Bridget Jones's Diary", my favourite was "Notting Hill".

Gabrielle will be performing on the National Lottery programme. I believe it's tonight. (I didn't even know this programme was still on.)

Be sure to watch it!

The Lottery programme is a permanent fixture I think Paul. It changes it's format though. People here do the lottery all year round - living in hope!

Marian

Watching it now, and guess what, I haven't won...... again

Did you see Gabrielle though Robert?

Marian

I saw her, but just caught a little bit it must have been bright in the studio, as she still had those trademark sunglasses on

Gabrielle has a great new single out this week called "Every Little Teardrop". Even Marian from Kent likes it! It's on Radio 2's A List and I'm told Magic is playing it often. So please go to your local HMV and purchase the single. Unfortunately it's not doing well on the midweek chart , so we need all the help we can get and I'm not there to purchase it.

I must report that Gabrielle's album Always knocked off The Rare Monro from its incredible ten month consecutive run at #1 on my top album chart. Gabrielle was able to accomplish something that Keane, Mark Ronson, and The Fratellis couldn't do! Congratulations to Gabrielle and special congratulations and thanks to Michele for creating and producing the longest running #1 album on my chart for many, many years.

Gabrielle was on "The Wright Stuff" this morning on Channel Five.
This is a morning chat/phone in show Paul, chaired by Matthew Wright with a panel of mostly journalist type celebrities and a guest, who this morning was Gabrielle.
She was I thought, inappropriately overdressed for a morning show, in full make-up, with those dark glasses which hide half her face
This is a live one and a half hour show, where serious and not so serious topics of the day are discussed, and she did talk sensibly on several subjects, but she definately looked completely out of place compared with the others on the panel. Sorry Paul, but she didn't get a chance to sing.
Marian.

Paul

Amanda and I heard Gabrielle's new single on the radio tonight and we thought it was very good.
We were suprised it was her as she didn't seemed to sound so 'nasaly', if you know what I mean!

Gray