The Art of Torch Song

Torch Song

International recording artist Graham J talks us through his torch song faves

Internationally renowned cabaret and recording artist Graham J brings his new show to our shores this month, which promises to offer vital escapism in the form of the torch song. This week I brewed a nice strong cup of Barry’s Tea and caught up with my fellow Irishman to find out more… 

For those who’ve never seen you perform, briefly describe your style of cabaret and singing? 

My style is often referred to as cabaret noir or jazz noir. It’s a genre that blends elements from several styles of music: jazz, cabaret, pop and musical theatre. It tackles dark subjects in a highly emotional way. My voice is male contralto and I’ve been described as a cross between Alison Moyet and Jimmy Somerville. If you can imagine that conception… 

Tell us a bit about the new show, Torchbearer, and what we should expect. 

The Torchbearer show takes the audience on a journey through the many ages and stages of love. From the fantasy of romance, through pre-pubescent crushes and teenage lust, to the joy of finding love and the grieving and recovery when it all goes wrong. We sought out songs that not only tell the stories lyrically, but also challenge us both musically and emotionally. The set-list contains material ranging from the 19th century operetta through bar-room ballads and Broadway to original songs written especially for this show. Something hopefully for everyone.

You’re going to be accompanied by Ian Elmslie [formerly of award-winning cabaret duo, Katrina and the Boy]; how did that collaboration come about? 

It’s all down to the power of social media and a friend suggestion on Facebook. A friend of mine had read Ian’s book, A Marvellous Party, and suggested that I do the same. About two days later Ian popped up as a friend suggestion. We got chatting and within a few minutes had decided we wanted to work together. It was a bit like musical Grindr. 

How do you compliment each other? 

We work really well together as a duo as we have common goals: to serve the music and to convey the drama of the songs to the audience. Like all good partnerships it’s about listening to the other person. We sit and discuss how we feel about everything. 

What elements are essential for the perfect torch song?  

A torch song is traditionally a sentimental love song in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, providing a shoulder upon which the audience rests their collective broken hearts. And we’ve all been there, right? They are the songs we rely on to articulate our pain at being rejected by the one we love. But that does not mean that a torch song has to be slow and self-flagellating. They can be uptempo, with a frustration bordering on anger. But they are always rooted in the disappointment of being denied the object of our desire. Bloody men!


Graham J’s Top Torch Songs

  1. I’m Still Waiting – Diana Ross
    Musical proof that a first love really is the one you never forget. And being told “please DON’T wait for me?” Brutal! But what do we do? Wait. What fools we are.
  2. Nothing Compares To You – Sinead O’Connor 
    A masterclass in the unique loss and pain of heartbreak. It takes one hell of a talent to top anything touched by Prince, but Sinead wins on every line. And who can forget that single teardrop in the video? Heartbreaking.
  3. Loverman – Billie Holiday
    A desperately sad eulogy to a love that never even happened, but whose absence is as painful as if it had. It’s the very last record that you should turn to in times of crisis. But, it’s so tempting to wallow in the wonderful pleasure of that pain. And that’s the beauty of a torch song. 

Torchbearer plays at the Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UJ on Thursday 26 September. 

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