A man of many genres

He was one of the Pirates of Penzance, is worshiped in the opera world and has starred on the hit television shows It Takes Two and Dancing With The Stars.

David Hobson is no stranger to the various showbiz stages and his new album The Promise is his latest step into our entertainment psyches.

Hobson, like so many artists in the current market, has covered a collection of well-known tunes on this album, as well as throwing in a few originals to ensure listeners get something fresh and different.

The title track and original The Promise is one of his favourites.

The Promise is about making a vow and trying to keep it, Hobson told SSO.

I am an eclectic performer and I have a background not only in opera but in pop, jazz and rock -“ I’m a composer.

Another original number is Bigger Than Us.

This song has a lighter feel and it’s more French gypsy. It’s about being with someone and how what they’ve got is bigger than what they are, Hobson said.

I’ve been really mindful of making sure every track runs into the next to a degree -“ it doesn’t jolt.

The album has been an ongoing work and was inspired when Dancing With The Stars musical director and close friend Chong Lim pushed him to make the album.

The listing consists of songs like U2’s With Or Without You, Ave Maria and REM’s Everybody Hurts.

I’ve really put my own stamp on it, I’ve arranged it and tried to give it a vocal spin that’s my own. I sing it with an open pop sound, Hobson said.

The album also features the popular song Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls.

I’ve given it an orchestral spin and written an extra melody for the choir to sing, Hobson told SSO.

But it still retains its rock opera feel. It’s got mythological overtones.

With Everybody Hurts I’ve given it a string lament. And I see it as this person who’s lost and I’m the narrator and at the end I have this gospel chorus singing -“ so it’s a celebration and the person has returned.

The Promise is out now. See www.davidhobson.biz.