Battle, The (Live At Smoke) - Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring

Advantages: Very good music
Disadvantages: None

.... But it is quite possible, likely, even, that you might know of some of the pieces of music composed by Eric Coates and just not have been aware of it. For example, on the CD that I am reviewing the musical pieces chosen are: The Dam Busters March, The Three Bears Suite, Youth of Britain, The man From the Sea, Calling all Workers, By the Sleepy Lagoon, London Again Suite (Oxford Street, Langham Place, Mayfair) and Music Everywhere. The Dam Busters March is a stirring and evocative piece, originally composed for the film The Battle of Britain, though most of it was never used in the film. The Three Bears Suite is a happy and jolly tune, with moments of quiet reflection countered by lively touches. Is it my imagination or have several other composers ruthlessly mined this delightful piece of music for their own uses? The Youth of Britain A stirring... Read review

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Advantages: The Original and Best
Disadvantages: None

...60 years ago, it’s not “squeaky gate”. And remember how well loved Britten’s music was when he was alive – The Rape of Lucretia (1946) had over 80 performances in its first year. How many operas have that kind of track record? Even so, raising twelve grand to start the English Opera Group late in 1946 wasn’t an easy task, especially when you consider Britten had to secure advance theatre booking as well so that he could offer contracts to singers that were worth more than the paper they were written on. He penned this masterpiece, together with librettist and friend Eric Crozier, in less than six months, and although a critic at the time denounced it as “that ghastly little work!”, the public loved the earthiness and immediacy. This recording dates from 1964, and was recorded over a few days in the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, close... Read review

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Advantages: superb all the way through
Disadvantages: none

...Eric is one of the greatest artists of all times, and this album definately defines how amazing his talents are. The song Layla is recorded live and is fabulous it has atmosphere and complete peacefulness. I was not keen on Eric until I bored one CD and took a listen, I was blind to brilliance and now I can learn in his talent. A definate must, if you are considering buying an Eric Clapton CD let this be the one, you will sure get your moneys worth and from the beginning to the end I have no complaints. It is his classics and he plays them superbly.... Read review

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