Cabaret - Brad Ellis Little Big Band

Advantages: One of the best musical scores ever; Joel Grey
Disadvantages: Not enough of the score...

..., and these are all accompanied by the small band one would expect to find in such an establishment. This does mean that the album is fairly short, only twelve tracks long, and that some of Cabaret’s best numbers are not included. This makes it an appalling choice if you want to buy something to remind you of the stage show, but it is a fine record of the film score and is an easier listen than any of the stage versions, which are actually quite hard to take, particularly during the second act, where things get very dark and uncomfortable indeed. As it’s so short, I’ll describe each of the tracks, but first a couple of quick comments. Joel Grey is a jewel, his every moment to be treasured. Minelli I’m less keen on, but she is vocally perfect for the role of Sally Bowles – loud and unrefined in just the right ways... Read review

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Advantages: Interesting, eclectic list of guests and collaborators
Disadvantages: A few so-so tracks

...Sting, George Harrison, Van Morrison, Paul Weller, Jamiroquai, David Gilmour, all on one record? What unites them? The common factor is that all have either appeared on ‘Later With Jools Holland’ on TV, or worked with the former Squeeze keyboard player turned bandleader on previous projects. Now he, his piano and 30ish-strong big band get to accompany a bunch of friends on songs old, new (seven co-written by the guest performer with JH himself), borrowed and blue(s) (and jazz). Sting’s ‘Seventh Son’, an old Willie Dixon standard which gave Georgie Fame (who was probably the Jools Holland of the 70s) a hit in 1969 gets things off to a full-blooded start. The ex-Policeman is too often a byword for dullness these days, but you’d hardly recognise him on this lively jazz workout. The same goes... Read review

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Advantages: Easy listening, variety of tracks, classic
Disadvantages: Only a few tracks will be timeless

...THE BAND Steven Tallarico formed the rock band Aerosmith in 1970 as a high school band. In 1971 the band are still together but have no money, no food and just the love of their music that keeps them going. In 1972, Steven Tallarico changes his name to his now more well known name, Steven Tyler and the band land themselves a recording contract with Columbia Records and have been going strong ever since. BIG ONES – 1994, Geffen Records, Inc., Steven Tyler: lead vocals, keyboard, mandolin, harmonica Joe Perry: guitars, dulcimer, background vocals Brad Whitford: guitars Tom Hamilton: electric bass Joey Kramer: drums, percussion WALK ON THE WATER (4:54) ‘Hey little darlin’, your love is legendary, love’s four letters, ain’t in my dictionary. Scuse my position, but it ain’t missionary, ah but I want to, walk... Read review

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