Puttin' On The Ritz - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Advantages: great big band music
Disadvantages: none

...The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK was founded by Ray McVay in the 80's . This was done after talks with the Glenn Miller Estate, who had listened to many of Ray McVay's tracks. Who is Ray McVay? Ray McVay was born in the late 30's in Scotland. He became a professional musician at the tender age of 13 as a rocking sax player. In the 50's he became a music director for many big names such as Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Conway Twitty and Billy Fury. As Rays name got bigger and better known in the music industry, and fronted his own show band known as the Ray McVay Orchestra. He started to play for the Mecca Organization playing around the country before headlining at Mecca's big venue, the Lyceum Ballroom in London's west end.. Ray McVay then became a household name in the UK when he was featured on the TV... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: N/A
Disadvantages: N/A

...I would like to make some comments to Lucifer regarding his review that I read the other day (ref. Lucifer-sun-of-the-morning, 12 February 2006). Lucifer, With a name like ‘The Guitar Orchestra’, intelligence would tell anyone with an ounce of it that this is an album concentrating on the use of guitars, and with the exception of percussion, that is exactly what it achieves. Nowhere do the credits say ‘Chris Baylis and the Guitar Orchestra’, nor is he calling himself an orchestra – the guitars are the orchestra (there’s a clue in the name if this is confusing). He merely plays the guitars that make up this orchestra. Furthermore, the album is dedicated to the memory of Leo Fender, NOT the Bamboo Man. If criticisms must be made, at least get the facts straight. To say this is self-indulgent is correct – how else would a serious... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: This is a recording containing excellent content, with wonderful sound quality due to top-notch recording technique, and the presence of stellarly talented artists.
Disadvantages: It is often disappointing to be listening to a wonderful piece of music only to discover that merely a portion of the piece is contained on the recording.

...This is an eclectic and, at the same time, fascinating recording. It contains some of the more interesting repertoire of one of the USA's most famous and talented symphony orchestras, along with an assortment of conductors long-attached to the CSO. In short, my favorite piece among all of those contained in this collection, is the Mahler Symphony No. 8. For anyone who knows this piece, they will be more than pleased by this performance. The conducting, orchestra playing, choral singing and preparation, and soloist singing is almost unmatched. Especially notable is the performance of the Mater Gloriosa, a somewhat thankless role, performed especially beautifully by soprano Jann Jaffe. Of course, anyone who knows the piece cannot help but be drawn to this music. This famous "Symphony of a Thousand" is a masterpiece whose listening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful