That Latin Sound - 101 Strings Orchestra

Advantages: Outstanding composition and scoring
Disadvantages: Bit rough around the edges in parts

...orchestra coming in. AT 3'30" the score returns to a darker mood briefly before returning to more party like music with the brass section leading. 4'10" leads again into a more romantic section with various instrument solos. Track 4 starts with an air of mystery, with the theme being played out in little portions. This leads into a beautiful horn solo section which turns into a darker section at 1'30" with good use of oboe and strings to give a feeling of doom. Muted brass and unusual use of the flute section help add to the effect. This is probably the darkest part of the score, and there appear to be special effects sounds added over the top of the orchestral score at several points (or possibly more unusual percussion instruments such as wind machines). Track 5 (or track 6 according to the back of the CD) starts with a beautiful tune... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Light, clear, could be played over and again
Disadvantages: Perhaps lacks a bit of magic or sparkle

...If I was to think of performers I would choose to play my favourite pieces of music, then I would not readily think of the Oregon Bach Festival Chamber Orchestra. But a friend of mine who played in the orchestra tipped me off that this was a good one. So I got hold of the CD, opened a bottle of red and sat back with an open mind. Surprise surprise, it's good. Enthusiastic playing for sure, with plenty of joie de vivre. The typical American attention to detail slightly grates with my British sense of spontaneity, but the flawless phrasing, breathing (and no doubt bowing too) and dynamics work in the overall performances because of the lack of indulgence in the tempi. Bach can all too easily sound like a mathematical exercise written out in notes, but there is a lightness and deftness of touch here in the conducting that lifts this out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Possibly one of the finest album's ever made. Full of beautiful melodies and fine pop songs
Disadvantages: An album and artist that are criminally not household names. Arthur Lee died before recognition was fully realised.

...by track every song is beautifully crafted either utilising full horn sections, string quartets and even the ocassional full orchestra. The sheer production values also do not hint at an album made in the 60's, rather an album looking back retrospectively at the 60's. Opener, "Alone again or" has a slight latin feel to it and is simply one of the best opening tracks for an album and even manages to sum up the 1960s. The acoustic guitar hints at how a summer album is supposed to be played. An image is conjoured up of Lee sitting on a porch in the middle of a summer's sunset. It is a wonderful song, with no sense of urgency or pretenses and sets up the album perfectly. The album then breezes along with a warm feeling and slight psychedlia added for good measure (especially during the chorus "Old Man" with Lee singing "Heart" yet someone... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful