Barry Devorzon And The Tamerlanes

He may have gotten his start with the hep swing of BEAT GIRL, then became a musical sensation for creating the cool jazz action of Agent 007. But for all of the lush stylings that John Barry used to define symphonic scoring as a contemporary “with it” sound, the composer proved he could make his approach sound just as contemporarily moving in the service of such historical dramas as MARY QUEEN OF SCOTTS, THE LION AND THE WINTER and THE LAST VALLEY. For if any music conveyed the feeling of untouched forests, royal intrigue and romantic mythmaking, then it was Barry’s theme-heavy scoring. Sure he’d latch onto a melody and beat you to death with it. But what a way to go, as Barry usually came up with a motif that you wouldn’t mind hearing ad infinitum, especially as his theme took on new life with each variation for strings, brass and winds. This was the kind of melody that helped make legendary figures into breathing, loving people, even when their movie got its kicks from turning such Technicolor heroes as Robin Hood and Maid Marian into characters just about ready for assisted living.

The Mamas & The Papas,Ultimate Anthology(TJL/Universal, 2016) :Ultimate Anthology has all of the groups recordings, each of the band’s albums, including a remix of 1971’s People Like U. Also includes a number of rarities, and 23 new-to-CD tracks (including remixed selections), and previously unreleased outtakes, with a total of 104 tracks. Ultimate Anthologyboasts ALL OF THE GROUP’S STUDIO RECORDINGS…that means every one of the band’s albums, including a revelatory new remix of 1971’sPeople Like Us,and a host of rarities, a whopping 23 new-to-CD tracks (including remixed selections), and previously unreleased outtakes!