The Real Thing: Symphonic Concert is a live album by Australian singer-songwriter Russell Morris, released on 2×CD on 6 October, on 2×LP on 3 November 2023 and on DVD on 5 July 2024. It was recorded on 4 July 2023 at Hamer Hall, Melbourne, and announced on 10 July. Upon announcement, Morris said "Performing my songs in front of 65 musicians in July was a career highlight that I could never have imagined. David Hirschfelder has done a spectacular job turning my songs into orchestral arrangements, they sound truly amazing." At the AIR Awards of 2024, the album was nominated for Best Independent Classical Album or EP.
A continuous work in four sections – "Drift," "Contact," "Gallop," "Assemblage" – for winds, synthesizers, many types of guitars and percussion. "Drift" is a lovely, meditative piece with slowly changing drones on a synthesizer which are added to by other instruments playing sustained tones or soft percussion, while a muted bass guitar plays a quasi-random staccato line. The second section, "Contact," a kind of interlude, features synthesizer alone with slow de-tuning beats and additional waveforms.
Mars Lasar is a master of mood. He can create so many different kinds that you can buy his entire catalogue and then find one that matches your mood at the time.
Escape is a visual feast. Just to give two examples, using the two pieces I'm listening to while I write this review: Moonlight Cove really does take you to the shore in the deepest night, with only the moon shining down on you and lighting your way. You're sitting in the moonlight, watching the water move out on the water. The peace that only nature can give you is evoked by this song.
On the other hand, Sensuality makes you imagine a lover and you, walking through the forest, reveling in your togetherness. Just enjoying being with each other, without any other part of the world intruding.
I can't say enough about this CD. The blurb on the back of it says it best: "So appropriately titled, this album offers a true escape into the unfettered realm of the imagination." Not only does it offer that escape, but it actually takes you on that journey itself. I don't think it's any accident that I feel most creative when I'm listening to this CD. It really does unleash the imagination.David Roy, amazon.com
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, which is located in the northeast of the country - known for its inimitable enthusiasm and love for heavy metal. There are a lot of fans, clubs, magazines, and, of course, competing bands here. It was in this city that the Emerald Sun group was formed in 1998. The band has carved a place at the top of the local metal scene after numerous impressive and powerful shows.