Fanfare

Having taken several decades to release their first album, "Fanfare & Fantasy" is Comedy of Error's second album in as many years. While "Disobey" was a landmark album of "neo-prog", "Fanfare and Fantasy" takes a more symphonic approach, the nine magnificent tracks here being carefully crafted masterpieces of the genre. While there is a wonderful familiarity in the style of the music, it is actually rather difficult to offer comparisons or to cite influences. At times there is a Pendragon feel in the lush keyboards, the superb lead guitar solos and indeed in the vocal style. At the same time though, one could mention bands such as Yes, Genesis, Camel etc., but all the while there is something different and refreshing about what we hear that offers genuine excitement.

The tuba is associated with numerous prejudices branding it as comical, clumsy and incapable of singing. Anyone who has heard Øystein Baadsvik play will know better, however, as witness reviews from his previous recordings: ‘Baadsvik's playing combines sweetness with strength, intensity with perception’ (International Record Review), he ‘conjures a wonderfully mellifluous baritonal tone from his instrument’ (MusicWeb International), and demonstrates ‘a lissome fluencysuggesting that anything a violin can do, a tuba can do too’ (Daily Telegraph).

The tuba is associated with numerous prejudices branding it as comical, clumsy and incapable of singing. Anyone who has heard Øystein Baadsvik play will know better, however, as witness reviews from his previous recordings: ‘Baadsvik's playing combines sweetness with strength, intensity with perception’ (International Record Review), he ‘conjures a wonderfully mellifluous baritonal tone from his instrument’ (MusicWeb International), and demonstrates ‘a lissome fluencysuggesting that anything a violin can do, a tuba can do too’ (Daily Telegraph).

The Art Ensemble of Chicago's first (and arguably most significant) period concluded with this high-quality studio session, Fanfare for the Warriors. The quintet (trumpeter Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell and Joseph Jarman on reeds, bassist Malachi Favors and drummer Don Moye) provides concise but adventurous performances. High points include Mitchell's "Nonnaah," Bowie's humorous "Barnyard Scuffel Shuffle" and "Tnoona," but all of the selections have their own musical personality. It's a fine showcase for this important avant-garde unit.

Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man; Appalachian Spring (Suite): Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes); Billy the Kid (Ballet Suite)
New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein conductor
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 300 MB (3% recovery) | FLAC+LOG+Cue | Full scans | RS links
Publisher: CBS Masterworks | Recorded: 1695 | Published: 1987

Editorial Reviews - Amazon.com Essential Recording
Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued–better even than the composer's own, later recordings… Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. –David Hurwitz