The Butcher's Rodeo Pater Autem

The Canadian band's tenth studio album follows 2002's Palace of Gold, which found Blue Rodeo reinvigorated and ready to occasionally break out of the country-pop-rock mold that they are inextricably linked to. The ostentatious horns and strings of the group's previous release are gone (except for the stray solo trumpet on the closing two tracks), replaced with a British Invasion feel for the opening cuts. But after the twangy guitars appear on the third song, Rodeo play to their strengths. That's not a bad thing, though, as both founding guitarist/vocalists Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy have crafted some particularly earnest and soulful country-rock that stands with their best work.

In addition to his lifelong dedication to the Academy of St Martin in the Fields which he founded himself, Neville Marriner was appointed principal conductor of various orchestras, notably the Minnesota Orchestra where he succeeded to Stanisław Skrowaczewski. During his 7-year long mandate, he recorded two albums for EMI, including this program devoted to the music of Aaron Copland, highlighting the ballet suites excerpted from his most popular works inspired by American culture and folklore, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.

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. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. 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

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

Just four years after releasing the brilliant DVD In Stereovision, Blue Rodeo delve back into the medium for a fascinating look inside the life of Canada's best band. Featuring an acoustic live set (spotlighting the intimate opening half of their Small Miracles tour chronicled at Massey Hall in Toronto February 29, 2008) and a surreal "documentary" that chronicles the band jamming on brand new songs from Greg Keelor's home, the DVD is a tour de force by itself, capturing the most intimate thoughts of the bandmembers and showcasing why they remain one of Canada's most popular bands. But the CD accompaniment is worth the price of admission alone…