Date Published: April 3, 2015 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics (2015)
By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Twitter @GBrown0816
Fresh from the iconic Abbey Road Studios, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is a new tribute to prog-rock music called; The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics. From Cleopatra Records and was released just last week. Features an excellent roster of guest musicians. Here are the details (song titles/guest performers).
“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics“
Track Listing
- ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)
- Comfortably Numb feat. Ian Bairnson
- Thick As A Brick feat. Richard Harvey
- 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Gavin Harrison and Guthrie Govan
- Focus II feat. Thijs Van Leer
- Nights In White Satin feat. Mark Feltham
- Think Of Me With Kindness feat. Patrick Moraz
- Roundabout feat. Jimmy Greenspoon
- Watcher Of The Skies (CD only)
- Red Barchetta feat. Adrian Smith (CD only)
Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea. Recommended for those of us who along with digging prog-rock in general, also like branching out some musically. If already interested in rock music adapted for orchestra, this could very well be something right up your alley.
Confession
A YesHead LIKE yours truly will obtain ‘The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics’ simply because it’s considered to be YesRelated. Not a recording by the band Yes, but a recording that includes one of Yes’ band members, past or present. Makes it a YesCollectable. The man I’m referring to played keyboards on one of Yes’ most hard-rocking albums; Relayer (1974). His name is Patrick Moraz. He is also known for once playing in The Moody Blues, where he’s credited with revitalizing their career.
Other highlights on The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics, and not related to Yes include performances by Gavin Harrison, and Guthrie Govan from The Aristocrats on one of King Crimson’s biggest hits, and Jimmy Greenspoon on what would be, one of his final performances; Yes – Roundabout. Now why not Patrick Moraz on the Yes tune, and Jimmy Greenspoon on the Gentle Giant song, I’ll never know.
Rating
Using the one to five-star rating system, whereas one star means it sucks through a long straw, to five stars which means it’s cool to purchase, and just perfect for the grandparents btw, Gary “Uncle G” Brown rates, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics…a respectable 4 stars. Others I suspect might even rate it higher. Give it a spin, and find out yourself what you think. Would make for a nice addition to any music collection.
Sample
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Red Barchetta (featuring Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith)
Promotion: Glass Onyon PR: www.glassonyonpr.com
Label: Cleopatra Records: www.cleorecs.com
End of Story
Maintenance – Independent Website – Please Help Keep The Lights On
Uncle G’s Tip Jar
Can you help out an old altar boy? Boy Scout? Freelance Writer? Whatever you can donate big or small is more than welcome and very appreciated. To contribute, please use this safe and VERY secure PayPal link:
Coming Soon: Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Merchandise; Tee Shirt(s) – Keychain(s)
Thank you for visiting. You ROCK! Don’t forget to bookmark the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives, and keep coming back.
Oh…one last thing. The Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives doesn’t advertise. Way too expensive! This costs nothing but your time. Sharing links and positive word of mouth about the website…means the world to the author. Please do, if possible. Much appreciated!
Gary "Uncle G" Brown Archives 