Sunday 8 September 2013

Classic Rock Radio Dot EU NEW CD Review

Spotlight: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Fleetwood Mac's Rumors (2013 Purple Pyramid)

I'm old enough to remember when Fleetwood Mac's Rumors was a brand new release. For those younger ones reading this who may not have been alive to remember, Fleetwood Mac's Rumors was recorded in the year 1976, and was then released in the Winter of '77. Within little time, it became almost IMPOSSIBLE to not turn on a radio and hear a song from it. Jump ahead to the year 2013 and Fleetwood Mac's Rumors is still one of the best selling rock albums of all time.

The Royal Philharmonic comes out of London England and been around since the year 1946. They are known for their music in the world of film and in the recording studio.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Fleetwood Mac's Rumors was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. The songs are arranged by either Richard Cottle, or James Graydon. Additionally, both of these men produced this CD as well. The orchestra is conducted by Richard Cottle, and Levine Andrade. Music preparation also by Levine Andrade. The symphony is joined by an in-house rock band / rhythm section calling themselves The Hooligans. Stand-out performances by all that are associated with this project. The symphony likewise shines throughout the recording. Eleven songs total played in the same sequence as the songs appear on the original album they are paying tribute.

There are two very special guest musicians that appear as well. From the world of country music, we have renowned pedal steel guitar player, Sarah Jory, playing on what ended up being one of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits. "You Make Loving Fun".  Add to that on another track playing electric guitar, giving off a very cool Eric Clapton vibe, on the song "Gold Dust Woman", is Mr. Peter Frampton. Always a treat to hear anything new from the man who became ULTRA famous back in the seventies with his smash hit double album, Frampton Comes Alive.

Rating: While hating to assume, logic dictates that any person who digs the actual Fleetwood Mac album Rumors, and also occasionally likes to listen to symphonic music, would automatically enjoy this new twist of the classic rock masterpiece. After all, I did. A rocker at heart, yet able to enjoy instrumental music, be it from an electric guitar or a violin. I learned to like symphonies listening to classical music. I'm no expert, having first acquired my appreciation via watching the old Warner Brothers cartoons (Bugs Bunny) on television as a child. We all start someplace.

I find this a fun CD to play around the house. I was doing chores and singing where the words are supposed to be. Yes...Fleetwood Mac vocalists have been replaced by string sections, flutes, and horns...oh my. 
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra does indeed play the album Rumors, but in their own collective way. It's not music you hear in a dentist's office or an elevator. Instead, I think of it as music to play around the house at night, or on a lazy Sunday afternoon, in between all my rocking out. 

Using the one to five star rating system, Uncle G gives The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Fleetwood Mac's Rumors (2013 Purple Pyramid) FIVE STARS. At first I figured this would be a snore fest. Sure glad I was wrong on that one. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in their own special way, perform the songs so you can recognize and sing along, yet you'll hear it in a fashion where the musical notes and chords that make up Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, sound all new again.

Uncle G's Favorite Cuts: Second Hand News (a nice mix of orchestra and its rhythm section, The Hooligans), Never Going Back Again (making it sound whimsical), I Don't Want To Know (including an almost Star Wars moment), and Gold Dust Woman (including some incredible guitar compliments of Peter Frampton).

It's said a well written song could be played in more than one style and still be a strong composition. After hearing 
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, I can say whoever it was who said that could not be any more spot on. 


Gary Brown
American Corespondent for Classic Rock Radio Dot EU

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