CD: Mike Lovatt 56° N
Mike Lovatt and Foden'sWorld of Sound: WOS 139CD
CD of the Month December 2018
MIKE LOVATT 56° N
Foden’s Band
Conductors: Paul Fisher, Michael Fowles, Colin Skinner
Special guests: Philip Cobb, Danny Marsden, Gareth Small, Jeremy Brown, Graham Harvey, Matt Skelton
World of Sound: WOS 139CD
Buy this CD here!
Firstly, I’d like to say how much I enjoyed the entire experience of reviewing this disc. I could walk you through the disc piece-by-piece, but I would struggle to say anything except “wow” for most tracks (well all the tracks really).
Mike Lovatt is a player’s player... power, virtuosity and innately musical. Combine a musician of this class with a brass band on top form, great tunes, stunning arrangements and a few old friends, and the result is what we have here - a fantastic disc that will delight anyone with a pulse.
For those amongst us who are brass band purists, don’t be put off by the ‘trumpet’ or ‘jazz, big band’ or ‘lead’ labels. This is simply a solo album featuring a world-class brass soloist that will leave you smiling after every track.
If I had to name a couple of personal favourites, then I would have to say Pete Meechan’s Song of Hope (track ten) took on a whole new meaning. I have heard it played many times before and even performed it myself, but this version was immensely moving and I believe Dr. Meechan has finally heard his music speak. My other choice would be track nine, Poppy Dance - just such a catchy tune, delivered with a smile.
I suppose I’d have to mention track eight too, Song for Fyfe, which is silky smooth and has some of the finest band/soloist playing you’ll hear. I know I need to stop now, as I’m in danger of mentioning all of the individual tracks, but believe me when I say you will not be disappointed with this disc. It’s one of those ‘difficult to turn off’ CDs, so don’t start listening if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Take a seat, grab a glass of your favourite tipple (or a cup of Yorkshire tea - sorry Foden’s) kick off your shoes and relax to one of the finest soloist albums out there.
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