Somewhere in Time

Sellers International Band
Conductor: Phillip McCann
DOYCD184

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A night at the movies, or at the theatre is usually made the more special by the music that is an integral part of the entertainment, and that's what this CD by the Sellers International Band is all about.  This is all about that special music that is contained within some pretty good films and musicals and which can on a fair few occasions be the most memorable and significant part of the whole experience.  Sellers International, with MD, Phillip McCann take the listener on a journey through some of the more popular of these tunes with the help of various accompanying artistes - and it works very well indeed.  

The band is in fine form throughout and as it was recorded in between a credible placing at the Yorkshire Area in March and a win at the Grand Shield in early May, it is easy to hear why they have made a mark on the banding scene in 2004.

You can have a lot of fun with this recording, not least by guessing where the music originates.  For example, 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana, is music that came to the fore through its use in television adverts (the beloved Old Spice ads in particular, although it was never actually used in the famous "Omen" films - that was someone else making a bit of a rip off of it) and with aid of Simon Lindley on the organ, it certainly makes an impact on the recording.

Music from 'Ben Hur' and 'Dances With Wolves', are not the greatest arrangements you will hear, the latter featuring euphonium player, James Fieldhouse, but both are stirring music - all sandals and moccasins amid the blood and the gore.  In a totally different vein, soprano player, Kay McKenzie is at ease in her performance from 'Somewhere in Time', a film that starred the late Christopher Reeve no less, but not in his Superman outfit days.

The inclusion of vocals guitar and keyboards certainly bring another dimension to the quality of the recording.  'Once Upon A Time in the West', 'Born on the Fourth of July', and 'Benedictus' are all enhanced through the vocals of Elizabeth Atkinson, Andrew Corcoran on keyboard, Simon Lindley (organ) and Peter Whitehead on guitar, and none of the accompaniments are out of place either.

No CD of music playing tribute to the movies could be complete without a tribute to 'The Lord of The Rings' and the Andrew Duncan arrangement is again given some refinement from Elizabeth Atkinson. 

Another vocalist on the disc is Jason McCann, son of the musical director of Sellers. Jason demonstrates that music has rubbed off on him in a song of spiritual encouragement, 'Into the Fire', an adaptation of a Broadway show tune by Frank Wildhorn. Jason also does a Michael Crawford impression in 'The Music of the Night' from Phantom of the Opera, whilst the band have plenty of fun in 'Seventy Six Trombones', 'Be A Clown' and the popular 'Lezghinka'.

Two heavyweight pieces are left right to the end that perhaps could have been split up with one of them half way through the disc.    The first 'big hitter' is that popular finale from Saint-Saens 'Organ Symphony', with Simon Lindley on the old medieval Joanna.  It is easy to forget that this music was the musical link in the film 'Babe' - we say that because nowadays the dumbing down process in life means that people tend to think that music such as this was written for the film first and the organ and orchestra second.

This performance is certainly high quality with the organ of St Paul's Hall, Huddersfield making its impact and the balance with the sound of the band works well, even when both are going at full-tilt come the end.

'Rhapsody in Blue' came about after Paul Whiteman asked George Gershwin to compose for a concert of symphonic jazz planned for Lincoln's birthday in 1924.  Keith Wilkinson arranged the music for band and piano and recorded it with GUS on the Chandos label that was released in 1982. The recording here on offer is captivating listening, particularly the rapport that is evident between band and soloist in a fine performance of this rarely heard work, although the famous opening glissandi just doesn't work on any other instrument than the clarinet.

This is a CD that will interest those who enjoy music from the movies, theatre, and general entertainment with only Rhapsody in Blue being demanding on the ear.  The band is in good form throughout, and the enjoyment they obviously had in recording the disc shines through.  The informative programme notes mirrors the quality that is heard elsewhere.

Malcolm Wood

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