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Cleopatra Records [Release date 28.10.22]
The question has to be asked. Do we really need another take on the classic ‘Tubular Bells’? It has to be one of the most re-worked pieces not least by Mike Oldfield himself. Well, it is the 50th anniversary in 2023 so that might be a good enough excuse and with more dates planned next year to perform this version live.
Oldfield himself performed the first orchestral version with the RPO in 1974 but I assume for the latest recording he was too busy peeling grapes and consulting the stock market from an island retreat.
What this new release brings is a very pleasant and jaunty orchestral arrangement and the might of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. You may have seen the recent Bond at 60 music gig at the Royal Albert Hall and should have been impressed with essentially the same orchestra’s playing. They captured the spirit, if not always realised by the variable succession of singers.
No such problem with instrumental music, although the Viv Stanshall master of ceremonies place is taken robustly by the beloved Brian Blessed.
Tubular Bells part 1 and 2 is complemented on Disc 1 by ‘Sailor’s Hornpipe’ whilst on Disc 2 we get a similarly impressive rendition of ‘Ommadawn Part 1′, ‘Hergest Ridge’ and the more commercial ‘Moonlight Shadow’ featuring vocalist Ella Shaw.
This excellent album is – typically with Cleopatra releases – let down by a complete lack of recording and personnel detail. It is evident that the orchestra is supplemented by a fine “session” band – as trumpted on the cover – but we don’t know their names. Otherwise, all credit to Simon Dobson the arranger/conductor and the London Contemporary Voices Choir who really enhance this interpretation. ****
Review by David Randall
UK Tour Dates 2022
31 October – Nottingham Concert Hall
1 November – The Royal Albert Hall
2 November – Birmingham Symphony Hall
On track…Mike Oldfield (Book, 2020)
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