I know this is an older album but this CD version of one of the last century's great big band recordings is very welcome. I wonder just how many collector ignored because of the fact that it was Beatles music and 1964!
Bob Lleaper, who has disappeared from the scene, went into the studion on two occasions, one occasion armed with his interpretations of music made popular by Petula Clarke and this fabulous album. The first album is long lost to the public being held in an archive (PYE) and the rights seemingly unobtainable at the moment; the other has been available for a while from Dutton Vocalion but somehow is ignored by collectors.
The album was originally a Phase4Stereo Spectacular multi-channel extravaganza made to compliment the growing popularity of stereo recordings. Having said that this is not a gimmickt journey through a percussion session, ping ping stereo it is not. This is a JAZZ album!!!!
This is a top London session band, Kenny Clare on Drums; Ronnie Scott on tenor for example. No-one has extracted more music from Beatles songs, no arranger could improve on Leaper's interpretation; listen to the soloists who revel in the exciting opportunities Leaper's imagination presents. This is a gem of a recording (and reasonably priced too).
Tracks:
BIG BAND BEATLE SONGS
THE BOB LEAPER BIG BAND (UK)