Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Share
Link to share - cut and paste:
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=09-Oct-2020&lang=en&s=16921
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=09-Oct-2020&lang=en&s=16921
09-Oct-2020
Leonard Brown ‘Requested by You 2’ Double CD, England – UKby Rob Howard |
 |
 Video: from the Leonard Brown Show Live DVD - Abba Medley‘Requested by You 2’ is a new and very entertaining double CD from the popular accordionist Leonard Brown from Newcastle, accompanied by the equally talented Liam Stewart (piano), Duncan Findlay (guitar and banjo), John Sinton (bass), and Malcolm Ross (drums). In my opinion, this is a superb 26 tracks album, with great playing throughout from Leonard, fine arrangements, excellent sound quality, and a diverse programme that should appeal to a wide audience. Leonard, like other pro accordionists, has been performing concerts on the internet during this year’s pandemic period, and all the tracks are requests from listeners. The first track on Disc 1 is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, getting everything off to a swinging start with this old favourite (evoking memories for me of the much missed Dermot O’Brien, who recorded this tune in similar fashion in the 1960s). This is followed by Pistonette, a valse musette composed by the late, great Maurice Larcange. Track three is a lively Trip to Bavaria dance set, first of some Scottish selections on these discs. Disc 1 includes two old chestnuts beloved of accordionists through the decades - Lady of Spain, complete with impressive bellows shakes, and the Cuckoo Waltz. There are some catchy polkas on this album, namely The Paypal Polka, Box and Fiddle Rag, and The Beer Barrel Polka, plus a catchy novelty number Skippy, written by Bobby McLeod. By way of contrast there are some well-known classical pieces – The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel), Gold and Silver Waltz (Lehar), Carnival of Venice (with variations), Flight of the Bumble Bee (Rimsky-Korsakov), and a Classical Medley (Tritsch-Tratsch Polka/Rondo a La Turca/Can Can/William Tell Overture). Other tracks include a Beatles Medley, an Elton John Medley, Hits from the Blitz, the famous hymn How Great Thou Art, and the final track We’ll Meet Again – a tribute to the late, great Vera Lynn. This album works on different levels: there is varied entertainment that should please most listeners, and there is also a high level of technique to satisfy the more discerning ear. Leonard Brown became only the second Englishman to become All Scotland Accordion Champion in 2012 (Robert Whitehead was the first in 1978). He is one of the busiest and most prolific recording accordionists in the UK, with several CDs and DVDs to his credit. For further information email: leonardbrownaccordion@gmail.com |