You want fusion? How about from a 55 piece orchestra?!? Jamie Hopkings leads a gigantic band that has guests coming in and out like an Agatha Christie novel. The music itself is so celebratory and infectious that you can’t resist going along for the ride. A Hot Club of France take of “Monti’s Revenge” with James Hill’s ukulele takes you through the land of Django Reinhardt and then lands into the caravan of the Gipsy Kings on “Palmas Sinfonia.” Pipes from Paddy Moloney of the Chirftains and guitars create an almost Gaellic atmosphere on the lovely “sable Island” while the team gets a bit of the Hot Dawg on “Emerald Swing.” Many of the other pieces like “Josie” and “Luna” have a panoramic feel like you’re floating in a balloon over a large verdant pasture, while some lovely and mysterious Middle Eastern sounds provided by bassam Bishara’s oud hit the local souk on “Road to Kfarmishki.” This album does a wonderful job of demonstrating the glory of music from all over the world, mixing exotic sounds with foot tapping swing.
Red River Entertainment