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Interesting Li nks |
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Interesting Li nks |
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Visit the site dedicated to the memory and talent of the (in my opinion) greatest master of musical counterpoint. While I am a drop-dead Mantovani fan, many of my favorite arrangements of all time were developed by Percy Faith. He was also the arranger of many favorite (Billboard magazine's top ten) vocal recordings by such greats as Johnny Mathis. The site is maintained by Alan Bunting who admires Faith (and other great light orhestras) very much.
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This site is maintained by the Guenter Krueger for a legend who is still producing wonderful light orchestra music. His "Classics Up To Date" series takes favorite classic melodies and upgrades them to a more modern sound and rhythm. Hansi is also a master of the counterpoint and a respectable arranger of the "cascading" string technique employed so successfully by Mantovani and Ronald Binge. If you like light orchestra music, especially up-to-date arrangements, James Last's recordings are well worth finding and listening to, especially if you want to learn about classical music arranged in contemporary fashion. His arrangements are lovingly executed by his elegant orchestra and chorus. To try one on for size; listen to his hauntingly beautiful rendition of the Irish tune, Coulin. Also, Last's arrangement of Ronald Binge's Elizabethan Serenade (in my opinion) surpasses that of Binge's and Mantovani (by whom and for whom the piece was written). Wait until you see the beautiful web site hosted by Guenter Krueger. You won't be disappointed.
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Judith
Durham (formerly of the Seekers)
Inline with our desire to preserve the legacies of artists who produced the most heart-touching and memorable performances, we suggest that you visit the official website of Australian Singer Judith Durham. Some of us believe that she has the most beautiful female voice ever heard. Judith was the lead singer in the Australian group, The Seekers. The Seekers made many remarkably beautiful and successful recordings during the 1960s. Like Mantovani during the 1950s and 1960s, they knocked many popular artists and groups off of the top of the charts with their hits. Judith went on to a very successful solo career. Visit Judith's official website by clicking here or on her picture. The Seekers included (left to right) Keith Potger who played the beautiful 12 string guitar and who did the arrangements for the group Bruce Woodley, guitarist, Judith, Athol Guy, String Bass. All were featured in vocal solos on recordings. The 1992 picture of Judith and the Seekers taken during their recent revival. It does not surprise me that they still filled concert halls with fans both new and old for their performances.
Here are some important opinions about Judith's talent:
Judith Durham, like Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy, possesses the purest voice in popular music. When she recorded one of my songs I was so flattered and loved her version. She made the song her own - a very enviable talent.
A lot of people sing well... very few have individuality... there’s only one Judith Durham! Sir Cliff Richard, O.B.E.
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For me, Judith has always been a great solo artist. That beautiful jewel of a voice cuts right through, and everything around it serves as a setting for its purity of purpose. I am and always have been a Judith Durham fan. Sandie Shaw
Judith Durham has one of the purest sweetest voices that, as of today, no one else has been able to emulate. Lulu
...Despite the geographical distance between us, my friendship with Judith has remained strong over the years, and it is an honour to write this foreword to The Judith Durham Story: Colours of My Life. It is a wonderful book which tells the story of a courageous woman who has faced both triumph and disaster in her life but throughout has remained steadfast in her beliefs... Sarah, The Duchess of York.
Her voice contains the warmth of liquid gold, the coolness of silver and the clarity of crystal Richard Crosby
What came over was a sense that she is a very natural person with a sense of humour and devoid of "prima-donna-ishness". Jonathan Braydon
...It sounded perfect to me. Judith Durham, with that clear, warm clarion call of a voice. There could not have been a better choice for the sound that would introduce Georgy to the film`s audience. The group recorded the song in London, where they were doing a series of concerts, and the film`s director, Silvio Narizzano and I went to see them perform. Of course they were a group, a wonderful group, but I honestly have to say that it was Judith who held my attention. Perhaps I saw myself in her. I know she has said that she felt that way about me when the film was screened for her. We were born the same year and although our lives have followed different paths, I have felt a kindship with Judith ever since those strange heady days in the sixties when we were young and all things seemed possible. Georgy Girl changed my life and I have always known that a bit part of the film`s success was thanks to the tile song. Most particularly to Judith... Lynn Redgrave
When Judith was my guest on `Surprise, Surprise`, I saw how much her warm personality and natural approach to her music mean to her fans. That `surprise` meant a great deal to one man. Judith never forgets who put her where she is today. She is a woman after my own heart. Cilla Black
Judith has a unique voice full of power and clarity. I think she is a top-class talent. Helen Shapiro
It should be remembered that Judith Durham was the first internationally famous Australian singer since Dame Nellie Melba, with the possible exception of Joan Sutherland. Judith Durham and The Seekers gave musical expression to an era of charm and innocence we will never see again. Barry Humphries
Together we happily celebrate a new direction for our `little sister`. The voice that bonds The Seekers sound and their songs into the hearts and lives of so many friends takes off again on its own. What another splendid journey it will be. Your `boys` will always be watching and applauding from the wings wherever you may be. Much love, Athol Guy, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley - The Seekers
Click here to go to the Mantovani Fan Website Catalog featuring CDs by Judith Durham And The Seekers
To hear Judith Durham and
The Seekers sing the Keith Potger (see below) composition, "Emerald
City" click here:
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It's about time!" was the comment by a radio industry guru when told of Keith Potger's first solo CD, Secrets Of The Heart. Keith is already known to countless music industry professionals and fans of the group. Awards such as Australians Of The Year 1967, numerous Platinum and Gold Record achievements and concert tours have kept the group's image alive and well for over four decades. So why did it take so long for Keith Potger to get into the recording studio in his own right? Keith said: "I had been getting enormous satisfaction out of collaborating with my Seeker partners, helping other artists and writing songs, which kept me busy creatively. Then, in late 2002, I suffered what every singer dreads: I lost my voice and I don't mean temporarily. This was when the group was planning its 2003 tour and I virtually went into hiding while I worked on curing the problem with the aid of a speech therapist in Perth, WA. |
The happy ending was that I slowly regained my voice and was able to complete the tour. Shortly afterwards I firmly resolved to make demos of my songs in case something similar happened. "In August 2003 I booked the recording studio for a few weeks to put down some basic versions of songs I had written during the past decade. I guess there must have been some extra inspiration in that studio because before I knew it the rough tracks had become polished tracks. The original idea of putting down thirteen songs was expanded to nineteen and I felt like I was singing better than ever. "The result is this CD which I am very proud to introduce to you as a window to my experiences. As I say in the liner notes: '…this is a life event for me'. Some of the lyrics, such as 'I'm gonna hit the ground running' and 'I searched for the light, you brought me the sun…you gave me everything in your love' reflect my energy and attitude. Like the words, the music comes from my heart." To obtain a copy of `Secrets Of The Heart`:
Visit Keith's website at: www.artistsbusiness.info |
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If you think that light orchestra music is dead and after you have looked around the Mantovani Fan Website, visit the beautiful site of Maestro Andre Rieu. You will not be disappointed. Bookmark this site so that you can return. Please visit the beautiful Andre Rieu Fan Website operated by webmaster, Sally. |
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A Resource for the Professional Musician & Music Teacher and for the Student Musician & Music Lovers "Special Orders are Our Specialty!" |
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I am a fan of the Mighty Wurlitzer and similar instruments. Listening to a theatre organ played by a talented performer is a breath taking experience. There is much to learn and appreciate about this remarkable instrument at this web site. Mantovani arranger and musician, Ronald Binge was a theatre organist. You may find some very interesting Theatre Organ information on the Garden State (New Jersey, USA) Theatre Organ Society web site. There is a wonderful "Introduction to the Theatre Organ" for those who would like to know more about this wonderful, American Original King of Instruments.
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Atlantic City Convention Hall Organ. The largest and loudest music instrument in the world, bar none.
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This site champions the absolute king of Music Instruments. It has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest and loudest music instrument in the world. And I am proud to have it in my home state of New Jersey, USA. It is being restored to its majesty by the Atlantic City Convention Hall Organ Society. It is my dream to play this instrument some day. I suspect the first piece that I will play will be Handel's Largo, which seems appropriate to this king of music instruments. Of course I will wear my ear plugs and warn all within that massive hall that this piece will be loud! In a recent issue of "the Grand Ophiecliede" (ACCHOS Journal) a young organist stated that he had the rare opportunity to play this king of instruments at the invitation of the then organist, Lois Miller. He played several song including Bach's D-Minor, Guards reported they could feel the hall vibrate when he added the 32 and 64 foot stops. To get a perspective on this, during a railroad convention, tracks were laid so that a locomotive and several cars could circle on the floor of the auditorium. A contest was held in the last few years between the organ (not in full operation) and the loudest rock band that could be assembled for the occasion. There was simply no contest, the organ completely drowned out the rock band. |
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The
Wanamaker Organ. Largest operating organ in the world.
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The Central Atlantic area of the United States is a very fortunate place to live for organ buffs. Within one hundred or so miles, they have access to the largest organs in the world. The Wanamaker Organ in the Lord and Taylor (formerly Wanamaker) department store in downtown Philadelphia is the largest operating organ, the Atlantic City beast will hold that title once restoration is complete, and the largest church organ is the one on the Hudson River in the Cadet Chapel at the US Military Academy, West Point. The Wanamaker Organ is played daily for shoppers and is used frequently for concerts. On June 9, 2001, at 4:30 PM, the organ was featured in concert with the Allentown Band (a Sousa style band organized since 1828). The newly restored Echo and Ethereal divisions of the massive instrument "reveal stunning cathedral acoustic in the now glass enclosed grand court." (From the Wanamaker Organ Society website) I am sure that Ronnie Binge would have loved to hear and play this instrument. |
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Grimethorpe Colliery RJB Band - the most famous British brass band in the world! |
If you are a music buff and were fortunate to see the Movie "Brassed-Off", which is about a colliery (coal mine) band in a town in Yorkshire England then you know the story about this great Brass Band. The movie is set at about the time when the mine was to be closed. This is the story of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. It is my opinion that it is one of the best in the world along with the likes of the Allentown Band of Pennsylvania, USA that has been around since 1828. I know that many coal mine towns in the USA had bands established as social or cultural organizations. This is most likely one of the roots of that tradition. This link takes you to their site where you can learn about the Grimethorpe band, its recordings, and concert tours. |
