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Thursday 19 March 2015

RAYMOND LEFEVRE ET SON GRAND ORCHESTRE - the Philippine Compilations 2014 - 'The Sound of Love'

“What a lovely time to be around! It’s the sound of love, the only sound…tadada-dada-dada-dada…”



 
 
The Raymond Lefevre reissues in compilation form continue with these two sets licensed from Victor Entertainment Japan and Raymond Lefevre Productions, Paris to Galaxy Records of the Philippines under catalogue numbers JVCCD017 and JVCCD 018. Made and released in the Philippines in 2014, they are named after two beautiful references to the feminine touch in instrumental music: Emmanuelle and She. These sets are memorable for their exceptional High Fidelity quality – and I mean exceptional in terms of their breathtaking transparency, wide soundstage and the almost uncanny ‘acoustic’ quality to the stereo presence in your living room. These discs sound good in almost every room, on any floor standing speakers. The lush sound of Raymond Lefevre’s string arrangements become very distinct, revealing the oboe, trombones, bass, drums, clarinet, flute and violas with the piano upfront, slightly to the left. This is powerfully evocative of a Parisian late Spring or Summer, with its light hearted romantic airs and many sunny days. Imagine drifting through the afternoon on the ‘Bateaux Mouches’ on the Seine. You’ll now get the feel of these two tastefully compiled selections in High Definition mastering.
 

The compilation ‘She’ one celebrates international, French, Italian and other pop hits from the 1960s and early 1970s. The mood is softly and lushly romantic and Raymond Lefevre takes you on an unforgettable journey through memory lane circa 1968-74. One super rare standout track is the ‘THE SOUND OF LOVE’ featuring a rare sung choral vocal against the maestro’s strings. ‘THE SOUND OF LOVE’ is the perfect soundtrack for Weddings, first loves, Valentine’s and romantic occasions – or simply chilling to the beautiful music of the 1970s. Just imagine Raymond Lefevre meets Ray Conniff! Even if you already have Monsieur Lefevre’s other albums, this compilation is worth collecting just for the sound quality – the best remastering I have heard with ample soundstage and a very natural transparency!!!!

TRACK LISTING:

1. Let Me Try Again [The Frank Sinatra hit from 1973, composed by Caravelli]

2. Yesterday Once More

3. She

4. Day by Day

5. Apres Tois [‘Harmony’ the pop hit from 1970?]

6. My Love [the hit by Paul McCartney from 1973]

7. Forever and Ever

8. Angie

9. Save your Kisses for Me

10.You’re a Lady

11. Here’s to You

12. We Shall Dance

13. The Sound of Love [with vocal chorus – swell!]

14. Mamy Blue

15.Holidays

16.Glory Allelujia

17. The Fool

18. Wings

19. Little Girl

20. Aria

21. Kiss Me

22.Avanti

 
The other compilation, ‘Emanuelle’ devotes the spotlight to Lefevre’s serenade to the French chanson tradition, with a little detour to France’s cultural neighbours:

Track Listing:
      1.      Emmanuelle

2.      Parle Plus Bas (Theme From ‘The Godfather’)

3.      Les Divorces

4.      Sur Les Bords De La Tendresse

5.      Apres Toi

6.      La Maison Est En Ruine

7.      Je Vais T’aimer

8.      Le Sud

9.      Le Parrain No.2

10.  Tu Te Reconnaitras

11.  Il Etait Une Fois...La Revolution

12.  Les Enfants Du Siecle

13.  Da Troppo Tempo

14.  Papillon

15.  Derriere L’amour

16.  La Balanga

17.  Les Vieux Maries

18.  Mourir D’aimer

19.  Homme

20.  Le Premier Pas

21.  Nous Irons A Verone

22.  Comme Ils Dissent
 Salud!
ALAN
March 2015