By Darren Allison
Vocalion’s
latest release from their continuing series of popular Geoff Love re-releases
from the 70s is this pairing of a couple of glorious albums originally released by MFP Records, La musique de
Michel Legrand (MFP 2M046-95030) and La musique d’ Ennio Morricone (MFP
2M046-94653) (both 1973). What made these two albums unusual was the fact that
they were specifically produced for the European market. Later in 1975, both
were issued in the UK as a 2-LP set - The Music of Michel Legrand and Ennio
Morricone (EMI DUOS 1181). Legrand’s heartfelt melodies work perfectly for
Geoff Love’s style of Orchestration. The Windmills of your Mind and The Summer
of ’42 will of course always be considered among Legrand’s finest signature
pieces. However, Love brings a genuine sense of warmth to these covers,
satisfying the ear of the easy-listening enthusiasts without distracting too
far from the much remembered originals. There is certainly plenty of material
to cheer about; music from Lady Sings the Blues provides a rare opportunity to
listen to Legrand’s wonderful melancholic score. The Happy Ending is a 1969
film that doesn’t perhaps conjure up too many memories, but chances are –
you’ll instantly recognise ‘What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?’, a
beautiful theme from the film that enjoys longevity much more than the film
itself. The album is an impressive compilation and a joy from beginning to end.
The
second half of the CD focuses on Ennio Morricone. As with the nature of
Morricone’s compositions, they are dauntingly unique, and one can only imagine
exhaling a sigh of tense disillusionment at the prospect of taking on the man’s
work. However, Love handles the challenge well, kicking off proceedings with a
very nice, haunting version of Harmonica’s theme from Once Upon a Time in the
West. It is only when we reach the “Dollars Trilogy†that the album appears to
suffer slightly. The renditions are not unlistenable - but they just seem to lose
the boldness or weight of their unconventional instrumentation. Cymbals, rumbling trumpets and even flutes simply
appear weak and lack in sustaining their vibrant punch. What is perhaps
apparent to this listening experience is the absence of any wordless vocals,
often provided by long term Morricone collaborator Edda Dell'Orso. That said,
the epic nature of the CD’s closing track (from Once Upon a Time in the West),
seems to manage very nicely indeed, but one can only wonder what Love might had
achieved had he been afforded the luxury
of a full choir. Overall, the album is a
delight and very easy on the ears.
In
regards to production values, La musique de Michel Legrand / La musique d’
Ennio Morricone (Vocalion CDLK 4509) retains Vocalion’s very high standards. Beautifully
remastered by Michael J. Dutton from the original analogue tapes, the CD
ensures that our ongoing trip down ‘MFP Lane’ continues to be an extremely
happy experience. Long may it continue!
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLK4509