CD 'MIS TAKES - Evolution Plays Richardson'

Auf dieser CD präsentiert sich eine Steelband die ausschliesslich Ralph Richardson's Eigenkompositionen spielte. Evolution war ein einmaliges und unverkennbares Kapitel in der Geschichte der Schweizer Steelpan Szene. Wenn immer es zum Thema Steelpan kommt, kommt man nicht an Ralph Richardson und der Musik von Evolution vorbei. Richardson ist ein Komponist, Arrangeur und Musiker mit ausserordentlichem Talent. Er ist keiner, der versucht andere zu kopieren oder streng nach Schulbüchern arbeitet. Er hat seinen höchst eigenen, unverkennbaren Stil und eine anspruchsvolle Vorstellung von Musik. Er jongliert mutig mit Harmonien, spielt mit Ihnen, wie sich nur wenige getrauen. Dies gibt seinen Arrangements einen Touch von Filmmusik und Dramatik. Wer Richardson's hohen musikalische Ansprüche kennt, weiss wie schwierig es ist, zu interpretieren was er mit der Musik mitteilen möchte. Evolution ist dies gelungen! Fans und Liebhaber von typischen Island Song werden auf dieser CD kein "Yellow Bird" oder "Island In the Sun" finden aber lebendige Melodien die Geschichten erzählen und unter die Haut gehen. Richardson offenbart sein innerstes ICH; sensibel, emotional, temperamentvoll und harmoniebedürftig.

This recording portrays the band playing and celebrating Ralph’s music – undiluted and uncompromised. Evolution represented a unique and exhilarating chapter in the story of steelband music in Switzerland. Any discussion of steel band music in our country inevitably touches on the work of Ralph Richardson, a composer, arranger and player of extraordinary abilities - an eclectic talent. Ralph is not a copycat, he does not follow school-book harmonics, he simply represents the best version of himself. His dramatic compositions, climbing high up to a climax, always a reminder of movie tracks, made a deep impact on the entire artform here in Switzerland. Those who know Ralph’s high demands, know how difficult it is to interpret with equal enthusiasm his style of music. But Evolution did their best at that. Most probably die-hard fans of "Yellow Bird" and all the typical Island Songs may find this CD a little harder to digest. Listen to the sample tracks. We hope you are going to enjoy it as much as we continuously do!

TESTIMONIALS

Hi Monika, I am happy to hear that Ralph is putting out a CD. The more the better as people would get more into the music. I did not know that you were a promoter too, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Ray Holman

Hi Monika, I don't know Ralph personally but let him know I appreciate and respect the work he's doing in that part of the world. You must feel very special having a friend like him.
Layne Clarke, Canada

Please give my regards to Sir Ralph for me, I know I have never met him but amongst the world wide steelband faternity he is a legend and has made a major impact in this music/pan world. He is definatly someone who will be remembered long after his departure from this earth.
David Vine @ The Pan Cafe, England

Hello Monika, Many songs came about during wars, but there is a kind of a soothing music to this tune. It sounds like it was played by a small band but the tune was well executed and it touched me very deeply. I thank you for your support and could you let Ralph know that each war is different but the effects are the same. The fact that he could transcribe that into his music makes him a better man than most. As an arranger I have a lot of influences and I still dont think I would use my tour in Iraq for anything because of the memories I have from being here. He faced his memories because every time he hears or think about that sound he will remember how it comes about. I could not do that, so more power to him and I love what he did with the song. Hopefully one day I will face that fear and be able to transcribe it onto the pan like he did. I am proud of my culture and I will pass it on to my son and his sons. Thanks for the websites. I will keep in touch.
Theron Urbano, A Panman in Iraq
 

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