Here Comes the Sun [Import]

Grammy-nominated composer and pianist David Lanz has crafted a follow-up to last years outstanding tribute to The Beatles, Liverpool: Re-Imagining the Beatles. The various aspects that made the first one such a refreshing re-interpretation of their work are back - well chosen songs, inventive arrangements, and tasteful musicianship by flutist Gary Stroutsos, cellist Walter Gray, and bassist Keith Lowe.

Scaling back the jazzy swing of some of Liverpool's tracks, Here Comes the Sun is more classical-oriented in its approach to the material. Lanz still gets deep into the melodies, reharmonizing them and basically giving them all a unique feel. There are two original pieces, a brief prelude to the opening track as well as a lovely dedication to Beatles' producer George Martin, "Sir George," that closes the album.

Best track to sample if you're curious about this album, a stirring rendition of "I Am the Walrus." "Penny Lane" is very faithful to the feel of the original - and very well played. Some songs are given very unique and creative arrangements, with tunes like "Please Please Me" keeping the listener guessing before landing on familiar parts of the original's melody.

Beatles fans and/or David Lanz fans will surely be pleased with this second helping of Beatles songs - and it leaves one hoping for a possible part three!

"Here Comes the Sun" is the sequel to David Lanz's 2010 tribute to The Beatles, "Liverpool: Re-Imagining the Beatles." Where "Liverpool" featured only music by Lennon and McCartney, "Here Comes the Sun" includes some of the songs composed by George Harrison as well. Lanz is again accompanied by Gary Stroutsos on flute, Walter Gray on cello, and Keith Lowe on bass, but this time the style is more classical - chamber rock, if you will! Many of the "Liverpool" tracks were medleys of songs, but that isn't true of Here Comes the Sun, which begins and ends with Lanz originals. The eight arrangements come from music spanning from The Beatles' British debut album through their more "mature" and experimental recordings of the late '60's. Lanz has always named The Beatles as having a huge influence on his own music, and both of these albums serve as his very personal tribute. After working on this music for four years, the closing "Sir George (Liverpool Farewell)" track signals a major project completed (and done to perfection). Hard core rockers may be put off by the classical nature of Lanz's arrangements, but I love how he slowed down some of the faster tunes ("Help!" for one) and brought out the beauty of the melodies. This is not elevator music or easy-listening fluff, but artistic interpretations of some of what will undoubtedly stand as classical music of the later-20th century.

"Here Comes the Sun" begins with a short solo piano prelude that sets the mood for the album. The title track comes next. A bit slower than you usually hear it, the melody is passed around between the piano, cello, and flute, building energy as it evolves. Always an ode to joyful optimism, I love this arrangement! "Help!" is much more poignant than I've ever heard it, with the lyrics (in my head) matching the style of the piece much better than when it's played at a more upbeat tempo. "For No One" is also melancholy and very moving. No one is the star of this piece, with piano, flute, and cello all merging together beautifully. "Please Please Me" was originally much faster with a strong rhythm, but this arrangement is slow, flowing, and conveys an intimate conversation rather than a demand or reprimand. "Penny Lane" is just piano and bass, and it's my favorite track. It begins slowly with an improvised intro and then breaks into the more playful melody. Somewhat more jazz-tinged than the other tracks, the mood is loose and free. "I Am the Walrus" is quite a tour de force. I know Lanz has been working on this one for a long time, and the results are amazing. Dark, mysterious, and intense, you need to hear this one for yourself! "Sir George," the closing track, is a tribute to Sir George Martin, the producer and arranger who was sometimes referred to as "the fifth Beatle." Martin produced all but one of The Beatles' original albums, leaving an indelible mark on music history. A stirring closing to a great album! Check it out!

› Go to Amazon U.S. to see both reviews  5.0 out of 5 stars