This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
If you fancy spending some of your well earned pennies, then invest in this CD.
Of all the albums reviewed this year, this is the most, enchanting and fascinating
of the lot. Honestly, there is nothing quite like this around at the moment.
Santa Fe resident, 21-year-old singer-songwriter turned band leader, Zachary F.
Condon could, dare it be said, be a musical genius. Temporarily living in
Paris to get the feel of things for this concept album – ideas based on French
cities and culture - Zach presents his second album with a mesmersing range of sounds.
I say sounds as there so much going on instrumentally, and musically. OK, his
singing isn’t going to light up the Eiffel Tower, but as a composite piece
The Flying Club Cup is going to win him many admirers like his
debut Gulag Orkestar from May 2006. This is the sort of album both fans,
musicians (and even critics) like to get their teeth into.
With the CD having little if any prospect of a hit single, it’s hard to imagine
that Condon will become a household name, not that that’s the intention. Condon’s
objective, whether deliberate or not, is to gain credibility and respect from his
peers and fans. This album does that with real conviction.
Inspired by an early colour photograph he found showing a hot air balloon festival
in Paris in the early part of the 20th Century, it progressed with him listening
to music by Jacques Brel, Francois Hardy, Charles Aznavour and French chanson
music, which were shrouded in huge OTT arrangements with plenty of drama.
It also urged him to buy new instruments such as French horns, euphomiums and
working with accordian and organ.
During six months of recording, the photo was pasted to the wall of the sessions,
as he paid homage to French culture. Initially, it was to have a city or town
title similar to Sufjan Stevens naming each USA state on the album titles.
Condon change it around a bit. The outcome is truly magnificent.
Eighteen seconds worth of instrumental A Call To Arms, is just that, as
if to warm the listener of the audio experience to come. It’s also a kind of
warm up for the musicians.
Neat and tidy, Nantes, would at a push, make wonderful single.
A slow beginning builds to a beat embelished by a huge brass ensemble that
swing and sway to the synchopation.
With a pseudo oriental string arrangement, the stunning In The Mausoleum
could be used for dance purposes, as it bounces along with real gusto.
In complete contrast The Penalty starts with a strummed eukulele gradually
building with Condon’s vibrato topping the fun.
Cherbourg, has more of a Spanish feel, elephant-like horn blasts simply add to
the drama.
There’s a lot more that could be said, but it might just get in the way of its
enjoyment.
Using several instrumentalists, now topping eight, they had a big hand in the
sessions which they ambitiously hope to take on the road.
Absolutely brilliant. Buy it now: you won’t be disappointed.
1. A Call to Arms
2. Nantes
3. A Sunday Smile
4. Guyamas Sonora
5. La Banlieue
6. Cliquot
7. Forks And Knives (La Fete)
8. In The Mausoleum
9. Un Dernier Verre (Pour La Route)
10. Cherbourg
11. St.Apollonia
12. The Flying Club Cup
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.