THE TRIUMPH OF POOLE II
By Colin MacKenzie
Last Saturday night, 31st January 2009, a near sell-out audience of
1400 attended Paul Barrett's second concert at Lighthouse, Poole's Centre
for the Performing Arts. With legions of happy fans leaving the auditorium
afterwards, having enjoyed this extravaganza by the Mantovani Orchestra,
the occasion was a triumph for Messrs Barrett, Leprince and Newgarth,
the musicians behind the revival of the "Mantovani Sound"
in Britain.
Reports about the More Mantovani Magic concert in Poole are coming
in See the following from the Bournemouth (UK) "Daily Echo. "
By Jeremy Miles
When
retired businessman, musician and Mantovani fan Paul Barrett first announced
that he was planning to recreate the full orchestra might of his long-time
idol, the project was greeted with a decidedly cynical eye. He had strayed
in deeply unfashionable territory. Light orchestral maestro, Annunzio
Mantovani, who once lived in Bournemouth’s Branksome Park, may have
been King of easy-listening back in the 1950s and 60s, but some felt that
the 21st century would have little time for those trademark shimmering
strings. How
wrong they were. With help from violinist Franck Leprince and conductor
Sam Newgarth, Barrett persevered. He hired the Lighthouse concert hall
near his home in Poole, put a 45 piece professional orchestra together
and – featuring himself on percussion – played a triumphant
sold out concert. Two thousand fans packed the place and on Saturday –
almost exactly a year later – they were back for a repeat performance
that proved an even bigger success. With a cash-boost from wealthy American
fan Rich Cox, the concert boasted an enhanced orchestral line-up and improved
sound and visuals.
The
new programme of original Mantovani arrangements including favourites
like Belle of the Ball, Summertime, Moonlight Serenade and As Time Goes
By was again narrated by veteran broadcaster Ed Stewart and actress
and Sixties TV action-girl Alexandra Bastedo.
With
stand-out musicians, including a battalion of strings and virtuoso accordionist
Edward Hession, the audience wallowed in waves of musical nostalgia.
Barrett
meanwhile got to showcase his own extraordinary talents on pieces like
Percussion on Parade and The Mexican Hat Dance.
As
a percussionist he may possess more enthusiasm than subtlety but his
relentless good humour and boundless energy made the evening something
special for many of the fans.
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We are expecting more in reviews from people who attended the sellout
affair. We Mantovani Fans owe Paul Barrett (producer, percussionist),
Franck Leprince (producer/leader), Sam Newgarth (conductor) and the
magnificent UK Musicians a hearty congratulations and our sincere appreciation
for what they've done on behalf of the Mantovani Legacy.
American Rich Cox deserves credit for providing some financial support
as well.
Thanks and God Bless You all. It appears that because of such efforts
my grandchildren and their grandchildren may enjoy Mantovani music in
their lives.
Wes Stillwagon
MORE TO COME
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