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  | DJANGO BATES / HR BIG BAND ~ SALUTING SGT. PEPPER
EDITION 1094 (Barcode: 5060509790104) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is an album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Django BatesFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German HR Big BandFind albums by this artist and guests: British guitarist Stuart HallFind albums by this artist and the Danish Eggs Laid By TigersFind albums by this artist trio, who are in charge of the lead vocals and rhythm section (bass & drums) parts. As the title suggests, the album presents a tribute to the BeatlesFind albums by this artist’ timeless masterpiece “Sgt. Pepper`s Lonely Hearts Club BandFind albums with this title”, arranged by Bates in order to feature a Jazz Big Band. The album presents thirteen tracks and is a faithful reproduction of the original album from 1967.
The music is quite “shocking” at the initial meeting, especially for people who encountered the original album on the day of its release, and it became an inseparable part of the soundtrack of their lives. Many people might consider any attempt to touch the original as sacrilegious, but Art must have its liberties and everything may be forgotten, as long as it does not brutally vandalize the source, which obviously is not the case here. Bates is a highly talented and respected musician, which he proved time and again over time, so an open-minded listener should give him some slack here.
The Big Band arrangements herein are all quite sophisticated and unique, with a large dose of humor and imagination, and are of course perfectly executed by the members of this great Big Band. The vocal parts are as close as possible to the original, which is rather surprising under these circumstances, but perhaps Bates did not wish to take things even more drastically away from the original.
Overall, this is a very unique and courageous attempt to reinterpret a classic, which after all is largely a question of taste. It would be a grave mistake to judge this album after just one listening attempt, as the arrangements are quite complex and the rhythmic twists and turns are challenging. Personally I had a great fun listening to this album and I wholeheartedly recommend it to the brave hearted music explorers.
| | Updated: 01/05/2026Posted: 01/05/2026 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
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