This is absolutely wonderful. Simon Chesterfield of The Chesterfields revisits six of his own songs to reimagine them into Orchestral Versions. Gone is the Jangle Pop and C86 notes as this is magnificent Baroque and Orchestral Pop.
An ensemble of Wessex Musicians were gathered together for the year long project. Charles Harrison's arrangements are stunning and Chesterfield's vocal remains the focal point despite the arrangements that surround it.
When people tackle this sort of album, they generally fail with the thing sounding sparse or overblown. There isn't a hint of that here. The beauty of the album is the way the strings enhance the song and THAT voice. You recognise the songs, but these are treated in a completely different away.
The strings are a key part obviously, but additions like the Brass are simply splendid. There is a weeping quality to the arrangements and even when traditional instruments creep in such as the Bass and Drums on Two Buttons, there is never a distraction from the song. Indeed the Brass arrangement on that closer is jaw dropping.
The standout song is Something, slightly mournful, but hypnotic and captivating. Sadness never sounded so good. I'm envious of those attending tonight's Live presentation in Bridport at The Lyric Theatre. This Solo debut is totally memorable.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download.
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