New York Rock and Roll Ensemble (Manos Hadjidakis) - Reflections

Name: New York Rock and Roll Ensemble (Manos Hadjidakis)
Album: Reflections
Year: 1970
Style: Folk, Baroque, Chamber Music, World Music
Similar Bands: Theodore Bikel, Kaveret,
One Word Review: Folksy-Classical Pop
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Atlantic Recording Corp. ATCO

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

Reflections (1970)

1. Orpheus 2:31
2. The Day 3:40
3. Love Her 4:17
4. Dance of the Dogs 2:58
5. Kemal 4:01 /
6. Dedication 2:47
7. The Three Answers 3:48
8. Street Song 3:26
9. Bitter Way 4:15
10. Noble Dame 3:11

Album Rating: 4.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Dorian Rudnytsky - Vox, Bass, Cello (Invicta)
• Brian Corrigan - Vox, Guitar (Invicta)
• Clifton Nivison - Vox, Guitar (Invicta)
• Mike Kamen - Vox, Keys , Oboe (Emil & the Detectives, Bowie, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd...many more big names)
• Martin Fulterman - Drums, Oboe (Emil & the Detectives, X-Files Theme)
• Manos Hadjidakis - Composer, Producer
• Adrian Barber - Recording Engineer, Producer
• Chuck Davidson - Cover Photo
• Alyse Kaylan - Album Design
• Bruce Tergesen - Producer

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, and have no idea what to expect. Will it be chamber style ensemble music? It says Rock & Roll, but what is their definition of that style? The cover art & photo location makes them look like a wedding band playing classical music in full rock band uniforms, but that begs the question, what could that sound like?

Album Review: This 5 man band has taken composer Manos Hadjidakis (never heard of him either), and put lyrics over 8/10 of his songs, which was to become a film score (was never made). Some sound like Israeli traditional scores, some are just folky, and some are classical music with male vocal choirs over top. Kemal sounds like a klezmer version of Nightmare Before Christmas b-sides.

Stand out Track: Kemal

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