GEOFF LOVE Orchestra: "Dreaming With Love"

Original released on LP Music For Pleasure MFP 50244

(UK, 1976)

Let's See War Movies!

Original released on LP Music For Pleasure MFP 5171

(UK, 1971)

LATIN WITH LOVE

Original released on LP Music For Pleasure MFP 50076 (stereo)

(UK 1973)

Geoff Love selected twelve of the perennially favourite melodies from Latin-America or inspired by that colourful sub-continent, and arranged them for an orchestra comprising four trumpets doubling fluegel horns, four trombones, five woodwind, twelve violins, four violas, four cellos, piano, two guitars, bass doubling bass guitar, one drummer, and three Latin-American percussion. The results are ear-catching and immensely enjoyable. “La Bamba”, that lively dance speciality from Vera Cruz in Mexico, provides a suitably bright opener with all sections of the orchestra spotlighted and a growling jungle flute solo. The mellow evocation of that area in New York city known as “Spanish Harlem” begins with marimba and piano setting the easy pace and a cor anglais solo later. “Guantanamera” receives an appropriate Afro-Cuban atmosphere with the brass shining over the cha cha cha beat, and “Sucu Sucu” of Argentine origin gets a sprightly samba treatment here. Another Brazilian tempo in the form of the bossa nova ensues as a second Music for Pleasure Latin music maestro, Duncan Lamont, is featured on tenor-saxophone in “The Girl From Ipanema”, and the bossa mood is maintained for “One Note Samba” with fluegel horns prominent.

The second side begins noticeably “South Of The Border” as Geoff coaxes a Mexican mariachi sound from the trumpets in cha cha cha time, and then we meet the beautiful “Maria Elena” portrayed in bolero style by the guitar against a background of muted trombones, followed later by piano, strings, oboe, and a key change into a full ensemble passage. Marimba and trumpets open “Spanish Eyes” in baion time, with the rest of the orchestra joining in turn, and then comes the famous proto­type bossa nova, “Desafinado”, introduced by woodwind and trombones before the fluegel horns take the theme. The bolero returns with “The Breeze And I”, showcasing strings and low-pitched woodwind, and the rhythm section contribute the right atmosphere for a rousing climax to the LP with an infec­tious Brazilian marcha tempo redolent of street parades at carnival time, and the mariachi trumpets set the “Mexican Hat Dance” in motion. Geoff Love has assembled a dozen proven Latin favourites, and presented them with all the verve, vivacity and melodic richness which their background demands. It is impossible to refrain from the obvious remark-you'll love it!

(Nigel Hunter)

Later, in 1978, nine bonus tracks were added, and the album changed its name to “Going Latin” (with the new cover above): “Temptation”, “La Cumparsita”, “Blue Tango”, “Spider of the Night”, “Serenata”, “La Paloma”, “Jealousy”, “Adios Muchachos” and “Ecstasy”. All of them are presented here as bonus tracks.