Archive for August 7th, 2009
CD Review
by Ashley Frohlick on Aug.07, 2009, under Articles
Hi All,
I wanted to share with you the recent CD review from ‘Dance Today’ (August 2009). As always, your comments are welcome should you wish to share them. I must admit, I wasn’t aware so many different bands/orchestras had appeared over the Blackpool Dance Festival’s history.
Best wishes,
Ashley Frohlick
Alan Parker reviews the new album from the Empress Orchestra.
Most people will immediately know the Empress Orchestra as the one that plays at the Blackpool Dance Festivals, mainly performing in the world-famous Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens. The mantle taken over by current leader, Ashley Frohlick from those giants of Blackpool past – Harry Wood, Herman Darewski , Bertini, Norman Newman, Larry Brennan, Charles Farrell, Tommy Jones, Charles Barlow, Ken Turner, and Irven Tidswell – brought with it great responsibility. That is, to preserve the distinctive sound from the arrangements of past leaders, as well as the reputation of the 80-plus years of history surrounding the festivals. Not only has Ashley Frohlick done this, but he has added in some new arrangements, some fresh and wonderful music that adds to the unique sound enjoyed by dancers all over the world.
Ashley started to think about the project in 2002 and the process of introducing new compositions and orchestrations, brand new arrangements of established works and completely new tunes has taken time, careful thought and an incredible amount of work. The result is an exceptional dance music CD.
ALWAYS & FOREVER has 18 tracks covering all of the ten main Ballroom and Latin rhythms. There is almost 45 minutes of the most delightful music to inspire dancers, whether social or professional, both of whom are well served by this CD.
At the Blackpool Dance Festival I was able to enjoy hearing these fine sounds live, and now, through this CD, I – and very many others can re-live those moments. One of my particular favourites is “Unforgettable”, and it would have been a very suitable album title. However the foxtrot is just one of 18 tracks sure to move you around the dancefloor. We must thank Ashley for continuing tradition and for adding more outstanding music to the history of the very finest music for dancing!
