For
a small country, England has a huge legacy of unparalleled musical
artistry, most of which never makes it across that wide sea. And few
labels these days are better suited to chronicle that underrated and
prodigious output of U.K. pop than Angel Air. Among the labels
finest 2008 CD releases include a pair of CD releases featuring U.K.
journeyman musician Mike Read. First off, Reads Singles
collects 24 pop / rock tracks cut by Read with his own group and other
bands he fronted including Trainspotters, Ghosts, Rock-olas
and more. Solid U.K. pop featuring Reads vocals and guitars,
Singles combines a bunch of long sought after tracks under
one roof.
On a newer note, Angel Air brings the Mike Read story up to date with
a freshly recorded 2008 double CD set entitled Sound Of Poetry.
Credited to U.K. poet icon Sir John Betjeman and Mike Read, Sound
Of Poetry features the poems of Sir John put to music by Read
and the result is an engaging mix of scenic pop and English folk music
that offers a wide spectrum of musical delights. Originally Read took
his idea to Beatles producer Sir George Martin, whos
credited with producing some of the first tracks Read recorded for
the collection. A meticulous craftsman in the studio, Read enlisted
some of the biggest name vocalists in English and American pop for
this project including Sir Cliff Richard, the late Gene
Pitney, Donovan, Don McLean, Jon Anderson of
Yes, Colin Blunstone, Leo Sayer, Annie Haslam,
Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues and more, including Read
acquitting himself on the infectious pop groove of a track called
Distant View. With the help of these incredible singers
and a fine backing groupincluding bass hero Herbie Flowers
and guitarists Torn Tourney and Hugh BurnsReads
lyrical pop vision is successfully realized on Sound Of Poetry.
In addition, both of these releases features in depth liner notes.
www.AngelAir.co.uk