Customer Reviews

Marc Bolan - BELTANE - A Musical Fantasy

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Musical Tribute to Marc is nothing but encredible , Catherine Lambert and the Ensemble have created a magical tribute to his music . The sound is a blend of Middle Ages and Celtic capturing what Marc was writing about in the unfinished " Rarne Suite " , the songs from this unfinished work and early Tyrannasaurus Rex ,are a fitting tribute to Marc and proves he was not just the " King of Glam " but a serious composer Catherine and the rest of the musicians a BIG THANKYOU

I think it's absolutely wonderful. It has certain indoors/outdoors feeling depending on the orchestration of each song. The organ based tracks have a slightly cold daytime indoors feeling to them as if one was inside a church. Whereas the guitar, recorders cello based songs have a warm nature like nocturnal outdoors feeling. The latter in line with the enchanting illustration (Spirit of the Night). One can almost smell the perfumes from the flowers and leaves on a summer night. These tracks remind me of classical composers such as Villa-Lobos (Bachianas Brasileiras) and Rodriguo. Sparkled with Catherine Lamberts angelic voice, it's all down to a Midsummer Night's Scene. More, more ! Linda

Sounds like a Renaissance band playing T-Rex. I bought this record and it's definitely something you have to hear, just out of curiousity, but I'm not sure if I'll ever listen to it again.

Okay, some time has passed, and I have listened to it again. In fact, I really like it. Her voice is beautiful and so is the music. It just takes some getting used to. When I listen to this, it's usually in the last hour or two before I go to sleep. It's great to wind down with.

All I can say is that this recording is like a door into a sound I have never heard or been exposed to. I want to go on and on about how touching it is AND what a TRIBUTE it is to Marc Bolan. All I can say, all that keeps coming to my mind is MAGICAL. I felt a sense of peace again listening to this brilliant work. You have taken Marc Bolan's songs and moved them into a whole new world for me. Catherine Lambert has a voice straight from the Gods..... so pure it is almost eerie in quality. This is'nt Marc Bolan done as a cover, this is taking Marc's music to a new plane. Once again, you and Robert Lafond have created something so pure and magical.

I find that this CD is more of a spiritual gift from its creators than just a musical exercise. The players and producers demonstrate a love and respect for the music and an enjoyment in its performance. A wonderful blend of Baroque stylings and some of Marc Bolan's finest songs from what I consider to be the zenith of Marc's recorded output--the Albums: Unicorn, Beard of Stars, and The Brown (T. Rex) Album.

"The CD is superb. Marc would've loved it, I can assure you. I think the concept, the arranging and the performance from all the artists are beyond what anyone imagined. It is a work of the highest caliber. Robert Lafond is a master. Catherine Lambert has the most beautiful and haunting voice for this project. I have played it again and again. I also love the inclusion of 'Rarn, Rarn!'from the pothumously released 'Children of Rarn Suite'. What more can I say. You have done the greatest service possible to the memory of Marc Bolan. The fans will agree, especially when very few new recording of Marc's appear out of the woodwork. This is a masterpiece." Tony Visconti

Normally I don't like 'Cover Versions - And this isn't one! This is something very different and very special!

Beltane is a wonderful blend of Marc's poetical Tyrannosaurus Rex lyrics and the sounds of harpsichord, organ and the beautifully clear voice of Catherine. It is not possible to compare Marc's original and Catherine's rendition. They are different - but both superb.

Those who like T.Rex, but don't like the cross-legged sound of Tyrannosarus Rex (such as my husband) will love it. So it's a way of playing Marc's beautiful poetry to non-Bolan fans.

I include part of Barry Smith's (Electric Boogie Fanzine) review on 'BELTANE': "I was a little apprehensive myself when I heard that Marcs magical "Tyrannosaurus Rex" tracks had been interpreted using harpsichords, cello's, organs and a female vocalist in Baroque style but that apprehension was soon dismissed once I'd heard the result. To say I was stunned is an understatement and I was amazed by the sounds that drifted out of the speakers. It took a couple of plays for me to fully appreciate what Michel Laverdiere and Robert Lafond had created as it is strange to hear Marcs music played "olde worlde" style, but each time I have played it since, and that now numbers dozens, I hear something new."

I run my 'Fee's Marc Bolan & T.Rex Web Site' and I was so impressed - I have dedicated a page to the CD and the forthcoming UK Premier Live Performance in October ('99).

I received the CD's today, and immediately tore into the BELTANE Fantasy. It is nothing less than "INCREDIBLE!" Its orchestrated beautifully and simply. The arrangement is heavily Celtic influenced (of course I LOVED that!) very mystical.... and very much in the spirit of Beltane (not just a Bolan concept, but Beltaine, the season of new beginnings). There is definItely some Dead can Dance, the band, influence in Catherine Lambert's voice. I'm impressed, very much so. I give it a full 5 STARS...