The Korgis with the Rialto Symphony Orchestra – Orchestrations
Originally a more commercially viable offshoot of the 70s band Stackridge — a Beatles-oriented type band (one LP “Pinafore Days” was even produced by George Martin). But from this unit came 2 brilliant musicians James Warren & Andy Davis. Their earlier work as The Korgis included the infectious 1979-80 hits “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime,” & “If I Had You.” Songs that through the years have been covered by many artists.
So, while Andy Davis isn’t present on this set the other past members have reunited with James Warren on this 10-track orchestrated performance. The Korgis with the Rialto Symphony Orchestra – Orchestrations (Drops Jan 12-Resolution/Omnivore/44:00) with arrangements & production by Mickey Simmonds.
With the opening notes of their classic “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime,” the heartstrings won’t be just pulled, the melody will tug. Warren’s sincere vocal is still poignant with every note. The addition of the orchestra, the warm violin & horns don’t detract from the original but simply enhance it for 2024. Had someone brought this to Frank Sinatra’s attention in the 70s he would’ve scored a hit for sure. Bring tissues.
Some songs by The Korgis, like their predecessor Stackridge, will remind listeners of The Beatles circa Sgt. Pepper-era. This kind of music can easily fall into the rut of bombastic but these never do. Their distinctive, formidable & accomplished performance keeps it cohesive. They display through each song the old-world artistic latitude of the 40s & 50s through their songwriting expertise. That’s not to say the songs sound vintage – they don’t.
They just have that obvious Oscar Hammerstein cleverness in the words, Hoagy Carmichael’s inventiveness, Cole Porter’s well-oiled rhythm & the melodic grace & striking depth of Lennon-McCartney.
One sample is their masterful “If I Had You,” which will instantly conjure a McCartney-type reach & they succeed. It is Beatle-worthy. I think McCartney wishes he had written this one. The song, all these years later is still graceful, with a melodic aura that drifts with nostalgia like expensive perfume. These songs never lose their charm & go directly from the ears into the heart.
Few songwriters approach the potentates of popular music composition as The Korgis. I can name a few like Randy Newman, Stephen Sondheim & the late Harry Nilsson. There are no wasteful moments in this showcase & it includes an 8-page stitched lyrical insert with notations on each song.
Highlights – “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime,” “All the Love In the World,” superb guitar solo among all the strings on “Broken,” “If I Had You,” “The Best Thing You Can Do Is To Love Someone,” “Hold On,” the incredible-Beatle-like “Bringing Back The Spirit of Love” & “The Worlds For Everyone.”
Musicians – James Warren (lead/backing vocals/vocal production/bass/guitar), John Baker (lead/backing vocals/vocal production/guitar/keys), Emmy Rivers (lead/backing vocals), Paul Smith (drums), Al Steele (lead guitar/bgv/vocal production/bass), with Ava Volante, Jay Marshall & Bea Warren (bgv).
Color photo courtesy of the band website. CD @ Amazon + https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/orchestrations/ & https://thekorgis.com/
