The Orchestra is a name of at least two bands.
[1] A symphonic rock band (formally known as Electric Light Orchestra Part II, founded in 2000), rooted in the 70's and 80's with Electric Light Orchestra.
Following Bev Bevan's retirement at the end of 1999 and their triumphant sell-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and the latest recruit Gordon Townsend regrouped as The Orchestra. The new name acknowledged each member's illustrious former membership of the Electric Light Orchestra and/or ELO Part II but also forges ahead a future utilising the spectacular symphonic rock sound for which they are unequalled.
The completion of their first stunning album 'No Rewind' signaled the band's rebirth in a most positive manner. Produced by Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and Jim Jacobsen (eels), No Rewind was recorded without a single penny from any record label - admirable and courageous when you consider how today's music industry operates. 10 tracks and more were recorded in studios in Los Angeles and New York over a two-and-a-half year period during breaks in the band's hectic worldwide touring schedule. Recording sessions were booked around shows, guaranteeing that band members would be in the same city at the same time. It's not easy to "get together and jam" with a bassist and violinist domiciled in England, a keyboardist in New Jersey, a conductor in Ohio and both guitarist and drummer in Los Angeles.
With each band member contributing in equal measure, No Rewind contained many highlights across its 10 tracks: Lou's strings in the outro of the title track, Mik's soloing in Let Me Dream; Eric and Kelly's vocal harmonies on Can't Wait and Twist & Shout (yes, that one); Gordon's fill before the final chorus of Over London Skies; the solo Hux shares with Mik during Say Goodbye... and much more. Tthe a capella part of Before We Go includes an exquisite guest vocal appearance by Jeffrey Foskett of Brian Wilson's band.
Parthenon Huxley left in July 2007 and was replaced by Phil Bates, formerly a member of ELO Part II and Bev Bevan's Move.
Sites: Official
[2] A modern orchestra / downtempo fusion orchestra, founded in London in 2001, by Andrew Skeet (of The Divine Comedy) and Luke Gordon (aka Spacer). Their début was Look Away Now (2002, Drummond Street).
Sites: Discogs
NB: The term might also refer to the Orchestra playing the score or Overture to a Broadway musical. This term is technically inaccurate, being too general. All musicals have an Orchestra playing their Overture. A more accurate description would be to list the name of the composer who wrote the music.
[1] A symphonic rock band (formally known as Electric Light Orchestra Part II, founded in 2000), rooted in the 70's and 80's with Electric Light Orchestra.
Following Bev Bevan's retirement at the end of 1999 and their triumphant sell-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and the latest recruit Gordon Townsend regrouped as The Orchestra. The new name acknowledged each member's illustrious former membership of the Electric Light Orchestra and/or ELO Part II but also forges ahead a future utilising the spectacular symphonic rock sound for which they are unequalled.
The completion of their first stunning album 'No Rewind' signaled the band's rebirth in a most positive manner. Produced by Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and Jim Jacobsen (eels), No Rewind was recorded without a single penny from any record label - admirable and courageous when you consider how today's music industry operates. 10 tracks and more were recorded in studios in Los Angeles and New York over a two-and-a-half year period during breaks in the band's hectic worldwide touring schedule. Recording sessions were booked around shows, guaranteeing that band members would be in the same city at the same time. It's not easy to "get together and jam" with a bassist and violinist domiciled in England, a keyboardist in New Jersey, a conductor in Ohio and both guitarist and drummer in Los Angeles.
With each band member contributing in equal measure, No Rewind contained many highlights across its 10 tracks: Lou's strings in the outro of the title track, Mik's soloing in Let Me Dream; Eric and Kelly's vocal harmonies on Can't Wait and Twist & Shout (yes, that one); Gordon's fill before the final chorus of Over London Skies; the solo Hux shares with Mik during Say Goodbye... and much more. Tthe a capella part of Before We Go includes an exquisite guest vocal appearance by Jeffrey Foskett of Brian Wilson's band.
Parthenon Huxley left in July 2007 and was replaced by Phil Bates, formerly a member of ELO Part II and Bev Bevan's Move.
Sites: Official
[2] A modern orchestra / downtempo fusion orchestra, founded in London in 2001, by Andrew Skeet (of The Divine Comedy) and Luke Gordon (aka Spacer). Their début was Look Away Now (2002, Drummond Street).
Sites: Discogs
NB: The term might also refer to the Orchestra playing the score or Overture to a Broadway musical. This term is technically inaccurate, being too general. All musicals have an Orchestra playing their Overture. A more accurate description would be to list the name of the composer who wrote the music.
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