EUR 15.00 *
	* incl. VAT (EU), excl. shipment costs Usually ready f. shipment: 3-4 workdays.

Mike Westbrook piano, composer
Kate Westbrook vocal
John Winfield vocal
Noel Langley, Andy Bush, Paul Edmonds, James McMillan trumpets
Peter Whyman, Chris Biscoe, Dave Bitelli, Alan Wakeman, Chris Caldwell saxophones
Adrian Lane, Mark Bassey, Tracy Holloway trombones
Karen Street saxophone, accordion
Andy Grappy tuba
Anthony Kerr vibraphone
Stanley Adler cello
Steve Berry bass, electric bass
Peter Fairclough drums

1. Overture 04:24 | 2. Nowhere 07:34 | 3. Utopia Blues 14:55 | 4. Honest Love 07:34 | 5. Dialogue 08:28 | 6. Utopia Ballad 09:52 | 7. The Happy Jazz Singer 08:21 | 8. Bar Utopia 06:10

Total time: 67'18

rec. Oct. 1996

Coming out of sources as diverse as big band swing and nightclub tristesse, "Bar Utopia" offers a somehow satirical reflection on the world of entertainment. Starting out with an overture by an unaccompanied saxophone quartet, this big band cabaret out of nowhere offers a humorous tour-de-force covering dixieland, torch songs, late-night ballads and the blues along with solid big band sounds provided by the Mike Westbrook Orchestra, that famous reservoir of great British talent. Provided with fine song lyrics by Helen Simpson, Westbrook's exhilarating music is not only a perfect vehicle for outstanding vocalists John Winfield and Kate Westbrook, but also includes colorful and unlikely features for instruments like accordion, cello, and vibes.
Also recommended:
Mike Westbrook Orchestra - The Cortège (ENJ-7087 22)
Mike Westbrook Orchestra - Off Abbey Road (TIP-888805 2)