Barbara Thompson - Heavenly Bodies (1986)

This is an important album for me. It represents two and a half years of soul-searching and experimenting, culminating in a broader and more orchestral concept. The use of real strings and brass has benn a delight, as I have always regarded myself as a composer/player rather than a player/composer. I have chosen to use percussion rather than drums and to give much of the rhythmic interest to other instruments. I weave my own improvisations into the fabric of the writing thoughout and there are also improvised solos from Peter Lemer (Extreme jonction and Flights of Fancy) and Paul Dunne (Elysian Fields). The inspiration for the Appia Suite came from five paintings by the Swiss artists Dominique Appia. The multi-layered fantasy, humour and beauty of his work fascinated me and I felt immediately that the pictures would come to life in musical terms. I have echoed his repetition of small motifs and detail by the introduction of recurring musical bridges and themes. In these compositions, space and beauty is of the essence; I would like to feel that you could play this album any time of the night or day and find music to suit your mood. - by Barbara Thompson

Tracks:
1. Le grand voyage 5:28
2. Extreme jonction 3:55
3. Requiem pour deux pilotes 5:18
4. Entre les trous de la memoire 5:12
5. Les barricades mysterieuses 4:37
6. Heavenly Bodies 2:32
7. Love On The Edge Of Life 4:09
8. Elysian Fields 3:07
9. Flights Of Fancy 6:35
10. Tibetan Sunrise 4:51
11. Horizons New 3:59
All music composed and arranged by Barbara Thompson

Personnel:
Barbara Thompson (Tenor, Alto and Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet and Keyboard)
Guy Barker (Trumpet)
Jon Hiseman (Drums and Percussion, Tympani, Gongs)
Stuart Brooks (Trumpet)
John Thirkell (Trumpet)
Bill Geldard (Bass Trombone)
Andy Pask (Bass Guitar) - 2-10
Quentin Williams (Cello) - 2,3,5,8-10
David Cullen (Keyboards) - 3,6,7
Peter Lemer (Keyboards) - 2-4,9
Paul Dunne (Guitar) - 1,4,8
Rod Dorothy (Violin) - 2,7,8,10
Patrick Halling (Violin) - 3,5,10
Robin Williams (Violin) - 3,5,10
Tony Harris (Viola) - 3,5,10
Steve Melling (Keyboards) - 1
Dave Ball (Bass Guitar) - 1

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(http://intotherhythm.blogspot.com)