I've really been enjoying taking a leisurely path through the 2 Laurie Johnson box sets.
The terrific music from "The Professionals" is largely new to me -- and it is immensely enjoyable on a first listen. Somehow listening to these Johnson box sets -- mixed in with the "Black Box" set from FSM -- just makes my whole being smile.
The CD devoted to "The Avengers" in the first Johnson box has the potential for turning into one of my desert island discs.
I just got The Professionals box, and the Avengers one is on the way. Haven't listened to a lot of it, but The Wind and the Willows tone poem is very stunning...It's a damn fine set, especially for the price.
Actually, THE BELSTONE FOX was released in the U.K. by RONCO TELEPRODUCTS, a K-Tel-like company. I quite agree, this score is superb and should be issued on CD immediately. Sadly we premiered this film in Canada at Christmas, 1973 and it bombed completely. But I was hooked on the very beautiful score......
I have long been a fan of Mr J's and have greatly enjoyed seeing his Professionals and Avengers music becoming available. There is hopefully some more on the way - probably his music to The New Avengers, which will be a lot more funk-driven.
It's also a great idea to mix and match the familiar TV scores with his big band work, concert work and other pieces. Bargain prices too!
I'm glad to see the New Avengers box (with his 2 musicals, Barbara Cartland film themes, more singles, etc.). I'm so hoping he doesn't stop with the big three, though. I'll buy this one for sure and keep my fingers crossed that he's got at least one other set in the works (Thriller Thriller Thriller Belstone Fox hope hope hope)...
Nah, even the marches are lounge-ish. A great set, although I wish we'd gotten the most popular version of the Avengers theme.
The second disc on the first set is a blast, but I hate the track listing. Some of the coolest lounge is juxtaposed with some of the most notorious showtunes. Makes for an awkward listen indeed.
TO JOHN JOHNSON-Well to many people that is less then there monthly rent. So if LAURIE JOHNSON is your thing and you feel it is a once in a lifetime thing, I don't think someone is crazy to do it.-Example. a typical father taking his son's and family to a 3 hour sporting event today , tickets, food, parking, transportation etc etc easily in the hundreds. FOR A 3 HOUR EVENT YOU CAN'T SAVE?. It's a very expensive world these days.
Is this a typo or for real? Are these box sets now OOP and ultra rare?
I still hope we get more releases of Laurie Johnson's music. He's one of the best. ----------------------- Someone's really trying their luck at Amazon.com. I've just picked up both the Avengers AND New Avengers sets at AmazonUK for £20 the pair.
It is an expensive world if you don't look for better value alternative retailers.
