Vangelis, RIP

[Ceasar’s Palace]

Been listening to Jon & Vangelis lately. Jon was in a very r&b/soul kind of mood ca 1980. It’s on both early Jon & Vangelis albums as well as his own Song Of Seven in between. I guess the use of saxophone also comes into that. But most of all his phrasings. It was bordering on over the top/cringeworthy, but if I have any guilty pleasure, that would be it.

[Ash Armstrong]

Blimey, you're rather touchy.

Blimey, that was three weeks ago. Do keep up.

[Safe]

Why does that matter to you? If you're not in the room, it's none of your business.

Blimey, you're rather touchy.

[Chris2210]

Jonners performed it with Todmobile as well, same concert as Awaken.

Fuck me. That's good.

Not what I was expecting - they went with the definitive version, this outfit has taste* as well as fantastic performing ability. Is there a high quality version of this recording for purchase? I wish I could have been there.



*Clearly - as it always seems to coincide with my own.

[Chris2210]

Jonners performed it with Todmobile as well, same concert as Awaken.

That version of Awaken is magnificent - I’ll seek out their take.

[Ash Armstrong]

I could…

I’m minded of the thing in that recent Steve Howe interview - he said something along the lines of Vangelis being the ‘full orchestra’ and I think I know exactly what he means and why he wouldn’t have been a good fit for Yes.

I listened today to three versions of State of Independence . Jon and Vangelis [brilliant], Donna Summer [better] and the English National Orchestra version [with JA]. I think the latter, with a real, top class contemporary orchestra is the best thing Anderson has done outside of Yes. It takes something great to an entirely different level and it’s not just the arrangement. There are subtle differences, choices in form not just arrangement. It’s obviously much fuller, richer, but it’s more than that. The close makes a lot more sense and is a fitting climax to that amazing crescendo.

Jonners performed it with Todmobile as well, same concert as Awaken.

[Chris2210]

I could…

I’m minded of the thing in that recent Steve Howe interview - he said something along the lines of Vangelis being the ‘full orchestra’ and I think I know exactly what he means and why he wouldn’t have been a good fit for Yes.

I listened today to three versions of State of Independence . Jon and Vangelis [brilliant], Donna Summer [better] and the English National Orchestra version [with JA]. I think the latter, with a real, top class contemporary orchestra is the best thing Anderson has done outside of Yes. It takes something great to an entirely different level and it’s not just the arrangement. There are subtle differences, choices in form not just arrangement. It’s obviously much fuller, richer, but it’s more than that. The close makes a lot more sense and is a fitting climax to that amazing crescendo.

[Yorkshire Square]

I bet you can hum the theme to Chariots of Fire. 🙂

[Chris2210]

I almost feel guilty for saying so at such a time, but while I recognise Vangelis was original and innovative in terms of his work, I always found it slightly soporific. The only things I liked were some of the songs he put out with Anderson, and even there I've preferred versions with other arrangements.

His instrumental work is very atmospheric and Blade Runner is one of my favourite films. I think the soundtrack fitted well, but if pressed I couldn't for the life of me hum one theme from it. I couldn't actually sit down and listen to any of his soundtrack work, but there again the function of a soundtrack is to evoke atmosphere as much as anything else and he was successful at that at least.

JA does seem to have a string of broken musical collaborations behind him. I hold him in very high regard as a musician, but I can't help but think that has in many circumstances presented itself as a barrier to continuing fruitful relationships - and from a purely selfish point of view, that does matter.

[Ash Armstrong]

Memories of Vangelis from Claire Hammill's Facebook page:

"I was very sorry to hear of the death of Vangelis. What an amazing guy.I first met him when he joined YES and then when I supported Jon Anderson on tour he came along to our last gig at the Royal Albert Hall.Afterwards we all went out to dinner with Jon and Mel Smith and ended up at Vangelis's flat where we jammed together. I remember seeing his fingers.They were extaordinary! Shaped like spoons! I remember reading that is a sign of genius and in his case it was certainly true. My jam paid off, I was invited to sing on "Friends of Mr.Cairo"

[T.R. Brockbanks]

I loved his music for The Bounty, really captured the hypnotic mood of the islands.

Absolutely, hauntingly beautiful like so much of his work. Here's some of the isolated score :

[Ash Armstrong]

Is it my imagination, or does Anderson ending up falling out with everyone?

Why does that matter to you? If you're not in the room, it's none of your business.

[Safe]

Is it my imagination, or does Anderson ending up falling out with everyone?

[Soundchaser413]

Sad news. RIP. Does anyone know if Jon ever patched things up with Vangelis before his death. I know they had a falling out over something a while ago (I forget the details but I think it had to do with a reissue of an album or something or re-recording).

[Ash Armstrong]