The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur on CD

Description

Ma Fleur, long-awaited fifth composition from suave electro-jazz pioneers, The Cinematic Orchestra, is a reeking letdown - and in a way which only a British album could be. Listening to it is not unlike waiting for a train which never turns up. You're longing to be transported somewhere - preferably to that realm of euphoria to which critics testified in their ardent praise of previous Orchestra efforts. And, quite typically, nothing comes. When the album finishes you're still slumped in the same spot - fifty-four minutes older and a good deal more jaded. Opening track ''To Build A Home'' is a dismal forecast of things to come. It's cheerless and aloof, and its wandering vocals and plodding piano will leave Orchestra fans heartily holding back Coldplay comparisons. Follow-up, ''Familiar Ground'', is a rare highlight, thanks to the sturdy vocals of accomplished soul singer Fontella Bass. But it isn't long before normal service is resumed, and we're soon left tutting and sighing once more. The clutter of instrumental tracks in the middle of the album is painfully barren. The Orchestra seem far too eager to make an emotional impact. The result is clumsy and uncomfortable, with their sweaty-palms failing to get the slightest grip on our heartstrings. In interviews, Orchestra main-man Jason Swinscoe has described Ma Fleur as the soundtrack for an 'imagined film'. And we should be grateful for that - without the make-believe storyboard, it's not hard to imagine this record lapping over into structureless self-indulgence. On an emotional level Ma Fleur is far too acute and dreadfully artificial. Soundwise it's dreary and directionless - most unlikely to secure your affection. Far more interesting will be the sound of multitudes of music critics, as they rush to retract their premature hailing of Swinscoe as a nu-jazz genius. --Robert Jackman Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window Product Description 2007 release from Jason Swinscoe's Cinematic Orchestra, their first since 2002's Everyday. Ma Fleur was written as the soundtrack to a specially commissioned screenplay for an imagined film (which may or may not yet be made). Swinscoe recruited suitable vocalists for the atmospheres and themes he wanted to deal with including the remarkable Fontella Bass, Lou Rhodes and Patrick Watson. Swinscoe then filled out the arrangements with the band and assistance from his old collaborator, bassist Phil France. As a final part of the process from the achingly beautiful opener "To Build a Home" to the finale, "Time And Space," this is an album which reaches for and finds a truth and honesty far beyond what we would normally expect from such a record. Ninja Tune. Review "A raw and overwhelming surge of soul. Deeply moving." -- Mojo, 4/5 - A Lead Review "Achieves a rare kind of poise, hovering between jazz, soul and orchestral soundtrack. They have never sounded so convincing than on this." -- Q "Something Special." -- Observer Music Monthly 4/5 - A Top 10 Album "The Cinematic Orchestra move closer towards a plain occupied by no other. Honest and pure. Jason Swinscoe's compositions stun with their originality." 

TRACKS

To Build a Home 6.11
Familiar Ground 4.34
Child Song 5.14
Music Box 5.03
Prelude 2.43
As The Stars Fall 5.55
Into You 3.02
Ma Fleur 4.32
Breathe 6.33
That Home 1.43
Time and Space 8.42