Classical Graffiti
The title of the Planets' debut album,Classical Graffiti, aptly encapsulates the latest project by Mike Batt, whose career has long steered a path between camp and classical, from serious orchestral concerts to pop hits, from film scores to masterminding the Wombles. Recently Batt gave the worldBond, and the Planets are even more of the same--four classically trained young women, this time partnered by four classically trained young men. The result is 16 Batt-arranged and produced tracks, both originals and covers of famous classical melodies, some acoustic, most given a polished MOR rock-dance twist. The Planets made their public debut supportingDeep Purple's 2002 UK tour and there's more than a hint of 1970s prog-rock, which, combined with an energetic feel, should go down a storm with an enthusiastic audience. Opening with an up-tempo, beat-laden "Adagio" from Rodrigo'sConcerto de Aranjuez, the set includes "Contradanza", a Vivaldi-influenced Batt dance originally penned for Vanessa Mae, and a beautiful, slightly adapted version of the traditional "She Moved Through the Fair."--Gary S Dalkin