| Cohesive compilation creates inspiring album |
| Thursday, 21 June 2007 00:00 |
 Tim O’Brien Entertainment Editor He’s one of the best-kept secrets in the music industry. His name is Greg London. See, the name doesn’t fit in with the likes of Elton John or Paul McCartney, or even Jimmy Buffet, but, he is worth a listen. Greg London lends his vocal talents to a CD titled “Song of America”. London was voted Entertainer of the Year in Los Angeles, so word is out in California, but not around here- until now. “Song of America” pulls out all the stops and celebrates America in the rich tradition we have come to know and expect. When you add in London’s voice and the 64-piece Motion Picture Orchestra arranged by Grammy winner Randy Waldman, you have a special piece of music that will be savored for a long time. With Miss Liberty on the cover, it’s obvious what this CD is all about. Side one takes you on a history of American music, along with a special song written by London titled ”Heroes”. “God Bless America” kicks off the CD and then it’s right into “The Star Spangled Banner”. Then something unique takes the No. 3 spot. It’s “American Trilogy Medley,” and yes it’s the same one Elvis did. How London was going to pull this one off was a wonder. But he did because he did it his way and not Elvis’ way. Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA comes next and then “America” preceding “How The West Won Medley.” The moving original song “Heroes” is before Neil Diamond’s “America”. The last song on the CD is John Lennon’s “Imagine” a fitting, yet haunting way to end Side one. “Although the songs are American Patriotic and inspirations, for me, they melt borders and shorten distance bringing us together in the same direction,” London said. “Toward peace and freedom,” he concluded. In addition to London’s performances, there is an instrumental recording of each piece featuring the Motion Picture Orchestra. One could say it’s two CD’s in one. Perhaps London says t best about the recoding in his dedication: “I would like to dedicate this recording to the many heroic people who have had tragedy befall them and their families and to the many more who have put themselves in harm’s way in the pursuit of peace and freedom, and to those who may still come.” It’s time to discover the best-kept secret so the wonderful singer is no longer a stranger to many. |
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