|
Homepage
The band Appleton was founded in 1967 by brothers John (piano, keyboards), Chris (bass), and Stephen Brenninkmeijer (drums). They performed as cover band in the local area of Frankfurt. After a long hiatus the group restarted in 1998 joined by Chris Perschke (trombone), Karen Schäfer (sax), Thomas Siffling (trumpet) and Barbara Drennan (vocals). Andreas Pompe replaced Karen Schäfer in 2010 on sax. Belgian jazz singer Carol Vanwelden succeeded the English singer Barbara Drennan in 2015. Further member is Harry Terkowsky (guitars).
The formation released 40 (2007), Friesian Chair (2010), The White Christmas Album (2012), Here, There And Everywhere in 2015 and this year Appleton's Choice. The album is the substrate of the personal musical preferences of the respective band members.
The album starts with a rendition of Lisa Stansfield's song The Real Thing from her eponymous album (1997). Caroll Vanwelden has that certain timbre that puts her in dangerous proximity to Stansfield. Abracadabra is a song by American rock group Steve Miller Band from the same named album (1982). Appleton takes a more leisurely approach to their interpretation and brings it into the realm of cabaret.
Moondance is the 1970 third studio album and the single by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Caroll Vanwelden gives this song a personal vibrant note. I Feel the Earth Move is a song written and recorded by pop singer-songwriter Carole King, which first appeared on her album Tapestry (1971). On Appleton's version the band expands especially in the horn section with an outstanding arrangement.
Roxanne is not only a song by the British rock band The Police, it's their signature song. Appleton discovers the jazzy side of this tune. The Beatles as gifted composers are always good for a song. Day Tripper comes from their album Rubber Soul (1965). In their new creation Appleton elegantly mixes elements of New Orleans Jazz, Swing, Rock and Pop.
Lonely Morning is a composition by trumpet player Thomas Siffling, who has already made his mark with the solo album Flow, collaborations with Club Des Belugas (The ChinChin Sessions, Ragbag) or his trio (Cruisen). The piece sounds miraculously harmonious with a sophisticated horn set arrangement. Blackbird is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles. The band introduces the original theme, but quickly gets to the point with Siffling's and Pompe's jazzy solo improvisations.
The Beatles' Let It Be (1970) is a song that best reveals itself through a vocal performance. Carol Vanwelden uses the superiority of the song to get the most out of it. Dusty Springfields' Son of a Preacher Man (1968) was already a pop standard with a reference character at the time of its release. Originally the song was written for Aretha Franklin, who also recorded but didn't release it. Later Aretha reconsidered her decision after being surprised by Dusty's success, but the song had already become Dusty's song in the minds of the audience. A steep pattern for a singer with vocal qualities like Carol Vanwelden.
With their album Appleton offers an exquisite selection of well-known songs, especially from the field of Pop, which have throughout become classics. With such a sparkling portfolio the band set a musical firework on each festival.
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: Appleton's Choice
Artist: Appleton
Year: 2018
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Personality Records
Tracks:
1) "The Real Thing" by Appleton (4:21)
2) "Abracadabra" by Appleton (3:59)
3) "Moondance" by Appleton (6:00)
4) "I Feel the Earth Move" by Appleton (4:36)
5) "Roxanne" by Appleton (4:38)
6) "Day Tripper" by Appleton (4:23)
7) "Lonely Morning" by Appleton (5:52)
8) "Blackbird" by Appleton (5:53)
9) "Let It Be" by Appleton (5:15)
10) "Son of a Preacher Man" by Appleton (3:46)