Description
By Special Arrangement is a new album of orchestral reinventions of some of the most beloved songs from The Bamboos. Needing no introduction by now, the group fronted by guitarist Lance Ferguson has been at the forefront of boundary-pushing local funk and soul for several years.
The album’s stunning arrangements come from longtime Bamboos trumpeter Ross Irwin, who has arranged for the likes of Paul Kelly, Angus and Julia Stone, Passenger, Vance Joy, Josh Pyke, The Kite String Tangle as well as performances with The Adelaide and Queensland Symphony Orchestras. Irwin’s arrangements simultaneously tap into not just the cinematic but also the grand tradition of legendary soul arrangers such as Isaac Hayes and Charles Stepney, as well as classic widescreen soul albums from the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. The album positively sparkles and swoons with lush settings, sweeping strings, woodwind and brass, coaxing both the epic and the intimate from gems taken from the band’s impressive 8-album catalogue.
Featuring one of Australia’s greatest ever soul voices, Kylie Auldist, on vocals, By Special Arrangement includes a stunning version of London Grammar’s modern classic “Strong”, magnifying the solitude and redemption inherent in the original, but delivered in her trademark style. Dan Sultan, Tim Rogers and Megan Washington also lend vocal duties to other songs – making for a truly all-star lineup! Unmissable!
