Classics Rock! – the new album by Pete Downes – which features famous classical themes with classic grooves – will soon be available for digital download through itunes, Amazon and other leading streaming and download services. A short run of CDrs will also be available. Audio samples will be available soon.
TRACK DESCRIPTION
Prelude no. 1 in C Major Ave Maria
Based on J.S. Bach’s opening Prelude from The Well Tempered Clavier. Part of Gounod’s Ave Maria theme is incorporated. However, improvisation allowed me to keep Bach’s original structure.
Bourrée Shredded
Based on the J.S. Bach’s Bourrée from Lute suite no BWV996, given a modern rock treatment.
Moonlight Sonata Reggae
Beethoven’s opening movement always suggest to me an undercurrent of 4/4 time cutting across the triplets – as in a reggae feel!
Prelude no. 2 in C minor Disco
Yes! An arrangement inspired by Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean of Bach’s second Prelude from The Well Tempered Clavier.
Lacrymosa Blues
From Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, the Lacrymosa suggested to me a classic Blues feel with its 12/8 time signature.
Chopin Chops (Waltz in C# minor)
I’ve always wanted to play this Chopin tune. However, it’s not a natural guitar piece and its ebbing and flowing tempo meant much experimentation in finding a tempo which rides through all sections. Played with a jazz waltz feel.
Swan Lake Swing
Tchaikovsky’s simple yet beautiful melody given a jazz ballad treatment.
Partita in E Major
Famous as a violin solo piece, this was also present in Bach’s Lute Suites BWV 1006a. . This was from a live video take by PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) and was previously released on their album Song for Sophia. To check out the video by PD3, Google PD3 Partita.
La Catedral Rock
The first movement from the Augustin Barrios piece as an introspective ballad.
Prelude no 3 in C# Major
The third prelude from Bach’s preludes & fugues. To see the video, Google Pete Downes Prelude 3.
PERSONNEL
Pete Downes: electric and acoustic guitars
Alex Lofoco: electric bass
Andy Coe: double bass
Tim Bruce:drums and percussion.
Cover: portraits of composers are intentionally cropped to focus on their faces – not the fashion of their period.