Although a 2018 Parkinson's Disease diagnosis effectively ended Neil Diamond's touring career, the songwriting legend has no plans to stop making music. Recorded between London's historic Abbey Road Studios and the singer's own Los Angeles studio, Classic Diamonds is equal parts retrospective and reinterpretation as he revisits 14 of his best-known songs with assistance from the London Symphony Orchestra. Playing with an orchestra is nothing new for Diamond; brass and strings have been a defining characteristic of his music ...
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Although a 2018 Parkinson's Disease diagnosis effectively ended Neil Diamond's touring career, the songwriting legend has no plans to stop making music. Recorded between London's historic Abbey Road Studios and the singer's own Los Angeles studio, Classic Diamonds is equal parts retrospective and reinterpretation as he revisits 14 of his best-known songs with assistance from the London Symphony Orchestra. Playing with an orchestra is nothing new for Diamond; brass and strings have been a defining characteristic of his music since the late 1960s, both on-stage and in the studio. To that end, it's almost surprising that a symphonic reimagining of his hits doesn't already exist. Still, with a catalog as deep as Diamond's, it's hard to fault him for playing to his strengths and at 79, he still brings a remarkable amount of emotion and an easy warmth to the experience. Forgoing his usual band, Classic Diamonds aims for a classy vibe, relying mostly on piano and orchestra to reframe songs like "Beautiful Noise" and "Song Sung Blue," neither of which resemble their original arrangements. A sweeping overture and deconstructed chord changes breathe new life into the former, while the latter is extended with a newly written intro containing extra lyrics. Likewise, the sudden appearance of a sitar and exultant choir adds an interesting twist and makes for a bombastic and surprisingly moving version of "Holly Holy." Produced by Walter Afanasieff who also co-arranged with conductor William Ross, it's nice to hear Diamond and his collaborators taking liberties with the material. On the whole, Classic Diamonds feels in keeping with the already-lush nature of Diamond's work with strong performances and a handful of surprises. ~ Timothy Monger, Rovi
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Add this copy of Classic Diamonds With the London Symphony Orchestra to cart. $6.85, good condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Neil Diamond.
Add this copy of Classic Diamonds With the London Symphony Orchestra to cart. $8.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Neil Diamond.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Diamonds With the London Symphony Orchestra to cart. $9.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Neil Diamond.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Diamonds With the London Symphony Orchestra to cart. $10.72, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by EMI Records.
Add this copy of Classic Diamonds With the London Symphony Orchestra to cart. $26.06, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Capitol.
Add this copy of Classic Diamonds [Deluxe Edition] to cart. $50.61, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2020 by EMI Records.