Search - Chick Corea, Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle :: Round Midnight; Sir Simon Rattle & Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

Simon Rattle leads the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic beyond their popular South American Getaway project with this trip north of the border, where they mine the sounds of American jazz, popular song, spirituals, and film themes. The results are varied, and the tracks that work best may surprise you. Chick Corea's "Spain" begins as a moving lament, but unfolds to become sweeping, grand, and celebratory. The Pink Panther theme is a lightweight but fun romp through the familiar tune (the cellists even do a little whistling while they work). Meanwhile, the oddest cut has to be Sergio Cardenas's "The Flower Is a Key (A Rap for Mozart)," on which Sir Simon Rattle himself performs both spoken word and conducting duties (he's far better at conducting). All in all, this is a pleasant, relaxing album of timeless pop favorites. --Jason Verlinde