Rock Symphonies (review)

Rock Symphonies

Artist: David Garrett
Price: $10.00

Audio CD (July 20, 2010)

Number of Discs: 1

Label: Decca

From Music Moms:  Are you ready for a musical journey with one of today’s most breakthrough recording artists?

Rock Symphonies, the latest release from best-selling classical artist David Garrett, breathes new life into the classic music genre. A unique blend of classic violin music and contemporary rock songs, Rock Symphonies is a moving celebration of Garrett’s two loves: classical music and the rock-and-roll songs of his generation.


A child prodigy born in Germany, Garrett has been amazing fans around the world since he was a young boy. By age 12, Garrett was playing on stage with the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. His self-titled debut album, David Garrett, debuted in the states at #1 on the Classical Crossover Chart and held the position for 31 solid weeks in 2009.

Product Description: Recorded at the historic Electric Lady Studios in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City this release further shows Garrett's love of the classics and rock. Spanning decades; David interprets some the all time classic rock hit's such as Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" (featuring Orianthe on guitar) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" from Nirvana, Led Zepplin's "Kashmir", the Creedance Clearwater Revival classic "Rocking All Over The World", Guns N Roses "November Rain", Metallica's "Master Of Puppets", Queen's "Bicycle Race" and more. Also included David show's his versatility on tracks such as Vivaldi/Vertigo (U2), Peer Gynt, Beethoven's 5th. and others.
 
My take: As you may know, my taste in music runs the gamut from classical to country, to some hard rock (I'm evening digging the rap on a few Lady Gaga songs that are on my work out list!)  My husband, on the other hand, is a hard core, Hard Rock aficionado with little appreciation for any other music.  But let me tell you, even HE liked this new David Garrett CD (his comment on some of the songs were "this song was made for the violin.")  Me?  I didn't like it...I LOVED it.  Seriously.  I have worn this thing out with repeat play - my favorite is #3 "The 5th" - while Beethoven might be rolling in his grave, I am rockin' it all the way down the highway.  #6 Vivaldi vs. Vertigo (from U-2) is also a fav of mine while my husband like the more "modern" Walk This Way and Smells Like Teen Spirit (though he said Kurt Cobain is probably spinning in his grave over this rendition).  I've got to say, even if you THINK you absolutely abhor classical music of any kind, do yourself a favor and pick up this CD.  David's blend of violin and rock is like nothing you have ever heard.  And that sound? IS AWESOME.  ♥♥♥♥♥

Track Listing:

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit 4:06
2. November Rain 3:59
3. The 5th 3:33
4. Walk This Way 2:56
5. Toccata 3:52
6. Vivaldi Vs. Vertigo 3:15
7. Master Of Puppets 3:47
8. 80's Anthem 3:33
9. Live And Let Die 3:25
10. Asturias 2:57
11. Kashmir 3:38

The artist (from Music Moms):  David Garrett, named best-selling new classical artist of 2009, has released a groundbreaking second album this month to the delight of fans around the world.  Aptly titled Rock Symphonies, the album uniquely blends the former child prodigy's impressive violin skills with classic rock-and-roll songs from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Nirvana to bring a fresh spin on the genre to a new generation of music lovers.  Garrett has toured all over the world and has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show and Good Morning America (He holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the fastest performance of "The Flight of the Bumblebee" which he preformed on Oprah). Rock Symphonies is available at Best Buy, on iTunes and online at www.amazon.com.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom's "Music Moms" who sponsored this review.