Percy Faith - Country Bouquet & Disco Party (2004)

The Bouquet series is brought into "modern" times with Percy's "Country Bouquet" tribute to some of the slow, melodic songs originally by country singers; lush string orchestra treatments that greatly enhance the melodies and turn the "country" experience into a flowing, charming listening experience. Gene MacLellan's "Snowbird" is rescued from some of the breakneck-paced vocal renditions and turned into a lush listening treat with the string choir, very tender at times. It's not always slow, Marty Robbin's "Orange Blossom Special" gave the string players some exercise bowing those strings! There were some good tunes in "Disco Party" - the Faith treatments bring us "Cherry, Cherry" (Percy should have received royalties from Neil - Percy's version was a "request hit" at radio stations). If you don't consider disco a listening beat, try "Love Music," "El Bimbo" and a second tune by Neil, "Coldwater Morning." Percy evolved into an orchestra disco-master just for this album! He captured the best. (Bill Halvorsen)