It has been confirmed that John will be making a personal appearance at the concert of his music (conductor Nicholas Dodd) on 17th November at Auxerrexpo, France, as part of Festival International Musique et Cinéma.
The previous evening John will take part in a festival conference at 4.30 p.m.
A deal with Universal (France)
John is said to be looking to sign a deal with Universal (France) to make two non-film soundtrack albums for them. One will be based on reflections of his early life and the other more jazz-influenced.
Chistine ALBANEL, la Ministre de la Culture, a officiellement annoncé à John BARRY qu’il sera intronisé Commandeur dans l’Ordre National des Arts et des Lettres à l’occasion du huitième Festival International Musique et Cinéma qui lui rendra hommage.
Christine Albanel, the Minister for Culture, officially announced to John Barry that he will be established Commander in the National Order of Arts and Letters at the time of the eighth International Festival Music and Cinema who will pay tribute to him with a concert of
his music.
More on the concert below.
Nicholas Dodd will be in concert in France on November 17th, 2007 for a tribute to John Barry. The presence of JB himself is yet to be confirmed.
More info on: http://www.festivalmusiquecinema.com/2007/page.php
The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond Author: Jeff Bannister |
Format: Hardback (235 pages including many b & w photos) Publisher: Banland Publishing Ltd. 2007 ISBN: 978-0-9551513-2-3 List Price: £18.99 |
The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond
Click to enlarge |
A review by Geoff Leonard
6 September 2007
This is the second book to be written by or about a former leader of The John Barry Seven. And, just as in the case of Bobby Graham’s effort, this joint biography by Jeff Bannister & Alan Bown is thoroughly recommended.
Whether you are fans of the Alan Bown Set, of that music or that era in general, or are merely curious about life with the JB7 after the Vic Flick/Bob Graham era, this is the book for you.
Of particular interest to John Barry fans will be the account of Alan & Jeff joining the band, the comings and goings of various members, tales of touring the UK & Germany with the likes of Billy Fury & Brenda Lee, their on-stage repertoire (which had changed markedly from Vic Flick days), and the sad demise of the band when John Barry decided it had run its course.
Click to enlarge to complete image |
The rest of the book has a highly detailed account of the various formations of the Alan Bown Set, which initially included several of the JB7 personnel, including the period when Robert Palmer was the singer. There are stories of drink, drugs (not too much!), sackings, record companies, promoters, Alan’s switch into A & R work with CBS and finally the formation of Alan Bown Management which combined an administrative role for Keith Mansfield, the well-known composer, especially of library music. Alan & Keith co-wrote "Seven Faces" the last Columbia single made by the JB7.
The 230-page book is full of photographs (including an excellent one of the JB7 I had never seen before), press-clippings, tour posters, concert bills & programmes and has a meticulous account of tour dates.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy you will find details on the accompanying flyer. You may also be able to find it on-line at the usual sources.
Geoff.
Click to enlarge to complete image |
A review by Geoff Leonard
6 September 2007
This is the second book to be written by or about a former leader of The John Barry Seven. And, just as in the case of Bobby Graham’s effort, this joint biography by Jeff Bannister & Alan Bown is thoroughly recommended.
Whether you are fans of the Alan Bown Set, of that music or that era in general, or are merely curious about life with the JB7 after the Vic Flick/Bob Graham era, this is the book for you.
Of particular interest to John Barry fans will be the account of Alan & Jeff joining the band, the comings and goings of various members, tales of touring the UK & Germany with the likes of Billy Fury & Brenda Lee, their on-stage repertoire (which had changed markedly from Vic Flick days), and the sad demise of the band when John Barry decided it had run its course.
Gregg Hamerschlag, Producer, has let us know in the discussion forym that he has "just completed a documentary for public television entitled "Lights, Action, Music!" and it features some great interviews with John Barry. (He was a wonderful interviewee)
The show will air on WLIW in NY on August 6th at 9:30PM and is all about music in film through the eyes of some of Hollywood's greatest composers and directors. Please check your local listings, as the show will hopefully get picked up by affiliates throughout the country.
There are also 2 hours of bonus footage, including all of John Barry's interview, that comes with the DVD which is available after the show. More in our forum...
Here are a few photos taken by Gareth Bramley. Please do not copy.
Also see Graham Rye's report A Tonic for the Heart on his 007 Magazine website.
(info from Intrada website)
Label: Intrada Special Collection Volume 46
Dates: 1970
Tracks: 15
Time = 37:29
World premiere CD release of actual John Barry soundtrack for James Clavell epic set in 1637 Germany during Thirty Years' War, starring Omar Sharif, Michael Caine.
John Barry anchors with not one but two distinct ideas: First heard is propulsive, dynamic theme for brass, large chorus. Second is rich, sweeping valley theme for strings, woodwinds. Adding further contrast are dark ideas for plague sequences, rhythmic action cues for battle scenes.
CD offers masterful original 1970 Dunhill LP presentation from original master tapes stored in UMG vaults. Companion to same composer's THE LION IN WINTER balances intense excitement with rich serenity.
John Barry conducts.
Special Collection limited release of 3000 copies.
01. Main Title Theme (3:07) 02. The Last Valley (2:50) 03. The Shrine (1:45) 04. An Evening Song (1:57) 05. The Plague Pit (2:24) 06. The Village Attack (2:52) 07. A Children's Song (1:46) |
08. Attack at Rheinfelden (1:11) 09. Main Title Theme - Part 2 (3:37) 10. The Last Valley - Part 2 (2:38) 11. A Christmas Song (2:24) 12. Witch Burning (1:40) 13. An Offertory Chant (2:38) 14. Vogel Leaves the Valley (1:20) 15. Death of the Captain/End Title (4:52) |
A concert of John Barry's music is set to take place on June 21st at the Royal Festival Hall, London, as part of Jarvis Cocker's Meltdown.
Nicholas Dodd has been named as principle conductor, and although we understand John will conduct a couple of pieces, nothing is guaranteed.
Tickets are still available but the event is selling-out fast. If you're interested in meeting up with fellow fans on the day, please see the recent messages on the Yahoo discussion group
If you wish to send an email, for example with content for the website, please contact Geoff Leonard:
Email
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Location
Bristol, UK
Geoff (owner) and Ruud (webmaster) have been running the John Barry website since June 18, 2001. This website is not endorsed by the composer's family. Use of copyrighted materials and logos are for promotional purposes only. All files on this website are for personal use only and cannot be bought or sold.
Please do not ask for permission to use John Barry music or photographs for your project -- it is not within our gift to grant this.
Geoff Leonard writes CD booklet notes, articles, and occasionally books, in partnership with Pete Walker. You can read more about this here: