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Amy Foster (Swept From The Sea) is being shown at BFI South Bank, as part of a Joseph Conrad season.

Tue 20 Nov
NFT2 8.40PM Amy Foster

Thu 22 Nov
NFT2 8.45PM Amy Foster

Box Office 020 7928 3232

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Stéphane Lerouge, producer, who organizes and programs the Festival Musique et Cinéma d’Auxerre, the only French festival devoted to film music writes:

"The Festival will take place in Auxerre from November 14th to 17th and will welcome John Barry, with a symphonic concert conducted by Nicholas Dodd.

For this occasion, we will gather many friends and directors of John. He will also take part in a discussion about his conception of film music writing.

In order to take advantage of his coming to France, the French Minister of Culture will award him the degree of Commander in the Arts and Letters’ order.

This will be more than a concert but an official tribute from France to his talent and career."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

More...

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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...

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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.