Arabesque Album Playlist

Excerpt from an Amazon review:

 

"The highlight for me was the haunting Amy Floats Downstream - simple, slightly cryptic lyrics that take on a sudden poignancy once you discover what the song is about. The lilting Don't Trust the Angels makes great night-time driving music (with Midge Ure providing the guitar solo!); and of course, there's Closest Thing to Crazy, elevated to classic status ten years later by Batt's protegé Katie Melua.

There's a nice mix of lyrics and instrumental tracks, many of them shot through with Batt's trademark blend of Middle-Eastern melody and symphonic orchestration. The sleeve-note comments "Digitally recorded at Dining Room Studios, London"; turns out that this little-known studio is, in fact, Mike Batt's dining-room. He explains: "I recorded this album almost entirely at home ... even gradually plucking up courage to bring the orchestra into my house, eight at a time, to record their tracks. The 'cello section of the National Symphony Orchestra in your kitchen is a great experience - except you can't open the fridge." I'd have to say, the sound quality is remarkably good for a home-recorded album!