The man who had his first piano lesson in 1939, found worldwide popularity with his Non Stop Dancing recordings in the 60s and has now collected 17 platinum and 206 gold discs — James “Hansi” Last —returns with his lively big band to his favorite stage to entertain music lovers.
Recorded in September 2007 at what Last calls his “second home,” London’s glorious Royal Albert Hall, Hansi, his orchestra and vocalists Mac Kissoon, Simon Bell, Sonja Jones, Tracey D. Duncan and soul diva Ingrid Arthur, previously of the Weather Girls, offer a trademark mix of classic standards, sing-along favorites and fast-tempo foot-tappers.
In the venerable 19th-century hall, the tireless septuagenarian leads his multi-generational band — the “best musicians I know” — in a 21st-century set that switches from ballad and soul to polka and pop tunes. For James Last at the Royal Albert Hall , the ornate interior of the Albert is outfitted with a video screen that captures both performers and the equally multi-generational audience, augmented by lighting effects that match the mood of the musical selections. These include a romantic rendition of “The Way We Were” that segues into a more upbeat version, a danceable rendition of “Greensleeves” that features guitar and drum solos and an interpretation of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” enhanced by buoyant trumpets.
The party favorite “Tequila” is punctuated by audience participation — fans shout “Tequila!” along with the musicians at appropriate moments. The audience also responds enthusiastically to the downhome appeal of “Orange Blossom Special” and to the band’s athletic energy throughout the concert. Vocalists complement the orchestrations on “Vertigo,” “Hero” and “When September Ends.”
The program concludes with a lush version of Last’s own composition, “Games That Lovers Play,” as he shakes hands with adoring audience members.
James Last at the Royal Albert Hall features:
Act 1:
• “Pulstar”
• “The Way We Were”
• Medley (“Love Is in the Air,” “Perhaps,” “Ave Maria No Moro”)
• “Tequila”
• “Vertigo”
Act 2:
• “Greensleeves”
• “Aber Dich Gibt Es”
• “Hero”
• “When September Ends”
Act 3:
• Prologue
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
• “Orange Blossom Special”
• Hip-Hop Polka Medley
• “Games That Lover’s Play”
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