Novelty Fox – an “All Stars Combo” led by virtuoso percussionist Jean-Michel Davis – invites us to take a trip into the timeless and imaginary universe of Light Concert Music. Orchestral favorites such as “Belle of the Ball” and “Sleigh Ride” are performed on a smaller scale but with panache, and elicit the sense of Americana that was so dear to Leroy Anderson, the renowned composer of light orchestral music. The Polka caprice “Joyeux Canari” composed by Adolphe Deprince (who was Maurice Chevalier’s celebrated accompanist) and “Bohemian Dream” by Waltz King Jo Privat evoke the alluring atmosphere of Parisian folk dances, enhanced here by seductive and colorful instrumentation. This recording travels through time and encompasses a variety of trends. Its lavish style bridges classical and world music, reuniting its audience around the concept of light and entertaining music that remains, nonetheless, worldly and sophisticated. Patrick Fremeaux & Benjamin Goldenstein
