Classic Diamonds With The London Symphony

Although a 2018 Parkinsons Disease diagnosis effectively ended Neil Diamonds touring career, the songwriting legend has no plans to stop making music. Recorded between Londons historic Abbey Road Studios and the singers own Los Angeles studio, Classic Diamonds is equal parts retrospective and reinterpretation as he revisits 14 of his best-known songs with assistance from the London Symphony Orchestra. Playing with an orchestra is nothing new for Diamond; brass and strings have been a defining characteristic of his music since the late 1960s, both on-stage and in the studio. To that end, its almost surprising that a symphonic reimagining of his hits doesnt already exist. Still, with a catalog as deep as Diamonds, its hard to fault him for playing to his strengths and at 79, he still brings a remarkable amount of emotion and an easy warmth to the experience. Forgoing his usual band, Classic Diamonds aims for a classy vibe, relying mostly on piano and orchestra to reframe songs like Beautiful Noise and Song Sung Blue, neither of which resemble their original arrangements. A sweeping overture and deconstructed chord changes breathe new life into the former, while the latter is extended with a newly written intro containing extra lyrics. Likewise, the sudden appearance of a sitar and exultant choir adds an interesting twist and makes for a bombastic and surprisingly moving version of Holly Holy. Produced by Walter Afanasieff who also co-arranged with conductor William Ross, its nice to hear Diamond and his collaborators taking liberties with the material. On the whole, Classic Diamonds feels in keeping with the already-lush nature of Diamonds work with strong performances and a handful of surprises. ~ Timothy Monger