The Music of George Harrison
Performed by the ‘All Things Must Pass’ Orchestra
Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
May 2023
Well, this was a bit of a treat. A magical night of reminiscent indulgence delivered by an accomplished 10 piece orchestra – not a band! – comprising 4 guitarists, a trombonist and saxophonist, drummer and keyboard player, plus 2 vocalists. It was made clear from the start that this was absolutely no tribute band. This orchestra ‘hates’ them, and that’s fortunate because I’m not overly keen either.
I’ve not previously come across this orchestra even though they are all south coast Sussex based people, members of either the Brighton music scene, or from Chichester, and it’s not surprising as there is very little to be found on line at all, and only a smattering on Facebook – it seems they don’t do much in the way of self-publicising. On the night of their Worthing performance there was no programme, not even a printed ‘set list’. Nor was there a trace of merchandise. Obviously the ‘ATMP’ Orchestra has a solid fanbase around Sussex and can rely on the majority of them turning up to a gig nearby. Certainly the Pavilion house was practically full on the one night they performed there.
The Orchestra is now in its 11th year, fronted by Alex Erberhard (guitar, main vocals, band leader) who was living in a small village in his native Austria when, as a young teenager, he wrote to George Harrison’s agent to ask if they could tell him which chords were being played on a particular track. Sadly the young Alex did not receive a response, but it didn’t deter him from persevering with his guitar and vocals, inspired by the music of George Harrison, resulting in the dedicated and skilled musician he is today ……. with the Harrison songbook firmly under his belt.
Alex’s and his fellow guitarist Bernd Rest, also Austrian born, are old friends, the two of them ending up in Brighton some 30 years ago. They both studied classical and contemporary music, plus composition, and together have achieved much acclaim for their work with many well-known musicians in the industry, as well as individually.
In fact each and everyone of the ATMP Orchestra has, over many years of study and hard work, built a prestigious portfolio of musical achievements and experience. Paul Nieman on saxophone even played on sessions for Harrison’s 1970 3rd studio album, ‘All Things Must Pass’, from which the Orchestra took their name – obviously.
Such is their skill that no other than George’s son, Dhani Harrison, came to see them and personally voiced his approval. Praise indeed.
So, to the performance. Many of the songs – still much aired today – were familiar to me, but many were not. I don’t possess a solo album by George Harrison (although now I’m quite wishing I did), and most of the set was taken directly from the tracks of ‘All Things Must Pass’. The music was great though and Alex was simply the most personable of front men, almost self-effacing in his lack of self promotion. Fortunately the vast majority of the audience were definitely huge aficionados of the original music and also of the Orchestra itself, and it was clear that they recognised every piece from the first few bars. Each of the members was featured with a solo slot, and it was great to hear both the talented female vocalists also being individually showcased.
‘Isn’t it a Pity’, ‘Run of the Mill’ (a satire on the increasing discord amongst the Beatles leading to the band’s eventual breakup) and ‘Wah-Wah’ were favourites amongst the crowd. My own favourite was ‘Here Comes the Sun’, which it was almost impossible not to join in with on this fabulously sunny warm evening, in the lovely setting of the Pavilion Theatre, just yards from the sea.
In true tradition, you’d expect that the best would be saved till last, and of course it was. Just when you thought you’d been cruelly deprived, the Orchestra returned to the stage for an encore of ‘My Sweet Lord’. Of course. Sweet bliss.
My only tiny disappointment was that there was no rendition of another favourite: ’Got My Mind Set on You’, which is my earliest recollection of seeing George performing on a Top of the Pops video, but I can live with that.
‘The Music of George Harrison’ is not just for Beatles fans, or even for the man himself, but for anyone who appreciates good music delivered by talented musicians. As I said: it’s a treat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Gill Ranson
approx 2 hours, 25 minute interval
touring the south coast and some performances further north