Orchestra reincarnated

5:17pm Friday 4th April 2008

FORMER members of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II are coming to High Wycombe this weekend. Kelly Groucutt, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley, Gordon Townsend, Mik Kaminski and Louis Clark got together in 2001 under the new band name The Orchestra.

The Orchestra's combined history stretches back to the 1970s and 1980s with the original Electric Light Orchestra, and the 1990s with Electric Light Orchestra Part II. The new band was formed after Bev Bevan retired at the end of 1999, and after sell out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

The Orchestra's first album, No Rewind, signalled the band's rebirth, with more than ten tracks recorded over a two and a half year period without any record label money, and by squeezing in studio time around The Orchestra's hectic worldwide touring schedule.

The album contains songs such as the title track No Rewind, Let Me Dream, Can't Wait, Twist and Shout, Over London Skies, Say Goodbye and Before We Go, with a guest vocal appearance by Jeffrey Foskett.

Eric Troyer says: "I have to say that all of the former ELO members showed an amazing adaptability, sparkling creativity and an adventurousness spirit in their contributions to the new album. We've stepped into new territory, inspired by the new and young blood in the band."

The Orchestra is at The Swan Theatre, St Mary Street, High Wycombe on Sunday, April 6. Details: 01494 512000.

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