The Lotus Palace - The Alan Lorber Orchestra

The Lotus Palace
The Alan Lorber Orchestra
Produced by Alan Lorber & Jack Schatz for Alan Lorber Productions, Inc.
Verve V6-8711

Available from online vendors so I will not be posting a sample. Presented here for informational purposes and to share the cover art.

The vibe of the set is a blend of eastern influences, jazz, light pop and even Latin. Several Beatle songs are creatively covered, but even a light pop number like The Look Of Love is cool sounding and fits well in the mix of tunes. The record is presented in a nice book-fold jacket that features an abstract cover that sets the tone for the set.

From the jacket notes: What Ravi Shankar developed, and Beatle George made famous, has laid the groundwork for what you will hear. In the hands of Alan Lorber Orchestra, the traditional Indian Sitar featured here becomes a member of the sub-conscious conversation that spans the universe from life, love, and joy, to death, fear, anxiety, and confusion. The sound of the sitar strings, wails, pleads, laughs. Whatever there is in this or any other world is reflected in the 18 strings of this remarkable instrument.

Vincent Bell is credited for playing the Electric Sitar, adding his own invention, the "water drop" sound, to the last track.

Participating Musicians:
Collin Walcott - Sitar/Tabla
Donald Robertson, Jr. - Tambura
Jerome Richardson - Flute/Bass Clarinet/Tenor Sax
Vincent Bell - Guitar/Elec. Sitar
Howard Hirsch - Eastern & Western Percussion
Louis Haber - Violin
Irving Spice - Violin
Louis Stone - Viola
Seymour Barab - Cello

Up, Up And Away
The Flute Thing
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Hang On To A Dream
Roopaka Dha Teri Dhin Dhin
Within You, Without You
Mas Que Nada
The Love Of Love
Where?
Djellaba (The Hooded One)