In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

Anyone who loves the very best in love songs will fall in love with this piece by the smouldering soulful singer who is one of the all time greatest and surprisingly one of the music industries best-kept secrets Randy Crawford. The haunting and passionate beauty of the original song is perfectly captured in this brass band arrangement. More recently the song was also featured in the movie Moulin Rouge performed by Nicole Kidman.

Dans les années 60 le parolier Carson C. Parks écrit le texte d?une chanson aux délicats accents de la musique latine et de rock qu?il intitule Somethin? Stupid et qu?il interprète avec son épouse Gaile. La chanson passe inaperçue. Mais elle deviendra un grand succès peu après lorsque Frank et Nancy Sinatra la chantent en duo. Plus récemment Somethin? Stupid s?est offert une nouvelle jeunesse. L?interprétation de Robbie Williams l?idole de la musique pop et de l?actrice Nicole Kidman a conquis les hit-parades du monde entier.