Moondog [Compilation] (CD) by Moondog

0074644499421. New condition. CD. Although this is not Moondog's most characteristic release -- he barely appears on it himself, for one thing -- this collection of orchestral treatments of his compositions may be his most appealing work. Dozens of string and wind instruments were enlisted to expound upon the composer's circular themes (which are sometimes canons). The results were tracks that were both dramatic and melodic, building in impact and tension instead of driving listeners up the wall with repetition, often propelled by lightly insistent, rattling percussion. Jazz stars Ron Carter and Hubert Laws are among the musicians, yet Moondog only contributes some bass, and brief snippets of enigmatic spoken phrases, to the recording. It's fine contemporary classical music, however, produced by -- of all people -- James Guercio, who also produced Chicago. The CD reissue is excellent value, adding the entirety of his 1971 album Moondog 2, fitting both LPs onto a single disc. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi