The Ventures - Then, Now, and Forever was released on a CD by the Japanese label Pony Canyon in 2013.
There are 14 tracks on this album and the total running time is ca. 45 minutes.
The CD comes with sleeve notes which you can take out and fold out. Inside you will find a list of all 14 tracks, written in English and Japanese, because this album is produced primarily for the Japanese market.
In addition, there is a message for the fans in Japan, five paragraphs, also written in English and in Japanese.
On the back side we can see the line-up of the band when the album was recorded:
** Don Wilson – rhythm guitar
** Gerry McGee – lead guitar
** Leon Taylor – drums
** Bob Spalding – bass, lead guitar
The sleeve notes also mention Ian Spalding, son of Bob Spalding:
“Special thanks go to Ian Spalding for his arrangements, keyboard, composition, and guitar work on the album.”
For more information about the band, see the book
Walk Don’t Run - The Story of the Ventures
by Del Halterman
(First edition 2008)
(Second edition 2009)
Seven tracks are slow with a soft beat: tracks # 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12. Seven tracks are fast with a hard beat: tracks # 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 13 and 14. The combination of slow and fast tracks makes a good variation.
In order to understand this album, it is perhaps a good idea to look at the title one more time:
Then, Now, & Forever – or the past, the present, and the future.
New versions of seven old hits reflect the past (then):
# 1 - Hawaii Five-O (2013 Remix) (by M. Stevens)
# 2 - Apache (Studio Remix) (by J. Lordan)
# 3 - Ghost Riders in the Sky (2013 String Remix) (by S. Jones)
# 5 - Medley for Japan (Studio Remix)
(A) Stranger in Midosuji (by B. Bogle, J. Durrill, G. McGee, M. Taylor, D. Wilson)
(B) Reflections in a Palace Lake (by J. Durrill, G. McGee, M. Taylor, D. Wilson)
(C) Hokkaido Skies (by D. Wilson, B. Bogle, N. Edwards, M. Taylor)
# 6 - Norwegian Wood (Studio Remix) (by John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
Three tracks written by Japanese composers reflect the present (now):
# 04 – Terry’s Theme – by T. Terauchi
# 12 – Emerald Coast – by Y. Nishimaki
# 14 – Walther P-38 – by Y. Nishimaki
Six original compositions by different members of the band (and Ian Spalding) reflect the future (forever):
# 07 – Rincon – by Bob Spalding, Ian Spalding and Leon Taylor
# 08 – Magic Kids – by Don Wilson and Bob Spalding
# 09 – Leviathan – by Ian Spalding and Bob Spalding
# 10 – Crouching Lion – by Bob Spalding and Don Wilson
# 11 – Passion Wave – by Ian Spalding
# 13 – V-Ray - by Bob Spalding
The message to the fans explains how the Ventures first came to Japan in the summer of 1962 when Don Wilson and Bob Bogle toured major Japanese cities as a guitar duo.
When the Ventures returned in 1965, this time as a four-member band, the reception was overwhelming.
The message continues:
“This album reflects the spirit of the Ventures in Japan, the fans and friends they have made over the years in touring the country, the many tribute bands that continue to play the Ventures’ hits, and all who have worked to make the Ventures a continuing success in Japan.”
The message concludes with the following words:
“You have loved the Ventures from the beginning. You continue to love the Ventures now. We do hope you will love the Ventures forever.”
I like this album.
The new versions of the old hits are well-done. Track # 1 “Hawaii Five-O” is the theme of an old television series, which ran 1968-1980. The theme gained new relevance when a re-make of the series began in 2010. This time the title was written with a zero (instead of an O).
The three tracks written by Japanese musicians are quite interesting. Track # 12 Emerald Coast” is a beautiful tune, while track # 14 “Walther P-38” has a jazz-funk style which reminds me of the theme from “Impossible Mission.”
The six new compositions demonstrate that the members of this band still can create good music.
Track # 7 seems to be inspired by the old hit “Wipe Out.” Leon Taylor plays his drums with the same energy and power as his father Mel Taylor did in his time.
Track # 9 “Leviathan” has the hard beat, while track # 10 “Crouching Lion” is a soft and harmonious tune.
The Ventures have been around for a long time. They have recorded and released a long line of outstanding albums.
How were they doing in 2013. more than fifty years since the band was founded? Could they still deliver the goods?
If you ask me, the answer is yes.
If you like instrumental music, perhaps something by the Ventures, I am sure you will enjoy this new album about the past, the present, and the future.
It is highly recommended.
PS # 1. In 2013, the Ventures released two new albums. In addition to the album under review here they also released an album on the Japanese label Universal Music: The Ventures Play Yuming.
PS # 2. In 2014, the Ventures released an album on the Japanese label Universal Music. The title of this album is Sounds of Summer.
*****
The Ventures:
Then, Now and Forever
(Released on a CD in 2013)
*****
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