James Last - The Battle Of Bilbao

Review by Brian Pearce

The Battle of Bilbao, the 1991 album by legendary German composer James Last, is a delightful ode to the Basque city of Bilbao. The album is a mix of traditional Basque melodies and modern pop arrangements, all given the unmistakable James Last treatment.

The album opens with the rousing "Marcha de San Sebastian," a traditional Basque march that is given a lively and upbeat arrangement by Last. The album then moves on to "El Txistu," a beautiful and haunting Basque melody that is given a lush and romantic treatment by Last.

One of the highlights of the album is "Gernika," a moving tribute to the Basque town that was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. The song starts off with a mournful flute melody, before building to a powerful crescendo with the help of the full orchestra.

Another standout track is "La Paloma," a classic Spanish song that Last transforms into a lush and romantic ballad. The album closes with "The Battle of Bilbao," a triumphant march that celebrates the Basque city's resilience and strength.

Summary by Brian Pearce

The Battle of Bilbao is a fantastic album that showcases James Last's talents as a composer and arranger. The album is a must-listen for fans of traditional Basque music and anyone who appreciates Last's unique blend of pop and classical music.