About Angelica by Angelica Album
Angelica is an intriguing blend of opera and rock spearheaded by songwriter/composer Clif Magness and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. The project features four sopranos -- Julia Bonilla, Anita DeSimone, Sewell Griffith and Rebecca Semrau -- who are supported by a wide array of professional studio musicians, including bassist Nathan East, pianist David Foster, the Boys Choir of Harlem and guitarists Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and Dweezil Zappa. Essentially, the album is opera songs performed with rock spirit -- big beats, big chords, big dynamics and pure intensity. Magness has rearranged selections from Verdi's Carmen, Mozart's The Magic Flute, Puccini's Madame Butterfly and Gianni Chicchi, and Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, as well as several selections from Schubert, Gounod and Franck, for a rock band, keeping the actual arrangements and feeling of the original composition. Occasionally it works, occasionally it doesn't, but Angelica is never less than intriguing, and adventurous listeners -- particularly fans of prog-rock -- might want to give it a try. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Out of print in the U.S.! 1998 studio project spearheaded by producer/musician Clif Magness and Carole Bayer Sager that blends Opera, Classical and Rock music with outstanding results. Each of the tracks pairs an Opera vocalist with renowned Rock and studio musicians, creating a unique and contemporary approach to Classical music. Guests include Steve Vai, David Foster, Dweezil Zappa, Nathan East, The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Eric Johnson, Steve Stevens and more. Atlantic Angelica: Julia Bonilla, Anita DeSimone, Sewell Griffith, Rebecca Semrau (vocals); Cliff Magness (classical guitar, guitar, keyboards, percussion, synthesizer programming). Additional personnel: The Boys Choir Of Harlem, Charles Castronovo (vocals); Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Steve Stevens, Lyle Workman (guitar); Jai Winding (Hammond); David Foster, Eva King (keyboards); Nathan East, Abraham Laboriel (bass); John Robinson, Josh Freese, Joe Travers, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Luis Conte, Efrain Toro (percussion).
