James To Celebrate 40th Anniversary With New Orchestral Double Album 'Be Opened By The Wonderful'
Thursday, 23 March 2023
Written by Jon Stickler
James have announced a new album in celebration of their 40th anniversary.
'Be Opened By The Wonderful - 40 Years Orchestrated' will arrive on June 9 via Virgin Music and contain 20 of some of the Manchester band's most popular and rare tracks reworked with a 22-piece orchestra and eight-piece choir — vinyl versions will contain 19 tracks. As a preview, head below to check out their orchestral version of She's A Star, from their 1997 album 'Whiplash'.
The new LP was recorded at Manchester's Blueprint Studios, and orchestrated and conducted by Joe Duddell with the ORCA22 Orchestra and the Manchester Inspirational Voices choir, who were directed by Wayne Ellington. The release will also include a new song called Love Make A Fool, which will be shared in April.
As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, James will headline London's South Facing Festival on August 11, joined by special guests Happy Mondays. They'll also appear on the Sunday at Latitude Festival, where a slot was especially created for them to commemorate their anniversary. The performance will see them accompanied by an orchestra and choir. Frontman Tim Booth said:
"Life begins at 40. For our midlife euphoria we recorded a double orchestral album of some of our deepest cuts. If you already have a golden ticket, you’ll be catching this on tour and at Latitude festival. Bring your wings and come ready to fly."
Conductor Duddell added: "Having attended the first six years of Latitude Festival, I’m excited to be involved in James’ special Main Stage show this year in a UK Festival exclusive. James have always been a great band at festivals, mixing their extensive well-loved back catalogue with newer songs which immediately sounds as they too have been around forever."
The group will also headline venues across the UK in April and May on their James Lasted Tour, and have outdoor summer gigs scheduled in Bristol, Liverpool's, Halifax, and Dundee.
They released their latest studio album, 'All The Colours Of You', in 2021.
'Be Opened By The Wonderful - 40 Years Orchestrated' tracklist:
DISC 1
1. Sometimes
2. Love Make A Fool
3. We’re Gonna Miss You
4. Tomorrow
5. The Lake
6. She’s A Star
7. Lookaway
8. Sit Down
9. Alaskan Pipeline
DISC 2
1. Someone’s Got It In For Me
2. Hey Ma
3. Hello
4. Beautiful Beaches
5. Why So Close
6. Medieval
7. Hymn From A Village
8. Say Something
9. Top Of The World
10. Moving On
11. Laid
James Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Tue April 25 2023 - BRIGHTON Brighton Dome
Wed April 26 2023 - CARDIFF St David's Hall
Fri April 28 2023 - YORK York Barbican
Sat April 29 2023 - EDINBURGH Usher Hall
Mon May 01 2023 - GLASGOW SEC Armadillo
Tue May 02 2023 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall
Thu May 04 2023 - SHEFFIELD City Hall
Fri May 05 2023 - BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall
Sun May 07 2023 - LIVERPOOL Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tue May 09 2023 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Wed May 10 2023 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Fri May 12 2023 - BLACKPOOL Opera House
Sat May 13 2023 - NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall
Mon May 15 2023 - BATH Bath Forum
Wed May 17 2023 - LONDON Royal Albert Hall
Sun May 28 2023 - MARGAM Old Park Farm
Fri June 23 2023 - BRISTOL Canons Marsh Amphitheatre
Sun July 02 2023 - LIVERPOOL Pier Head
Fri July 07 2023 - HALIFAX Piece Hall
Sat July 08 2023 - HALIFAX Piece Hall
Fri July 28 2023 - DUNDEE Slessor gardens
Fri August 11 2023 - LONDON Crystal Palace Bowl
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