The Art Of Time Ensemble
July 24, 2024
Base 31, Prince Edward County, ON
The Art of Time Ensemble, through the masterful guidance of Andrew Burashko, has been thrilling music lovers for over 25 years with its unique blend of jazz and classical music within the space of contemporary pop hits; and on July 24, they brought their ever unique and inspiring performance of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the beautiful Base31 in the picturesque Prince Edward County.
Joining the Art of Time on stage at the Drill Hall on Base31 were the vocal talents of singer-songwriter Jeremy Fisher, Skydiggers’ lead singer, Andy Maize, Chris Murphy of Sloan, and former Barenaked Ladies’ singer, Steven Page. Mixing both the strengths of each vocalist with unique original arrangements, the Art of Time emphasized the organized chaotic nature of the Beatles’ landmark 1967 album, as well as its precise and delicate production. Songs such as “A Day in the Life” were given a magnificent royal orchestral treatment within the confines of the chamber ensemble, while the fully experimental “Within You and Without You” was given a beautiful adaptation that respected the original Indian inspiration, and “When I’m 64” retained it’s whimsy by taking advantage of Jeremy Fisher’s experience within the children’s music space.
In addition to the classic tracks of Sgt. Pepper’s, the Art of Time also placed an additional spotlight on their accompanying vocal talents by dipping into the Beatles’ history to pull a few extra selections. The show began with Chris Murphy taking the stage on his own to lead the ensemble in an inspired rendition of “Strawberry Fields Forever” (a song famous for being recorded for but ultimately left off Sgt. Pepper’s in favour of releasing it as a single), while the inclusion of “Here Come the Sun” and “Oh! Darling” from Abbey Road allowed Andy Maize the honour of leading one of George Harrison’s finest compositions, and Steven Page to let loose on one of Paul McCartney’s most powerful vocal performances. Much like its start, the evening concluded with another Sgt. Pepper’s “adjacent” track, “All You Need is Love”, which had the audience joining in with their own choral vocal talents.
The Art of Time’s Sgt. Pepper was second to none, and a splendid time was had by all at Base31!
