Battle Of The Atlantic, 70th Anniversary Charity Album. The Lord Mayor Of Liverpool’s Charity Album 2013/2014.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

To commemorate Councillor Gary Millar becoming The Lord Mayor of Liverpool a unique C.D. has been produced for The Lord Mayor’s Charity appeal. Aptly as it also is the 70th Anniversary of one of Britain’s defining moments as well as the City of Liverpool’s then Battle of the Atlantic, 70th Anniversary Charity Album is a special C.D. to buy, as well as being full of incredible covers of the songs that saw Britain through the dark days of the World War Two.

The Battle of the Atlantic was a defining moment in the history of World War Two. The longest, most daunting continuous military campaign during the war and without the convoys bringing in vital supplies to the U.K. through the Atlantic corridor, what could have happened to the nation and its people is something that is a terrifying proposition. The C.D. showcases some of the music that would have been heard on radios throughout the period of 1939 and 1943 but with the extremely superb talent that is in the city today.

Recorded at Parr Street Studios , the album sees music by such musical icons as Judy Garland, Dame Vera Lynn, George Formby and The Andrews Sisters being new life by Liverpool artists such as Pacific Swing, the incredible  Sarah Lowe, Steve Macfarlane, Susan Hedges and Alan Cross. The songs encapsulate the spirit of the time and transfer across the years in a wonderful timeless fashion. Even the beauty of the songs, including Sarah Lowe’s incredible version of the great Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Harold Arlen and E.H. Harburg and made famous by the young Judy Garland, Syd Smith’s fantastic cover of George Formby’s Leaning on a Lamp Post, Gracie Field’s Sally by the phenomenal Susan Hedges, Alan Cross’ version of the 1931 song by Noel Coward Mad Dogs and Englishmen and Tangerine by Steve Macfarlane who embodies the cavalier and charismatic Frank Sinatra who he recorded the song with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

From all musicians and singers who have made this an incredible album and more than worthy of those who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of the Atlantic, Battle of the Atlantic, 70th Anniversary Charity Album is an exceptional piece of recording and one that captures the fighting spirit against oppression, of any type, suffered throughout Liverpool and the world.

To donate and help raise up to a million pounds to The Lord Mayor’s charity appeal Text LMAY13 £2/£5/£10 to 70070.  The album will be available in various locations throughout the city. The appeal for 2013/14 includes tackling cancer and homelessness, supporting vulnerable children plus helping purchase a safe haven for LGBT youth. All profits from the sale will support the Lord Mayor’s charity for the year 2013/2014.

Ian D. Hall