Today, April 21, marks the anniversary of the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, which of course included four spectacular shows created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers. There could be no better day than today (except perhaps April 18) to recommend the newly released Walt Disney Records CD box set, Walt Disney and the 1964 World's Fair. This 5-CD set (that's right, five CDs) includes a 24-page full color booklet, written by Disney historian Stacia Martin (this book alone is worth the purchase price) and more than three hours of recordings from Walt's classic attractions. Including rarely-heard musical gems from Buddy Baker, George Bruns and other maestros of Disney music, this must-have musical treat was made possible through the talents of such Disney good guys as Tony Baxter, Jeff Kurtti, Randy Thornton, Hugh Chitwood, Alexander Rannie, among others. Best of all, this fantastic can't-believe-this-even-exists CD set is dedicated to friend and inspiration Bruce Gordon (whose "baby" this was) with these words: "Dedicated to the spirit and memory of our dear friend Bruce Gordon April 18, 1951—November 6, 2007. His devotion, passion, intelligence and humor informed and delighted millions of Disney fans the world over." You can learn more about Walt Disney and the 1964 World's Fair by reading this interview with producer and classic Disney music guru Randy Thornton.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Disney (Music) Touch At The Fair
Today, April 21, marks the anniversary of the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, which of course included four spectacular shows created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers. There could be no better day than today (except perhaps April 18) to recommend the newly released Walt Disney Records CD box set, Walt Disney and the 1964 World's Fair. This 5-CD set (that's right, five CDs) includes a 24-page full color booklet, written by Disney historian Stacia Martin (this book alone is worth the purchase price) and more than three hours of recordings from Walt's classic attractions. Including rarely-heard musical gems from Buddy Baker, George Bruns and other maestros of Disney music, this must-have musical treat was made possible through the talents of such Disney good guys as Tony Baxter, Jeff Kurtti, Randy Thornton, Hugh Chitwood, Alexander Rannie, among others. Best of all, this fantastic can't-believe-this-even-exists CD set is dedicated to friend and inspiration Bruce Gordon (whose "baby" this was) with these words: "Dedicated to the spirit and memory of our dear friend Bruce Gordon April 18, 1951—November 6, 2007. His devotion, passion, intelligence and humor informed and delighted millions of Disney fans the world over." You can learn more about Walt Disney and the 1964 World's Fair by reading this interview with producer and classic Disney music guru Randy Thornton.
This CD set is just awesome (just like you, Jim!) I've been listening to mine and enjoying it tremendously. Though it took a long time in getting released, it's the best thing Disney has made available to fans in a long time. Everyone needs this!
ReplyDeleteHear hear! And hear these discs. Great stuff! I especially enjoyed hearing Walt's commentary for The Magic Skyway.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they give us some more archive stuff like this - and don't take as long to get it to us as this set took. Though it was, I agree, worth the wait...