the full Moon Orchestra

The Full Moon Orchestra is a 4 piece Acoustic Fusion band that hails from Belgium. Reading from their bio: born of my meeting with Jean Didier although we know for many years we have never had the opportunity to play together. In a session of the AKDT I proposed him to play since born first the idea of a duo our compositions and the mandolin. Jean Didier introduced me René when I was looking for a bassist replacing for the country “The open” group, our agreement was immediate, and since it is part of my trio of blues with my brother Perry. We have decided to expand the formula and to form a Quartet. Fred that we knew of our sessions in the AKDT appeared as evidence and taken group formed in the fall of 2009, the band presented a series of concerts in March 2010 and recorded the album “This is our Music” late August 2010

MY SPACE – http://www.myspace.com/thefullmoonorchestra

URL – http://www.fullmoonorchestra.com/

“This is Our Music” is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one artist that brings to the table effective songwriting via a very original sounding musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Euro-Fusion sound makes for a very effective combination. “This is Our Music” even touches on Acoustic Jazz and Psychedelic-Pop of the 1970’s almost as if you’re listening to a 2 or 3 different bands. Trust me when I say this quartet can play a wide range of musical styles and genera’s. All songs are wonderfully simple but masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Charlie Haden, Joni Mitchell, Joe Pass, Crosby Stills and Nash and even Neil Young. Some of the Mandolin touches remind me of Celtic–Pop bands. This CD is quite entertaining overall with an amazing amount of passion and musical unpredictability. You never know what’s waiting for you around the next corer. The overall score and writing abilities of Frank Rose and company are very appealing via well-crafted pieces, top tiered musicianship, and fretwork that may make your head spin. The overall production value is very pure, earthy and acoustical.

Favorite pieces are ‘A Remedy”, “Sanza”, and “Sunkawakan” But there’s plenty of mystery and mind blowing moments to go around on “This is Our Music” which gives these guys an amazing feel in his attempt to connect with a cult fanbase her in the US.

“This is our Music” by The Full Moon Orchestra has proven themselves with this latest release. All 4 members are clearly capable songwriters, artists and composers. I must admit “This is Our Music” made it from my home stereo to my car stereo which is where it is now. All pieces stuck with me melodically long after the experience was over usually indicates he is something special about the artist or band in question. The Full Moon Orchestra is a band from Belgium that is deserving of praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level.

MUSIC can be purchased at CD BABY
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thefullmoonorchestra - Drew Blackwell edited by Mindy McCall

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Have you listed to the Radio lately? Is it me or is something horribly wrong with today’s music. Do you remember when music actually had really instruments in them with real people playing them? No kidding. How about good songwriting performed by artists that not only wrote the music but poured their heat and soul into performing them. Now when one listens to the radio what do you hear: a pretty face, cookie cutter songwriting, crafted via a microphone, some fancy sampling and a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Yes the magic is all but gone from modern-day music, and people are wondering why. Actually there are a few select artists out there that still believe in the power of music. Artists like The Fiull Moon Orchestra quartet from Belgium for example.

Their latest CD entitled This is Our Music was released in 2012 and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “Sunkawakan”, “My Babe’s Crying” and “Sequoia”. They made quite the first impression and each track possessed my full unadulterated attention right from the start. To be honest: I expected cheesy Sing Songy Acoustic Pop that was extremely predictable and shallow in nature – very compatible for a mass audience. Well shame on me! What I discovered was actually quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderfully conservative yet full of what I would call positive acoustical energy with music that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. Their music is extremely hard to pigeonhole but I can hear traces of James Taylor, America, band Crosby Stills and Nash. I can also hear the slight Americana and Jazz influence in there as well. What I really like about FMO is there is no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Cheezy music via top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. It will also appeal to both advanced and novice listeners alike. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake FMO is one quartet that has allot of depth and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured FMO featuring Frank Rose Duffy is taking us back in the right direction with Thankful.

URL – http://www.fullmoonorchestra.com/

Buy CD – http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thefullmoonorchestra

Connect with Full Moon Orchestra – http://www.facebook.com/fullmoonorchestra

Final Word: The Full Moon Orchestra will affirm your faith in music again. They represents all that is good in music and their latest CD This is our Music delivers a highly passionate 10 track catalog via top flight musicianship, amazing songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Jazz, Acoustic-Folk, Americana and Pop. - Michael Keith edited by Devin McAlister

Artist: Full Moon Orchestra
Album: This is our Music
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.fullmoonorchestra.com/
Genre: Acoustic Folk, Pop, Fusion, Jazz
Sounds Like: James Taylor, Acoustic Alchemy, Pat Metheny to Paul Simon
Technical Grade: 10/10?Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10?Commercial Value: 8/10?Overall Talent Level: 9/10?Songwriting Skills: 8/10?Performance Skill: 10/10?Best Song: Um Marrion Dans La Poche, A Remedy, Sunkawakan
Weakness: Post Production Process
?CD REVIEW:
 
The Full Moon Orchestra is a fascinating musical project from Belgium. Reading from their bio:
The Full Moon Orchestra mixes elements of folk jazz and classical and will take you from Latin beat to odd rhythms, from waltz to flamenco style Their music is floaty , deep , sensitive and innovative . Their latest CD This is our Music was inspired instrumental with elegant soloing from Frankie Rose Duffy on the 10 strings mandolin and JeanDidier vander Vorst on classical and acoustic guitar.
 
The CD kicks things off with “Sunkawakan” an upbeat intro piece that serves up classic Americana vibe that delivers slamming fretwork, driving synthetic rhythm and rich accoutic ambience that flows and ebbs it’s way through to emotional fruition. Track 2 “My Babe’s Crying Again” shifts gears with its smooth flowing rhythm, impressive vocal harmoniesand catchy vocal groove from Duffy and company. Track 3 keeps things moving in the right direction with “Sequoia” an earthy melody with dynamic musical groove and impressive mandolin acoustic guitar tandems that ins comparable to a warm blanket. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic acts like James Taylor, Acoustic Alchemy, and even Pat Metheny to Paul Simon.  The music itself is an amazing blend of modern acoustic folk, with Acoustic Jazz and elements of Fusion and Celtic music. The musicianship of all the players involved is equally as impressive. The earthy freeboard accents are well placed. The rhythm groove (Bass/Drums) is thick as a brick. The vocal presence of Duffy is warm and inviting and fits this style of music perfectly. You will notice lush layers of instrumentation layered everywhere, from impressive solo guitar licks, impressive stand up bass, amazing harmonies, impressive rhythmic accents, mandolin, and heartfelt vocals. But the most impressive thing about This project is the amazing signature sound from Duffy and company. The Full Moon Orchestra delivers impressive songwriting, playing and catchy vocal persona. From upbeat “A Remedy” and “The Proposal” to dynamic Sanza” to melodic “ In the Distance” to thought provoking “Let Go” to grooving “Um Marrion Dans La Poche” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Somewhere between Joy and Pain” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.  
 
It’s hard to find any real weaknesses with this CD. I did notice in the liner notes that Frank Rose Duffy Mixed the CD. Having someone mix the production this close to the actual music is typically a big NO NO in the recording Industry. Why? First – he already knows where all the dead bodies are buried, second: the more professionals you have assigned to your post-production the more perspective you can get out of it. As a producer I highly recommend having each phase of the production process (Recording, Mixing, Mastering) handled by a separate music professional altogether. At the end of the day it can be more strokes on the canvass for your production. You won't regret what having 3 or 4 different sets of ears making your music sound as professional as possible. 
 
From start to finish This is our Music by “The Full moon Orchestra” is one impressive catalog of music. The music is consistent, uplifting and extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really a weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities of Frank Rose Duffy and company are rock solid. The lyrics are catchy, the melodies are well crafted and hooky. Last but not least the songwriting and vocal presence are intoxicating. Need I say more.  
 
Cyrus Rhodes - Cyrus Rhodes indiemusicdigest

Band/Artist: Full Moon Orchestra

Album: This is Our Music

Genera: Pop,Americana, Contemporary Folk

Full Moon Orchestra is an exciting 4 piece band from theBelgiumwho has been making quite a name for themselves regionally and internationally. They have received critical acclaim for their amazing songwriting and invigorating live performances.

“This is Our Music” is their latest release and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Pop Rock band, no FMO goes much deeper than that. In-fact FMO could be classed as a 4 genera artist: Alternative Rock, Pop,Americanaand even contemporary Folk-Fusion. FMO has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Pop Rock. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “A Remedy” and “In the Distance” and “The Proposal” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and elite level craftsmanship that transcends typical pigeonholing. The music manages to be commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that makes a real connection with the listener – especially in a live setting. All pieces within this album hold the attentions span of the listener perfectly. In a nutshell this is ELP meets American meets Pat Matheny meets James Taylor. “This is Our Music” appeals to many listeners with a wide variety of musical styles.

I would imagine in time we will hear more from this amazing band in the near future. No doubt Full Moon Orchestra has carved a marketable niche for themselves thus far setting them up for more marketable success down the road. I would not be surprised to hear their music featured in a major Motion Picture or a TV Series one day. But for now I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, uplifting and dare I say brilliantly catchy in unique in it scope.

URL – http://www.fullmoonorchestra.com/

MUSIC can be purchased at CD BABY – http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thefullmoonorchestra

By Michael Rand edited by Heather Savage

Tags: Folk, Fusion, Pop
Author: Michael Rand
Michael Rand has written 26 articles for us. - Michael Rand All what's Rock

The Artist I recently checked out the latest CD from Belgium's own The Full Moon Orchestra, entitled This is our Music (2012).
 
The band Standard 4 piece line-up.  I would say the band possesses above average to advanced playing abilities, and advanced songwriting skills. You will find many amazing musical journeys throughout the CD. Timing is spot on within the genera. Duffy can hold his own on the Mandolin and Vocals, but more importantly he just let's it all hang out - holding nothing back. Vocals are executed perfectly, and in many ways the strongpoint part of the production. These guys from Belgium sound very American. The music possesses a classic Jazz, Bluesy, Rockabilly, Folk-ish type stigma. All in all great music to eat a Sunday morning brunch to. Definitely classic Americana feel that that is timeless an very emotional Music will remind you of classic Dr. John, Joe Cocker, James Taylor and even Joni Mitchell. The songs Simply put - all songs are incredible. There’s nothing like a solid musical production to get wrapped around – and this is one of them. I kept waiting for a weak song to come down the pike - I eventually gave up on that. The vibe Overall very upbeat, positive, with amazing vibe. I get the impression these folks are having allot of fun with it - and it shows. The production is professional grade from start to finish. There's not many songs you can listen to time & time again. Has a timeless feel to it. which is not an easy thing to achieve. Overall this CD is very marketable, upbeat and sucks you in right away. The good Honorable mentions go out to the amazing "good vibe" you get from this 10 song line-up. Like a drug this CD pulls you in and when it's over you want to do it all over again. For the record this CD will not go in the my "keep" stack. Folks out there who enjoy all the above mentioned bands will fall head over heals over The Full Moon Orchestra. All Flower Children are welcome here. The bad Nothing to report. The ugly Nothing to report.
 
The verdict This is our Music has everything: good playing, fancy picking, fun songs, amazing harmonies, and music that covers all the bases – Jazz, Folk, Rag Time, R&B, Americana and even Classic  Roc to Jam Band. The Bottom Line WARNING - If you listen to this CD – you run the risk of realizing how joyous life can truly be. What else is music for?
 
Markus Druery
Indieshark Music Critic
 
      - Markus Druery Indieshark Music Critic

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I listened to the latest CD from Belgium based Acoustic Quartet The Full Moon Orchestra who just released his latest CD entitled: "This is Our Music" in 2012. Venturing to their website I get the impression these 4 are extremely determined, dedicated and passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish this CD from The Full Moon Orchestra is a very entertaining musical experience all around. It has a very warm and inviting Pop-Rock-Jazz quality to it, and even dabbles in what I can Fusion-Rock. It also reminds me of classic Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, Paul Simon and Cat Stevens. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release from The Full Moon Orchestra. It's clearly marketed for those who like a male vocal front with amazing musicianship in the background. I get the impression these cats are letting it all hang out via this compelling 10 track line up. In other words they hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who they are musically. Favorite tracks for me include (um marrion dans la poche), (In the Distance), and (My Babies Crying Again). The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent artist. Within each one of these pieces Frank Rose Duffy and company bare their soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo. It offers much in the way of passion and compelling-thought musical landscaping. The playing from these 4 is spot on and just makes the whole CD even more enjoyable. The overall vibe of the production is very uplifting and cheerful with pockets of hope shining through.

I don't care for the band name. A bit confusing as there are 4 of 5 other bands/projects that share the same moniker. Very confusing.

I see The Full Moon Orchestra as a diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by we will no doubt hear more from them. They are a multi million dollar record contract waiting to happen of you ask me. I also wouldn't be surprised to hear her music on the Radio someday or even in a feature film or TV production. I'm also eager to see what the future holds for The Full Moon Orchestra.

In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what "it" is but The Full Moon Orchestra have whatever "it" may be.

Michael Morrison
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)
Rating: 10/10
- Michael Morrison