I decided not to go see a show due to the "Jaz" sound and the BFO. I suppose I am RM fan firstly and then secondly and I suppose inevitably a BF fan. I didn't buy the 80's & 90's stuff that he did. I liked Frantic a lot, but not been bothered about anything since Frantic, so for me, I guess not going was the right thing. I hope the forthcoming album is better and of course new stuff.

le freak, I don't mean to be bleak (or even that much of a DQ - at least not in this instance!).

I'm just reacting to what I saw in the youtube clips and considering it in light of interviews BF as given over the past few months. And although last year he was talking about recording a new album of new material (that was back in April 2012 when he first engaged the services of CO on drums), earlier this year he mentioned in an interview that he was thinking that the new album would (likely/largely) be a covers album - and that connects with how Move On Up has showed up in the set list with a great big band arrangement.

Anyway, I wish that BF would reconnect with Roxy someday, but that day moves farther into the future given the quality of the ensemble employed for BF's German gigs. Why would he want to give that up?

Who knows about any of this, but I don't read a whole lot into 'Move On Up' at that point of the setlist as it's not uncommon to include something unexpected like it in the finale. If there's an indication about new album content I'd read (with some disappointment) more into the inclusion of 'Back To Black', given its central place in the evening.
All will be revealed....

March Spinner interview with Bryan:-

"Last year, I did tour but I was in the studio and working on a new album of new stuff [with] guitars and everything else. A lot of different songs. What that will turn into, I don't know. The idea was to get it out next October, but we'll see if we make that date or not. They're so many pieces, it could end up either being all covers or all originals. It might be a blend."

In the Salon interview from February Bryan said:-

It sounds like there are three inspirations: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Yes, I think that’s right. I guess Louis Armstrong on the one hand, with his quite earthy New Orleans music, and then Duke Ellington, more New York, more sophisticated, more arranged. Since then we’ve done a few more bits like that, which will be appearing on “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack, the film that’s coming out in May.

I wonder if the Back to Black cover came about due to his work on the Great Gatsby soundtrack rather than being one that he had previously picked out to cover? Could he have been asked to do a his version to throw into the hat but they went with the Beyonce version for the film? Just a thought.

It's certainly at least a coincidence Roxy. Well considered!

In response to Roxy:

'I wonder if the Back to Black cover came about due to his work on the Great Gatsby soundtrack rather than being one that he had previously picked out to cover? Could he have been asked to do a his version to throw into the hat but they went with the Beyonce version for the film? Just a thought.'

I noticed in this Baz lurhman interview he states:

Now, in 3D, when you take music, you also almost have to think about it in 3D too, the layering of the music. There is one scene in the speakeasy, for example, where we go in a very short time from JAY Z rapping over a contemporary track, “100$ Dolla Bills,” into a jazz version of that contemporary track, into a piece of score, back to the contemporary track, back into traditional jazz by the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, and then end the scene with a new contemporary track that is jazz influenced.

http://www.flicksandbits.com/2013/04/05 ... ack/43788/

Bryan has obviously done more music for the film than just the two tracks on the 'soundtrack album'.....Perhaps B2B was from these gatsby sessions and features in the film mixed with Beyonce's version?

If so why the secrecy? ! ? surely he should be singing it from the rooftops?!

Thanks for that link FF, an interesting read.

I'm sure I read in another interview with Bryan a similar comment about doing stuff for the movie but also saying something like "not knowing what will make the final cut". I can't find the interview but it would explain why things are kept pretty quiet.

I had a chuckle when I this from the Baz Luhrman interview you posted:-

"and a Bryan Ferry cover of Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love”.

I assume that referrs to the BFO & Emelie Sande cover, not Bryan doing a Beyonce style booty shake whilst gazing down a wind tunnel

Fellow Ferryistas and Roxologists,
It is going to be very interesting to see what form the new album takes and wether or not it will be released in time to influence the UK leg set list of the maestro's tour?
Personally, when I consider TJA, the formation of the BFO and the great jazzed up arrangements of some standards currently in the list, I can't see the jazz and soul trend abating anytime soon.
I like this — the style suits him and is very appropriate for his increasingly Satchmoesque voice.
Regards,
Windswept

I agree Windswept - it would seem very odd to assemble this considerable ensemble to promote only TJA which will be a year old by the time the UK tour proper gets underway, albeit after what ought to be a further peak of interest courtesy of that splendid Gatsby chap. However I hope if the album does include covers in a jazz style, they're an inspired selection. For me, BTB is not indicative of this. I have faith though.
Touring together again with these formidable musicians, it would also be a shame if there wasn't at least a doff of the maestro's cap in the direction of ATGB on the UK dates.

Yes, it would have been a shame if a new project wouldn`t include this group of fantastic musicians. Perhaps as never before in his long career, BF has now found a balance of soul/jazz/pop. Let`s also hope for a live cd.
By the way, I like Bowie`s new album, even though not so much as I liked Heathen, but why on earth choose such an awful cover?