Record Exchange Boise

The Penguin Cafe Orchestra Directed by Andrew Harries Under its leader and composer Simon Jeffes, this ensemble has been making its own idiosyncratic brand of music since the mid-1970s, drawing on classical and avant-garde sources, as well as pop, folk and ethnic forms, with instruments ranging from the piano, cello, violin and drums, to the ukelele, electric guitar and penny whistle. A studio recording of performances by the PCO is punctuated with interviews in which they discuss their original and eclectic style. This programme celebrates the music of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra which, in the words of Simon Jeffes caters for an audience "capable of enjoying Wilson Pickett, Beethoven, the Rolling Stones, choral music from West Africa, Bach, Stravinksy, Irish bagpipe music and even Abba on the odd occasion".