Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 2008
Joy--Ventures Play The Classics
Bach’s Prelude
Bach's Prelude
demonstrates the versatility of the band in exploring different musical styles, while maintaining The Ventures characteristic sound.
It also showcases the band's ability to take great songs and arrange them “Ventures Style”.
Bob Bogle has said this album was one of his favorites to record.
The Ventures had often reached into past eras for great songs to interpret, such as Perfidia, Blue Moon, and Lullaby Of The Leaves from the Big Band Era. Joy – The Ventures Play The Classics was, however, a horse of a different color because the Ventures went back considerably further in time.
The album contains versions of works by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Ravel, Prokofieff, Tchaikovsky, and Ketelbey, all complete with orchestral backing and largely traditional arrangements. The songs are, however, unmistakably Venturized. Mel Taylor was reported to have thoroughly enjoyed researching the classical compositions for this album. He allegedly viewed the research as a highlight of this Ventures period.
Bob Bogle handled the lead guitar chores on most of the cuts, while guest artist Larry Taylor (Canned Heat), Mel Taylor's brother, handled most of the bass chores. This is a fascinating package and very entertaining.