The Zombies have begun what they are calling their last tour performing the full “Odessey and Oracle” album on the 50th anniversary of their recording at EMI Records’ Abbey Road Studios in London.
The 1967-released “Odessey and Oracle” by British Invasion super stars, The Zombies, was originally performed and recorded by: Colin Blunstone, lead vocalist, Rod Argent, pianist, harpsichordist, Mellotron, vocals, Paul Atkinson, guitarist, Chris White, bassist and Hugh Grundy, drummer, at London’s Abbey Road and Olympic Studios.
Ironically, the band had already parted ways when their second album became an unexpected smash in 1969. Jam-packed with one-off harmonic changes, unique themes and floating harmonies, the band quickly garnered an international audience. “Time of the Season,” has since been covered by major choral groups, rap and hip-hot artists and creative instrumentalists. Blunstone’s evocative range and Argent’s jazz-edged accents inspire standing ovations to this day.
In 2008, The Zombies elected to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album’s release with the four remaining members of the original lineup. Their efforts resulted in vast critical acclaim, as well as a new generation of fans. True to form, they accepted the challenge of painstakingly reproducing that recording, despite major challenges—Argent went so far as to interpret “Butcher’s Tale” on a difficult-to-locate Victorian pump organ!
Since the time of that recording, The Zombies have recorded additional hits. “Still Got That Hunger” and “Breathe Out, Breathe In” found them blurring genres with the same infectious enthusiasm that launched their timeless career.
In a rare appearance, the contemporary lineup of The Zombies (Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, Tom Toomey and Jim Rodford) are offering their many fans the opportunity to hear “Odessey and Oracle” performed once again, as they interpret their signature album vis a vis the highest standards. “Odessey and “Oracle” was included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest albums of All Time” for all the right reasons, which is one of the best reasons to see them live.
The tour continues in the states through the May.
