Robert Kerr Ensemble
Songs Beyond the Mirror: Music from the Disney Songbook
Cosplay Records
It’s become such an oft-cast kudo that it barely packs any punch anymore. However, in the case of the latest release from the Robert Kerr Ensemble, it certainly applies, as Songs Beyond the Mirror: Music from the Disney Songbook IS a magical record, indeed.
Fueled by Kerr’s original arrangements, Songs Beyond the Mirror scratches more than a mere nostalgia itch. While the 11-track collection covers such timeless treasures as “Chim Chim Cheree” from Mary Poppins and “Be Prepared” from The Lion King, it also visits new millennium favorites, including “Le Festin” from Ratatouille and “Pirates Medley Part 1 and 2” from Pirates of the Caribbean. The record even steps outside the acknowledged Disney zone, reimagining “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and “This Is Halloween” from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
But wait! There’s more!
Produced by Kerr and Cosplay Records founders Jerry and Michelle Jones, Songs Beyond the Mirror benefits beautifully from the world-class digital audio technology of Orlando’s Cosplay studio. In fact, nothing gets lost in the recording process. Throughout the 35-minute running time, every note, every string, every ounce of passion — it’s all crystal clear.
Comprised of Kerr (violin), Sacha Phelps (violin), Michelle Jones (viola), and Yamilet Trujillo (cello), the quartet delivers the type of performances that one would expect from such a seasoned and celebrated ensemble. Renowned cellist Armen Ksajikian also makes guest appearances on “The Mandelorian Theme” and “Pirates Medley Part 1 and 2) — delivering additional bang for the buck, as Ksajikian is the featured cellist on those original film and television soundtracks.
In sum, for those who love classical music, crave Disney movies, or both, Songs Beyond the Mirror is a superb piece of work — a record that’s well worth a spin.
Songs Beyond the Mirror Track List
01. I Can Go The Distance – 3:38 *Hercules
02. A Million Dreams – 4:38 *The Greatest Showman
03. We Don’t Talk About Bruno – 3:16 *Encanto
04. Chim Chim Cheree – 4:06 *Mary Poppins
05. The Mandalorian Theme (Featuring Armen Ksajikian) – 3:47 *The Mandalorian
06. This Is Halloween – 3:06 *The Nightmare Before Christmas
07. Le Festin – 2:51 *Ratatouille
08. Be Prepared – 2:46 *The Lion King
09. Married Life – 1:50 *Up
10. Pirates Medley Part 1 (Featuring Armen Ksajikian) – 2:20 *Pirates of the Caribbean
11. Pirates Medley Part 2 (Featuring Armen Ksajikian) – 4:03 *Pirates of the Caribbean
