This album is clearly indicative of the universal appeal found in band music. In a ‘Hands Across The Sea’ gesture, All-American Band director Robert A. Williams has combined striking melodic strains from various parts of Europe with the brisk, intriguing rhythms of America. The result is a band concert of broad tonal range and instrumental color that admirably reflects the fiery, courageous spirit of march music. For music by the masters, there is the sonorous March Of The Mountain King by Norwegian composer Trygve Torjussen; the sweep and brilliance of Introduction To Act 3 from Richard Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin,’ and the kilts-and-bagpipes flavoring of Royal Scotch Highlanders by American composer Karl L. King. The city of Vienna, long an inspiration for culture and the arts, is the subject of a march that carries the apt dedication, Vienna, Forever. Then, from Vienna it is but a short hop to Venice and to the light, provocative interpretation of Dance Of The Hours from Ponchielli’s opera, ‘La Gioconda.’ On the American scene, the listener is treated to the glory and swashbuckling air of the 105th Cavalry March; the smooth and jaunty Hardin, honoring the Kentucky county where Lincoln was born; and the stimulating reminder of one of our most prized possessions, Liberta. The All-American Band links these and other selections in a knowledgeable and exciting musical grasp of ‘Hands Across The Sea.’