Norrie Paramor, His Strings and Orchestra The Zodiac Suite [1959]

Capitol Records T10073

One of the many interesting things about The Zodiac Suite is its arresting cover art, which pictures an exotic woman surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. Norrie Paramor's early concept album presents 12 compositions, one for each sign of the zodiac, along with printed descriptions of the signs' alleged characteristics and how they are reflected in the music. The Zodiac Suite would be categorized as a mood music album and it is wonderfully dreamy and ethereal in places, but sometimes the arrangements sound more like orchestral pop or light classical music. "An Aries Aria" and "Ode to Pisces" use a wordless soprano to great effect and come closer than any of the other pieces to matching the exotica the cover promises. The complicated melodies, meticulous and varied arrangements, and inspired theme make The Zodiac Suite an intriguing and unusual find.

Tracklist:
01 An Aries Aria
02 Taurus Tango
03 The Gemini Waltz
04 Cancerian Concerto
05 Lonely Leo
06 The Impatient Virgo
07 A Libra Rhapsody
08 Seductive Scorpio
09 The Sagacious Sagittarius
10 Capricious Capricorn
11 Mood Aquarius
12 Ode To Pisces