After a little more than 40 years, founding members Ron and Russell Mael of the L.A.-based rock band Sparks are planning a two-night performance at the Theatre at Ace Hotel downtown. The siblings will also be accompanied by a 38-piece orchestra and will perform their third album Kimono My House in its entirety.
Their seminal classic, Kimono, is cited to have influenced a lot glam-rock and electronic music after its release. Along with performing the album proper the brothers will also perform other songs spanning their four-decade career. All of which are arranged specifically for these shows.
But this won't be the first time, the LP, which yielded "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us," was also performed seven years ago from beginning to end in London.
Russel Mael said of the upcoming performance, "We wanted the concert's orchestral arrangements to not simply be strings sweetening and playing behind a rock band but rather we wanted to do challenging, modern, complex arrangements."
He continued, "Members of the 38-piece Heritage Orchestra in London told us that this was an extremely difficult and challenging score for them to do."
Thus, in place of the Heritage Orchestra and conductor Jules Buckley, who performed at the London shows, Sparks this time will be supported by a local orchestra, assembled by part-time L.A. Philharmonic arranger-cum-conductor Suzie Katayama.
Katayama has recorded and toured with artists such as Bjork, Eric Clapton and more.
Don't miss the exceptional new concept by the Mael brothers this weekend.
Until then, keep up with them below.
Correction: It was reported that the Sparks members are "reuniting" for the performance but it's been noted that the group has not disbanded and recently recorded their 23rd album project.
