The most immediate impression is that the recorded sound has finally lived up to the vitality and energy of the music – “The RRs” and “Impressions of the Season” were thin by comparison. “More” is expansive and enveloping, much easier to listen to.

The music is also engaging and adventuresome. “Russian Sailors” is something you must hear to believe. The RRs get something that most bell groups can only dream of: *real* *bass*. The Rimsky-Korsakov and the Rachmaninoff (“Prelude in c#”) use this extended range beautifully. The “Finale” from Firebird is an impressive piece, and no other ensemble currently playing could touch it, but it lacks the visceral impact that Stravinsky’s massive orchestra imparts.

The RRs are well-known for their continuing relationships with handbell composers, including Jergensen (“Puer Natus Est”), McChesney (“Tempest”), Helman (“Nocturne No. 2″), and Buckwalter (“Prayer for Healing”), and this recording is no exception. A special treat is a restoration of Payn’s classic “Nova,” with the publisher-stripped (“It’s too long, Bill.”) middle section restored to create his familiar A-B-A arch, which also shows up in the more recent “Pinnacle.”

It wouldn’t be a RR performance without a few marches, here “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and, of course, their signature rock tunes (anybody notice that “Raleigh Ringers” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll” both share an acronym?). Would you have thought to hear The Who on bells? Well, the RRs have “Pinball Wizard.” How about Kansas? Yup, they’ve got “Carry on Wayward Son.” In general, the arrangements are crisp and well translated. Being pretty much oblivious to the pop music scene, I found most of these to be fun, but not particularly attention-grabbing. Maybe if I could conjure fond memories of youthful rebellion to accompany these pieces, they’d stir me. To each his own!

Overall, this is a great disc for handbell enthusiasts and those who haven’t yet caught the bug. Better watch out, though – after a slice of the RRs, you’ll probably find yourself wanting… “More.”
Rating: 5 / 5