REVIEWS
Critical reviews:
Classical Candor 2023 CD review of Wachet Auf, BWV 645, also known as "Sleepers Wake", commissioned by Anne Akiko Meyers and featuring on her 2023 CD release ‘Mysterium’, arranged for solo violin with the Los Angeles Master Chorale (SATB) and organ by Len Rhodes.
“…the organ is employed quite tastefully, never calling attention it itself. This arrangement of the Bach…manage to combine the sound of the Chorale, accompanied at times by the organ, with the sound of the violin seeming to float gracefully above it. What is especially gratifying about these arrangements is that even though it is Anne Akiko Meyers who is the featured artist, her violin playing is tastefully integrated into the fabric of the music, not calling attention to itself but rather adding texture and color. Kudos to the arranger of the Bach selections…Len Rhodes, respect(ing) the music of the master, using (his) arrangements to highlight the beauty inherent in the original rather than to make any radical changes...”
Google AI - "A Night with Janis Joplin”
“The original music director for "A Night with Janis Joplin" was Len Rhodes. He also created the original music arrangements for the show. While Randy Johnson is credited as the playwright and director, Len Rhodes was responsible for the musical aspects of the production according to the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, OH.”
Jason DeBord, Subculture 04/17/12 - Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth at MGM Hollywood Theatre
Joining Tyson on stage were musicians – Len Rhodes, the musical director, Sabrina Elayne Carten serving as the vocalist/singer, and a four piece band. Interestingly, Tyson’s wife, Kiki Tyson, is credited as scripting the affair.
Dan St. Yves, Calgary Herald, 4/19/2012 - Summer in the City, Stage West, Calgary
Kudos to music arranger Len Rhodes for a nice balance between respectful renderings, and some stellar re-imaginings, in particular a standout Lettermen/Four Seasons-styled medley of Lovin’ Spoonful hits midway through the first act.
Bethany Kovarik, Calgary Musicals, 4/9/2012 - Summer in the City, Stage West, Calgary
A show like this, however, would be nothing without the star talent behind the scenes, in this case... I have to give credit to music arranger Len Rhodes, who actually gets third billing in the programme after the creators, which tells you what an important role this plays in a show like this.
Jerry Ragovoy, Songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, 5/28/2011 - A Night with Janis Joplin, Portland Center Stage
... the arrangements by Len Rhodes... and the entire Portland-based band were all terrific. One Night with Janis Joplin is enjoyable from beginning to end (One Night with Janis Joplin, Portland Center Stage)
Melissa Manchester, 6/25/2011 - A Night with Janis Joplin, Portland Center Stage
I thought "Janis" was really wonderful. Your charts were really great. Great sound on the band as well. Mucho congratulations
Mark Arnest, Gazette Telegraph Arts Critic, 9/15/1995 - I Do! I Do, Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs
Len Rhodes does a fine job as both musical director and as accompanist...
Margaret Sillwood, Kentish Express Arts Critic, 2/6/1992 - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Kent, England
Director Len Rhodes, creator of the Oxney Theatre Centre, added fine sound effects including wailing air-raid sirens follow-up by birdsong. Rhodes... taught the young cast admirably to characterize their roles, speak well and move effectively on stage and to put over the song...numbers enjoyably.
Cheryl Harris, Bay Area Music Teachers Association, 5/17/1992
Mr. Leonard Rhodes recently served as a judge in our Musicianship Repertoire Festival. His critiques were insightful and covered a wide range of musical considerations. The teachers found that his critiques not only provided a clear evaluation of each student's performance in the festival, but also provided excellent suggestions for future musical development. He noted the strong points of each performance and addressed weaknesses in a sympathetic, encouraging way.
Jenny Balow, Kentish Express, Kent UK, 2/20/1992
The soundtrack was immaculately arranged, performed and recorded by Len Rhodes...
Michael Roberts, BBC Editor, Good Morning Sunday, 11/6/1991 - BBC's Choirgirl of the Year
Thank you so much for your work on the Choirgirl session, and for the wonderful arrangements...
Jean Trend, Celebrity Assistant for National Children's Home UK (1869), 12/19/1990
Thank you very much indeed on behalf of NCH, for stepping into the breach so wonderfully last night...everyone I spoke with afterwards said what a lovely concert it was... Patron: HM the Queen. President: The Rt Hon The Viscount Tonypandy, PC.
Joseph G. Wayman, Author, 9/6/1989 - Don't Burn Down the Birthday Cake and I Like Me
…I especially appreciate your creativity and flexibility in working with us. Your creative input helped give both our projects the sparkle and life I was looking for...
William Albright, Houston Post Critic, 11/27/1989 - A Christmas Carol, Alley Theatre, Houston
Len Rhodes composed, arranged and directed the atmospheric incidental music.
Roy Proctor, The Richmond News Leader Arts Editor, 7/20/1988 - The Adventures "Musical" of Pericles, Virgina Shakespeare Festival)
Rhodes' song and almost continuous musical underscoring owe a lot to the tradition of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Rhodes' best songs are wonderful....if Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice had gotten there first, "Pericles" ...might have been called "Pericles Superstar".
Marge Crumbacher, The Houston Post, 6/8/1988 - The Adventures "Musical" of Pericles, Virgina Shakespeare Festival)
Len Rhodes scores big with his original music. Composer Len Rhodes has put the final touches to a major original musical score titled The Adventures of Pericles, commissioned by the Virginia Shakespeare Festival in honor of its 10th anniversary...The score has 40 major songs for the large cast and chorus. Actually, it is opera proporations, totaling 300 pages of music.
David Nicholson, Staff Writer The Times Herald, 7/20/1988 - The Adventures "Musical" of Pericles, Virgina Shakespeare Festival)
Rhodes' score of non-stop music contained pleasant musical phrases such as the theme that represented Pericles' daughter. And there was variety as well, with orchestration that borrowed from blues, pop, and musical theatre.. A British native, Rhodes paid homage to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber in some passages.
Jim Bernhard, Alley Theatre Interim Artistic Director, Houston, 8/23/1988 - Beehive, Alley Theatre, Houston
Congratulations on the splendid work you did in BEEHIVE; the music, and indeed, the whole production were first rate.
G.Leslie Muchmore, Artistic Director, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, 9/1/1988 - The Adventures "Musical" of Pericles" - Original Score and Musical Composition by Len Rhodes
...The theatricality of the concept, the contemporary feeling of the music, and the truth to Shakespeare's treatment of romance, added up to an exciting evening...
William Albright, Houston Post Theater Critic, 8/25/1987 - Salonika, Stages Repertory Theater, Houston
The score is like a soundtrack...The overture is a pretty impressive affair, with a full orchestral sound, not just piano and flute.
Bill O'Rourke, Montrose Voice Houston Live, 6/19/1987 - Personals, Stages Repertory Theatre, Houston
Musical director Len Rhodes has everyone in fine form.
William Albright, Houston Post Theater Critic, 6/18/1987 - Personals, Stage Repertory Theatre, Houston
Fine keyboardist...Musical Director Len Rhodes...at Saturday's opening performance.
William Albright, The Houston Post Theater Critic, 12/1/1987 - Nite Club Confidential, Stages Repertory Theater, Houston
Music Director and pianist Len Rhodes...keeps the music percolating throughout.
Buzz Belmont, Reviewer for Public News, 12/2/1987 - Nite Club Confidential, Stages Repertory Theater, Houston
Skillful musical direction by Len Rhodes fast-pacees us through the mostly forgettable (with the exception of a few standards) '50's music.
William Albright, The Houston Post Theater Critic, 12/9/1986 - Leader of the Pack, Stages Repertory Theater, Houston
Len Rhodes led the fine four-member band from the grand piano.
Jeff Galligan, Director ~ Marat Sade, 1/30/1986
Dear Len, no amount of thanks could cover the effort that you have put into this show. Now the last direction - be happy, its good...its good thanks to you! I look forward to the time when I can offer you a job in a proper musical which we can work on from square one. You're a great talent! Enjoy the run. All thanks and love...
Richard F. Tuthill, Public News Reviewer, 3/1/1986 - Doonesbury, Stages Repertory Theatre, Houston
Musical Director Len Rhodes' four-man combo play Elizabeth Swados' fanciful score brilliantly.
William Albright, Houston Post Theater Critic, 3/1/1986 - Doonesbury, Stages Repertory Theatre, Houston
Len Rhodes' four-man combo player Swados' whimsically eclectic score effervescently.
Robert Gibbons, Public News Reviewer, 2/6/1986 - Marat/Sade, Main Street Theatre, Houston
There is quite a bit of music in this story of insanity and control. Musical Director Len Rhodes deserves applause for the manic clarity of the delivery.
Everett Evans, Houston Chronicle, 2/1/1986 - Marat/Sade, Main Street Theatre, Houston
Len Rhodes leads the four-piece band in a lively performance of Richard Peaslee's evocative score.
Marge Crumbacher, The Houston Post, 11/24/1985 - Special Lady Release
Songwriter-pianist Len Rhodes, who moved here from London, has his composition out on Paylode, the label of Comstock Records of Kansas...titled "Special Lady - She Won't Show.
Brian Ross, Starborn Records International, 12/15/1985 - Special Lady Play
My Special Lady" written by Len Rhodes, was played on 130 stations across the country...Len Rhodes, a bright and talented producer...
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