Tune in tonight to NRN Radio for an exclusive feature on the groundbreaking release, Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony: A Historic Live Recording. This monumental album captures the unforgettable collaboration between the funk collective Lettuce and the Colorado Symphony during their spectacular performance at Denver’s Boettcher Concert Hall in November 2018. Available in both CD and 3LP formats, the album is packed with energy, orchestral grandeur, and a touch of the unexpected.
The release includes two previously unreleased tracks, “New Intro” and “Requiem,” which make this live recording even more special for fans of both the band and the symphony. The fusion of Lettuce’s signature funk grooves with the majestic sound of the Colorado Symphony presents a genre-bending moment in music history that you won’t want to miss.
A Dream Collaboration
For Lettuce, performing with the Colorado Symphony was more than just another show. It was a dream realized — a chance to take their electrifying, high-energy funk sound to a grander, symphonic scale. Known for their dynamic live shows, Lettuce was able to push their creative boundaries, blending the raw energy of funk with the refined, complex arrangements of the orchestra. For band members who have always valued musical diversity, the opportunity to work with one of the country’s top orchestras was an honor that left a lasting impression.
The band’s excitement is evident as they shared in a statement: “To be able to share this performance with the world in multiple formats feels surreal.” The acoustics of Boettcher Concert Hall, renowned for its pristine sound, allowed the fusion of genres to truly shine. This historic performance isn’t just a celebration of their artistry — it’s a musical revelation that brings together the worlds of funk and classical music in a way that’s both thrilling and new.
The Magic of New Intro and Requiem
A key highlight of this release are the two previously unheard tracks, “New Intro” and “Requiem,” adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. “New Intro” opens the performance with a burst of fresh energy, drawing listeners into the vibrant, intricate rhythms that define Lettuce’s sound. The track serves as a perfect introduction, establishing a sense of anticipation that carries throughout the entire show. The symphony’s lush instrumentation elevates the funk foundation to a new height, creating a sonic experience that is both expansive and intimate.
“Requiem,” on the other hand, brings a deeper, more introspective energy to the performance. With its emotional depth, it highlights the band’s ability to tap into more dramatic and contemplative territory. The symphony’s lush strings and brass amplify the emotion behind the composition, making “Requiem” a standout moment of the album — one that encapsulates the band’s versatility and the power of their collaboration with the orchestra.
A Historic Moment for Funk and Classical Music
Lettuce’s collaboration with the Colorado Symphony might have initially seemed unlikely, but the resulting synergy is undeniable. The union of funk and classical elements blurs the lines between these two genres in a way that has never been done before, creating something that is fresh, innovative, and emotionally charged. The orchestral arrangements breathe new life into Lettuce’s compositions, adding a level of complexity and grandeur to their already dynamic sound.
This collaboration is a testament to the power of musical experimentation. It proves that when artists from different genres come together, the result can be nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Lettuce or a classical music enthusiast, this live recording offers a one-of-a-kind listening experience that transcends genres.
Surreal and Special: A Moment in Time
For Lettuce, the release of this historic collaboration in multiple formats is nothing short of surreal. This was an “honor of a lifetime,” as the band described, and now fans across the globe have the opportunity to experience the magic of that night in Denver. The performance is more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of what can happen when musical worlds collide in perfect harmony.
The collaboration between Lettuce and the Colorado Symphony is a powerful reminder of the beauty that emerges when creativity, passion, and artistry are allowed to flourish without boundaries. Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony is not just an album; it’s a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come. It exemplifies the limitless possibilities that arise when two distinct forces — one rooted in the raw energy of funk, the other in the sophisticated world of symphonic music — come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Don’t miss tonight’s NRN Radio shows as we dive into this remarkable release. Hear the full story behind the collaboration, the magic of the live performance, and the special moments that made this album a historic release. Let the sounds of Lettuce and the Colorado Symphony take you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget.