Over a century after their first incarnation,
the Band of H.M. Royal Marines released their first album with a major label (Decca), with this 17-track collection,
Summon the Heroes. Recorded at BBC's Maida Vale Studios under the guidance of musical director Lt. Col. Nick Grace, the Portsmouth-based group of musicians performs an array of traditional sea shanties and naval songs ("A Life on the Ocean Wave," "Hands Across the Sea") in addition to covers of pop songs originally recorded by
Rod Stewart ("Sailing") and
Faith Hill ("There You'll Be"), a collaboration with Blackpool tenor
Alfie Boe ("Over the Hills and Far Away"), and a unique musical adaptation of the 1939 original "The King's Speech." ~ Jon O'Brien