’Fascination’ – the irresistible charm of music, the allure of an exciting orchestra, the provocative arrangements and the winning artistry of Richard Hayman; they’re all here in a spelllbinding album that beguiles and bewitches with the fascination of pleasurable listening. First, there is the ’Fascination’ of nature, whose mysteries always seem to mesmerize man. What can be more spectacular than an Alpine crest piercing the clouds in a moment of grandeur? Perhaps the appeal of breezes whirling and whistling between snowcapped peaks in the lilting delight of Waltzing Winds. Another 3/4 time melody describes the undulating charm of a babbling brook rippling its way to deeper waters. Laura Newell is the harp soloist in this Babbling Brook Waltz, in which the Richard Hayman arrangement coaxes a wonderful variety of sounds from a wide range of musical innstruments. Similarly in Tune On A Reed he combines chimes, flutes, strings, celeste and oboe in a fanciful folk tune about the fairyfolk of Ireland and Scotland. Another selection that springs from the land and folk-like surroundings is the Western ballad, My Favorite Trail, liberally sprinkled with color and flavor. Then, there is the ’Fascination’ of a beautiful woman. She may be a little Italian girl with an undaunted spirit, as personified by the infectuous beat of a Bimba Mazurka. Or she may be the saucy and adroit female, whose name is derived from 16th century theatrical comedies...Columbine. In the language of music, “Columbine” means a sprightly novelty accentuated by the pizzicato strings, reeds, percussion and brass of the Richard Hayman Orchestra. Lastly, and perhaps most important of all she may be the most desirable of all women...the woman every man and even every woman wants at their side...Lady Luck, brought to life in a burst of instrumental flourish. ’Fascination’ may also apply to a mood – a rapturous moment, a gratifying feeling, an interesting disposition. It is expressed by a Fantasia to dream by...thoughts set to music by an inventive harmonica, whimsical flutes and quixotic strings, complemented by pipe-dreaming brass and a visionary English horn...all in waltz time. It is the spirit that pervades over the feeling of rejection with a promise of a brighter road ahead, as exemplified by the upbeat measures of the Not For Me blues. Or, perhaps, it is the joyful verve of the title tune, with its happy-go-lucky harmonica solos, jaunty vibes and capersome woodwinds. Finally, it may be the ’Fascination’ of a far-away place with an exotic flair. The setting may be the historic Spanish port city of Cadiz, where the night air is filled with the sounds of clapping hands, the inviting beat of flamenco dancing and singing, and the orchestral rhythms of an exciting march. Or in Trinidad, across the ocean, as the Hayman orchestra recreates the sounds of steel bands through the kaleidoscope of color, the floats and spontaneous street revels that compose the spectacular fete...the Calypso Carnival.