Close Encounters of The Third Kind & Other Great Space Music. A 1978 studio-recording of selected suites from John Williams score, very successfully performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. The "suite" is divided into five segments that feature some of the best material John Williams has written for this landmark score. The orchestra is outstanding, particularly the brass section, who manage to blast out notes low enough to register below the heels of boots!. An unusual feature of this album is an atmospheric synthesized variation of Williams 5-note theme, which acts as an effective prelude. The second half of this recording hosts a selection of non-film music (by other composers) in ambient and/or orchestral form. "Skyride" (by A. Bunny) is a particular standout, with its hypnotic rhythm and jazz-inflected melody. Composer J. Johnson delivers a Holst-inspired march entitled "Orion", which is also a joy. Paul Fishman (producer of the album) contributes some of his own impressionistic electronic compositions, which are admittedly old-school but this was the 1970s! The orchestral segments (conducted by Frank Barber) stand firm, despite the aged production values of the recording.

A little piece of interesting additional information:Paul Fishman was the keyboards and electronics player in the band Absolute Elsewhere, who issued one album of highly atmospheric electronic music, under the title 'In Search Of Ancient Gods: An Experience In Sound And Music Based On The Books Of Erich Von Däniken'. I wish they would reissue this album (Close Encounters Of The Third Kind...) on CD - it really would be worth having that!