Vov Dylan Orchestras & Ensembles for all Functions, Shows and Events

"The Affair" has been my first commercial recording release, and i would like to take this opportunity to explain the inspiration and aims of this album.

My first inspiration comes from my father Evan Elsley. Some of my earliest memories are from sitting on the side of the stage listening to him playing and leading small orchestras and ensembles. It is from these occasions that i can first recall wanting to lead my own orchestras.

My second inspiration comes from my mother, who from a very early age introduced me to the great Hollywood musicals of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby etc. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from her I spending Sunday Lunch times watching Bill Collins's classic movies, and the musicals were always the highlight.

My exposure to music was widely eclectic from the classics through to the most recent modern hits, and as I have become a full time working musician in my own right, I have learn 't to play multiple styles of music.

The 'sound' that always captured my attention the most was that of the dance bands and 'sweet music' orchestras of the 1930's and early 1940's. The sound was based on a solid rhythm section driven by Double Bass, Guitar and Piano - with a combination of strings and winds on top.

I have altered this concept mildly, where I have still arranged all pieces with Double Bass Piano and Guitar as the core - but the melodies and harmonies reside in the strings with no wind or brass or percussion section. Counter melodies and further texture is added by Piano Accordion.

The sound is based on combining the ideas of the 30's orchestras with the Palm Court Orchestras of the late 19th century, along with a touch of Gypsy.

What is exciting about this sound is the ability to then adapt nearly all styles and pieces to this group in a unique way.

I am often asked in what scenario I see this album being played, what portion of the market I hope to capture....... I hope it is one that will be played as background music, in peoples homes, in restaurants, over meal and a glass of wine. I have also infused every track with a steady 'danceable beat', so i would hope that it would inspire some to get up and have a sway.

This album has slowly been coming into formation for nearly 5 years, as I learned pieces that audiences like, and as i forged relationships with a fantastic pool of musicians who are more than colleagues, but many are whom i would call good friends.

As the sound and musicians came into place, I met producer Peter Blyton, who was able to help pull the last strings together with the recording studio and technical experts.

Finally in January 2009, we got into the studio and we performed what many considered a miracle - recording 18 tracks in two days!

It then took the remainder of 2009, to find time to do the editing, mastering, cover and finally printing.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy the album, and I look forward to making a second one in the near future.