Deviations Project is a progressive look into many of the most delicate and famed compositions in history, merging skillful performance with modern electronic production. Deviations' is renowned producer Dave Williams and international violin virtuoso Oliver Lewis. Pieces such as Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake", Bizet's "Carmen" and Bach's "Sonata in G minor" are recreated with modern technology, presenting the listener with something fresh, loosely familiar and remarkably exciting. Contemporary compositions, including Dave William's own masterpieces, John Williams' "Theme From Schindler's List" and Fleetwood Mac's "Albatross" blend in perfectly with the classical works, at the same time adding character to the album and identifying a style and genre the Deviations project can call their own.
The wide range of experience between Dave Williams and Oliver Lewis is apparent throughout the album. Known for his record breaking speed, (he currently holds the world record for the fastest performance of "Flight of the Bumblebee") Oliver Lewis received his musical start as a child prodigy with the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. As a professional musician he has performed with the Bern Symphony Orchestra, Heidelberg Chamber Orchestra, and as the star of Spirit of the Dance. His concerts have taken him throughout Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Asia, Brazil, and even to Trinidad where he performed for the president of Trinidad & Tobago. Currently Oliver plays regular recitals at the Wigmore Hall and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, both of which are box office sellouts. In contrast, Dave Williams began his musical career playing with best friend John Deacon (bassist of Queen) in several different bands. After completing his A levels and receiving a degree in Art + Design, Dave Williams became a songwriter for Warner/Chappell, creating musical jingles for TV & Radio and can be heard all over the world. Most recently, Oliver performed the work of Dave Williams to over two billion people on national TV in Asia.
The self-titled debut begins with the hypnotic "Really Big Swans," also known as "Four Little Swans" by Tchaikovsky. Immediately the listener is drawn into a mysterious, upbeat, and compelling world, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. From the wistful "Carmen" to "Tocata in Fog", with its soaring crescendos and dynamic intensity, the listener eagerly begins to anticipate each note. Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" (known on the album as "Les Belles") pairs the violin with the keyboard, leaving a mystical sensation. In contrast, pieces such as "She Too", and the Saint-Saëns classic "The Swan", move at a slower pace, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the album. The electronic presence in Deviations compliments the styles and compositions perfectly, never once overshadowing the splendor and emotion that seeps from Oliver's violin. If anything it acts to enhance the compositions, adding power and texture.
Once described as Paganini meets Royksopp, Deviations is an incredible mix of "State of the Art" electronic computer technology and the pure, inspiring tones of the acoustic classical violin. Light hearted yet vibrant, Deviations' self titled debut is essential for music enthusiasts. This album revives standards and invigorates fresh new compositions, creating instant classics. Hailed by the New Zealand media as "…the fastest fiddler in the west…" Oliver's "hyper active bow shredding" style will dazzle you with the unparalleled panache of a true virtuoso.
