A Splash of Pops

Designed as an aural souvenir of the Boston Pops' annual Fourth of July concert, A Splash of the Pops is another celebration of America and Americana. Although it contains a handful of new orchestral pieces, such as "With Voices Raised," it is primarily a celebration of classic American music, both classical pieces and pop songs alike. Of course, there's not a whole lot of pop songs — the "Overture to State Fair," "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," and Paul Simon's "America" are chief among them — but they fit in well with "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Stars and Stripes Forever," "1812 Overture," "America the Beautiful," and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" because Keith Lockhart's arrangements and conducting give it all a uniform style that is distinctly, undeniably the Pops. It's to Lockhart's credit that he keeps the tradition of the Pops alive while subtly developing his own style; this is certainly a Pops record, but he's infusing the group with his own taste, such as Paul Simon. And that's what makes A Splash of the Pops so entertaining — not only does it capture the feeling of a Pops Fourth of July concert, it sounds contemporary, as well.