Keeping Track - Dateline September 2005

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ERIC COATES : LONDON AGAIN Footlights, The Three Men Suite, The Selfish Giant, London Again Suite, Cinderella, Summer Days Suite, Television March Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Wilson AVIE AV2070, timing 79:00 mins. John Wilson has already recorded two albums for ASV namely ‘Under the Stars’ - CD WHL2107 and ‘The Enchanted Garden’– CD WHL2112 featuring the orchestral music of the ‘King of British Light Music’ and when the latter of this pair appeared in 1998 the accompanying literature revealed the fact that he would be recording more discs of music by Eric Coates and a release of orchestral music by Robert Farnon. Both projects would now appear to have been abandoned by ASV but the French Label Avie have gallantly stepped into the breach and ‘picked up the baton’, at least as far as Eric Coates is concerned, and have produced a superbly impressive quality product – with the help of John Wilson of course! There is no sense here of a ‘paired down’ performance to save expense as a quick glance at the orchestral personnel listed helpfully at the back of the sleeve notes reveals! Of the many delights contained on this very generously filled disc I must highlight the ‘London Again Suite’ receiving its finest ever modern recording far outclassing Adrian Leaper’s version with the CSRSO (Bratislava) with its lack lustre strings on MARCO POLO 8.223445. The Langham Place elegy in particular is invested with a poignancy and wistfulness which is exceptionally touching whilst the hustle and bustle of the opening Oxford Street movement is well conveyed. A warm welcome too for both ‘The Three Men Suite’ and‘Summer Days Suite’ both also the lucky recipients of modern technology. In the former suite there’s a gorgeously full toned saxophone in ‘The Man about Town’ whilst there’s a clever fugal treatment of‘Three Blind Mice’ in the concluding movement – ‘The Man from the Sea’. The ‘Summer Days Suite’was recorded for Lyrite by Sir Adrian Boult and the New Philharmonic Orchestra in the late 1970’s but this LP, as far as I know, has never been released in CD format and, in any case, Sir Adrian unaccountably omitted the enchanting middle movement ‘On the Edge of the Lake’ from his recording. In John Wilson’s talented direction the whole suite has never sounded fresher or more magical. The two substantial orchestral Phantasias included on this new release namely ‘The Selfish Giant’ and ‘Cinderella’ have rarely sounded more persuasive or winning or had stronger advocacy than they receive here. The disc is rounded off very satisfyingly by the rousing ‘Television March’ – a considerable rarity commissioned by the BBC to launch the resumption of their television service after the Second World War in 1946. The art deco Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool seems to be blessed with excellent acoustics allowing for an exceptionally wide ranging, spacious and detailed recording and John Wilson has clearly inspired the Liverpool orchestra who respond magnificently with glorious, whole hearted and stylish playing. This is undoubtedly a notable and significant addition to the growing and welcome Coates discography and one to rank alongside the highly regarded Chandos disc of ‘The Symphonic Eric Coates’ available on CHAN 9869 on which Rumon Gamba conducted the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and reviewed by our esteemed editor in JIM No 152 p79. With generous playing time and with such impeccable credentials, this disc should have wide appeal – no self respecting light music enthusiast should surely contemplate life without it! Roger Hyslop

MANTOVANI The Magic of Mantovani ¹vocals by Jack Plant; ²vocal by Ken Crossley Three Coins In The Fountain, When The Rose Of Tralee Met Danny Boy¹, The Luxembourg Polka, The Skaters Waltz, The Midnight Waltz, Tango De La Luna, La Cumparsita, Jamaican Rhumba, Swedish Rhapsody, Charmaine, Moulin Rouge [Theme From], Diane, Some Enchanted Evening, Come Back To Sorrento, Tipica Stomp, Boomps A Daisy², The Warsaw Concerto, Oh Mama Mia [Look At The Moon]¹, Autumn Leaves, La Mer Signature SIGNCD2255, 65:35 mins. This extremely attractive mishmash has for openers a favourite stereo recording from 1958 juxtaposed with a late 1930s song: the first of two never before issued in long-playing format. Later on, alongside some of Monty’s most famous and best-loved numbers from the 50s and early 60s, we have a swinging 1937 version of Tipica Stompand another track with vocal recorded for Columbia in 1939. The material is on the whole well produced, although probably more from disc than the original tapes. I understand that Waves Restoration audio tools were used but, unfortunately, due to the quality of the original recording there are two "clunks" on Swedish Rhapsody. This piece also suffered at the hands of the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society [MCPS] who, when the track listings were submitted to gain the relevant licence, amended the composer from Alfven to Wildman! All this aside, if you are not a big Monty fan but would like a representative disc in recognition of a celebrated musician in his centenary year, then at only £2.99 [yes, £2.99], look no further. The CD liner is also of good quality and our friend Colin MacKenzie reckons it is worth getting hold of if only for the splendid photo of the Maestro on the cover. Peter Burt Available in the UK from Barnardo’s Charity Shops or direct from Fastforward Music Ltd, 1 Sorrel Horse Mews, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1LN, England [UK postage £1, overseas postage at current Royal Mail rate]

ELGAR : MARCHES Pomp & Circumstance Marches Op 39 Nos: 1 in D Major, 2 in A Minor, 3 in C Minor, 4 in G Major, 5 in C Major, Coronation March Op 65, Funeral March (Grania & Diarmid) Op 42, March from Caractacus Op 35, March of the Mogul Emperors Op 66, No 4, Empire March, Polonia – Symphonic Prelude Op 76. New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by James JuddNAXOS 8.557273 total timing 79:00 minutes. Naxos have made an inspired choice here in the conductor James Judd, a notable Elgarian whose recording of that composer’s First Symphony with the Hallé Orchestra on the Carlton IMP Label merited not only three stars but also the accolade of a rosette in the Penguin CD Guide indicating a recording of special distinction. Most but not quite all of Elgar’s works in march tempo are included here with the set of the five Pomp & Circumstance Marches taking centre stage and rivalling any of the alternative versions currently available irrespective of price. Of the remaining items the Coronation March for the 1911 Coronation of King George V is at nearly eleven minutes somewhat distended and I could not help harbouring the rather subversive thought that Sousa’s alternative intended for the same august occasion is more successful and has the additional virtue of greater conciseness – see JIM issue 159 p69. The other marches range from the dramatic as evidenced in the Triumphal March from the cantata ‘Caractacus’ to the beautifully moving and solemn Funeral March from ‘Grania & Diarmid’. It was a good idea to round the disc off with a more substantial work – the rarely heard and performed symphonic prelude‘Polonia’ written in 1915 in aid of the Polish Victims’ Relief Fund and incorporating suitable and appropriate Polish melodies. These are sensitive, idiomatic and sure footed performances from James Judd and he coaxes playing from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra which is both accomplished and sensitive. With vivid detailed recording, a fine sense of spectacle and splendour and maximum playing time, an astonishing bargain and yet another feather in the already overcrowded Naxos cap! Roger Hyslop

ERIC JUPP & his ORCHESTRA The Rockin’ Strings Try A Little Tenderness, Tree In The Meadow, The Very Thought Of You, The Two Of Us, If You Change Your Mind, We’ll Meet Again, I’m In A Dancing Mood, Georgia On My Mind, Garden In The Rain, The Touch Of Your Lips, If I Had You, Goodnight Sweetheart Music For Sweethearts Let Me Call You Sweetheart, How Deep Is The Ocean, The Very Thought Of You, ‘Deed I Do, The Kiss In Your Eyes, If You Were The Only Girl In The World, Moonglow, It’s Magic, Love Walked In, If I Had A Talking Picture Of You, You Are My Heart’s Delight, I Love You Truly Vocalion CDLK 4294, 67:21 mins. Mike Dutton has done it again with this 2-on-1 that includes the re-issue of an LP I never thought to hear on CD. ‘Music For Sweethearts’is based on a late-evening BBC radio series much loved by my newlywed wife and I at the end of the 50s. Here we have a warm wash of strings complementing the superb alto sax of Bill Povey, the terrific trumpet of Stan Roderick and the special style of Mr Jupp’s own piano playing. Perfect music to match the mood. ‘The Rockin’ Strings’ is something else entirely – high strings, a beat and wordless female chorus. The original sleeve note opines that "the outcome is guaranteed to evoke pleasure and satisfaction with every listener". Not with this one, it didn’t! Good tunes, ‘though, and the CD is worth getting for the lovely ‘Sweethearts’ album alone. Peter Burt

SHELLEY VAN LOEN AND THE PALM COURT STRINGS – ‘In the Shade of the Palms’ In the Shade of the Palms, These Foolish Things, Tango of the Night, Lady of Spain, Love's Old Sweet Song, La Comparsita, In a Dream, Por Una Cabeza, Butterflies in the Rain, Hampden Roar, Roses of Picardy, Tango Yvonne, Beggars' Romance, Two Guitars, Song of Capri. Palm Court Records - PALM CCD2. The term 'Palm Court' is generally attributed to the BBC who, in the mid-twenties commenced live broadcasts from the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne performed by Albert Sandler and his Orchestra on a stage bedecked with potted palms. These broadcasts, later transferred to the studio and titled 'Grand Hotel', were heard regularly until the 1970's and were revived again during the 1980’s. The tradition of salon music is still maintained at Eastbourne by Shelley Van Loen and the Palm Court Strings whose latest CD will be welcomed by all who enjoy melodious music impeccably played. For this album, special emphasis has been given to the compositions and arrangements of Fred Hartley - pianist, composer, arranger, orchestra leader and one-time Head of Light Music at the BBC. Three of his original compositions are included, of which my favourite is 'Hampden Roar', a 1963 piece often played on the BBC Light Programme and which was performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra in the very last edition of 'Legends of Light Music'. As for the Hartley arrangements - I have always considered his version of 'Lady of Spain' to be the ultimate arrangement of this famous tune but I think you'll feel a tingle go down your spine when you hear 'These Foolish Things'. Shelly's sensitive treatment of this popular standard would be hard to surpass. This is not the only piece on this album in which the Palm Court Strings effectively recreate the sound of Fred Hartley and his Music. The recipe for a good album is to provide a mixture of the familiar and the not so familiar. In this latter category is Francis Chagrin's 'Beggars' Romance', specially arranged for Shelley by our good friend Philip Lane. Another title new to me was 'Por Uno Cabeza', arranged for the strings by Chris Walker, It is a super tango which was featured in the films 'The Scent of A Woman' and 'True Lies'. Indeed, there are several tangos in Shelley's selection and I was delighted at the inclusion of 'Tango Yvonne' by Bernard Monshin, whose Rio Tango Band is fondly remembered for its countless radio broadcasts. There could hardly be a more appropriate opening number (and title tune) for this album than Reginald King’s 'In the Shade of the Palms' - a lovely warm piece which is so typical of its composer's work. In fact it is the word 'warmth’ that best sums up this album as a whole. Shelley van Loen produced it herself, so she knew exactly what she wanted of it and has certainly been successful. Quite apart from the lovely programme, you will be very impressed by the sound quality and balance which are first-class. With its 'drawing room’ acoustics it is the perfect fireside companion - but don't wait until Christmas, order it today! Brian Reynolds available direct from Shelley Van Loen, Manor Farm Stables, North Green, Kirtlington, Oxon. OX5 33Z, England - tel.01869 351 990. Price £12 (which includes UK p&p).

GUILD LIGHT MUSIC Highdays and Holidays (Bosworth 78s) GLCD5115; In Town Tonight (1930s – Volume 2) GLCD5116 (for full tracklistings see pages 17 & 21 in this issue) Regular aficionados of this series will have noticed that all recent releases have carried a subtitle, usually named for one of the tracks. The Bosworth CD is thus called Highdays and Holidays (after the Peter Yorke composition) and breaks new ground, insomuch as it is the first Guild issue to be devoted to the music of just one publisher, whilst at the same time featuring several different orchestras and conductors; this is in contrast to GLCD 5107, an all-Chappell programme solely played by the QHLO under Charles Williams. Bosworth was amongst the first of the London publishers to create a library of pre-recorded music on 78 r.p.m. discs alongside Boosey & Hawkes, and the earliest recordings on the new CD date from the late ’30s, whilst the latest are from the early ’50s. As far as I know, Haydn Wood always published his work via either B&H or Chappells; therefore Sketch of a Dandy seems to be unique, for this composition dating from late in his career was placed with Bosworth, and recorded in 1952 by Louis Voss and his orchestra. The latter did a great deal of work for the company, and appears as conductor on roughly half of the 27 tracks. By the late ’40s, the aforementioned Charles Williams, having by then relinquished his role as Chappell’s musical director, offered a few works to other publishers; three of these feature on the disc. Conversely, Albert Ketelbey published most of his output via Bosworth, although he is only represented by two titles here. There are plenty of familiar names and some less well known; amongst these, I must mention George Crow, whose composition Wild Goose Chase (a sort of non-pizzicato Holiday for Strings) was aired on the BBC by Desmond Carrington in the late ’80s, and through a fortunate chain of subsequent events eventually led me to join the RFS! Crow was a pianist and conductor, who had his own West End "celebrity" orchestra around the time of WWII and afterwards fronted a "Big Band" in the northern English resort of Scarborough. In 1957 he conducted one season of the famous Scarborough Light Music concerts and eventually joined the New Zealand Broadcasting Commission as a TV producer. Bosworth also had a strong European connection, from which spring some interesting pieces, including a first-class performance of Gerhard Winkler’s Neapolitan Serenade. All-in-all this is a really superb collection and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The subtitle of Volume 2 of the 1930s is "In Town Tonight" – there are no prizes for guessing that Eric Coates’ Knightsbridge March is included, albeit in a wonderfully unconventional performance by the BBC Dance Orchestra under Henry Hall. I vividly remember this particular Columbia recording from my childhood – the parents of my closest school friend always seemed to be playing it when I visited! With one exception (an Erich Börschel composition from the Bosworth library) all tracks originate from commercial 78s, many on the Columbia, HMV and Parlophone labels of EMI; this company was pre-eminent in the field of sound recording at that time. Indeed, the final (bonus) track contains a rare experimental stereo (described as "binaural") recording from 1934; this employed the pioneering 2-channel recording system invented and patented by Alan Blumlein, the brilliant engineer who played a crucial role in many of EMI’s pre-war technological developments, including the world’s first high-definition television system for the BBC in 1936. The CD contains twenty excellent tracks including four "selections" – I was particularly taken by Charles Shadwell’s Happy Selection and theIce Rink Selection by Debroy Somers. There was a vogue in the 1930s for orchestral performances featuring a solo organ – I imagine that these were actually recorded in cinemas – and two such pieces feature here. Also included are a number of novelty pieces by Josef Rixner (Pony), Harry Engelman (Fingerprints), Squirrel Dance by H Elliott Smith and Shadowsplay by Herbert Küster. Amongst the roll call of conductors are the distinguished names of Philip Green, Anton, Alfredo Campoli, Marek Weber, Alfred Van Dam, Joseph Muscant and Ray Noble. This is another superb and most enjoyable collection, with a sound quality surpassing even the usual exceptionally high standard we have come to expect from Alan Bunting. How does he do it? We have now reached number 16 in the Guild Light Music series, embodying a staggering 384 tracks – this is an incredible achievement on the part of all concerned. And yet, as I write, David Ades and his team are busy working on yet more – as I have said before, watch this space! Tony Clayden

STANLEY BLACK conducting THE LONDON FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA & CHORUS Dimensions In Sound Fantasy Impromptu, Take The ‘A’ Train, Alfie, These Boots Are Made For Walking, "Exodus", La Bamba, Michelle, Money To Burn, A Taste Of Honey, Three Blind Mice A Tribute To Charlie Chaplin Smile, Texas, Who’ll Buy My Violets [La Violetera], Morning Promenade, Medley from "The Great Dictator", Theme from "Limelight", Titina, Mandolin Serenade, Green Lantern Rag, This Is My Song Vocalion CDLK 4278, 73:24 mins. ‘Dimensions’ is the one I’ve been waiting for – top of my list of LPs to be re-issued on CD. It is a Phase 4 production and first saw the light of day in 1968 and is a joy from start to finish. Chopin’s Fantasy Impromptu is given the full orchestral treatment - and none the worse for that - while the final selection, Three Blind Mice, is a thrilling tour de force. Maestro Black plays around with the well-loved children’s tune: inverting the melody, varying it in many different ways, using Mozart’s style one minute and Tchaikovsky’s the next. Duke Ellington’s Take The ‘A’ Train is in big band territory with the brilliant brass mimicking a train as it starts and gains momentum, racing faster and faster. Alfie in contrast features a solo Spanish guitar; the clarity of the recording making it feel it’s there in the room with you. La Bamba, percussion to the fore, almost had me cavorting round said room. I could go on, but buy this disc for yourself – I doubt you’ll regret it. You will also get a good selection of music by Charlie Chaplin, reminding us that he was not a three-hit- wonder. There are no liner notes for either album, which is a pity. Peter Burt

As I begin to write these notes, I have on my television screen pictures (the sound is turned down!) of the global Live 8 concerts which feature many of the world’s top pop music performers. How the music industry has changed out of all recognition! These recordings date from the late ’60s and early ’70s; thirty or forty years ago there was still a huge demand for orchestral music of this type, much of which was satisfied by Decca group which cornered the market with its ‘stable’ of artistes such as Robert Farnon, Frank Chacksfield, Mantovani, and the subject of this review, Stanley Black. Consider this: Vocalion has now released thirteen double albums (equivalent to twenty-six single albums) of Stanley Black’s work, and this probably represents about half of his total LP output. That’s a lot of music! Even just these two new CDs encompass a wide range of musical styles, from Chopin, Bizet, Rodrigo and Chabrier at the ‘classical’ end through Billy Strayhorn, Bert Bacharach, Lennon & McCartney to Sebastien de Yradier, Charles Chaplin and many other worthy if lesser known composers. Stanley Black often makes effective use of a chorus, and every single track on both CDs has a degree of precision – what I would describe as a ‘rightness’ – which was his hallmark. It is doubtful if anyone took more pains or burned more ‘midnight oil’ to achieve this perfection, as I know well from the many conversations I have had with his widow Edna Black over the last couple of years. Lack of space precludes a description of each track, but I will indulge myself and mention just one particular great favourite (from Dimensions in Sound) – Three Blind Mice or what Stanley nicknamed "Mice in the Gardens of Spain" – absolutely brilliant! It goes without saying that Mike Dutton has done us proud yet again with his digital transfers; if you are a Stanley Black devotee buy both of these discs – you will not be disappointed. Tony Clayden

MANTOVANI By Special Request – Vol.2 1940-1951 Castiliana, One Night Of Love, Love Is A Song, Mexican Starlight, Nights Of Gladness, Spanish Cocktail, Our Waltz, Siesta – A Rumba Serenade, "Song of Norway" – Selection, Valse Septembre, Tango Bolero, Tell Me You Love Me, Hejre Kati, Gipsy Trumpeter, In Waltz Time, La Paloma, Oh Mama Mama, One Magic Wish, The Spirit Of The Matador, Tango De La Luna, The Choristers, Concerto In Jazz Guild Light Music GLCD 5113 76:50 mins. In enthusiastically reviewing ‘Mantovani – By Special Request’ [GLCD 5110] in January I mused about more of the same, and here it is. Although, not entirely. This is the great man from the years leading up to the time his Ronald Binge inspired cascading strings took the light musical world by storm. The sound is less distinctive but the quality is there. RFS members who don’t much care for the post-1951 recordings should enjoy what’s on offer here. Most of the tracks were new to me and among those to be enjoyed are the opening Castiliana, one of Decca’s "Music While You Work" series of 78s for playing over PA systems in factories; a brilliant sounding Gipsy Trumpeter featuring Stan Newsome – hear the orchestra swing; and The Choristers from 1940 that David Ades suggests, in his immensely informative liner notes, anticipates the sound Ronnie would create for the strings a decade later. Concerto In Jazz is a winner in the mini-concerto style so popular in the 1940s. There are contributions, too, from the composer Mantovani [aka Pedro Manila]: Mexican StarlightAdios ConchitaIn Waltz Time and Tango De La Luna. This CD is an immaculate production in every respect [AR&R by Alan Bunting, of course] and, while for me not quite hitting the heights of Vol.1, is wonderful value. Peter Burt

LAURIE ALLYN "Paradise". All I need is you, You go to my head, Paradise, Surrey with the fringe on top, Easy living, You're so bad for me, The more I see you, I'll never smile again, So in love, That's what a woman is for, Where are you, Take me in your arms. (USA) V.S.O.P.111 CD Mode 130, 39:07 mins available in the UK from Montpellier – details page 66 of our last issue. When an album captivating as this surfaces after forty eight years you wonder why? The excellent liner notes written by Peter Jacobson and the singer herself (now named Didi Pearce) explain that Mode records went to the wall just after it was recorded! I did not know the singer, the draw was Marty Paich who arranged and chose the tunes. Although prolific, in my book every recording he involved himself with made great listening. This gem matches his best work with any singer (it's a long list!) Laurie herself explains "The West Coast sound fed her soul" and "Boy" does it show! Marty was a master of the sound and really knew the musicians to play the contents of his fertile imagination. Felix Slatkin leads the string section on eight tracks, the four brass tracks have Pete Candoli, Herbie Harper, George Roberts and Vince De Rosa in the ranks, Don Fagerquist playing lead trumpet. A total of twenty three musicians play their hearts out on this exquisite CD. Laurie's bell-like diction fits the songs so well they could have all been written just for her, in fact she only knew three of the songs before the recording (it doesn't show!). If the CD and sleeve had been blank I would have though it had been recorded yesterday. Paul Clatworthy

FAY CLAASSEN with The Millennium Jazz Orchestra "Specially arranged for Fay". Very early, Just one of those things, Nature Boy, But not for me, Love for sale, When we were one, Speak low, Giant steps, A house is not a home. JAZZ'N PULZ BMCD381, 59:34 mins - details www.millenniumjazzorchestra.nf Also info© jazzimpuls.com Starved of CD's by The Metropole Orchestra I picked up on recordings by The Millennium Jazz Orchestra (reviewing two of their CD's in Big Band Roundups). Once again the singer being unknown to me, the arranger the draw! This time Joan Reinders. Evidently Fay has made two other albums but the first time she approached a Big Band leader hoping to sing with them was turned down flat with crushing response "we only work with well known singers". Whoever that band was they should have heard her sing first! Joan Reinders had no such reservations, pointed in her direction by colleagues he invited her to sing at one of his regular concerts, she debuted with more than a little impact, this CD being the follow up to that success. Reinders’ evocative brass scoring on tracks "Nature boy" and "A house is not a home" worthy of Gil Evans. Impressive brass is also used on "Giant steps". "Scatting" is not my favourite style of singing and the Fay indulges this mode on several songs which could have done with a bit of editing! Elsewhere Joan's writing excuses any excesses, particularly swinging "Speak low" and on "Love for sale" (a close second to Pete Rugolo's version for Patti Page). This CD is well worth your listening time, Holland's jazz men giving America real competition. Paul Clatworthy

MANTOVANI All Time Romantic Hits Together; Deep Purple; The Very Thought Of You; Tribute To Maurice Chevalier – Gigi, Louise, Thank Heaven For Little Girls, Valentine; Isn’t It Romantic; Dearly Beloved; You Were Meant For Me; Tribute To Noel Coward – London Pride, Someday I’ll Find you, Zigeuner, Mad Dogs And Englishmen, I’ll See You Again Mantovani By Mantovani Cara Mia, Manhatten Lullaby, Piccolo Bolero, Serenata d’Amore, Italia Mia, Midnight Waltz, Last Summer, Deserted Shore, Our Last Affair, Theme For A Western Vocalion CDLK 4287, 65:45 mins. The first album, issued in 1975, on this 2-on-1 CD was one of the last recordings in the long and illustrious career of someone described elsewhere by David Ades as "an amazing musician". It had been recorded the previous year in Paris – perhaps Monty’s forthcoming biography will enlighten us on the reason for that. Both the beginning and end of the opening number have a trademark Mantovani string effect. The two tribute selections are well arranged, and all the standards are beautifully played. The Maestro always used fine musicians. The second album, in Phase 4 stereo and never previously released in the UK, features Monty not just as conductor [and arranger?] but as composer as well. One can only wonder along with liner notes author Scott Raeburn why these attractive pieces do not figure more in other people’s selections. Also charming is the CD front cover showing Monty leaning on the balcony of the Royal Festival Hall with the Palace of Westminster and "Big Ben" in the background. It is good to have these two albums added to the growing list of Mantovani recordings available on CD. Peter Burt

VICTORY IN EUROPE: Goodwin: Battle of Britain March: Lloyd: HMS Trinidad: Dunn: Cockleshell Heroes: Coates: The Dambusters March: Anka: The Longest Day: Charnley: Pegasus (Drum Suite):Addison: A Bridge Too Far: Williams: Hymn to the Fallen: Smallwood: Victory in Europe: Miller:Moonlight Serenade/American Patrol arr. McDermott: Songs That Won The War: Alford: Colonel Bogey: Rodgers: Victory at Sea: Becker-Douglas: Millennium Prayer for Peace – ‘So Many Lives’:Bidgood: Royal British Legion March: Russell: A Life on the Ocean Wave. The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland. DOM Captain A J Smallwood PGA Dip B Mus (Hons) LRSM RM with Sing Live Chevron CHVCD 76:00 mins The Dambusters March must surely be bidding fair to becoming one of the most frequently performed and recorded pieces of British Light Music ever, but at least here we have the novelty of it being played – and very well too – by a Royal Marine Band. This disc is an ingeniously conceived and impressive musical contribution towards the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War and seeks to relate the music – much of it taken from outstanding feature films – to specific episodes that occurred during the momentous and dramatic years of 1939-1945. Thus the aforementioned Dambusters March relates to Operation Chastise, Vivien Dunn’s popular and well regarded march Cockleshell Heroes to Operation Frankton, and Addison’s A Bridge Too Far to the ill fated Operation Market Garden, the attempt to capture strategic river bridges in Holland and hopefully hasten the end of the war. Paul Anka, the well known pop singer and song writer, contributed the arresting and catchy tune for The Longest Day, Operation Overlord. The excerpts from Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea has an interpolated and crisply delivered and succinct commentary by Rear Admiral Nick Harris MBE, Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, whilst a real whiff of nostalgia for the veterans amongst us comes with an extended and imaginatively arranged selection by WO Michael McDermott (staff arranger of the Royal Marines Band Service since 1996 and who leaves the Service this year), of Songs That Won The War. The band is joined here by the excellent Sing Live UK, a choir formed in 1998 who have appeared on both radio and television and performed at many concerts nationwide. Feelings of period nostalgia are perhaps further deepened and intensified by the inclusion of two peerlessly played Glenn Miller classics namely Moonlight Serenade and American Patrol. The notable symphonist George Lloyd, looked upon with some suspicion and disdain by some elements of the Musical Establishment because he was guilty of actually composing memorable tunes, served on board the cruiser HMS Trinidad as a Royal Marine during the Second World War. Whilst engaging German destroyers during a Russian Convoy she was actually hit by one of her own torpedoes which had circled back. Lloyd was one of only three musicians to escape the transmitting station in the bowels of the ship as the compartment flooded and he composed HMS Trinidad and dedicated the piece to all the comrades lost in this tragic freak accident. The band are on brilliant top form, the recording made by Royal Marines personnel in the Caird Hall Dundee is state of the art and, if you need a further inducement to buy this outstanding £13 disc, then £1 from the sale of this CD will be donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. (This disc can be obtained direct from Bd. Cpl. F Brown, The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, HMS Caledonia, Rosyth, Fife KY11 2XH – I’m sure he would be delighted to hear from you! Cheques made payable to ‘Royal Marines Band Fund Scotland’ and allow 28 days for delivery.) Roger Hyslop

MANTOVANI Mantovani Hollywood "Born Free", Lara’s Theme, "Goldfinger", "Ben Hur", "A Taste Of Honey", This Is My Song, "You Only Live Twice", "The Magnificent Seven", Tara’s Theme, "Lawrence Of Arabia", "Zorba The Greek", "The Bible" The World Of Mantovani Where Is Love, The Windmills Of Your Mind, My Way, Theme from "Romeo and Juliet, My Cherie Amour, Theme from "The Virginian", Where Did Our Summers Go, Theme from "Elvira Madigan", I’m A Better Man, Aquarius, Quentin’s Theme, Love Me Tonight Vocalion CDLK 4289, 77:09 mins. This 2-on-1 is the fourteenth Vocalion Mantovani CD to be issued and Mike Dutton has all Mantovanians in his debt. The "lead" album was released in 1967 and appears in this country on CD for the first time. It includes both the dramatic and the tender and, re-hearing it again digitally remastered, I would rate it as one of Monty’s finest. The second album, from 1969 and never before on CD anywhere in the world, is an eclectic mix of, as ever, good tunes. Interesting to hear one maestro’s interpretation of another maestro’s composition with Percy Faith’s "The Virginian" Theme. And then there is Cecil Milner’s arrangement of part of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21, the "Elvira Madigan" Theme. Among the three or four tunes I had not heard before I especially enjoyed Robert Corbert’s Quentin’s Theme, from an old cult supernatural daytime soap opera. Another, the Bacharach/David I’m A Better Man, has a fadeout finish – something of a rarity for Mantovani. Knowledgeable liner notes from Nicholas Briggs and our own Colin Mackenzie complete a desirable package. Without them I would not have known that the bouncy final number was a hit for Tom Jones! Peter Burt

Various artists including THE CREW CUTS, LES PAUL & MARY FORD, DEAN MARTIN, DORIS DAY, FRANKIE LAINE, PERRY COMO... Hits Of 1954 Memoir CDMOIR 590 (2 CDs). Memoir collections are always enjoyable, thanks to the good taste of Gordon Gray (who compiles most of them), and the expert remastering of Ted Kendall. It’s incredible to think that some of the 52 tracks here are now over 50 years old – especially when many of us can remember when they were originally released! There are only a few non-vocal items – Ebb Tide (Frank Chacksfield), Young at Heart (Billy May), Shadow Waltz (Nelson Riddle), Dream Dream Dream (Percy Faith), The Creep (Ken Mackintosh) and Skokiaan (Ralph Marterie). David Ades

CAREY BLYTON – Original music from Films and Television Volume 3Capital City, Flying Birds, The Living River, Kites are Flying, Sherlock Holmes, The Goshawk. Apollo Sound APSCD226.Volume 4: The Pigeon Fancier, Footprints in the Jungle, It Wasn’t Me, Julie’s Gone, Display to Sell, The Furry Folk on Holiday. Apollo Sound APSCD227. These two CDs complete Apollo Sound’s praiseworthy project to make available the lion’s share of the considerable amount of music created by a composer who has previously not received the public acclaim that he has merited. Active in many spheres, from film documentaries to television advertisements, plus many scores for notable television dramas (especially three series of Dr Who), it is clear that his work deserves to take its place among many of his peers. Blyton has demonstrated that film music can often succeed admirably with only a small number of players, a lesson that could be learned by some modern writers who tend to overwhelm both their audience and the actors. The research behind these collections is admirable, and the booklet notes are incredibly detailed. It seems such a pity that Carey Blyton did not live long enough to witness the completion of this worthy survey of his work – he died in 2002. David Ades

GEORGINA COLWELL (soprano), NIGEL FOSTER (piano): The Tend’rest Breast Settings of Women’s Poetry Songs by Frank Bridge, Ivor Gurney, Lennox Berkeley, John Ireland, Alistair King, Roger Quilter, Madeleine Dring and Montague Phillips. Dunelm Records DRD 0237 Available from Dunelow, 2 Park Close, Glossop, SK13 9RQ www.dunelm-records.co.uk email: £10.95 incl. P&P. This CD, devoted to settings of poems by women ranges over 20thcentury English song including iconic figures like Gurney, Ireland and Frank Bridge, and includes several we may classify as ballads: Quilter’s Tune and Wild Cherry, Bridge’s Love Went a Riding and three songs by Montague Phillips. It has been said that Phillips’s songs, of which, like Coates and Haydn Wood, he composed many, that they were too good as ballads but not good enough as art songs. But it would be a stony heart which was not roused by the fiercely exultant Sing Joyous Bird. And Madeleine Dring contributes one of her cabaret songs (with words by herself) which has some delicious doubles-entendres. Performances from both artistes are affectionate and skilful. The insert prints all the words, though Miss Colwell’s crystal clear dictation hardly needs them. Philip Scowcroft

LIONEL MONCKTON, IVAN CARYLL Piano selections from The Girls of Gottenberg, Our Miss Gibbs, The Quaker Girl, Oh! Oh! Delphine, Airs and Graces. Arrangements by H. M. Higgs (69:25)Available at £4 from Ken Reeves, 232 Rainham Road North, Dagenham, Essex, RM10 7EA email:. This is one of a series that Mr Reeves is producing of tunes (in computer-generated piano selections) from some of the leading musical comedies of the Edwardian era. I have previously heard a disc of selections by Paul Rubens; now he turns his attention to Monckton and Caryll. The Girls of Gottenberg and Our Miss Gibbs were joint affairs (the insert specifies which tunes are by which composer), The Quaker Girl and Airs and Graces are all Monckton, Oh! Oh! Delphine all Caryll. As I suppose is inevitable with computer-generation the playing sounds mechanical but we do at least get an idea of just how tuneful these shows were and also of Higgs’ skill at threading the tunes together. No substitute, of course, for recordings of the shows themselves but they are of interest. Philip Scowcroft

ARTIE SHAW and his Orchestra- Featuring his Inspired Clarinet Serenade to a Savage, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, Rosalie, What Is This Thing Called Love?, Begin the Beguine, Copenhagen, Zigeuner, I Surrender Dear, Hop Skip and Jump, These Foolish Things, Time on My Hands, Frenesi, Dr Livingstone I Presume, Easy to Love, Back Bay Shuffle, Stardust, Traffic Jam, Moonglow, Dancing in the Dark, Lady be Good, Don’t Take Your Love from Me, Grabtown Grapple Blues. (75:08) Vocalion CDVS1943. Without checking for duplications (a mammoth job in view of the Shaw CD catalogue) I would assume that most of these titles must be well-known to followers of the last of the big band giants who left us in 2004 at the age of 94. This latest CD form the Shaw Band is, in effect, a sampler of his work for RCA Victor, a superb blend of swingers and the kind of show tunes in which he always specialised. All in all, a collection which is marvellous value at around £3. Arthur Jackson

GUY LOMBARDO and his Royal Canadians: Drifting and Dreaming Harbour Lights, When My Dream Boat Comes Home, Moonlight Bay, La Mer, Ebb Tide, Cruising Down the River, Sailboat in the Moonlight, Red Sails in the Sunset, Isle of Capri, Slow Boat to China, I Cover the Waterfront, Dancing Room Only Autumn Leaves, Fascination, Love is Here to Stay, Stardust, Now is the Hour, Arriverderci Roma, Dancing on the Ceiling, Around the World, Canadian Sunset, East of the Sun, Touch of Your Lips, I’ll See You In My Dreams. (59:12) Vocalion CDLK4295. A fine 2-on-1 issue in excellent stereo, the first of them reminding us of the traditional Lombardo sound and instrumentation, the other featuring an augmented band with more advanced scoring for all sections, including woodwinds. The repertoire is up to the usual Lombardo standard, combining some contemporary material in addition to the usual evergreens. Arthur Jackson

EDMUNDO ROS and his Orchestra: Hi Fiesta, Perfect for Dancing / Dance Again The National Emblem, Patricia, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, I Came I Saw I Conga’d, Mambo Number 5, Colonel Bogey...etc Vocalion CDLK4280. A splendid disc of two remarkable Edmundo Ros LPs, 24 tracks in all. Who could have imagined the National Emblem arranged as a samba, or Colonel Bogey as a meringue? The result is very effective; a top orchestra playing top arrangements and featuring beautifully sensitive piano playing throughout. Alec Hellyer

DANIEL SMITH (bassoon), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Coull String Quartet, Roger Vignoles (piano): Bassoon Bon-Bons Golliwog’s Cake-Walk (Debussy), Londonderry Air, Vocalise (Rachmaninov), Romance (Elgar), None but the lonely heart (Tchaikovsky), Serenade (Schubert), and additional works by Gordon Jacob, Vaughan-Williams, J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Chopin, Arne, Hargrave, Dunhill, Kreisler, Corelli and Martini. (66:35) ASV CD WHL 2052 This album is made up exclusively of good music; it relies not on a virtuoso solo line, so the bassoon shines forth without a sense of dominating. Each track is a tuneful miniature, ranging in period from early baroque to mid 20th century, and featuring Daniel Smith alongside full orchestra, string quartet or piano. About half of these were written for the bassoon; the others are tastefully fresh arrangements of pre-existing classics. Daniel Smith’s virtuosity is not merely in his fingers; the wealth of sounds he produces is almost incredible, from the classic grandfather-like pomposity in his Gordon Jacob through to a cello-like richness heard in his interpretations of Chopin, Elgar and Schubert. A rather more comprehensive CD booklet would have been very welcome. This is a beautiful programme, sensitively produced, making for good start-to-finish listening. Peter Edwards

DANIEL SMITH (bassoon), JONATHAN STILL (piano) with members of the Caravaggio Ensemble: Bravo Bassoon Original rags (Joplin), Smoke gets in your Eyes, The Way You Look Tonight, Melody in F (Rubinstein), Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin), Andaluza (Granados), Les Berceaux (Fauré), The Trout (Schubert), Yankee Doodle Variations (Millars)... (63:32) ASV CD WHL 2078. This disc was built on the success of the above album, Bassoon Bon-Bons, following a winning formula of twenty-odd tasteful miniatures, and covering a good range of tuneful music. One difference is that this programme is a little more geared towards what we would call ‘light music’ – including Gershwin songs and Joplin rags, the latter performed with the strings and piano of the delightful Caravaggio Ensemble. Nearly half of these tracks are songs, and it struck me what a perfect instrument the bassoon is for capturing the lyrical and intimate qualities of the human voice. It can be a bass, baritone, tenor, or all three within the same piece. Daniel plays these songs as though he is singing them, with well-measured tempi and plenty of breathing space. A highlight for me is his rendition of Rossini’s Largo Al Factotum from The Barber of Seville. Like the above disc, this is a great programme to listen to complete, right through to the sumptuous bottom B flat at the end of Yankee DoodlePeter Edwards

DANIEL SMITH (bassoon), Coull Quartet: Music for Bassoon and String Quartet Suite for Bassoon and String Quartet (Gordon Jacob), Bassoon Quartet in B flat, no.3 (Franz Danzi), Grand Quintet (Anton Reicha). (63:59) Forum FRC 9107. Whilst these three substantial works would not fit into our traditional definition of ‘light music’, they are nonetheless highly tuneful, sweet and palatable. It was refreshing to hear two beautiful early Romantic works (both new to me) alongside the concise and imaginative suite by English master Gordon Jacob. Jacob was highly skilled in orchestration and his writing for this particular ensemble is impeccable. Of the other two composers, not well-known, Danzi is regarded as being one of the main influences on Carl Maria von Weber, and Reicha as having influenced the likes of Berlioz, Lizst and Franck. Their chamber music is perfectly constructed, the bassoon having one of five equal voices in the musical ‘conversation’. Both bassoon and strings have a rich tone complemented by stately tempi, dignified and never rushed. This could be described as light music in an extended form; well worth hearing. Peter Edwards

PHIL KELSALL at the Wurlitzer organ of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool: Razzle Dazzle All I Ask of You, Death or Glory, Limehouse Blues, Selections from: The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Noel Coward revues. (71:49)Grasmere Records GRCD 123.This disc celebrates the 70th anniversary of what is probably Britain’s most famous Wurlitzer. Kelsall’s performances are lively and imaginative, and he covers a good range of music. The ‘selection’ tracks are sensitively arranged with no ugly modulations or abrupt shifts in tempo. A very easy-listening and entertaining programme. Peter Edwards

Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland: What a Carry On! The film music of ERIC ROGERS and BRUCE MONTGOMERY Carry On… Doctor, Up the Jungle, Henry, Girls, Follow That Camel, Screaming, Again Doctor, Abroad, Camping, Spying, Matron, Dick, Loving. Twice Round the Daffodils, Watch Your Stern. (59:28) Vocalion Digital CDSA6810. How splendid to hear a second disc by Gavin Sutherland featuring choice selections from these most brilliant of film scores. The main difference between this and The Carry On Album (Gavin’s earlier disc) is that this latest release features the Royal Ballet Sinfonia instead of the City of Prague Philharmonic. This ensemble has made some excellent recordings of light music and I was pleased to see their name on the disc. Being super-critical I would say there are a few moments where the British players have spoofed-up their parts, very much within the spirit of the films they know so well, although perhaps unnecessarily since the slapstick is present within the scores themselves. Ironically, the Czech players on the earlier album might have benefited from not actually knowing the films. A brilliant all-round performance though. It is particularly pleasing to hear some lovely incidental dance music from Carry On Again Doctor, and extended themes (the opening credits plus beautifully arranged score selections) from Carry On Doctor, Carry On Follow That Camel, Carry On Matron and Carry On Loving. This is all priceless stuff, and remarkably romantic in places. Peter Edwards

DAVID CARROLL and his Orchestra: Let’s Dance! Let’s Dance, Cuddle Up a Little Closer, Yearning, A Gliss to Remember, The Glow Worm, The Trouble with Harry, My Sin, Dancing Tambourine, Euphrates, Puerto Rican Pedlar, Armen’s Theme, Dixie Dawn Patrol. (27:53) (USA) Collectors’ Choice CCM-0512-2 Original Mercury album.

Let’s Dance Again Let’s Dance Again, Pretty Baby, Side Saddle, Soft Shoe song, Adios, Irene, Hey! Chick!, Cha-cha Panecas, Bouncing Ball, Swamp Fire, Would you Like to Take a Walk?, The Doodlin’ Drummer, Play a Simple Melody. (34:20) (USA) Collectors’ Choice CCM-0513-2 Original Mercury album.

GEORGE GREELEY with the Warner Bros. Orchestra: The Best of the Popular Piano Concertos Love Is a Many-Splendoured Thing, Laura, On the Trail, An Affair to Remember, Aloha Oe, Three Coins in the Fountain, Street Scene, Hawaiian War Chant, Moonlight Sonata, Come Back to Sorrento, Love Music. (37:39) (USA) Collectors’ Choice CCM-0475-2 Original Warner Bros. album

In recent months EMI seem to have been very active in reissuing pop material from the 1950s and 1960s. Some readers of this magazine may have been keen collectors of the original 45s in their youth, so the following information is offered in case you may be tempted to relive those far off salad days! There isn’t room to go into too much detail, but the following basic info should point you in the right direction.

The Very Best of PHIL KELSALL 36 Wurlitzer favourites, including Devil’s Galop, Samum, Forgotten Dreams, The Sabre Dance.

7243 4773182 – 2 CDs.
FRANK IFIELD The Complete A-Sides and B-Sides
7243 4745112 – 3 CDs plus very good booklet.
The Very Best of HERMANS HERMITS 7243 4773212 – 2 CDs.
The Best of GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS 7243 4748392 – 2 CDs.
The Very Best of THE TEMPERANCE SEVEN 7243 5975332.
HITS FROM THE BLITZ According to the title, the Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1946! Some of the songs were actually recorded in the 1960s! 7243 4775282, 3 CDs.
GEOFF LOVE Banjos 50 Sing-Alone Wartime Favourites – that’s an awful lot of plucking!
7243 4746092.
The SYD LAWRENCE orchestra with CHRIS DEAN "Swingin’" 7243 4773242, 2 CDs.
The Very Best of ADAM FAITH 7243 4773052, 2 CDs.
The Best Military Bands Album in the World… Ever including RAF March Past, 633 Squadron, Dambusters, Aces High, Battle of Britain, etc… 7243 4744962, 2 CDs.
Sir WINSTON CHURCHILL – Wartime Speeches 7243 4745642 – 2 CDs.
The Very Best of DES O’CONNOR 7243 4744492.
The Very Best of HELEN SHAPIRO 7243 4746232 – 2 CDs.
The Very Best of CRAIG DOUGLAS 7243 8662582.

The following CDs are due to be released on 3 October by EMI Classics for Pleasure.

These EMI collections of musical and operetta highlights are mostly produced by Norman Newelland Cyril Ornadel, and the arrangers include Brian Fahey and Johnny Douglas.
Balfe "The Bohemian Girl"; Wallace Maritana; "Benedict The Lily of Killarney"; Irish songs (Veronica Dunn, Uel Deane, Eric Hinds / Havelock Nelson) 335 9482
Benatzky & Stolz "White Horse Inn" (Marion Grimaldi, Barbara Leigh, David Croft / Johnny Douglas); Stolz "Wild Violets" (Barbara Leigh, Kevin Scott / Michael Collins); Youmans "No, No, Nanette" (Stephanie Voss, Peter Regan, David Croft / Johnny Douglas) 335 9522
Coward "Bitter Sweet" (June Bronhill, Neville Jason, Susan Hampshire / Johnny Douglas); songs (June Bronhill, Kenneth Williams, Joyce Grenfell / Brian Fahey) 335 9562
Friml "The Vagabond King" (Edwin Steffe, Dorothy Dorrow, Freda Larsen, Lissa Gray, John Larsen / Jan Cervenka); Friml & Stothart "Rose Marie" (Barbara Leigh, Elizabeth Larner, David Hughes, Andy Cole, David Croft, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Barbara Elsy / Johnny Douglas, Tony Osborne) 335 9712
Gershwin "Porgy & Bess" (Lawrence Winters, Isabelle Lucas, Ray Ellington, Barbara Elsy / Kenneth Alwyn); Bizet/Hammerstein "Carmen Jones" (Grace Bumbry, George Webb, Ena Babb, Thomas Baptiste, Elisabeth Welch / Kenneth Alwyn) 335 9722
Sullivan "The Mikado" (William Dickie, Edward Darling, Noreen Willett, Elizabeth Harwood, John Gower, David Croft / Alexander Faris); overtures 335 9732
Kern "Show Boat" (Marlys Watters, Don McKay, Shirley Bassey, Inia Te Wiata, Dora Bryan / Michael Collins); "Music in the Air" (Marion Grimaldi, Andy Cole / Alan Braden); "Roberta" (June Bronhill, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Andy Cole / Alan Braden, Cyril Ornadel) 335 9802
Lehár "The Merry Widow" (June Bronhill, Jeremy Brett, David Hughes, Ann Howard, Leslie Fyson / Vilem Tausky);Cuvillier & Carr "The Lilac Domino" (Aileen Cochrane, Charles Young / Michael Collins); Kerker "The Belle of New York" (Mary Thomas, Barry Kent / Michael Collins) 335 9812
Monckton & Talbot "The Arcadians" (Cynthia Glover, June Bronhill, Shirley Minty, John Lawrenson, Robert Bowman, Michael Burgess, Stanley Riley, Jon Pertwee / Gilbert Vinter, Vilem Tausky); Jones"The Geisha", Monckton "Our Miss Gibbs", "The Quaker Girl", Rubens "Tina", Norton "Chu Chin Chow", Messager "Monsieur Beaucaire" (Gwen Catley / Stanford Robinson) 335 9822
Norton "Chu Chin Chow" (Inia Te Wiata, Barbara Leigh, Charles Young, Ursula Connors, Julie Bryan / Michael Collins, John Hollingsworth); Fraser-Simson & Tate "The Maid of the Mountains" (Lyn Kennington, Gordon Clyde, Neville Jason, Jimmy Thompson, Jimmy Edwards / Derek Tavener) 335 9842
Novello "The Dancing Years" (Anne Rogers, Ann Howard, Cheryl Kennedy, Andy Cole / Cyril Ornadel, Geoff Love); "King’s Rhapsody" (Pamela Woolmore, Patricia Johnson, Andrew Gold / Jan Cervenka); "Careless Rapture", "Glamorous Night" (Moira Anderson / Robin Stapleton); "Glamorous Night", "Perchance to Dream", "Crest of the Wave" (Julie Bryan, Marion Grimaldi, Ivor Emmanuel / Michael Collins) 335 9852
Novello "Glamorous Night", "Careless Rapture" (Patricia Bartlett, John Stoddart, Patricia Johnson / Kenneth Alwyn); "Perchance to Dream", "Gay’s the Word", "King’s Rhapsody" (Moira Anderson / Robin Stapleton); "King’s Rhapsody", "The Dancing Years" (Julie Bryan, Vanessa Lee, Ivor Emmanuel, Ivor Novello / Michael Collins) 335 9862
Romberg "The Desert Song" (Edmund Hockridge, June Bronhill, Julie Dawn, Bruce Forsyth, Leonard Weir, Inia Te Wiata / Michael Collins); "The New Moon" (Andy Cole, Elizabeth Larner / Tony Osborne); Friml "The Firefly" (Stephanie Voss, Laurie Payne / Alan Braden) 335 9872
Romberg "The Student Prince" (John Wakefield, Marion Grimaldi, Barbara Elsy, Christopher Keyte / John Hollingsworth); Herbert "Naughty Marietta" (Stephanie Voss, Peter Egan / Alan Braden);Straus "The Chocolate Soldier" (Stephanie Voss, Laurie Payne, Pauline Stevens / Alan Braden) 335 9882
Schubert/Berté "Lilac Time" (June Bronhill, Marion Grimaldi, Elizabeth Osborne, Thomas Round, John Cameron, Barry Kent, Kenneth Tudor, Eric Wilson-Hyde / Michael Collins); Grieg/Wright & Forrest "Song of Norway" (John Lawrenson, Thomas Round, Norma Hughes, Victoria Elliott / Michael Collins) 335 9892
Straus "A Waltz Dream" (David Hughes, June Bronhill, Marion Grimaldi, Elizabeth Osborne / Michael Collins); Strauss/Korngold "Waltzes from Vienna" (June Bronhill, Marion Lowe, John Lawrenson, Kevin Scott / Michael Collins) 335 9902
Sampler 335 9922

EMI have recently reissued four more Cliff Richard film musicals on CD:

"The Young Ones" (1961) 477 7232
"Wonderful Life" (1964) 477 7182
"Finders Keepers" (1966) 477 7162
"Take Me High" (1973) 477 7312

Stanley Black was musical director on "The Young Ones" and "Wonderful Life", so these two contain some pleasant musical moments that are likely to appeal to readers of this magazine. The other two are definitely strictly for Cliff’s fans – most of them are probably grandmothers now! The advance details we received state that the booklets (not provided) are "…full of memorabilia relating to the films, each CD contains a ‘History of the Movies’ essay, a film synopsis, behind the scenes notes and a discography." In case you want to know, Norrie Paramor had a hand in "Finders Keepers" and the MD on "Take Me High" was Tony Cole. David Ades

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