Keeping Track - Dateline December 2008

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GEORGE MELACHRINO: THE MELACHRINO STRINGS AND ORCHESTRA with SEMPRINI Soft Lights and Sweet Music

Introduction and Song of the orchid from the film "No Orchids for Miss Blandish", Rhondda Rhapsody, Love’s roundabout, Sleigh ride, Ecstasy Tango, The Melba Waltz, Golden violins, Park Avenue Waltz, A Girl called Linda, Vanessa, Meet Mister Callaghan, La Rosita, Waltz of Paree, Padam Padam, The sword and the rose, Shadows / Soft lights and sweet music, The touch of your lips, Theme from ‘The Last Rhapsody’, I’ll see you again, Love’s old sweet song, Beautiful dreamer, Ah! Sweet mystery of life, Theme from the film "The Story of Three Loves", Love walked in, Goodnight sweetheart

Vocalion CDVS 1956 [76:38]

With 26 tracks of classy numbers played by one of the leading light music orchestras of all-time given "the supreme magician of CD re-mastering" Mike Dutton’s treatment and all for only £2.99 in the shops [that’s 11½p per track], this must be a front runner to receive the accolade of "Bargain CD of the Year." The first 16 tracks are singles released between 1946-57 and the second 10 comprise the 1954 LP after which the CD is named. William Hill-Bowen, for many years Melachrino’s right-hand man, wrote Park Avenue Waltz, and is the harpsichordist featured on Vanessa and Meet Mr Callaghan– great to hear that particular piece again. The fondly remembered Albert Semprini ["Old ones, new ones, loved ones, neglected ones"] is the pianist on the themes from ‘The Last Rhapsody’, and the film "The Story of Three Loves" – Rachmaninoff, of course. No liner notes, although that is probably no surprise on such a low-priced album. Peter Burt

50 YEARS OF THE MUSIC OF LAURIE JOHNSON – Volume 2

CD 1 – Music from the TV series "The Professionals"; CD 2 – TV themes from "Jason King", "Top Secret", "Echo Four Two" and "Ren & Stimpy" ("Happy Go Lively" from the KPM mood music library); Early singles "Drum Crazy", "Jamboree", "Lullaby Of The Leaves" and "Winter Wonderland"; Film scores from "The First Men In The Moon Suite" and "Ibsen’s Hedda Suite"; Concerto for Trumpet, Tenor Sax and Orchestra. CD 3 – Royal Military Spectacular "Three Paintings by Lautrec Suite", "Colours for Concert Band Suite" and Concert Hall works "The Battle of Waterloo" and "The Wind In The Willows" (tone poem).

Edsel EDSD 2021 3 CDs (box set) [217:46].

Earlier in this issue you will have read Peter Burt’s praise for the first volume in this series in his "Back Tracks" column. I have been collecting Laurie Johnson’s recordings for over fifty years, so you could say I am also biased! But who can fail to be impressed by the sheer musicianship, and astonishing versatility displayed in these three CDs. And don’t forget that this is just the second volume in an ongoing project, which makes Laurie’s massive contribution to music even more astounding. Perhaps the big selling point for TV addicts will be the music from "The Professionals" stretching over 52 cues. Laurie has worked personally to unearth these from his own private collection, otherwise they would probably have been neglected and, perhaps, lost forever. The famous "Professionals" theme is there, of course, but it is all the other music cues that are so fascinating. The second CD focuses on Laurie’s TV themes, early singles, film scores and concert hall work. The final piece features The London Big Band and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Laurie Johnson, with Guy Barker (trumpet) and Tommy Whittle (tenor saxophone). Malcolm Laycock’s booklet note says it all: "The work received a standing ovation at the concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I think it is one of Laurie’s great achievements, a work of outstanding emotional depth and resonance which connected to everybody in the audience at the concert. It is simply sublime, it soars, it is triumphant, it is inspiring". Laurie had his grounding in military music and it is clearly very important to him. The third CD concentrates on this side of his creativity, and features The London Brass Chorale and The Band of the Coldstream Guards conducted by Laurie Johnson – Three Paintings by Lautrec Suite; RAF Central Band and RAF Squadronaires conducted by Laurie Johnson –Colours For Concert Band Suite and The Battle of Waterloo. The final track is actually orchestral, with Laurie conducting his tone poem The Wind In The Willows. I know that it is Laurie’s wish that his music should be available to those interested at a reasonable price. He is not out to make money from this project, which is obvious when you see that each CD inside the box set has its own booklet, crammed with notes and photographs. Many of us would happily pay £30 for a set like this, but you should be able to find it for a fraction of this price. On behalf of your legion of admirers, all I can really say is a heartfelt and sincere "Thank-you, Laurie – for everything". David Ades This 3-CD set is available from the RFS Record Service price £10.

LEROY ANDERSON Orchestral Music Volume 4

BBC Concert Orchestra / Leonard Slatkin; Kim Criswell [soprano], William Dazeley [baritone]

Irish Suite, To a wild rose, Summer skies, Scottish Suite, Blue Tango, Forgotten dreams, Belle of the ball, Alma mater, A Christmas Festival

Naxos 8559381 [60:26]

Among the highlights of 2008’s albums has been this series by the classically trained composer whose records made the pop charts. The, by now, familiar mix is here with concentration on Anderson’s arrangements, as well as revisions or alternative versions of his own output, includingAlma Mater, a reworking of his 1939 suite Harvard Sketches [recorded on Vol.3 - Naxos 8559357]. The Scottish Suite was written a handful of years after the better known Irish Suite. Three of its four pieces have been heard before but this is a world première recording for the complete suite. It’s good, with some rollicking horns on the ‘new’ piece, Bonnie Dundee. First time on disc, too, are the vocal versions of Anderson’s TangoBall and the Robert Wendell arranged Dreams – none of which are much to my liking on a first hearing. The lyricist is Mitchell Parish of StardustDeep Purple andSweet Lorraine fame. A fifth world première is Anderson’s orchestration of Edward MacDowell’s Rose. Leonard Slatkin has got the music just right and the BBC musicians excel throughout. For this release Naxos have sensibly put the seasonal music at the end of the disc. Richard S. Ginell’s liner notes are as admirable as ever. Peter Burt

THE MUSIC OF GRANT FOSTER

Novaya Rossia State Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Anissimov; featuring Mira Yevtich [piano], and Maria Safaryanc [violin]

Celebration Overture; Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra; Ballade for Piano and Violin; Four Voyages for Piano – Buenos Aires, Moscow, Venice, Marrakesh

Bel Air Music BAM 2041 [65:00]

I am indebted to Gramophone critic Andrew Lamb for making me aware of this wonderful music. Andrew began his review stating "This is amazing! Where has Grant Foster been all these years?" A more pertinent question may be why don’t we get the chance to hear and buy more lovely music like this? The answer is probably that it doesn’t suit the musical snobs to admit that anything hinting of melody is worthy of their attention. If some of the noise that invades the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall is anything to go by they must be in their element each summer; fortunately the rest of us don’t have to go along with them. Rant over ... now on to the music! The CD opens with Celebration Overture performed by the Orchestra. This establishes Grant Foster’s credentials as a composer capable of matching any of his contemporaries, especially those working in the movies. But Mr. Foster creates his music far from Hollywood – in Sydney, Australia, where he was born in 1945. In previous years he has lived and worked in Paris and London, but he is now back home where he teaches music and has a small, but enthusiastic following locally; hopefully this release may make the rest of the world sit up and take notice. The Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra features Mira Yevtich as the soloist, and it is particularly enjoyable watching her perform the work on the accompanying DVD, which must be considered as a kind of bonus (let’s hope the idea spreads!). Her playing is both gentle and dominant, and I suspect that the composer will have been delighted with her interpretation. This work certainly rewards repeated listening, although it is instantly appealing on the first hearing. The rest of the CD is without the orchestra, leaving Mira Yevtich to take centre stage. She is joined by Maria Safaryanc in the Ballade for Piano and Violin, but she is alone in theFour Voyages – reminding us that we are missing so much because we rarely hear solo piano playing of such quality these days. I make no apology for the length of this review – it simply deserves it. In fact I could say a lot more (and there are plenty of interesting facts in the booklet notes), but it is better to let the music speak for itself. If you are looking for something fresh and new to add to your collection – and you are willing to be adventurous – you need look no further. David Ades

[Available from Amazon and other retailers; or from the RFS Record Service for £14.] CD plus DVD of the Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Gems Forever/ Mantovani Memories

All the things you are, True love, I could have danced all night, You keep coming back like a song, A woman in love, This nearly was mine, Summertime, Something to remember you by, An affair to remember, Love letters, The nearness of you, Hey, there! / Smoke gets in your eyes, What a wonderful world, The Trolley Song, Sweet Leilani, Try to remember, Sunrise, sunset, The Anniversary Waltz, In the still of the night, Once upon a time, Embraceable you, How are things in Glocca Morra?, You’ll never walk alone

Vocalion CDLK 4374 [76:00]

Mantovanians, especially, are indebted to Mike Dutton as these two immaculate albums on one disc bring the number of the light music luminary’s CDs from Vocalion [mostly comprising two LPs] to 27.‘Gems’, in early stereo from 1959 [it had been issued in mono in 1958 under a different title], pays tribute to American composers and, probably thanks to Stateside fans, was a million seller by the mid ‘60s. The opening melody is, to quote Colin Mackenzie in his liner notes, truly "sumptuous." Other stand-out moments include the fine trumpet of Stan Newsome on the Gershwin classic, the combination of a vibraphone with the high strings on True love, and the bell effect from the strings on the alluring Something to remember.

‘Memories’ originates from a decade later and opens with a typically lush version, arranged by Monty himself, of what is often reckoned to be the greatest popular song ever written. I wonder why In the still of the night was omitted from the original CD? Cecil Milner has included a chorus in his arrangements of WonderfulSunrise, and Walk but it complements the orchestral sound. Trolley,Sweet and Try are three of the interesting Roland Shaw arrangements to be found on the album. On the Mantovani Fan Website [www.hallowquest.com], Scott Raeburn rates this as one of Vocalion’s best ever re-issues. If you are not normally in the market for Mantovani CDs, why not give yourself a treat for Christmas? Peter Burt

FILM NOIR

City of Prague Philharmonic arranged and conducted by Carlos Franzetti

Girl talk, Last tango in Paris, The voyage of the damned, I want to live, Still time, A place in the sun, Taxi driver, The bad and the beautiful, Tango Fatal , Alfie

Sunnyside SSC 1180 [45:31]

Superb choice of film music with evocative sympathetic scoring for a fine orchestra; only one flaw, the soloist, sax player Andy Fusco. He blows too hard and often gets lost in a flurry of notes trying to prove how fast his fingers are. Stan Getz is no longer with us but there are many players currently around who could do better justice to the thought put into the arranging. The times when Andy does not try to dominate the orchestra make for a better listen. Paul Clatworthy

NIGEL HESS: CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA

Lang Lang [piano], London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren-Green

UCJ 1774850 [23:57]

At last April’s London RFS Meeting Nigel Hess gave advance notice that this CD would appear during the summer, so many readers may already have been on the look-out for it. The work was commissioned by Prince Charles in memory of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth – affectionately known to the nation for five decades as ‘The Queen Mother’. According to the booklet notes Prince Charles wanted something that audiences would enjoy at a first hearing, and there is no doubt that Nigel Hess has succeeded brilliantly. But at the same time there is so much in this beautiful work that becomes more pleasing following repeated listening – it is certainly a work worth getting to know. The Chinese pianist Lang Lang demonstrates that he fully deserves his international reputation, and it is incredible to think that he made his debut as recently as 2003. This is a truly lovely piece of music, whether or not you are familiar with the influences that prompted its creation. Each new work from Nigel Hess further strengthens his claim to be one of England’s foremost contemporary composers, but he is such a modest man that such words would never pass his lips! The short total time of the CD (there are no other works included) is reflected in the price. UK readers should be able to find copies around £6. David Ades

‘DREAMTIME’ – Light Music Classics Volume 3

El relicario [My memoirs] – Morton Gould; Tic-tac-toe, On the Alamo, It had to be you – Hugo Winterhalter; The girl with the Spanish drawl [Wow! Wow! Wow!], Caribbean night – Percy Faith; Belle of the ball – Leroy Anderson; Sicilian tarantella [Fischiettando], Overnight – Victor Young; The call of the faraway hills, The Melba Waltz [Dreamtime] – Victor Young Singing Strings; Fiddlesticks, Rendezvous – Tutti Camarata; High Strung, Sadie Thompson’s song[Blue Pacific blues] – Axel Stordahl; I get a kick out of you – David Rose; ‘Dreamtime – The Strings of Stordahl’: As time goes by, A blues serenade, It’s easy to remember, That old feeling, Imagination, What is there to say?, Love letters, I’m getting sentimental over you – Axel Stordahl

Vocalion CDVS 1957 [71:55]

Another super bargain-priced CD from Vocalion, and all that David Ades wrote about ‘Stringopation’[CDVS1954] in the June JIM applies here. This time the spotlight falls on some great American orchestras recorded between 1950-57, with Axel Stordahl’s delightful 1953 late-night listening LP, after which the release is named, bringing the album to a close. Other highlights for me are the two exuberant Faith tracks, the French horns and pizzicato strings on Tic-tac-toe, the Irish-soundingTarantella, Victor Young’s haunting Faraway Hills, and the lilting Melba Waltz. But every track has something to commend it. Mike Dutton can keep this series going for as long as he likes. I did not expect any liner notes, so was not disappointed. Peter Burt

MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES

Gaumont British Symphony, Louis Levy; Hallé Orchestra, William Walton; London Symphony Orchestra, Muir Mathieson; Music from the Movies Orchestra, Louis Levy; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Muir Mathieson; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Hollingsworth; Philharmonia Orchestra, Ernest Irving

Music from the movies – march [Levy], Spitfire fugue [Walton] from film "The First of the Few"; Seascape [Parker] "Western Approaches"; Calypso music [Alwyn] "The Rake’s Progress"; The last walk [Williamson] "The Edge of the World"; Waltz into jig [Greenwood] "Hungry Hill"; Incidental music from "The Overlanders"[Ireland]; Prelude from "49th Parallel" [Vaughan Williams]; Theme music from "Cure for Love" [Alwyn]; Romance [Green] "The Magic Bow"; Theme from "Esther Waters"[Jacob]; Derby Day 1886 [Jacob] "Esther Waters"; London scene [Wilkinson] "The Weaker Sex"; Sleeping car train, Waltz from film "Sleeping Car to Trieste" [Frankel]; Dinner at Lady Datchett’s [Williamson] "Woman Hater"; Joanna’s theme, Alec’s theme, Title music from "High Tide at Noon, Title music from "The Spanish Gardener" [Veale]; Theme and incidental music from "Yangtse Incident" [Lucas]; Incidental music from "The Loves of Joanna Godden" [Vaughan Williams]

Vocalion CDEA 6146 [75:13]

All the music on this well-filled CD was heard in British movies [did we call them that in those days?] from 1937 to 1957; the earliest being the familiar first track and the latest being the two watery films, "High Tide at Noon" and "Yangtse Incident." Many of the items appear on CD for the first time. It is good that they should be remembered as there are some fine tunes here – melodic, dramatic, evocative – several by composers best known to classical music buffs, and probably many are more memorable than the films for which they were written. Lewis Foreman’s booklet notes are full of information; I was particularly interested to read about John Veale, a name previously unknown to me. Reginald Leopold, later of BBC Radio’s "Grand Hotel" fame, is the solo violinist on Philip Green’sRomance. Once again a Vocalion release commendable for its choice of material and digital re-mastering. And at budget price especially well worth acquiring. Peter Burt

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES – VOLUME 5

Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conductor Gavin Sutherland, Barry Wordsworth¹; BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Roderick Dunk ² Roy Budd – Tricolour Overture; Francis Chagrin – Aquarelles [Portraits of Five Children]; Paul Carr – Concerto for Oboe & String Orchestra, Air for Strings¹; Gavin Sutherland – Clarinet Concerto; Richard Addinsell – Ring Round the Moon Suite²

Dutton Epoch CDLX 7209 [79:37]

Yet again Mike Dutton has demonstrated his admirable dedication to contemporary British music. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to add music like this to our collections. Each of these works is a most welcome addition to the available catalogue of recorded music, and they all have their own special appeal. To be precise, the Francis Chagrin Aquarelles and Richard Addinsell’s Invitation Waltzare not, strictly speaking, premières, but who can complain at these fine new recordings by the precious BBC Concert Orchestra. I say ‘precious’ deliberately, because this orchestra is so important to Britain’s musical culture, yet you sometimes get the impression that it does not receive the support from the musical establishment that it deserves. If we lost it, that would be a tragedy – hence my word ‘precious’. We must not allow a repeat of the act of cultural barbarism when the BBC axed the BBC Radio Orchestra. To return to the repertoire, who can ever have imagined that we would be offered Richard Addinsell’s full suite Ring Round The Moon. Heartfelt thanks to Philip Lane for reconstructing it. The booklet notes are both informative and revealing, and this entire production is top quality. We must support new releases like this. David Ades Dutton Epoch CDs are available from the RFS Record Service price £10.50.

THE GREAT SOUNDS OF THE PIANO ACCORDIAN BANDS –

Geraldo; Eric Winstone; Roberto (George Scott-Wood); Primo Scala; The London Piano Accordian Band

CD1: The Poor People of Paris (PS); So Tired (LPA) ; Wrap Yourself In Cotton Wool (EW) ; Bluebell Polka (PS); Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (EW); Moonlight Avenue (LPA); Isle Of Capri (PS); I Know Why(EW); Take Me To Your Heart Again (LPA); Jealousy/Romanesca (EW); Old Timer (G); Lullaby Of The Volga (PS); Medley: Flame Of Desire/Sunshine and Roses/Tom Thumb’s Drum/Rhymes (G); Roll Along Covered Wagon (PS); Memories Of Spain (EW); Sleepy Time In Sleepy Hollow (G) … and more

CD2: If Could Paint A Memory (EW); Johnny Ragtime; On Treasure Island (PS); Rose O’Day (EW), All For A Shilling A Day (R); The Rose In Her Hair (PS); When Night Is Through (EW); Alpine Valse (R); Grinzing; A Street In Old Seville (G); Underneath The Arches; Here Comes The Rainbow (PS); Medley: Sweet And Lovely/Put Your Little Arms Around Me/Cuban Love Song/You Forgot Your Gloves(G); Lady, Sing Your Gypsy Song; Hey! Mabel (EW) … and more

Rex REXX 321 [76:08 & 77.19]

In 2004 I drew attention to a two-CD set on the Rex label, ‘Time for Accordion’ (REXX 305), featuring various accordion bands and soloists that saw their heyday during the 1930’s/50’s. That set (still available) was notable for the inclusion of bands which had hitherto not seen the light of day since their original issue on 78’s. I ended my review "More please!!" My wish it seems has now been granted. The current set is a worthy successor, and focuses primarily on the bands listed above. Like Primo Scala and Scott-Wood, the Eric Winstone Accordion Band and his smaller accordion groups broadcast frequently on BBC radio during the 1940’s. It is high time these commercial recordings were reissued since the ensemble has been unjustly neglected. It has a very distinctive sound which sets it apart from standard accordion band fare since it includes strings and flutes, etc. Tracks have vocals by Cyril Grantham and a young Julie Dawn. Other singers on the CDs are Alan Kane, The Keynotes and Phil Phillips. The Geraldo ensemble also has a lighter touch and is a very different set up from the Latin-style Gaucho Tango Band of the 1930’s which also hosted three or four accordionists. Of the Primo Scala tracks one or two are duplicated on other CD issues by the artist. However some transfers from the Embassy label sold exclusively in Woolworths appear on CD for the first time. These represent some of the last recordings made by the band before Harry Bidgood’s untimely death in 1957. A significant proportion of the 50 tracks on this 2-CD set have never been released on LP or CD before and have been well re-mastered from the original shellacs. This is an enterprising issue and a welcome addition to the catalogue at budget price. Brian Stringer

JACK SIMPSON AND HIS SEXTET Jack’s the Boy For Work

Rise and Shine; Only Passing Clouds; Track 3; Once Upon a Winter Time; I Got Rhythm; Oasis; Take it Away; The Boogie Woogie Piggy; Stampede; The First Day of Summer; Chatanooga Choo Choo; I’d Give the World; Oh Lady Be Good; Mirage; Is It Too Late; Sweetheart We’ll Never Grow Old; Watch the Birdie; Time May Change; Stagecoach; Did You Ever Get That Feeling in the Moonlight; I’ve Got You Before My Eyes; I Cried for You; Jack’s the Boy For Work

Sunflower SUN 2176 [68:57]

Jack Simpson’s swing sextet/septet/band used to broadcast on the BBC’s "Music While You Work." He has been unjustly neglected by the music companies who have brought us so many other wonderful restorations in recent years; a CD was issued by Vocalion in 2007 (CDEA 6122), which was very welcome, and since this latest Sunflower release duplicates only a few of the tracks that appear on the Vocalion it is worth acquiring. For a sextet, Jack Simpson provides great diversity of styles. The group sometimes play in swing mood with a style reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli, at other times he reverts to a more romantic mode. Of course Jack is renowned for his dazzling renderings on both xylophone and marimba of which several examples are provided on this CD. He played in many of the outstanding bands of his day such as those of Phil Green, Ambrose and Freddy Gardner. The group comprised well-known musicians such as Reg Leopold, Oscar Grasso on violins, accordionists Scott-Wood or Phil Green plus guitarists such as Ivor Mairants from Geraldo’s band plus a double bass player. At a later stage Stanley Black joined the group on piano as did Aubrey Franks on sax. Betty Kent was one of the group’s regular vocalists, though some tracks on this CD are purely instrumental. The CD is woefully lacking in specific track details, although there are informative sleeve notes by Barry McCanna. The transfers are excellent with clear and full bodied sound. Unfortunately Sunflower CDs are not easy to come by. This one is not on the HMV or Amazon websites. If you require a copy I suggest you try The Great Music Company on 01280 823568 or go to their website at www.greatmusic.co.uk. It should only cost you around £5. Brian Stringer

LEE GIBSON Here’s to Love

Lee Gibson with Andy Panayi [flute and alto sax]; James Pearson [piano]; Sam Burgess [bass]; Chris Dagley [drums]

No moon at all, Easy to love, The nearness of you, Every little thing, Love dance, Joy spring, The shadow of your smile, Not like this, Come back to me, Here’s to life, Just friends

Spotlight SPJ CD 578 [56:06]

Although not really my kind of music [I received this in my new role as pro tempore Keeping Track editor] I can recognize an extremely musical singer when I hear one, whatever the form. Miss Gibson, who is an Associate Professor at the Guildhall School of Music, sings on this album what I would call fairly "straight" jazz, without too much improvisation, at which I understand she is "formidable." She is highly regarded in the jazz world and Sheila Tracy writes in the liner notes: "I have watched her progress from a good singer, which she always was, to a quite exceptional one who is now world class." The backing group sounds, too, are more than acceptable. Dave Gelly writes interestingly about the songs and Robin Cherry is responsible for the CD mastering. If you are not normally into jazz but fancy a representative album in your collection, then you could do a lot worse than to go for this one. I would think that readers of Paul Clatworthy’s column need not hesitate. Peter Burt

MY FAIR LADY Original Broadway Cast 1956

including bonus tracks ‘Lyrics By Lerner, Music by Loewe’: A jug of wine, Almost like being in love, The heather on the hill, There but for you go I, Love of my life

Naxos 8.120876 [72:07]

This is it, the original recording that took the musical theatre world by storm. It has come up as fresh as paint with transfers and production by David Lennick and digital restoration by Graham Newton. We can thrill again at Julie Andrew’s crystal clear singing voice and marvel at her transformation from guttersnipe to lady. We can admire anew the beautiful enunciation of Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway’s wonderfully comical cockney portrayal of Higgins. Franz Allers conducts Loewe’s scintillating score, and there is a welcome additional item not found on the original LP: The Embassy Waltz played by Percy Faith and his Orchestra. So dim the lights, sit back, relax, and wallow in a joyous experience from beginning to end.

Ray Pavene

ALMA COGAN Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Alma Cogan! Songs from "Take It from Here" and Other Gems

Intro: Take it from here, Isn’t life wonderful, What a perfect combination, If I had a golden umbrella, Mr Taptoe, The little fir tree, Sittin’ in the sun, A purple cow, Tennessee wig walk, Man, Pride of the Nancy Lee, Flirtation Waltz, and 60 other tracks

Sepia 8003 [2 CDs: 61:20 & 71:57]

Popular music was the poorer for the passing of Alma Cogan at the all too early age of 34 in 1966. A favourite from my late teenage years, Alma made her first record in 1952 and became known as "The girl with a laugh in her voice" from her bright and breezy style with such numbers as I can’t tell a waltz from a tangoThe naughty lady from shady laneWhere will the dimple be?Dreamboat [a 1955 No.1 hit], and Willie can – all may be found here. Alma became the first female vocalist to have her own TV series in Britain, 1959-61. The majority of tracks derive from the popular BBC radio show "Take It From Here" which starred Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield and Dick Bentley, who duets with her on What a perfect combination. Included are previously never heard before versions of Alma’s more familiar recordings as well as songs making an appearance for the very first time. I was fascinated to hear Cornflake Jones, a vocal version of Sidney Norman’s (Norrie Paramor) novelty piece Cornflakes. Bandleader Billy Ternent [plus his orchestra] joins her on That’s what a rainy day is for and I love the way you say goodnight; and Banjo’s back in town was recorded in February 1956 unaccompanied due to a musicians’ strike! These well-filled CDs remind us that Miss Cogan was one of our greatest popular music divas ever. There is an excellent booklet, including a piece by Alma’s MD Stan Foster, to back up the music. Re-mastering is in the capable hands of Robin Cherry, and there is a modicum of surface noise. Unless you find of the sound of applause irritating, this is a recommendable release. Peter Burt

BING CROSBY AND FRIENDS

30 tracks

Sounds of Yesteryear [DSOY752]

This is culled from Crosby’s radio shows including Bob Hope, Patti Page, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Peggy Lee, Danny Kaye and many others. Judging by the audience laughter, some of the entertainment was visual. Many of the songs have now left the play lists but Crosby completists will love this CD. Paul Clatworthy

DEANNA DURBIN Mad About Music: Rarities and Gems

I love to whistle, A serenade to the stars, When I sing, Carmena waltz, The old refrain, Begin the beguine, Pale hands I loved, Say a pray’r for the boys over there, Russian Medley, Nessun Dorma, Always, Gimme a little kiss, will ya, huh? Night and day, Lover … and 9 other titles

Sepia 1117 [78:08]

Canadian born Deanna [Edna Mae at birth] Durbin had a big following in the late ‘30s and early-mid ‘40s and not for nothing was she known at one time as "The Queen of Universal Pictures." She wanted to be an opera star and her voice is a bit too operatic for my liking. Her many fans, however, will not be disappointed by this very well-filled album, all songs from movies. I loved the tango accompaniment on In the spirit of the moment. The glossy CD booklet is well up to Sepia’s high standards with very informative notes and mostly coloured photos/illustrations. Ray Pavene

JANE MORGAN Sings Showstoppers

Give my regards to Broadway/The Yankee Doodle Boy, Dancing in the dark, You’ll never walk alone, Toyland/Moonbeams, I love Paris/C’est magnifique, The Merry Widow Waltz, The surrey with the fringe on top, Hello young lovers, Hey there, A pretty girl is like a melody/Say it with music, So in love, They didn’t believe me … and 15 other titles

Sepia 1119 [76:06]

Before listening to this CD I must admit to knowing next to nothing about Miss Morgan, her earlier album ‘An American Songbird in Paris’ [Sepia 1098] not having come my way. What I know now is that this album gave me unalloyed pleasure from beginning to end. She has a remarkably pleasing lyric soprano voice that one could listen to for hours. Recorded in 1958, the selection of songs could hardly be bettered. The orchestra is directed by Frank Hunter, with some tasteful arrangements, and other musicians heard are The Troubadors [sic] directed by Marty Gold, and the piano duo of Ernest Bragg and Buddy Weed. On You’re just in love, from "Call Me Madam", the duettist is Michael Stewart. Since listening to this release I have discovered that Jane is a product of the Julliard School of Music and had chart success in the late ‘50s with Two different worlds, alongside Roger Williams,Fascination [from 1957 with three million sold by 1965], The day the rains came and With open arms. For me, then, quite a discovery and a release to treasure. Peter Burt

MARK MURPHY Love Is What Stays

Stolen moments, Angel eyes, My foolish heart, So doggone lonesome, What if, The interview, Once upon a summertime, Stolen moments, Love is what stays, Too late now, Blue cell phone, Did I ever live

Verve B0008906-02 [64:13]

The photo on the CD says it all: "I’ve been around but the music keeps me going." Mark’s singing has a sweet and sour contrast bringing a new layer of edginess to each song. The presence of awesome trumpet player Till Bronner, soloing and sometimes arranging, is a real bonus. Special accolades are due for the string arrangements of Nan Schwartyz, arranger for many American T.V. shows, the Boston Pops and many other singers, earning her Grammy nominations. She has obviously heard a few Johnny Mandel charts along the way! Paul Clatworthy

BOB CATS The Complete Bob Cats Volume 2

20 tracks

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY751 [57:41]

BOB CATS The Complete Bob Cats Volume 3 It’s All Over Now

39 tracks on 2 CDs

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY753 [56:31 & 50:51]

If my review of Volume 1 [see JIM 177] had already been published, these would probably not have been sent for review. Played back to back the compositions seem to merge into a steady relentless chug with little change in tempo. Your feet may start to twitch but the brain gets numb minute by minute. If you did get Vol.1 and enjoyed it, the music continues. Personnel are much the same; good players all playing their hearts out. Each to his own is all that I can add to my last review. Paul Clatworthy

PINOCCHIO

Sepia 1118 [76:47]

Sepia’s customary high standard booklet notes claim that this is "one of the merriest and most unusual collections" in their catalogue. The first 14 tracks are from ‘Pinocchio’ televised on U.S. NBC Television in October 1957. It is narrated by Mickey Rooney, who starred in the title role, with Fran Allison, Jerry Colonna, Stubby Kaye, Martyn Green and Gordon B Clarke. The music is by Alec Wilder and the lyricist is William Engvick, who wrote the English words for The song from Moulin Rouge [Where is your heart]. ‘Mickey Rooney Sings’ on the next eight tracks includes Yankee doodle boy,Give my regards to Broadway and Top hat, white tie and tails. ‘Fran Allison Sings.’ completes the CD with six tracks, four of which are for the kiddywinks. Certainly a bit different but enjoyable nevertheless. Ray Pavene

JASCHA HEIFETZ VIOLIN VIRTUOSO

Korngold: Violin concerto; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole; George Gershwin: Prelude Nos. 1-3, Summertime, A woman is a sometime thing, My man’s gone now, It ain’t necessarily so, Tempo di blue, Bess, you is my woman now; Trad.: Deep River; Weill: Moderato assai [from "The Threepenny Opera"]; Benjamin: Jamaican rumba

Regis RRC 1296 [74:07]

The main attraction of this disc for JIM readers will probably be the popular pieces occupying the last 27 minutes and I have found myself repeatedly playing these dozen tracks. Emanuel Bay is the pianist on the Gershwin and Weill [Mack the Knife] items, Milton Kaye on the Benjamin and trad. As the very good 8-page booklet notes by Peter Avis remind us, Erich Wolfgang Korngold provided the scores for some 20 films, two of which were to win him Academy Awards and two more, Academy nominations. In fact, the concerto is based on music contained in four of his film themes – although it is not clear which came first. What is clear is that Heifetz, who died in 1987 aged 86, was a fabulous musician and this disc, available at a giveaway price if you shop around, bears witness to his being truly the ‘King of Violinists’

Peter Burt

WALLERMANIA - Tribute to Fats Waller ALEX HASSAN piano

Wallerama Medley, Palm Garden, Alligator Crawl, Happy Feeling, etc.. Shellwood SWCD 37 [68:13]

Alex Hassan has become one of Shellwood’s ‘regulars’, and this time he turns his attention to the great Fats Waller. Many of his famous hits form part of medleys, of which there are five in this collection, plus Waller’s 1940 "London Suite" with individual tunes honouring Piccadilly, Chelsea, Soho, Bond Street, Limehouse and Whitechapel. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Alex Hassan has immersed himself in popular piano music from the 1920s and 1930s, and the glorious sounds from that far-off era flow effortlessly through his gifted fingers. David Ades

JUST A LITTLE THING CALLED RHYTHM – Rhythmic Piano Rolls 1917-1936 Pianolist: Julian Dyer

Who, It’s De-Lovely, I’m Lonely Without You, Sweet Man, Moonlight on the Ganges, Sunny Side Up. Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man etc… 24 tracks

Shellwood SWCD 38 [75:39]

For the technically minded, Julian Dyer is playing a standard 88-note Aeolian Company ‘Pianola’. Piano rolls were the music industry’s answer to those aspiring pianists who simply weren’t very good! For us today they offer the chance to hear the kind of music that was enjoyed by our grandparents – and their parents – in the original arrangements. If you like syncopated piano this is just for you.David Ades

FRANCK POURCEL Platinum Collection

Chariot (I Will Follow Him), La Vie En Rose, Mon Dieu, The Magnificent Seven, Unforgettable, Blue Tango, Singing In The Rain, Saturday Night Fever, Concorde, Penny Lane, She, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, etc… 60 tracks

EMI France 3-CD box set 5099923570122 [178:44]

This latest offering of Franck Pourcel recordings has been compiled by RFS member Serge Elhaik, and it is taken from various LPs for Capitol USA from the 1960s to the 1980s. The informative booklet is in French, and some familiar numbers are listed only by their French titles, so you will encounter some surprises along the way! During this period Franck was adapting his earlier style to suit the changing music scene. As Ralph Harvey was quoted as writing in our last issue (page 66):

"Throughout the years Franck Pourcel has used imagination without gimmickry. It is true that his most recent recordings have introduced a ‘beat’ element which has disturbed some of his more traditionalist followers in France. Popular music, however, does not and cannot stand still and provided Franck keeps the sense of good taste he has shown over the past twenty-five years he has every reason to move with the times." Franck clearly did succeed in walking what some might call a musical tightrope, as his continuing popularity has confirmed. David Ades

The following new releases were noted just as we went to press. If any reviews are subsequently received, they will appear in a future issue. [Details taken from record company publicity].

DEBBIE WISEMAN – Different Voices

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Debbie Wiseman

Naxos 8572022

"How about composing a new Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra?" suggested Ian Maclay, the general manager of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I’ve always loved composing for full symphony orchestra, so this was a challenge that simply had to be met! I conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the first live performance at London’s Cadogan Hall with Hayley Westenra adding her special touch to the song and Stephen Fry narrating in his own inimitable fashion. The result of that live performance is this CD. It was a truly memorable and exciting experience, and I hope you enjoy listening to different voices as much as I enjoyed composing the piece. – Debbie Wiseman

MIKLOS ROZSA Orchestral Works Volume 1

Three Hungarian Sketches, Hungarian Serenade, Overture to a Symphony Concert, Tripartita.

BBC Philharmonic Conducted by Rumon Gamba

Chandos CHAN 10488

Miklós Rózsa is one of the giants of the film world with scores for Hollywood films such as Ben Hur,Quo Vadis, and El Cid. Once settled in Hollywood, Rózsa was able to negotiate a beneficial contract which allowed him to spend the summer months at his Italian retreat writing his concert music, while during the winter months composing music for films in Hollywood. The conductor Rumon Gamba comments, ‘Having made many discs of film music by composers whose concert works are well known, such as Malcolm Arnold and Vaughan Williams, I thought it would be interesting to turn to a very well-known film music composer and profile his concert works, which have perhaps been overshadowed by his big screen successes’. The film music of Miklós Rózsa is extremely exciting, passionate and intoxicating, and deserves to be better known. Gamba conducts the BBC Philharmonic in four works, all influenced in some way by Rózsa’s Hungarian roots.

BEST OF LONDON

2-CD collection of music associated with London. Light music tracks include: Eric Coates London Suite (excerpts), London Calling, London Again Suite (excerpts); Haydn Wood London Cameos Suite, Horseguards Whitehall; Sidney Torch London Transport Suite; Robert Farnon Westminster Waltz; Philip Lane London Salute -etc.

Naxos 8572098-99

AARON COPLAND: Dance Symphony / Symphony No. 1 / Short Symphony

Bournemouth Symphony, Alsop 
Naxos 8.559359

LEROY ANDERSON Orchestral Music Volume 5

Goldilocks; Suite of Carols (version for woodwinds)

BBC Concert Orchestra Conducted by Leonard Slatkin

Naxos 8559382 [52:14]

FREDDY GARDNER The Essential Collection

Avid AVC 947 2-CD set

"He embroiders his improvisations with lyrical phrases and ravishing glissandi"..... so wrote broadcaster and writer Hector Stewart way back in the fifties when men were actually called Hector! Seriously though, we at AVID just think he was a damn fine reedsman! Equally at home on clarinet as he was with the entire saxophone family, our latest Essential inductee is the superb, yet perhaps unheralded saxophonist Mr Freddy Gardner. Freddy was in huge demand as a session musician during his heyday in the thirties, he was indeed the man they all called for. Benny Carter used him to head up his reed session when he was in the UK recording for Vocalion. You can hear the results on a couple of tracks herein. As well as tracks with Benny Carter we also feature Freddy’s contributions alongside Ike Hatch and Valaida as well as six medleys recorded as Freddy Gardner & His Mess Mates. Also featured is work with The Royal Navy Mariners including three rare ENSA broadcast titles. 51 superbly re-mastered tracks in all reveal that Freddy could sure blow Sweet or Hot and we can witness his crowning glory as he takes it home with Peter Yorke & His Concert Orchestra featured on no less than eight magnificent tracks.

EDDIE BARCLAY Meet Mr. Barclay & Paris For Lovers

Vocalion CDNJT 5204

Eddie Barclay, Gallic orchestra leader and founder of Barclay records, is the subject of this Vocalion release, which compiles two of his mid-1950s light music albums. In "Meet Mr Barclay" the focus is, in the main, on music from the movies, and Mr Barclay runs his orchestra through impeccably played, spellbinding renditions of Hernando’s Hideaway (from the ‘The Pajama Game’), Merry-Go-Round (from ‘French Can-Can’), Rififi (from ‘Du Rififi Chez les Hommes’) and Le grisbi (from ‘Touchez pas au Grisbi’) among others. As you would expect, in "Paris for Lovers" the accent is on romantic French melodies, and maestro Barclay does not disappoint in his selection of tunes that include gorgeous arrangements of I Love Paris, Under the Bridges of Paris, Under Paris Skies, Paris Stay the Same, I’ll Be Yours (J’attendrai) and more.

Werner Müller & His Orchestra : Echoes of Italy & Great Strauss Waltzes

Vocalion CDLK 4373

German orchestral maestro Werner Mueller makes his ninth appearance on Vocalion with two further albums drawn from his extensive Teldec catalogue, both of which demonstrate that he was a master of light classical music repertoire in addition to the Latin and big band idioms for which he was best known. "Echoes of Italy" presents several timeless melodies from the land of song, including numbers that found international fame once English lyrics had been written for them: Quando, M’innamoro (A Man without Love), Ti Guarderò Nel Cuore (More), Alla Fine Della Strada (Love Me Tonight). Müller also turns his attention to works by composers such as Toselli (Serenade No.1, Op.6), Rossini (Finale from ‘William Tell’) and Tchaikovsky (Capriccio Italien, Op.45), and these and every selection in the album are treated to typically exquisite Müller orchestrations. "Great Strauss Waltzes" is, as the title suggests, dedicated to the undisputed master of the waltz, Johan Strauss. Classics including the Accelerations Waltz, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Roses from the South, Blue Danube Waltz and many more are given new leases of life under Müller’s expert direction.

Finally some more recent releases noted by Wilfred Askew.

BILL EVANS Piano and Orchestra Theme From "The VIPs"

Theme from "Mr Novak", Theme from "The Caretakers"; More, Walk on the wild side; The days of wine and roses; Theme from "The VIPs", Hollywood, Sweet September, On Green Dolphin Street, The Man with the golden arm, Laura, On Broadway

Verve 176135-7 [31:30]

THE VOICES OF WALTER SCHUMANN The Voices Of Christmas

Sleigh ride, God rest ye merry, gentlemen, The Christmas Song, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, What child is this?, Rise up shepherd and foller, The first snowfall, Fum, fum, fum, Christmas tree, Christmas in Killarney, The First Noel, Frosty the snowman, Lully,Lully,Lu … and 6 other titles

Collectors’ Choice CCM-867 [41:02]

SY OLIVER AND HIS ORCHESTRA / BILLY MAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA Arrangements Of Jimmie Lunceford In Hi-Fi [Spanish Import]

[Oliver] Dream of you, Ain’t she sweet, Organ grinder’s swing, My blue heaven, By the river Saint Marie, I’m walking through heaven with you [May] Uptown Blues, Annie Laurie, Charmaine, Coquette, Well all right then, Blues in the night [Oliver and May separately] For dancers only, Margie, Four or five times, ‘taint what you do, Cheatin’ on me, Rhythm is our business

Lone Hill Jazz LHJ 10336 [77:47]

DICK STABILE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Many Faces

Who’s sorry now, Cloudburst, Just you, just me, Tenderly, Many faces, I’ll see you in my dreams, The gypsy in my soul, Dream, Hong Kong Cha Cha, Come back to Sorrento, Don’t blame me, Pavanne, Poor butterfly, We’ll be together again, For you, Do I love you … and 8 other titles

Montpelier MONT CD 046 [62:22]

BUDDY COLE Hammond Organ/ Bösendorfer Piano with Orchestra conducted by Pete King Have Organ Will Swing / Plays Cole Porter

That old black magic, Memories of you, Between the devil and the deep blue sea, Early autumn, I hear music, They can’t take that away from me …and 6 other titles / So in love, What is this thing called love, I get a kick out of you, All through the night, Get out of town …and 7 other titles

Warner Bros albums from 1958.

Collectables COL-CD-7865 [71:26]

THE BILLY COTTON BAND SHOW Saturday Night Sing-A-Long

Stick it on the wall Mrs Riley, I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts, The yellow rose of Texas, Friends and neighbours, Poppa Piccolino, A-hunting we will go, I love the sunshine of your smile, London calls, Big head, Domani, If I were a blackbird, Play me hearts and flowers, The petite waltz, Rain, The Dam Busters … etc.

Double CD with the Ember LP of the same name plus 40 bonus tracks.

Acrobat FADCD 2017 [148:15]NINA ROTA "La Strada" and "Le Notti Di Cabiria" Film Sountracks
Cherry Red ACMEM 123 CD [74:40]ELMER BERNSTEIN "Sweet Smell Of Success" Film Sountrack
Cherry Red ACMEM 132 [70:15]HENRY MANCINI "A Touch Of Evil" Film Soundtrack
Cherry Red ACMEM 134 CD [50:57]

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