Keeping Track - Dateline December 2011
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS(The Golden Age of Light Music) For full tracklisting, please refer to JIM 189 page 74 > Guild GLCD 5185(78:00) It is highly probable that, since the very inception of the recorded music industry, there have been records specially made for Christmas. Over the years hundreds if not thousands of titles must have been produced in both single and album format, and these have been extremely popular with the record-buying public. For performers and record companies alike, they have been a perennial and very lucrative money-spinner. But just like that famous brand of yeast extract spread, or the even more famous Irish beer, you either love ‘em or hate ‘em! Well now, if you happen to be in the latter category, you might just find this new CD to be the perfect antidote. In keeping with established Guild policy, all of the tracks are non-vocal featuring large orchestras fronted by some of the finest conductors in the business. The programme consists of fine arrangements of traditional carols and hymns, together with a selection of popular Christmas songs and a couple of other "seasonal" compositions. Much of the material has been taken from two 1958 LPs featuring the conducting and the arranging talents of Percy Faith and Billy Vaughn with their respective orchestras. They are joined by the orchestras of George Melachrino, Angela Morley, Annunzio Mantovani, and Arthur Fiedler with the Boston ‘Pops’ Orchestra. With the exception of the Mantovani items, which were issued on British Decca [London in the US], all emanate from US labels [Columbia, Dot, RCA, and Warner Bros.] They were obviously targeted at the enormous North American market; this style of big orchestral production was very popular over there at the end of the '50s. I have not been able to establish whether they were actually released in the UK, or were only available as imports. They nevertheless found their way into the vast collections of David Ades and Alan Bunting; the latter has done his usual superlative job of digital restoration. A further bonus is that all tracks are in stereo. As David’s booklet notes state " …In the hands of the top arrangers and orchestras assembled on this CD, there is every chance that the discerning listener will discover some new sounds that add a welcome vibrancy to old familiar friends". I was able to give the album several hearings on a recent lengthy car journey and, in my opinion, this is a very enjoyable compilation and a most worthy addition to the Guild series.Tony Clayden
KT Editor's CD Choice
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT A Celebration of the MGM Film Musical Kim Criswell, Matthew Ford, Sarah Fox, Seth MacFarlane & Curtis Stigers, Maida Vale Singers, The John Wilson Orchestra / John WilsonMGM Jubilee Overture; The Trolley Song; Steppin' Out With My Baby; The Heather On The Hill; Barn Dance (Seven Brides For Seven Brothers); You're Sensational; I Got Rhythm; Singin' In The Rain; An American In Paris – Main Title; Love Is Here To Stay; Well, Did You Evah?; The New Moon (Sequence): One Kiss/Lover Come Back To Me; Broadway Melody Ballet; That's EntertainmentEMI Classics 0288452(77:52)> The much anticipated first album by JW under his new contract with EMI has arrived. Was it worth the wait – it certainly was! A celebration it is right from the start. The overture takes us back to the nostalgic world of the MGM musical and more importantly to the sound of the MGM Studio Orchestra of the 1940's and 1950's. The playing has a zing and pizzazz, which John has evidently instilled into his fine orchestra, and through his skilled re-construction of these wonderful scores. The soloists engaged for this recording are all excellent but special mention should be given to Kim Criswell on her superb performance of the two Judy Garland numbers,The Trolley Song andI Got Rhythm. Curtis Stigers is in suitably wistful mood forLove is here to stay which appropriately follows the Main Title music fromAn >American in Paris. The highlights for me are the two concluding numbers: the penultimate track with Matthew Ford in Gene Kelly mode and then the title track where all the soloists with the Maida Vale Singers take their final bow. The playing and singing on these tracks, as on the whole album, is absolutely electric. The album is also a tribute to the genius of Conrad Salinger (the principle arranger at MGM) and his team including Johnny Green and Lenny Hayton. This is my "Album of the Year" – and many thanks to John Wilson.Mike Crowther
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENTDeluxe Edition Disc 1:as aboveDisc 2 Bonus DVD:The Making of That's Entertainment; Interview with John Wilson; Music Clips: The Heather on the Hill(Matthew Ford), The Trolley Song(Kim Criswell); Singalong with the John Wilson Orchestra: The Trolley Song; I Got Rhythm; Singin' in the Rain; Love is Here to Stay; That's EntertainmentEMI Classics 0288432(40.00) The two discs are contained in a 84-page CD-size glossy hardback book. Although you are not likely to return to the DVD as often as to the CD, I reckon that it and the book are worth the extra £4 or so, not least in the case of the former for John's engaging personality!Peter Burt
Reviews of two more John Wilson releases on page ??
RUSS CONWAY The Hits And More … The Party Pop Stylings of Russ Conway2 CDs:70 tracks incl. Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2); Got A Match; Toby's Walk; More Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2); The World Outside; Love Like Ours; Side Saddle; Pixelated Penguin; Roulette; Trampolina; China Tea; The Wee Boy Of Brussels; Snow Coach; Time To Celebrate; More and More Party Pops (Parts 1 & 2) … /Happy Go Lucky Day; Loch Lomond; The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo; Ma (He's Makin' Eyes At Me); Waiting For The Robert E Lee; Abie, My Boy; Pennies From Heaven; Don't Fence Me In; Easter Parade; Comin' Round the Mountain; It's A Sin To Tell a Lie; The Music Goes 'Round And Around; On The Banks Off The Wabash; April Showers; Isle Of Capri; Silver Dollar; Red Sails In The Sunset …Jasmine JASCD 182(78:22 & 77:10) Pianist and composer, Russ Conway made his first record in 1957 and became an immensely popular pianist/entertainer on radio and TV, frequently playing his own compositions. During 1959 he had his first big hit withSide Saddle, followed byRouletteandChina Doll.By 1961 he had sold 250,000 LPs. Disc 1 of this remarkable mono budget-priced compilation contains all the A and B sides of all his hits, with a few extras. Ten of the 34 tracks are medleys. Disc 2 has 36 tunes suitable for a super singalong. I don't suppose anybody will want to play both these discs straight off but they are ideal to dip into to raise the spirits.Peter Burt
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ & HIS ORCHESTRA On The Air With Lily Pons 20 tracks incl. Carefree; Tales From The Vienna Woods; Ay,Ay,Ay; Chanson De Marie Antoinette; Hymn To The Sun from 'Le Coq D’or': L ‘Invitation Au Voyage; Dancing Doll; Waltz from 'Romeo Et Juliette'; Kiss Me Again; Dreamland Rendezvous … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 856 (74:23) This should have been titled in reverse order as Kosty's wife Lily dominates the proceedings – impassioned soprano sometimes verging on parody! That’s probably because my idea of singing is Peggy Lee, June Christie etc. The few solely orchestral numbers bought back happy memories of my youth spending Sunday afternoons delving through my father’s Kostelanetz 78s, even with unforgiving steel needles sounding pretty good.
On The Air With Ginny Simms. 24 tracks incl. Carefree/That’s For Me; Slowly; I Concentrate On You; I’ve Got You Under My Skin; On The Atchison Topeka And The Santa Fe; In A Monastery Garden; I See Your Face Before Me/ Dancing In The Dark: I Concentrate On You; Full Moon And Empty Arms; It Might As Well Be Spring; The Man I Love … DSOY 858 (76:19). More nostalgic air checks, singer changed, still sounding a little stilted but I enjoyed this more than the Lily Pons as the orchestra gets more of the proceedings. Bonus for me was David Raksin’s composition Slowly – new to me, I’ve always loved his work. Michael Highton deserves high praise for his informative sleeve notes. Paul Clatworthy
MITCH MILLER It's Miller Time! – Come On And Join The Party!2 CDs:59 tracks incl. Song For A Summer Night; Autumn Leaves; Willie Can; March from The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey; Blackberry Winter; Silly Little Tune; Sabrina; Java; Song Of The Sparrow; The Bowery Grenadiers; Lisbon Antigua; The Sleigh …/ Sing Along; Hey Little Baby; Bonnie Eloise; Hey, Betty Martin; I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time; Beer Barrel Polka; Don't Fence Me In; Oriental Polka; Ginny, My Joy; Whistle Stop; Do-Re-Me; Dixie …Jasmine JASCD 167(77:58 & 79:38) As Robert Nickora reminds us in his liner notes, Mitch Miller (1911-2010) was an especially skilled oboist (also English Hornist), an orchestra and choral conductor with Columbia Records, and an executive who guided some of the most popular recording artists of the 1950s, among them Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Mahalia Jackson, Guy Mitchell and Johnnie Ray. He became one of the most successful record producers of all time and was responsible for ten individual discs which hit the million mark: Frankie Laine'sMule Train,That Lucky Old Sun,Jezebel,I Believe, Guy Mitchell'sMy Heart Cries For Youand Tony Bennett'sBecause of Youamong them; and it is said he invented the "Greatest Hits" concept. Earlier in his career he had played in symphony orchestras and chamber groups, and later with Percy Faith on two LPs,'It's So Peaceful In The Country'and'Music Until Midnight'. On the two extremely well-filled compilation discs under review we have a wonderful selection of Mitch's work with his own instrumentalists and singers, including the big hits likeTheYellow Rose of Texas,Tzena,Tzena,Tzena,Meet Mister Callaghan,Under Paris Skies (the movie theme title), andThe Children's Marching Song(from 'The Inn of the Sixth Happiness'). I always associate the sound of this Miller with the French horn (e.g. his backings for Guy Mitchell) and for me a favourite track on the first disc isTira Lira Madeira, in which the horns combine with an insistent drum beat and Stan Freeman's fine harpsichord. Another good example of the horn sound is onGreensleeves. Most of the titles are in mono, being popular singles, but the sound is very acceptable. On Disc 2 there are also tracks from several of Mitch's'Sing Along'and'March Along'LPs. Definitely a most entertaining release at a very fair price and another release to cheer you up. Perfect for that Christmas stocking, I'd say.Peter Burt
TONY MOTTOLA & HIS ORCHESTRA Roman Guitar / Mr. Big24 tracks incl. La Strada; Anna; Arriverderci, Roma; Sorrento; Violetta; Volare … / Danger; Carioca; What's New; Dancing On the Ceiling; I Didn't Know What Time It Was; Carnival Time …Sepia 1174(63:53) This label only occasionally reissues non-vocal albums (I seem to have missed their earlier'Persuasive Percussion') but they are invariably highly entertaining. This one features "the brilliant and legendary guitarist" Tony Mottola (1918-2004). He was a presence on a lot of recordings and had a long association with Perry Como. (He can be heard on the new Jane Morgan disc reviewed below and, quite likely, was on the Mitch Miller discs above). The two albums here were both best sellers – imagine that happening today! The first dozen tracks are all typically evocative Italian numbers that are in his blood.'Mr. Big'(that's Tony, folks) has him performing with Al Caiola and three other guitarists on well-known American songbook standards together with three numbers he composed:Danger(written for the TV series),Carnival TimeandHumorescapade(an adaptation of Dvo?ák'sHumouresque). The sound is very good and, judging from the extravagant separation, probably comes from the early days of stereo on the celebrated Command label. Apart from an uncharacteristic lack of label and recording date information, Sepia keep up their high booklet standards by providing the original liner notes, which run to eight pages.Peter Burt
PIANO THEMES & RHAPSODIES 21 tracks incl. First Rhapsody; Tango (Albeniz); Liebestraum; Dream of Olwen; Theme from The Story of Three Loves; Warsaw Concerto; Rooftop Rhapsody …Bygone Days BYD 77067 (78:11) This compilation mainly features the pianist Semprini, who is featured conducting the New Abbey Light Symphony Orchestra in ten compositions, and on a further eight tracks he is the soloist with the orchestra of George Melachrino. Two other pianists have a track apiece, both with Melachrino’s Orchestra, namely William Hill-Bowen (Robert Docker'sLegend) and Monia Liter. The latter is the soloist inRhapsody in Blue, which performance suffers from a haphazard clarinet introduction. Apart from that, it’s a delight from beginning to end, with a full, rich acoustic, and Peter Dempsey’s liner note illuminates the music, the composers and the performers.Barry McCanna
NELSON RIDDLE & HIS ORCHESTRA The Joy Of Living & A Riddle of Contrasts2 CDs:58 titles incl. The Joy of Living; Moonglow; Birds Of Paradise; Around The World; There's A Gold Mine In The Sky; "Markham" Theme; Poor Jud Is Daid; All Er Nothin'; Somethin' Special*; I Speak To The Stars; Stowaway; Bonsoir Lisbon*; Midnight Blue … / "The Untouchables"*; Please Remember; Drive-In; Ill Wind; In The Mood; Idle Chatter; Green Leaves Of Summer; Pendulum Song; An Affair To Remember; Make Her Mine; Caravan; Three Little Stars …Jasmine JASCD 166(78:35 & 78:21) Another packed compilation from a label that invariably gives us value for money. Nelson Riddle was an arranger, conductor, composer and trombone player. In the '40s he played with Tommy Dorsey among others. It was, of course, working with Frank Sinatra from April '53 that Nelson became the best-known arranger in Hollywood. He first came to prominence as an arranger when he collaborated with Nat King Cole, and there are eight examples of their work here. Also featured are tracks with Margaret Whiting (4), Betty Hutton (2), The Lancers (2), The Andrews Sisters (4) and The Four Freshmen (1). There are, too, examples of his own compositions includingTing-A-Lay-O,"Pal Joey" Theme andSea of Dreams, as well as those asterisked above. All the tracks are in mono – apart from eight on Disc 2 that are presumably album tracks – and were Capitol releases with the exception of those with the Andrews Sisters for Decca in 1952. Although perhaps not quite so distinctive sounding as Nelson's later work, these discs contain some fine quality material and are to be unreservedly recommended.Peter Burt
DAVID ROSE & HIS ORCHESTRA King Of Strings - The Hits and More … 2 CDs: 55 tracks incl. Holiday For Strings (1955 version); Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing; Holiday For Trombones; Calypso Melody; Swingin' Shepherd Blues; September Song; Autumn Leaves; The Autumn Waltz; September In The Rain; Indian Summer; Blue Autumn; Shine On Harvest Moon … / Portrait Of A Flirt; Paris Oui Oui; The Flying Horse; Vanessa; Zing-Zing Zoom-Zoom; Theme From 'Wings Of Eagles'; Take My Love; Stars Shine In Your Eyes; Love Is Eternal; Summertime In Venice; Bordeaux; Pam Pam … Jasmine JASDCD 597 (78:46 & 79:32) If there has been a better compilation of reissues this year it has yet to come my way! Composer and conductor David Rose was born in London in 1910 but became a US citizen at age four when his parents moved to Chicago, where he attended the Chicago College of Music. In the mid-1930s he went to Hollywood and was MD of a radio network there. He joined the US Air Force and directed their official show, 'Winged Victory', and in 1943 wrote his big hit, Holiday for Strings, the original version of which ends the second disc. It has been said that this piece signaled a revival in light orchestral music and set a fashion for string section writing. He returned to Hollywood as MD of MGM movies and wrote numerous film scores. He recorded many albums in the 1960s and presented and conducted his own concerts at the Pasadena Pops and Hollywood Bowl. He died at Burbank in 1990. This impressive mono selection contains 21 of his own compositions, whose titles are invariably very descriptive of the music (On A Country Road In Switzerland, Parade Of The Clowns, Roman Holiday and A Frenchman in New York, for example), although unfortunately The Stripper is missing. I am intrigued by the marvellous Satan And The Polar Bear. André Previn is featured on his own Like Young and also on Young Man's Lament. The trademark Rose pizzicato is well in evidence throughout these discs. All the tracks, some of which have been provided by RFS members Philip Farlow and Brian Henson, are either 45s or from LPs on the MGM label. The two albums will, no doubt, give Mr. Rose's many admirers much pleasure and, hopefully, attract anybody who appreciates a good tune immaculately played. It is available online at under £7 – that's around 12p a track. Peter Burt
DON SESTA / TROISE MANDOLIERS / JACK SIMPSON Serenade in the Night Don Juan/Serenade in the Night/Napolitana; Evening Star; Don Estas' Corazon; Grinzing; Cupid's Army; Dreamy Serenade; All Through the Night; Santiago Waltz; Schubert's Serenade; Vienna in Springtime; Santa Lucia; Little Valley in the Mountains; Blue Danube; Raymonde Overture; A Girl Like Nina, Tonight (from 'The Queen's Affair'); My Heart is Calling You; Loch Lomond, My Antoinette; In a Sled; Song of the Rose; Moonlight Kisses; Goodnight Vienna; Hungarian Dance no.1 (Brahms); Old Bohemian Town. Cottage Industry Records FBCD282 (75.10) This CD is the result of another collaboration between Frank Bristow in Australia and our own Brian Stringer and, unlike most of the recordings of light music available these days, features speciality combinations rather than conventional light orchestras. I think that many members will be familiar with the name of Troise and his Mandoliers, perhaps less so with Don Sesta's Gaucho Tango Orchestra. There are also several tracks from a combination called the Marimba Serenaders led, we are told, by Jack Simpson, a distinguished exponent of the xylophone and marimba. This recording will appeal to lovers of traditional light music, of the sort that was popular in the 1930s and 1940's – sparkling tangos and novelties with a sprinkling of long established favourites. Some of the titles will not have been heard for decades and this recording gives them a richly deserved lease of life. I particularly enjoyedCupid's Army. The CD comes with detailed notes about both music and the musicians provided by Brian Stringer and Frank Bristow. Brian Reynolds
Available from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia. Tel: Aus. (03) 9528 3167. E-mail: info@musicfromthe past. com. Website: www.musicfromthepast.com.
TOP DOG – A RETROSPECTIVE OF CLASSIC TV & RADIO THEMES 1960-1982 All tracks are mentioned below De Wolfe DWCR 004 (55.57) This release surely ranks as one of the best TV (& Radio) theme CDs on the market – with all 26 original tracks re-mastered from the session tapes held in De Wolfe’s vast library. Whilst some of the themes have already been released commercially, many are new to CD and two tracks have never previously been issued – not even as library discs. There are three themes from the series ‘Vision On’ which ran from 1964 to 1976: firstly Claude Vasori’s main theme, Accroche-Toi, Caroline; the lesser-known ‘Humphrey the Tortoise' Theme (Merry Ocarina) composed by Pierre Arvay and the well-known ‘Gallery’ Theme, Left Bank II, composed by Wayne Hill. One of the best-known composers of library music, Johnny Hawksworth, composed the famous Thames TV ident (Salute to Thames) and many other television themes; and on this CD alone we can hear Up To Date used as the theme for ‘Man About the House’ (1973-76);Ready to Serve the theme for the BBC series ‘Delia Smith’s Cookery Course’ (1978-9) – a series for which he composed the entire score; Roobarb from ‘Roobarb & Custard’ shown in 1974; and one of the standout tracks, the first series theme from ‘George & Mildred’ (1976). The latter are two of the shortest titles on the CD at less than 40 seconds! The title track, Ivor Slaney’s Top Dog, was used for a BBC Radio comedy, ‘The Men from the Ministry’, which ran from 1962-1977; and his Comedy Hourwas the theme for the BBC comedy ‘Here’s Harry’ (later called ‘Harry Worth’) throughout the 60s and 70s. There are three themes by another popular library composer, Jack Trombey. Firstly, Eye Level, the No.1 hit single from 1973 which opens the album and was the theme from ‘Van der Valk’ for its entire run from 1972; and Trombones on Parade used as the theme for Yorkshire TV's ‘Junior Showtime’ from 1969-74. The third contribution is Domino from ‘Never the Twain’ (1981-91). Simon Haseley (aka Simon Park, who conducted the aforementioned Eye Level single both on record and live on ‘Top of the Pops’) is represented by two tracks: Precinct is the gritty theme used from 1972-78 in the Thames TV game show ‘Whodunit’ – hosted by Edward Woodward and later Jon Pertwee – which is a particular favourite of mine; and the theme he composed with Peter Reno used for ‘Crown Court’ (1972-84). This tune, Distant Hills, was actually the B-side of the single Eye Level and was used as the end theme to the weekday ITV series shown in the 70s. Percussionist Reg Wale also contributes Fruity Flutes (used in YTV’s ‘Farmhouse Kitchen’ – 1971-89) and The Mugwamp, the ATV ‘Angling Today' theme (1973-1982). The album also contains strong themes by other composers. Sousa’s original Liberty Bell (arranged by A.W. Sheriff) was used in ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ between 1969 and 1974. It was De Wolfe who provided most of the soundtrack music used in the series. Herbert Chappell’s The Gonk was used as the theme for an ITV schools programme in the 60s called ‘Seeing and Doing’. Wayne Hill’s theme for ‘The Power Game’ won an Ivor Novello award and was recorded as a single on Pye in 1966 by Cyril Stapleton. This CD presents the original which was curiously released many years ago on a promotional Pascall Murray record. Peter Reno (aka Peter Taylor, the in-house composer at Granada) contributes The Greatest Show on Earth used for the ITV series ‘Queenie’s Castle’ between 1970 and 1972. Roy Budd had commercially recorded the theme for ‘Inspector Rose’ for Pye in the '60s but The Odd Man is released here in it’s original form composed by Granada musical director Derek Hilton under his pseudonym, J. Snow. There’s also a theme from French film composer, Georges Delerue – Radioscope – used for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Round Britain Quiz’ since 1947. Henry’s Cat (1982) by John Hyde and Flatrock composed by Willi Andrea, who is session guitarist Billy Bell, was used in ‘The Kids from 47A’. The two remaining tracks areTonight and Every Night by composer Frank Spencer, who was Hammer’s regular composer until 1952, for ‘Tonight’; and finally, who could forget the end title theme from the early 70s ATV series ‘Timeslip’ – Edward Michael’s Rite De La Terre – Earth, heard here in full. This CD is a sheer delight to listen to and De Wolfe must be congratulated for such a strong and varied track listing – offering some real gems. Whether you’re a fan of music from TV or Radio, or just light musical in general, this is a "must-have"! It’s hard to isolate my favourite tracks as there are so many. Gareth Bramley
'Dance Band Delights'
HARRY ROY 23 tracks incl. Bugle Call Rag; Canadian Capers; Limehouse Blues; Spanish Shawl; Tiger Rag; Twelfth Street Rag; San Sue Strut; Leicester Square Rag … CDB05 (64:43)
JACK HYLTON 23 tracks incl. Black & Blue Rhythm; Ellingtonia; Hylton Stomp; The Selfish Giant; Grasshoppers’ Dance; Morris Dance from Henry VIII; Bolero; Three Bears Suite … CDB06 (78:53)
GERALDO 23 tracks incl. It’s d’Lovely; In Charlie’s Footsteps; My Guy’s Come Back; Concerto for Drums; Rhapsody for Reeds; Taps Miller; Two Moods; Blues in the Night … CDB07 (71:40)
JACK PAYNE & HENRY HALL Jack Payne: 12 tracks incl. Yes Sir, That’s My Baby; Hot and Heavy; Hot Bricks; Lucky Me, Lovable You; Harmonica Harry; Choo Choo; Entrance of the Little Fauns;Henry Hall: 14 tracks incl. Five-Fifteen; East Wind; Thank You, Mr. Bach; The Waltz in Swingtime; Swing Patrol; Here’s to the Next Time… CDB08 (69:54) Four more CDs in this series have been issued by the This England magazine (), in the same instrumental groove. Most of these have been reissued previously, but a good proportion only in vinyl format.
The Harry Roy compilation features some of his best-known tunes, played in his inimitable barrelhouse style. The band’s exuberant approach can have the effect of overshadowing their musicianship, but here they give a good account of themselves, not least in Casa Loma Stomp. Incidentally, since the penultimate track is non-vocal it should be shown as dating from August 1944, not October 1936.
Jack Hylton had a broader approach, as befitted a show band, and as well as hot numbers the selection features arrangements of classical pieces and light music. Strictly speaking, Chaminade’sPas des Echarpes should be shown as recorded by the Kit-Cat Band, albeit that it was under Hylton’s control. It’s also worthy of note that My Melancholy Baby and Darktown Strutters Ball were arranged by Fletcher Henderson, and feature Coleman Hawkins.
By the late thirties Geraldo had metamorphosed from a faux Latin-American outfit into a smooth-sounding big band, and this is a varied selection which showcases the virtuosity not just of the ensemble, but also of the individual soloists. I’m pleased at the inclusion of Russian Salad by the Geraldo Swing Septet, but wish that its coupling Sea Food Squabble had not been omitted.
The Jack Payne tracks include one of his first recordings, with his Hotel Cecil Dance Orchestra, and the miniature 78 made to publicise his move to Imperial, but most of the remainder are drawn from his Columbia recordings. The stand-out track for me is She’s My Slip of a Girl with Frank Wilson’s Bixian solo. Some (including Syd Colin) have dismissed Henry Hall as a somewhat anodyne bandleader, but the remainder of this CD demonstrates the unfairness of that judgment. Just try outWild Ride (his own composition) for fast precision section playing, and his versions of Joe Venuti’sApple Blossoms and J. Russell Robinson’s Eccentric. This would be my pick of the bunch, followed closely by Geraldo. Barry McCanna
ROSEMARY CLOONEY Mixed Emotions Clooney Defined! 4 CD set 115 tracks incl. I Haven't Got A Worry; I Do, I Do, I Do; Lovely Weather For Ducks; Tenderly; Marrying For Love; You're Just In Love; I Could Have Danced All Night; You'll Never Know; In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening; When You Wish Upon A Star; On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe; Over The Rainbow; The Continental, It Might As Well Be Spring; Hello, Young Lovers; Come Rain Or Come Shine; Memories Of You; Beautiful Blue Eyes; I Could Have Danced All Night; It Don't Mean A Thing; If Teardrops Were Pennies; White Christmas; The Best Things Happen While We're Dancing; Sisters (With Betty Clooney); Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me; Gee, I Wish I Was Back In The Army; Mandy; Count Your Blessings … Jasmine JASBOX 27-4 (79:22, 79:47, 78:40, 79:41) Just in time for the Christmas market comes this competively-priced comprehensive compilation of Rosemary's clear, melodically styled singing, chiefly on Columbia, in the 1950s and early '60s. Included are all her major hit singles (Come on-a my house, Botch-a-me; Half as much, Hey there!, This ole house, Mambo Italiano,Mangoset al) with Percy Faith and his Orchestra having the lion's share of the accompaniments throughout but also featuring, among others, the orchestras of Paul Weston, Duke Ellington, Nelson Riddle, Mitch Miller, and the Benny Goodman Trio (including a toothsome Memories of you). There is also Rosie's standout eight track album of Academy Award Winners recorded with Harry James, and'Hymns From The Heart', a 14-track album with The Ralph Carmichael Singers and Orchestra from MGM Records. Other artists who join Rosie are Guy Mitchell, Thurl Ravenscroft, The Mellowmen, Jimmy Boyd, The Hi-Lo's, and Marlene Dietrich with harpsichordist Stan Freeman (Two old to cut the mustard and Dot's nice donna fight). Listeners will probably also recognize selections from three of her films: 'The Stars Are Singing', 'Red Garters' and 'White Christmas'. This is an outstanding memento of one of the great female singers of the 20th century whose art is timeless. Peter Burt
PERRY COMO At the Supper Club Part 3 29 tracks incl. All The Things You Are; Sweet Lorraine; Your Father's Moustache; Harriet; How Deep Is The Ocean; Just Sittin’ And A Rockin’; Rockin’ Chair; My Melancholy Baby; Here Comes Heaven Again; When You’re Away; Moonbeams; I’m Falling In Love With Someone; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp; Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life; Blue Skies … Sounds of yesteryear DSOY 857 (72:01) More from Perry’s stint at the Supper Club* reviewed in a previous JIM, guests Helen Carroll and the Satisfiers, Anne Andre, The Mills Brothers; Kitty Kallen; Jo Stafford and Carol Landis. Recorded between 1945 and 1946. Paul Clatworthy
(* The Chesterfield Supper Club began in December 1944 as a live 15-minute NBC radio programme sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes. Perry initially hosted it five nights a week. During WWII, the broadcasts were transcribed for re-broadcast on Armed Forces Radio Service. KT Ed.)
DORIS DAY My Heart Hurry, It's Lovely Up Here; Daydream; The Way I Dreamed It; Heaven Tonight; My One and Only Love; My Heart; You Are So Beautiful; Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries; Disney Girls; My Buddy; Happy Endings; Ohio Sony 88697927752 (41:39) All her fellow RFS member fans will want this, Ms Day's first studio album of previously unreleased material in nearly two decades. It was recorded from 1951 to 1994 and includes nine tracks from sessions originally produced by her late son Terry Melcher, with her newly recorded spoken introduction to his vocalizing on Happy Endings. I understand that Doris was fully involved with the musical selections for this special release – described by The Daily Telegraph critic as "lush and pure" – which reflect her love of animals and for her son. Peter Burt
Day By Day 60 tracks incl. Secret Love; The Black Hills of Dakota; The Deadwood Stage; No Two People; Love Me or Leave Me; Sentimental Journey; When I Fall in Love; I Can Do Without You; It Had to Be You; On Moonlight Bay; ‘Tis Harry I’m Planning to Marry; The Way You Look Tonight; I Enjoy Being a Girl… Delta 60385 (54:27)(53:19)(58:49) Doris Day has a warm, friendly personality, and those characteristics are reflected in her voice, which is clear and sweet without being cloying. During the course of her long career she has made a great number of songs her own, and many of them are included in this well-remastered budget compilation. Alternatively, you can buy just the first two CDs under the title 'The Best of Doris Day' (Delta 38337) or the first one only as 'With Love fromDoris Day' (Delta 6826).
Sings Hollywood & Broadway 40 tracks incl. Cheek to Cheek; That Old Black Magic; Pennies from Heaven; Three Coins in the Fountain; Over the Rainbow; When You’re Smiling; I’ve Grown Accustomed to his Face; Fit as a Fiddle; Let’s Fly Away… Delta 38336 (64:35)(56:05) The first CD draws in large part on two Columbia LPs entitled 'Hooray for Hollywood', which date from 1958/9 and on which the orchestra was that of Frank de Vol, and the second CD is partly based upon a 1960 Columbia LP entitled” 'Show Time' with Axel Stordahl providing the orchestral accompaniment. Although this and the CD package above are budget compilations they boast a “high quality luxury slipcase”, which duplicates the jewel case artwork and which I would happily forego in exchange for more detailed tracklists and liner notes. Barry McCanna
THE FORCES' SWEETHEARTS & HEART-THROBS OF WW2 : The 50 finest 1939-1945 Tracks incl. We'll Meet Again; I'll Be Seeing You; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; Skylark; Serenade in Blue; J'Attendrai; Stardust; Only Forever; When the Lights Go On Again …. Retrospective RTS 4186 (155:04) This features original mono recordings from both sides of the Atlantic, split evenly between male and female vocalists, including the British-based Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Anne Shelton, Chick Henderson, Denny Dennis, Al Bowlly, Donald Peers and Sam Browne. Some of the titles reflect the conflict then raging, others are suffused with the bitter-sweet mood of the times. At just over two-and-a-half hours of music, this is a veritable wallow in nostalgia, and as always with reissues from Retrospective presentation is exemplary. Barry McCanna
PEGGY LEE At The Supper Club 29 tracks incl. All The Things You Are; You Was Right, Baby; Waitin’ For The Train To Come In; I’ve Got A Walkie-Talkie; I Don’t Know Enough About You; I Can See It Your Way; I’m Glad I Waited For You; A Reasonable Facsimile Of You: All The Things You Are; Smoke Dreams; You Call Everybody, Darlin’ Love Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere; Love Somebody; Maybe You’ll Be There; Little Jack Frost … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 854 (68:04) Recorded live between 1946 and 1949 switching between the orchestras of Lloyd Shafer and Dave Barbour with guests Helen Carroll and the Satisfyers, The Starlighters, Frankie Lame, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.Paul Clatworthy
BETTY MADIGAN Am I Blue? & The Jerome Kern Songbook 29 tracks incl. I Get Along Without You Very Well; I'm A Fool To Want You; I'll Never Be The Same; Love, You Funny Thing; I Miss The Boy; The Lonesomest Girl In Town …/ They Didn't Believe Me; Bill; She Didn't Say Yes; The Song Is You; Smoke Gets In Your Eyes; I Won't Dance; A Fine Romance …Sepia 1177 (77:11) A name new to me and obviously one to conjure with. The label's website tells us that Miss Madigan (who is a bit of an Alma Cogan lookalike) became a musical sensation overnight following her hit recording of the ballad Joey in 1954, included here Evidently she was often seen on American TV and headlined posh supper clubs. She signed for MGM Records and then moved to Coral. Her recordings have been virtually impossible to find on CD, so Sepia have rectified that with these two albums, recorded in 1956 and 1957 respectively, plus five bonus singles of which four made the charts: Always You has a tasty tango backing, and Dance Everyone Dance is especially interesting to me in that it based on one of my favourite pieces, the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila. The Kern numbers are, of course, all classics – Ossie Dales in his liner notes reminds us that They Didn't Believe Me is 97 years old – and all are performed in a good strong musical voice with imaginative arrangements (e.g. the Bolero-like accompaniment to The Folks Who Live) from an orchestra conducted by Dick Jacobs. I have been pleased to make the lady's acquaintance and look forward to hearing more from her. Peter Burt
JANE MORGAN The Ballads of Lady Jane & The Second Time Around The Ballad of Lady Jane; The Riddle Song; Turtle Dove; Molly Malone; Ten Thousand Miles; Kisses Sweeter Than Wine; Scarlet Ribbons; Cotton Eyed Joe; The Foggy, Foggy Dew; I Know Where I'm Goin'; Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies; Greensleeves / The Second Time Around; My Favourite Things; Our Language of Love; Romantica; The Twilight Waltz; The Bells of St Mary's; The Angry Sea; Somebody; Love Is a Simple Thing; Odyssey; I Am a Heart; Why Should I Cry Over You?; Meme s'il arrivait quelque choses; Tete du bois; Fais-toi belle SEPIA 1176 (73:01) We have had to wait over a year for a follow-up to Ms Morgan's previous four well-received CDs on Richard Tay's enterprising label. But the current album – 24 tracks from two LPs remastered in stereo plus three bonus tracks – was well worth waiting for. The first dozen tracks, recorded in 1959/60, demonstrate the singer's versatility with her interpretations of traditional folk songs, and is an absolute delight from first note to last. There is minimal support from the orchestra conducted by Nick Perito with sometimes accompaniment just provided by the guitar of Tony Mottola, harpsipiano and bass. The second half of the album is a 1961 compilation of the singles she had made during the previous 18 months.Romantica was the Italian entry in the 1960 European Song contest, the march-like The Angry Sea is particularly ear-catching and Odyssey has a lovely melody. Jane's fluency in French can be heard on the final three tracks: Tete is from the pen of Gilbert Bécaud who wrote her UK No.1 hit, The Day the Rains Came, and on Fais-toi she sings in harmony with herself. Robin Cherry's remastering and Dominic McHugh's liner notes are as excellent as ever. I hope, like me, you look forward to more of the same from this super songstress who, until Sepia took her up, was so incredibly ignored. Peter Burt
FELICIA SANDERS I Wish You Love & That Certain Feeling 24 tracks incl. I Wish You Love; Said I To My Heart, Said I; If You Go; I'm Through With Love; Warm All Over; Lonely Town …/ It Never Was You; Dancing In The Dark; Music, Maestro, Please; A Woman's Love Is Never Done; Rabbit At Top Speed; I Happen To Like New York … Sepia 1175 (76:44) Miss Sanders was only aged 53 when she died of cancer in 1975. 22 years earlier she had a No.1 hit with The Song from Moulin Rouge with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. I understand that the two LPs here, from 1960 and 1958 respectively, have long been sought after by her fans. She performed mainly in nightclubs and cabaret and was much admired by other singers. She had an attractive rather seductive voice and this disc is a pleasurable listen with a number of unfamiliar songs. I especially enjoyed Cole Porter'sI Happen to Like New York. Irving Joseph is her MD throughout and also wrote all the arrangements on 'That Certain Feeling'. Robin Cherry's remastering is again exemplary. Peter Burt
JO STAFFORD At the Supper Club Part 3 32 tracks incl. It’s Only A Paper Moon; Come Back To Sorrento; My Guy’s Come Back; Tampico; Give Me The Simple Life; Thou Swell; I’m Always Chasing Rainbows; Catfish Take A Look At That Worm; Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds; Storybook Romance; 0l’ Man River; When Your Lover Has Gone; I May Be Wrong; I Don’t Know Enough About You; You Always Hurt The One You Love … Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY851 (75:49) More of the previously reviewed Jo Stafford sets, this time featuring Lloyd Shaffer and his orchestra, Paul Weston and his orchestra, Helen Carroll and The Satisfyers, The Starlighters, and guests: Woody Herman, Smiley Burnette, Phil Moore Trio and the Mills Brothers. Paul Clatworthy
THE STARGAZERS Plus … 30 tracks incl. Sugar Bush; The Happy Wanderer; Twenty Tiny Fingers; Hey There; Hernando’s Hideaway … This England C135 (69:15) You have only to play this compilation to be transported back to a more innocent time. The tracks radiate good cheer, and the themes include some of those silly songs that were all the vogue then (can you imagine Feet Up, Pat Him on the Po-Po or Close the Door catching on today?). The first 19 tracks are devoted to the Stargazers, the remainder to The Johnson Brothers and The Keynotes (who back Benny Lee & Petula Clark on Two Lips, and Dave King on Memories are Made of This). Accompaniments include Nat Temple, Syd Dean, Johnny Gray, Malcolm Lockyer, Harry Roy, Johnny Douglas and Roland Shaw.Barry McCanna
SARAH VAUGHAN It’s Magic 57 tracks incl. My Tormented Heart: Deep Purple; My Reverie; Whatever Lola Wants; And This is My Beloved; Maybe it’s Because; Misty … Jasmine JASCD 678(78:53 & 78:54) This generous compilation spans the fifties, and contains Sarah Vaughan’s hit recordings for Columbia and Mercury. She had a quite extraordinary voice, richly-textured and wide-ranging but without any need to strain for the high register. Her talents are on display throughout this superb set, which is worth buying not only for her classic vocals, but also for the accompaniments, which include the orchestras of Percy Faith, Paul Weston, Joe Lipman, Hugo Peretti and Hal Mooney, as detailed in the tracklist. Barry McCanna
MARGARET WHITING There Goes That Song Again! - The Songbook and the Legacy 4 CD set: 113 tracks incl. That Old Black Magic; Moonlight in Vermont; Far Away Places; Slipping Around; It Might As Well Be Spring; Guilty; A Tree In The Meadow…The Gypsy In My Soul; Sentimental Journey; Let's Fall In Love; Waltz To The Blues; Hit The Road to Dreamland; It Might As Well Be Spring; Like Someone In Love…Nobody But You; Time After Time; You're An Old Smoothie; If I Had You; Along with Me; Dream Peddler's Serenade; Solid As A Rock…There Goes That Song Again; Passé; Beware My Heart; Old Devil Moon; Someone To Watch Over Me; (We've Got A) Sure Thing; Ain't That Just Like A Man … Jasmine JASBOX 26-4 (78:20, 79:49, 78:20 & 79.39) Miss Whiting was a class act and rightly claimed by the label as one of the most respected pop singers of the 20thcentury. Here is a follow-up to what I understand was her earlier highly successful box set, 'My Ideal – The Definitive Collection' (JASBOX 17-4), which I missed, and is another great compilation. It includes many tracks appearing on CD for the first time as well as rare items and her million sellers re-recorded in stereo. Featured are her collaborations with, among others, Glen Campbell (he plays guitar on Let's Go to Church), Bill Lee (Baby, It's Cold Outside), trumpeter Billy Butterfield, and Jack Smith. There is a stellar line-up of conductors – some probably also being responsible for the orchestrations: Lou Busch (her husband from '50 to '53), Ralph Carmichael, Frank Comstock, Frank DeVol, Russ Garcia, Jerry Gray, Pete King, Johnny Mandel, Skip Martin, Marty Paich, Nelson Riddle, Milton Rogers, Pete Rugulo, Freddie Slack, Billy Vaughn, and Paul Weston. I have greatly enjoyed listening to these discs and reading Robert Nickora's extensive notes in the accompanying 12-page booklet. If you only want a single disc selection of this superior singer's work, please see Back Tracks. Peter Burt
BASEMENT JAXX Vs. METROPOLE ORCHESTRA. Battlement Jaxx; Red Alert; Raindrops; Mozart’s Tea Party; Bindo Bango; Hey U; Lights Go Down; Violin Solo; If I Ever Recover; Do Your Thing; Where’s Your Head At; Good Luck; Drill Loops; Hush Boy; Samba Magic. Atlantic Jaxx recordings(62:52) I’ve been a devoted fan of the Metropole since the fifties, then on the Paxton label under the name Dolf Van Der Linden. I also try to kid myself I’m still young, liking both dance and soul music by doing the occasional review in a mail order magazine The Soul Survivor. I can’t imagine how this will be catalogued – 71 players and a chorus of 16. A mixture of orchestral, jazz, voices (almost operatic in places), and a live audience revelling in all the excitement without spoiling the sounds. It’s a spellbinding album full of musical scope and emotional power, something for most musical tastes. If you only like one genre this may not fit the bill; as an emotionally infused mixture of sounds it will intrigue and fascinate anyone sampling it. Paul Clatworthy
NAT GONELLA The Early Recordings Featuring Nat Gonella & His Trumpet with vocals, Lew Stone & The Monseigneur Band Roy Fox & His Band I Can’t Believe You’re In Love With Me; I Heard; Rockin’ Chair; When You’re Smiling; Sing; That’s My Home; Stormy Weather: Nobody’s Sweetheart; Georgia On My Mind; Sweet Sue Just You; Moon Country; Troublesome Trumpet; Carolina; I Can’t Dance / (with Roy Fox) Whispering; Oh! Mo’nah; Jig Time; Georgia On My Mind; You Rascal You; Corrine Corrina; Kickin’the Gong Around; How’m I Doing; (with Lew Stone) Junk Man Blues; Lying In The Hay; Look What I’ve Got; Lazy Rhythm; Lazy Bones; Nagasaki; Blue Jazz; White Jazz; Eadie Was A Lady: Tiger Rag; Milenberg Joys; Emaline; That’s A Plenty; Isle Of Capri; Miss Otis Regrets; Judy; The Continental. Sounds of Yesteryear DOUBLE DS0Y859 (39:57 & 73:01) Traditional jazz from the thirties – many of the titles not having seen the light of day since! Paul Clatworthy
BENNY GOODMAN AFRS Shows Volume 7 (1946) After You’ve Gone; Pity The Poor Lobster: St Louis Blues: Prelude In C Sharp Minor; The Sheik Of Araby; King Porter Stomp; If You Were The Only Girl In The World; Hora Staccato; Warsaw Concerto; Honeysuckle Rose; I Know That You Know.Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY 852 (60:50) Interspersed with comedy spots by Victor Borge, Don Wilson, Edward G Robinson and Charlie Cantor, the music tracks use both orchestra and sextet. Paul Clatworthy
THE FRANK GRIFFITH BIG BAND Holland Park Non-Stop 12 tracks incl. Oh You Crazy Moon; Strollin'; Baby Won't You Please Come Home; Body And Soul; These Foolish Things … Hep 2005(66:48) This compilation is a no-nonsense album of loud brassy jazz, played with passion by the musicians. That said, I have personally never heard of Frank Griffith (he is an American jazz activist who is Director of Performance in the School of Arts at Brunel University in London) but the band is absolutely professional and for fans of the genre it will be a pleasant experience of really well-played music. There are three vocals included, all well performed by Tina May. The recording engineers have excelled on this CD and the recording throughout is superb. If you are a jazz fanatic this recording is undoubtably worth a “spin”. Roger Chantler
TOM HARRELL The Time Of The Sun The Time Of The Sun; Estuary; Ridin’ The Open Door; Dream Text; Modern Life; River Samba: Cactus; Otra. Highnote HCD7222. (62:17). Tom continues his consistently inventive music-making composing all titles and soloing on both trumpet and flugelhorn, backed by the same five piece who have been with him on the last three CDs, all masters of their instrument. The title track uses the musical harmonies of the magnetic field surrounding the sun, cleverly captured by scientists from America and the UK. I suppose it could be called a gimmick but merged with the other instruments the sound is arresting. Paul Clatworthy
ANDR? PREVIN Four Classic Albums 35 tracks Avid AMSC 1042 (159:57) Somehow Avid has managed to shoehorn four complete albums into two CDs. The earliest album is 'Collaboration', which and dates from 1954 and appears to be monaural. It features André and Shorty Rogers in a somewhat gimmicky formula alternating leadership of a group of nine. The three remaining albums are far more straightforward. 'Pal Joey' and 'West Side Story' date from October 1957 and August 1959 respectively, when André’s Pals were Shelly Manne and Red Mitchell; and for the November 1958 'King Size' Frankie Capp was on drums. Sound level is a bit on the low side, which is not a problem unless you're shuffling CDs. Barry McCanna
GEORGE SHEARING The Blind Genius (of) 26 tracks incl. Guilty; How’s Trix?; Nothing but D Best; So This is Cuba; Strolling; Bop, Look & Listen … This England C137 (76:59) This follows hard on the heels of Retrospective’s recent tribute album, and eleven of the tracks are duplicated. Even if you’ve bought the first it is still worth considering, because it fills in some of the gaps, including two 1941 numbers with Hatchett’s Swingtette: Wrap Yourself in Cotton Wool has a vocal by Billie Campbell, and Dorothy Carless sings Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat. Barry McCanna
CAN-CAN Original Soundtrack 24 tracks Delta 6820 (62:55) This budget reissue presents the eleven numbers from the film sung by Frank Sinatra, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jordan and Shirley MacLaine. This was not one of Cole Porter’s best scores, and the quality of the vocalists is variable. My preference is for the second half of the compilation, which presents Nelson Riddle’s separate instrumental arrangements. There’s not much of a gap between tracks, and the absence of a liner note is regrettable. Barry McCanna
NOËL COWARD A Talent to Amuse 22 tracks incl. Josephine; Sail Away; Uncle Harry; Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Matelot … Bygone Days BYD 77069 (77:02) This comes hard on the heels of Retrospective’s double album (RTS 4168), with which it duplicates four tracks, and needs to be viewed with some caution. Three of the tracks (Twentieth Century Blues (Al Bowlly), Regency Rakes, and The Stately Homes of England) are not sung by the "Master"; the opening Coward Hits medley and the last seven tracks all come from the celebrated 1955 Las Vegas concert. None of this is apparent from its cover, but if you’re aware of that before you buy it you shouldn’t be disappointed.Barry McCanna
MUSIC FOR REMEMBRANCE The Band of the Irish Guards / D.O.M. Lieut. Col. M G Lane 28 tracks incl. Heart of Oak; A Life on the Ocean Wave; Red, White & Blue; Great Little Army; Old Comrades; RAF March Past; Boys of the Old Brigade; Abide With Me; Eternal Father Strong to Save; Rule Britannia; Isle of Beauty; Nimrod; Solemn Melody; O God Our Help in Ages Past; March Past (Medley) … Bandleader BNA5014 (74:23) This is emphatically not a new release, being recorded way back in the late 1980's at CBS Studios in London, but one I have only recently caught up with. Included on this brilliantly recorded disc is much of the music performed at both the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph Ceremony on Remembrance Sunday. Valuable to have in itself but what adds greatly to the appeal here is no less than a 17-minute medley in march tempo of popular songs of the two World Wars. This includes It's a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, There'll Always Be an England; Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major, Wish Me Luck (twice!), Beer Barrel Polka, Lili Marlene, etc. It is the music played as various contingents of veterans march past The Cenotaph at the end of the Act of Worship and, if you are watching the event on TV, is largely drowned out by the continuous drone of the non-stop commentary. A moving, heart warming CD. First rate! Roger Hyslop
THE MUSIC OF THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS 32 tracks incl. A Foggy Day in London Town; Salamander; Sunset; Forming Corps Bugle Calls; Sugar & Spice … Specialist Recording Company SRC140 (72:18) The RLC is by far the largest corps in the British Army, being founded in April 1993 and absorbing five different corps including the Royal Corps of Transport and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, thus inheriting a rich heritage of military music, some of it on display here. A number of the marches are of comparatively recent origin, many new to me, and all the more welcome for that. Lion, Sword and Crown is an impressive piece adopted as the Corps slow march in 2010, while Roger Swift's Royal Celebration contains a fine dignified and stately trio tune as befits the title. Terry Kenny is a superb composer of tuneful, foot-tapping marches and two fine examples are to be found here: Ship to Shore, with its echoes of All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor, and Air Despatch. In complete contrast On the Flip Side, written in swing style, features a saxophone solo (Musn. Anthony Kitchen) whilst the Gershwin number, suitably atmospheric, shows how quickly the band can transform itself into an authentic sounding "big band" demonstrating the remarkable versatility of military musicians. What makes this new disc particularly appealing is its generous salute to British light music by including Sidney Torch's descriptive London Transport Suite and Montague Phillip's charming, evocative if more sedate Surrey Suite – we are not exactly over endowed with recordings of either works. Appropriately the disc ends with On Parade by Albert Elms, which was adopted as the Regimental March of The RLC upon its formation. The recording was made in the Aldershot Royal Garrison Church that allows full, well detailed sound although a little discreet reverberation would have avoided the somewhat abrupt cut-off in sound at the end of each track. However this is a minor quibble and Director of Music, Major Philip Stredwick, and his excellent band are to be congratulated on an unusually interesting programme, well executed and deserving of the widest circulation. Roger Hyslop
SOUSA Music For Wind Band ? 9 The Royal Norwegian Navy Band / Keith Brion ; Sarah Oving (Violin) From Maine to Oregon; The Charlatan – Overture; Flags of Freedom March; Nymphalin; The Dwellers of the Western World – Suite; Chris and the Wonderful Lamp:The Man Behind the Gun; The Lily Bells; The Chantyman's March; When My Dreams Come True – Fantasy; U.S. Field Artillery March; Harmonica Wizard March; University of Illinois March Naxos 8.559396(57:31) For this release in this notable series of recordings of Sousa's complete wind band music Naxos and Keith Brion have forsaken the Royal Artillery Band after eight volumes, taken a trip across the North Sea and engaged The Royal Norwegian Navy Band. Originally founded in 1820 and currently with some 29 musicians it's a smaller ensemble than the nearly 50 strong RA Band but that seems not to be a drawback here and is certainly not particularly evident in the glorious sounds produced for this recording. As will be gleaned form the details at the top of this review almost all the contents can be considered rarities although anybody with some knowledge of the American military may recognize the U.S. Field Artillery March as the official march of that nation's army. Intriguingly this compilation includes a rare violin solo by Sousa, Nymphalin, a salon piece dating from 1880 and beautifully played by Sarah Oving. The 16-minute Dwellers Suite is a musical depiction of the three major races who occupied America: The Red, The White and The Black Man. Notable also is the late fantasy When My Dreams Come True, a medley based upon popular tunes of the day but somewhat implausibly including He's Going to Marry Yum Yum from 'The Mikado' ….. I could go on but that might be risking the KT Editor's ire in taking up too much of his valuable space! Suffice to say, given splendid performances and recording, this disc earns a well deserved commendation. Roger Hyslop
BRAHMS / MENDELSSOHN Violin Concertos Henryk Szeryng ; Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam / Bernard Haitink Newton Classics 8802053 (70:06) Together with his illustrious contemporaries, Arthur Grumiaux and Salvatoré Accardo, Szeryng was one of the leading virtuosi on the much missed Philips label whose valuable back catalogue is now emerging principally on Decca but also here on the recently introduced Newton Classics label. This is a reminder of Szeryng's outstanding artistry in two staples of the violin concerto repertoire captured in glorious rich analogue sound from the mid-1970's. Anyone with a passion for superlative fiddle playing and a breathtaking purity of tone should seriously consider this outstanding disc. Roger Hyslop
ERIC COATES CONDUCTS ERIC COATES with The Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra of London & Symphony Orchestra London Suite; London Again Suite; The Three Elizabeths – Suite; Four Centuries – Suite; Three Bears – A Phantasy; By the Sleepy Lagoon – Valse Serenade Heritage HTCD 222 (79:59) The English composer, the redoubtable Dame Edith Smythe, whilst rehearsing the Queen's Hall Orchestra in 1910 greeted Eric Coates (playing in the viola section) to his delight: “Good morning Mr Coates, the gentleman who writes tunes". And what tunes we have, recorded in 1940, ’49 and ’53, on this new album from Heritage with signature music from ‘In Town Tonight’, ‘The Forsyte Saga’ and, of course, ‘Desert Island Discs’. Eric Coates brings a lightness of touch to his music and the orchestras respond with playing of vitality and sheer joy. Special mention must be made of the light brisk tempo to Covent Garden and Oxford Street, whilst in contrast we have the suitably elegiac playing of Langham Place and the beautiful oboe solo in Elizabeth of Glamis when Coates pays his own tribute to Delius. As an "encore" we have By the Sleepy Lagoon with wonderful piano continuo and warm muted trumpets evoking not only tropical beaches but swaying palms from an Edwardian Palm Court – lovely. Even if you have these titles in your collection I am sure there is room for this magical album from the composer himself. Mike Crowther
DELIUS BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis with Tasmin Little (violin) and Paul Watkin (cello) Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto; Double Concerto Chandos CHSA 5094(68:59)With Delius you get what it says on the tin – tuneful music in an unmistakable manner. Purists on both sides of the serious/light music divide cannot agree exactly where he fits in but does it matter?Edmund Whitehouse
HAYDN Symphonies Nos. 94 & 100, BRAHMS Haydn Variations Vienna Philharmonic & London Symphony Orchestras / Monteux "Irresistible" said the Stereo Record Guide when the original RCA LP of the Haydn 'Surprise' and 'Clock' symphonies was released in 1959 – a genial conductor's take on a genial composer's work – and later when it appeared on Decca's Eclipse label it was described as "one of the finest bargains in the symphonic catalogue". Recording producer was the celebrated John Culshaw. A year earlier Gramophone called the Brahms "thrilling". (As an aside: it was an 86-year-old Pierre Monteux who insisted on a 25-year contract with the LSO). All three pieces still sound good in their CD incarnation and at budget price are a good introduction for light music devotees to the classical repertoire. Edward Trub
LOUIS FERDINAND HÉROLD Piano Concertos Nos. 2, 3 & 4 Jéan-Frédérick Neuburger (piano) Sinfonia Varsovia / Herve Niquet Mirare MIR 127 (61:00) In this digital age it is quite amazing how the record companies seem able to dig out from obscurity the works of composers which have either never been heard before or which have largely been forgotten. The excellent Romantic Piano Concertos series launched by Hyperion several years ago and which has continued to grow into a library of over 50 CDs of neglected works is a case in point. Here, courtesy of the centre of French romantic music Palazetto Bru Zane, a French research and educational foundation, comes three previously unrecorded piano concerti by Hérold, more popularly associated with La Somnambule and La Fille Mal Gardée ballets and various operas. He hid his concertos away during his lifetime so that they would not distract from what he regarded as his more successful works. The music, as one would expect, is extremely melodious and infectious with various catchy tunes. The pianist is very accomplished, if perhaps a tad heavy handed at times. The piano sound is very lifelike and the accompanying orchestra very polished. Unfortunately the manuscript for the first piano concerto was discovered to be so mutilated that it was impossible to use to make a performance, so hence the rather shorter than average playing time of the CD. However what is provided is extremely enjoyable. The CD comes with a glossy bookfold case rather than the usual standard plastic case, and is well provided with illustrations and notes regarding the music and the performers. The CD is available from the usual online retailers. Brian Stringer
HERRMAN Danish National Symphony Orchestra Moby Dick; SinfoniettaChandos CHSA 5095(63:24)This is the American composer Bernard Herrman, not the conductor of the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra, who has just had released a double CD of lost recordings, more of which at a later date. This is definitely not light music but if you like a dramatic edge to your films then it might be right up your street, especially if you like the original sounds which eventually surfaced in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.Peter Worsley
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Seattle Symphony/Gerard SchwarzCapriccio espagnol; Overtures to: 'May Night'; 'The Tsar's Bride'; 'The Maid of Pskov'; Overture on Russian Themes; Dubinushka; Russian Easter FestivalNaxos 8.572788(67:05) Anyone with a zest for brilliantly orchestrated and colourful music bursting with melodies will surely want this release showcasing the composer's not inconsiderable compositional talents. All this engaging and thoroughly entertaining music is played to the manner born by the orchestra, formed in 1903, under maestro Schwarz – and with full vivid recordingthis is a "dazzler" of a disc, worth every penny of its very modest asking price.Roger Hyslop
SOUNDS OF THE SEA Various artists classicfm CFMD21(73:51 & 69:38) Apart from pieces by the out-and-out classical composers, like Mendelssohn, Khachaturian, Debussy, Britten, Rimsky-Korsakov, Elgar, Ravel, Bax and Wagner, this 21 track 2-CD set of music inspired by the sea has Henry Wood'sFantasia on British Sea Songs: Sailor's Hornpipe, Ronald Binge'sSailing Bysung by a male voice choir, Einaudi'sLe Ondeplayed by Myleen Klass, Sullivan'sPirates of Penzance Overture, McCunn'sThe Land of the Mountain and the Flood, Coates'By the Sleepy Lagoonfrom the Frank Chacksfield Orchestra,Stanford'sSongs of the Sea: Homeward Bound, the hymnEternal Father, Strong to Save, andRule Brittania!It makes for good varied listening with the added incentive to buy that at least £1.84 of its modest cost will go to the RNLI.Edward Trub
John Wilson conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
JOHN IRELAND with John Lenehan (piano) Piano Concerto; Legend; First Rhapsody; Pastoral; Indian Summer; A Sea Idyll; Three DancesNaxos 8.572598(77')
MADE IN BRITAINfor tracks see reviewAvie 2194(72')
John has already recorded a CD of Ireland’s music with the Hall? Orchestra, (Hall? CD HLL 7523, see JIM 183), and he is a great admirer of this composer, whose music he has described to me as "amazing". ThePiano Concerto in E flat (1930) is a work which I feel needs at least a couple of hearings in order to get to know it. It was originally dedicated to Ireland’s protégé, Helen Perkin, with whom he had a relationship, but when that broke down and she married another he subsequently withdrew the dedication. It became one of the composer’s most successful works, being performed over time by, amongst others, Clifford Curzon and Artur Rubenstein. Combining virtuosic piano writing with sparkling orchestration, it sometimes makes use of muted trumpets; this being suggested to Ireland by the famous dance band leader Jack Payne. There are at times some melodic and harmonic echoes of the French composer Maurice Ravel. Helen Parkin also gave the first performance ofLegend at the Queen's Hall in 1934. This is altogether a very different work, a dark brooding evocation of an ancient landscape. It tells the story of a strange experience the composer had whilst walking on his beloved Sussex Downs in which he imagined he saw a group of children dancing dressed in archaic white clothing. In addition to these two big orchestral pieces, the CD contains two extended compositions and some shorter works for solo piano, two of which are world premiere recordings The pianist on all the tracks is John Lenehan, whose diverse career has seen him working in both jazz and classical genres, and who has more than 60 CDs to his credit. John Ireland has always unfairly suffered from being rather overshadowed by some of his contemporaries. His music really deserves a wider audience; hopefully, this new budget-priced CD (together with the previous Halle recording) will help in that regard.
In the second new CD, which was released in early October at full price, John and the RLPO perform what is described in the liner notes as "A Harvest of English Music"; all the works were written at the end of the 19th / beginning of the 20th centuries. The programme opens with the Scapino Overture by William Walton, which positively ‘fizzes’ along under John’s baton. This is followed by some gentler music in the shape of two English Idyllsby George Butterworth. Had this composer not met his tragic end on the Somme in 1916, I am convinced that he would have undoubtedly become a second Ralph Vaughan Williams in the canon of English music. Vaughan Williams himself is represented on the disc by two works: the very popular The Lark Ascending (with a lovely performance by violinist James Clark), and the English Folk Song Suite. Although the latter was originally written for military band, it is more familiar in the orchestral arrangement by RVW's pupil Gordon Jacob heard here. In the first movement (Seventeen Come Sunday) John strangely omits the repeat of the tune Dives and Lazarus. I cannot imagine that this was done for space-saving reasons; perhaps he feels that a repeat is superfluous! Arnold Bax’s The Happy Forestis a little-known work which was originally written for piano and orchestrated later. It depicts an Arcadian scene of cavorting shepherds and satyrs, with a sumptuous string tune in the romantic central section. The Walk to the Paradise Garden is taken from the opera 'A Village Romeo and Juliet', and is probably amongst the most well-known pieces by Frederick Delius. The Paradise Garden in question is in fact the name of a pub! Sir Edward Elgar’s Salut d’Amourneeds no introduction; it was written as an engagement present for his wife-to-be, Caroline Alice Roberts. Elgar received a fee of two guineas for the solo piano version as well as the violin/piano and full orchestral arrangements; whilst his publishers must have grown considerably richer such has been the enduring popularity of this composition. The final item is theNell Gwyn Overture by Edward German, who became musical director of the Globe Theatre in London at the age of only 26; the boisterous outer sections of this piece are contrasted by a more reflective episode incorporating the folk tune Early One Morning. For those who enjoy English music, this CD is warmly recommended.Tony Clayden
A SONG REMEMBERED Ballads and Piano Solos by Eric Coates Peter Dempsey (tenor) Guy Rowland (piano) 27 tracks incl. Pierrette's Song; Three Burns songs; Dream o' Nights; By the North Sea; An Elizabethan Lullaby; The Stars Above; Through All the Ages; Since Yesterday; Song of the Wild; In Town; The Gates of If-Ever; A Song Remembered; Stars and a Crescent Moon; A House, Love Made For You and Me; I Looked For You; Ship of Dream … EC2* (69:34) This is the latest of Peter Dempsey's recorded revisiting of the ballad repertoire and the second such devoted to Eric Coates, who was as much a songwriter as a purveyor of light orchestral music. Of course many of these songs have a family likeness, but there is variety here. We have three Robert Burns settings, unpublished and previously commercially unrecorded, as are 18 of the tracks. Coates' Who is Sylvia?bears comparison with Schubert's famous version. There are "character songs" like The Widow of Penzance and Stone-Cracker John, Coates' first setting of Fred Weatherly, represented four times on the CD. The best known tracks are the title song and Homeward to You (both with words by Royden Barrie) and the heartbreakingly lovely Green Hills o' Somerset . Repertoire covers the years 1906 (the likely composition date of the Burns) to 1954 (The Scent of Lilac). Mr. Dempsey's ringing delivery and outstandingly clear diction do much for the album, and I like Mr. Rowland's positive accompaniments; his solo, Three Lyric Pieces (1931: the last a lilting Valse), a rare example of a Coates original piano item. Coates admirers should not be without this. Philip L Scowcroft
* Available at £9.95 from Mr P Dempsey, 44 Victoria Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwicks B50 4AR
Noted by Wilfred Askew
LES BAXTER Four Classic Albums : South Pacific; African Jazz: Jungle Jazz; Wild Guitars Real Gone Jazz RGJCD215 (121:43) 2-CD set Eight Classic Albums (Vol. 1) : Music Out Of The Moon; Perfume Set To Music; Arthur Murray's Favourites: Tangos; Waltzes; Ritual Of The Savage; Festival Of The Gnomes; Thinking Of You; The Passions Real Gone Jazz RGJCD261 (206:31) 4-CD set
BUDDY COLE Hot And Cole : The Swingin' Buddy Cole at the Organ 12 tracks incl. The Dipsy Doodle; Lullaby of the Leaves; Idaho; Amor; Opus One; I'll Remember April… Tartare T-8032(32:23) Original Warner Bros. album
CARL DAVIS The Beatles For Orchestra Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Davis 20 tracks incl. And I Love Her; Eleanor Rigby; Yellow Submarine; Yesterday; Blackbird; Norwegian Wood; The Fool on the Hill; A Day in the Life … Carl Davis Collection CDC 012 (69:27)
THE FIFTY GUITARS OF TOMMY GARRETT Border Town Bandido & Down Mexico Way 24 tracks incl. Love Me with All Your Heart; The Magnificent Seven; El Paso; Tangerine; Tico-Tico; Say Si Si; Cascada; Adelita …Garrett Music Enterprises GME1019 (59:52)
MAURICE JARRE Villa Rides! & El Condor (Soundtrack) 24 tracks Emarcy 2771362 (76:40)'Villa' originally Dot, 'El' 1st release.
ALFRED NEWMAN A Certain Smile : Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2-CD set 39 tracks La-La Land Records LLL CD 1178 (54:04 & 44:41) Limited to 2,500 units
ANDR? PREVIN QUARTET Previn’s Touch ‘Let’s Get Away From It All’ (1956) 13 tracks incl. It happened in Sun Valley; Island in the West Indies; Honolulu; Sidewalks of Cuba … ‘Hollywood at Midnight’ 12 tracks incl. Invitation; Laura; You are too beautiful; My foolish heart … Fresh Sound FSR-CD-551 (77:58) Two U.S. Decca LPs.
ANDR? PREVIN and DAVID ROSE Like Young : Secret Songs For Young Lovers 12 tracks incl. Blame it on my youth; You make me feel so young; Last night when we were young; A year of youth; Too young to go steady; Love is for the very young … Hallmark 709472 (36:04)
Like Blue 12 tracks incl. The blue room; Serenade in blue; Little girl blue; The blue subterranean; Blue, turning grey over you; Born to be blue … Hallmark 709682 (33:38)
Two classic M.G.M. mono recordings on a super-budget label.
ROLAND SHAW & HIS ORCHESTRA James Bond In Action : Themes for Secret Agents CD1:24 Bond Themes CD2: Spy Thrillers – 13 tracks incl. Casino Royale; The Ipcress File; The Saint; The Avengers; I Spy; Our Man Flint; Peter Gunn; Wednesday's Child … Cherry Red – Poker DECKCD2 007 (107:20) Original Decca Phase 4 recordings
KAI WARNER The Fantastic Sound Of Kai Warner His Orchestra & Singers 26 tracks incl.Whispering; Flamingo; My Prayer; Sally; Canadian Sunset* ; Melody Fair*; Love is Here to Stay; Show Me the Way to Go Home …(* with Tommy Reilly) Universal 5322803 (71:15) Original Polydor tracks 1966-1970.
JOHN WILLIAMS Cavatina : The Complete Fly and Cube Recordings : 2 CDs Disc 1: 19 tracks incl. Bach Changes; Theme from Z; Cavatina; Spanish Trip; Nuages; Sarabande; New Sun Rising, Pomegranite … / Disc 2: 18 tracks incl. The Height Below; Horizon; The Swagman; Sheep May Safely Graze; Travelling; The River God; Romanza … Salvo SALVODCD 215 (127:11)
NANCY WILSON How Glad I Am / Gentle Is My Love ‘How Glad’ (1964) 11 tracks incl. The grass is greener; The boy from Ipanema; Don’t rain on my parade; People; West Coast Blues; Quiet nights … ‘Gentle’ (1965) 11 + 3 bonus tracks incl. Who can I turn to; My one and only love; More; Time after time; If ever I would leave you; At long last love … DRG-CD-8511 (64:34)
Correction to catalogue numbers (JIM 189) Tchaikovsky Orchestral Favourites MET 8006; Mills Bros. JASCD 577. Apologies.