Keeping Track - Dateline August 2013

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Reviewers in this issue: David Ades, Peter Burt, Paul Clatworthy, Mike Crowther, Roger Hyslop, Barry McCanna, Edward Trub, Edmund Whitehouse, Anthony Wills, and Peter Worsley

The KT Editor’s Choice for this issue

NIGEL HESS ‘New London Pictures’ The Central Band of The Royal Air Force / Nigel Hess Chandos CHAN 10767 (63:30) A new release from our fellow RFS member and friend is always welcome and this is a terrific album. Nigel is the composer of many TV scores such as award-winning themes for ‘Testament’, ‘Summer’s Lease’ and ’Hetty Wainthrop Investigates’ Here there are two premiere recordings: the title piece is a descriptive three-movement work (Millennium Bridge,London Eye and Congestion Charge), and The Lochnagar Suite, also in three movements, takes its inspiration from The Old Man of Lochnagar, a children’s book written for his two younger brothers by HRH The Prince of Wales. Then there are three premiere recordings in new arrangements: the lovelyLadies in Lavender theme from the film, Shakespeare Pictures (portraying ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, ‘The Winter’s Tale’: The Statue and ‘Julius Caesar: The Entry to the Senate’) and A Christmas Overture, which always gets a lot of airplay on Classic FM. The album is completed by the oldest piece, the evocative Monck’s March, a concert overture commissioned by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in 2002, telling the story of General Monck’s historic journey in 1660 from Coldstream on the Scottish border to London with a force of 5,000 foot and 2,000 horse. There is not a dull moment on this disc, with the playing of the 50-strong band – the first outside the USA to receive the John Philip Sousa Citation for Musical Excellence – and the recording both outstanding. PB 

A descendant of the late Dame Myra Hess, Nigel Hess has much to be pleased about as a composer of accessible and tuneful music. New London Pictures was commissioned in 2003 and begins with a walk on the new pedestrian bridge across the River Thames near the Tate Modern, then enjoys a bird’s eye view over London from the nearby giant ferris wheel and ends with a London traffic jam with undertones of Gershwin’s An American in Paris. While the delightful Pictures will appeal to everyone, even if they don’t care for the bard. A Christmas Overture deserves to be heard every time the Christian festive season comes round. An excellent CD. PW 

LEROY HOLMES ‘The Sophisticated Strings and Arrangements of …’ 2-CD set: 60 tracks incl. There’s a Small Hotel; At Last; The Hour of Prayer; Smoke Gets in Your Eyes; Humoresque; Sophisticated Lady; Lamento (Song of the Wind); Andalucia (The Breeze and I); Dolce Far Niente; Dansera; The Rain in Spain; Vaya Con Dios; Flying Home; Ciribiribin; Cherokee; Let’s Dance; Take the "A" Train; I’m Getting Sentimental Over You; Lucy’s Theme from "Parrish"; Where the Boys Are; The Parent Trap; April Love; Theme from "A Summer Place"; (Love is) The Tender Trap; Unchain My Heart; Hit the Road Jack; Hallelujah, I Love Her So; Georgia on My Mind; Just For a Thrill; RubyJasmine JASCD 734 (78:53 & 79:33) Once again this label has a winning compilation with this exceptionally well-filled release from another lesser known light music conductor and his orchestra. Named Alvin at birth, Holmes (1913-1986) was an American songwriter, composer, arranger and conductor who studied, among other places, at the famous Juilliard School in New York. He worked for a number of bandleaders during the 1930s and early ‘40s, including Ernest Toch, Vincent Lopez and Harry James. After serving as a lieutenant in the US Navy during WWII he moved to Hollywood, where he was hired by MGM Music Studios as a house arranger and conductor, before moving to United Artists. During his time at MGM he backed numerous vocalists including Judy Garland, and in 1954 made arguably the best-known recording of the theme to the film "The High and the Mighty"with its distinctive whistling. The tracks here are taken from five varied original stereo LPs featuring lush ballads, a Spanish selection, big band and movie themes, and a tribute to Ray Charles. I find it hard to understand how Holmes did not become a much bigger name in our kind of music. You get what it says on the tin, not all the arrangements involving strings, and this will make a most worthwhile addition to any CD collection. PB 

MICHEL LEGRAND / JACQUES DEMY The Complete Edition Universal France 534 215 9 The French composer Michel Legrand’s output is prodigious: music has poured out of him for the last 60 years. This 11-CD box set (issued to coincide with a retrospective running at the Cinematheque in Paris until 4th August) is devoted to the nine movies he made with cult director Jacques Demy, beginning with Lola in 1960 and ending with Trois Places Pour Le 26 in 1988. Of particular interest are the ground-breaking "sung-through" films The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (1964) and The Young Girls Of Rochefort (1968), both starring Catherine Deneuve, whose singing voice was dubbed by various artists. Umbrellas is an intimate romantic drama very much of its time whereas Rochefort is Demy’s big budget homage to the Hollywood musical (Gene Kelly makes a cameo appearance). Their soundtracks have been digitally restored and are presented here in their entirety with, in the case ofRochefort, a never before released English language version featuring skilfully translated lyrics by Julian More. In addition there are the orchestral backings on their own, giving us an opportunity to appreciate Legrand’s dazzling arranging skills on, for example, The Girl I’ve Never Met. A further bonus comes in the shape of transcribed cassette tapes featuring Legrand working on ideas at the keyboard with Jacques Demy. As a welcome addition there are symphonic suites of the scores and a CD devoted to interpretations of their most famous songs by the likes of Tony Bennett, Astrud Gilberto, Stephane Grappelli, Sergio Mendes and Bill Evans. The accompanying booklet includes some Sixties studio and location shots and a lengthy interview with Michel Legrand, helpfully translated into English. For lovers of Legrand’s work and French cinema this collection is an absolute must. AW

GEOFF LOVE & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Waltzes With Love’ & ‘More Waltzes With Love’ Falling in Love with Love; Ramona; Anniversary Song; Always; Beautiful Dreamer; I’ll See You Again; Fascination; Wonderful One; Charmaine; Love’s Last Word is Spoken; The Last Waltz; Now is the Hour; Love’s Roundabout; The Desert Song; Around the World; When I Grow Too Old to Dream; Vaya con Dios; One Night of Love; Lover; Edelweiss; The Song from "Moulin Rouge"Try to Remember; Ask Me Why I Love You; Waltz of My Heart Vocalion CDLK 4493 (60:15) After his venture into disco/funk reviewed in our last issue, Geoff returns to the music we know and love for this release of two more albums from the extensive number he made for EMI’s Music for Pleasure label, this time from 1975 and 1979. Here we can wallow in 23 of the 20th century’s best waltzes, plus the 19th century’s Stephen Foster title, played in stylish arrangements with no gimmicks. In his original sleeve note for the first album the noted Gramophone magazine critic, W A Chislett, refers to Geoff’s "sensitive and expert treatment and handling" of the music. So just sit back, listen and enjoy; or maybe roll back the carpet and dance! PB 

MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Favourite Melodies From The Operas’ 12 tracks incl. Celeste Aida; One Fine Day; Caro Nome; Softly Awakes My Heart; M’appari; Musetta’s Waltz Song; O My Beloved Father … ‘The Immortal Classics’ 12 tracks incl. Prelude in C sharp major(Rachmaninov); Minuet from Divertimento in D (Mozart); Romance (Rubenstein); Simple Aveu(Thomé); On Wings of Song (Mendelssohn); Largo (Handel); Barcarolle (Offenbach) … Vocalion CDLK 4500 (40:17 & 43.30) Many light orchestral music lovers around the world would consider that the Venice born maestro and his orchestra were (are) incomparable. There have been imitators but no-one has matched, let alone surpassed, the unique and very special Mantovani sound. From the mid-Fifties to the mid-Seventies this inimitable quality made him a global household name. The unmistakeable hallmarks: the overall radiance, the shimmering and cascading strings (albeit used sparingly here), the skilfully orchestrated woodwind and brass – in short, all the original sounds so characteristic of Monty and Monty alone – are evident on these two mono albums from 1956 and 1954. All the arrangements are by Mantovani except for five on the first disc by Cecil Milner. I wonder how many people, like me, cut their classical music teeth on the original LPs alongside ‘An Album of Strauss Waltzes’ and ‘An Album of Ballet Memories’PB 

‘An Album of Ballet Melodies’ 10 tracks incl. Valse des Fleurs (Tchaikovsky); Invitation to the Waltz (Weber); Pas de Deux from "Giselle" (Adam); Le Cygne (The Swan) (Saint-Saëns); Dance of the Comedians (Smetana) … ‘The World’s Favourite Love Songs’ 14 tracks incl. And this is My Beloved; At Dawning; Drink to Me only with Thine Eyes; I Give My Heart; Night and Day; Ich Liebe Dich (I Love You); Parlez-moi d’Amour (Speak to Me of Love) … Vocalion CDLK 4503 No sooner had the above been written and along comes more of the same as this 2-CD set was announced for release shortly before we went to print. Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours - Finale is in a Ronald Binge arrangement. My Old Dutch is a quirky choice for the second album. The original Decca mono LPs are from 1956 and 1957 respectively. We may well return to these albums in our final issue. PB 

MANUEL & THE MUSIC OF THE MOUNTAINS ‘Viva Manuel!’ Viva!; Chiquitita; Tijuana Taxi; On the Night of a Thousand Stars; Cumana; Los Hombres; Mambo Jambo; Copacabana (At the Copa); Mexican Magic; One Note Samba; Can You Read My Mind?; Mambo No.5; Chante; Zorba’s DanceThe Music of Manuel’ Princess Leia’’s Theme (from Star Wars); Il Cielo in Una Stanza; When I Need You; My Thanks to You; The Ways of Love; Noche de Ronda; Scheherazade; Mi Sono Innamorato de Te; Poldark (theme from the TV series); You Light Up My Life; Fantasy; Cuanto le Gusta Vocalion CDLK 4499 (42:49 & 43:15) Manuel is, of course, Geoff Love’s alter ego and you get the same quality music-making as you do from the albums made under his own name. EMI started issuing this series of albums in the early 1960s and these two are from the late 1970s. The Studio 2 Stereo recordings offer a wide soundstage with a rich string sound, Latin influenced orchestrations and the very occasional use of a wordless chorus. The opening track is a Love original composition. An all-round enjoyable listen. PB

BERNARD MONSHIN & HIS RIO TANGO BAND 32 tracks incl. Crepuscule; Mexican Carnival; Under the Bridges of Paris; Tango Caballero; Windows of Paris; Alcantara; Mountain Carnival; Lady of Spain; Red Sombrero; Lavoona.... Cottage Industry Records FBCD 364 (79.21) Brian Reynolds tells us in his superbly knowledgeable liner note that Bernard Monshin formed his original band in the 1930s but during the 1950s he was a regular broadcaster on the BBC Light Programme featuring on ‘Music While You Work’ 146 times together with his own programmes notably ‘Tango Time’. BM has already been featured in Guild's Golden Age of Light Music series but this is the first CD devoted to his music with recordings taken from three editions of ‘MWYW’ from Brian's library lovingly restored by Alan Bunting. The album includes a variety of Latin-American Rhythms such as the tango, rumba, beguine, paso doble and samba, etc. However many of the pieces are home grown: El Novillero(Edward Rubach),  Josita (Philip Green), Tiptoe Tango (Eric Jupp); not forgetting Louis Voss (composing as Stefan Rogez) and Gerald Crossman, who both played in the band and contributeMasquerade in Madrid, Antonella and Poverino Mio. Our European friends are not forgotten either: the Dutch tango king Malando provides Primero and Helmut Zacharias Spanish Violins. We must remind ourselves that Maestro Monshin composed a wealth of Latin-American compositions and his joropo Caracas (composing as Antonio Alma) and Fascinatin' Tango are also included. My personal favourites are the lovely beguine treatment of I Talk to the Trees (from ‘Paint Your Wagon’), the Italian melody Luna Rosa (played as a tango) and George Scott-Wood's superb tango Revenge. The presentation is first class with photographs of many of the composers featured on the CD – an original touch together with photographs of the band taken from Brian's book Music While You Work - An Era in Broadcasting and a British Pathé short taken in the 1930's (including singer Monte Rey – that’s nostalgia for you). To quote from Brian's liner note this CD will bring back happy memories to people of a certain age but hopefully will introduce this fine orchestra to younger listeners. I played this album all the way through – that’s recommendation enough. MC

[Available from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton 3186, Victoria Australia (price via Paypal Aust $26.35/ UK £16.00. A limited quantity also available from Brian Reynolds (contact details on inside cover) @ £12 including p&p]. 

HUGO MONTENEGRO & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Loves Of My Life’ & ‘Ellington Fantasy’ 24 tracks incl. Girl of My Dreams; The Lady is a Tramp; Little Girl Blue; Jeannie I Dream of Lilac Time; Sophisticated Lady; My Old Flame … Black and Tan Fantasy; Sophisticated Lady (Alt Version); Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me; Solitude; Azure; Mood Indigo … Jasmine JASCD 217 (66:04) Montenegro (1925-81) was staff manager to Andre Kostelanetz at Columbia in his home city of New York, most notably conducting/arranging for Harry Belafonte, before fronting his own orchestra. Later on in his career, in the 1960s, he was primarily known for his movie work, largely of the Spaghetti Western variety. In 1968 he had a big hit with the single The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, reaching No.1 in the UK for four weeks, No.2 in the US, No.3 in Canada and selling more than 1,250,000 copies worldwide. He was also known for his work with electronic music. The two attractive mono albums on this release are from 1957. Using an orchestra of approximately 32 musicians and including a two-octave portable electric organ, the first dozen tracks focus on the ladies, including three superior tracks from the pen of Richard Rodgers. The accent is on sweeping strings with four sax and three flute solos. In his original sleeve notes Sam Hick calls Montenegro’s arrangements "deft and ingenious scores". The last dozen tracks are in tribute to probably the greatest jazz band leader ever. All are Ellington compositions and, again, are given the full-bodied string sound but this time with jazz-tinged solos from violin, trombone (Urbie Green), alto and tenor sax, and French horn (Caravan being a standout track). I feel sure "The Duke" would have approved. PB

REG OWEN & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Obsession’ 28 tracks incl. ‘Coffee Break’ (1958) Oh But I Do; Ask Anyone Who Knows; Was That the Human Thing to Do; Every Day; Please Don’t Talk About Me; Twenty Four Hours of Sunshine … ‘Cuddle Up a Little Closer’ (1959) Title tune; What is This Thing Called Love; You Oughta Be in Pictures; It’s Only a Paper Moon; Pretty Baby; Thou Swell … ’Bonus Hits’ Manhattan Spiritual; Ritual Blues; Down By the Riverside; Obsession Jasmine JASCD 263(77:03) After playing saxophone in the RAF’s Bomber Command Band during World War II, on demob George Owen Smith arranged for Ted Heath and Cyril Stapleton. He changed his name to Reginald Owen in 1954, and began writing film scores in 1957. He became well-known two years later when he had a No.10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and a No.20 in the UK Singles Chart withManhattan Spiritual. The single after which this album is named reached No.43 in the UK in 1960. Both are included on this release of two stereo albums originally recorded for RCA Victor, which make for good listening with some attention-catching arrangements. Moving to Brussels in 1971, Reg continued to work as composer, conductor and arranger (remember the Knightsbridge Strings?) but sadly died in 1978 at the early age of 57. PB

IAIN SUTHERLAND CONCERT ORCHESTRA    ‘Manhattan Playboys – American Light Classics’ 20 tracks incl.  I'm a Brass Band; Folks Who Live on the Hill; Marching Thro' Georgia (arr. Hope); Walking the Dog; Tiny Ballerina; Kentucky Love Song (arr. Hope); March of the Toys; On Golden Pond ... alto ALC 1206  (77: 30)   Iain Sutherland's latest album takes us across the Atlantic for an attractive selection that includes light music specials along with music from the movies, Broadway and the Great American Songbook written by either American born composers or by composers who worked extensively in the States.  The performances are excellent with lovely warm string playing blending with beautiful sounds from woodwind and brass. The album commences in stirring fashion with the Overture from Erich Korngold's score to Captain Blood evoking swashbuckling memories of Errol Flynn. It's followed by delightful performances of Robert Farnon'sManhattan Playboy and later on in the album his nocturne How Beautiful is Night in Bob's own original score. A selection of American music couldn’t be without the music of Leroy Anderson or Morton Gould and superb performances of the former's Forgotten Dreams and Trumpeter's Lullaby – admirable solo work in both pieces – with the latter's Pavanne and his raucious confection American Salute included. Richard Rodgers comes to the fore with his Song of the High Seas from his score of the NBC-TV series ‘Victory at Sea’ and we arrive on Broadway with the Carousel Waltz.  Outstanding among the American standards featured is an especially lovely arrangement of Cole Porter's Night & Day by Reg Tilsley.  We remain on Broadway when the album concludes in exciting style with Maurice Peress' concert arrangement of the Overture to Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.  However my personal favourite is the exhilarating performance of Jerry Herman's Mack & Mabel Overture – this is Maestro Sutherland on particularly superb form with memories of the "silent screen" and also reminding us of a wonderful Broadway show. At bargain price this album is a "must".  MC 

It is beginning to seem like Iain Sutherland has an almost endless supply of excellent recordings of Light Music, waiting to be packaged and offered to his many fans in attractive collections such as this one. What is particularly clever is that there are some unexpected – and very welcome – surprises among the familiar titles that you would expect to find when you see the name of the CD. As the above tracklisting shows, the British composer Peter Hope is represented by two of his memorable arrangements of American folk melodies. Reg Tilsley was a talented, yet often unfairly neglected, British musician. The "American" theme is, perhaps, stretched to the limit with the two Farnon pieces (!), although Manhattan Playboy is certainly firmly rooted in the New York of the immediate post-war years. It’s a great CD, with some outstanding performances from a conductor whose passion lies firmly in Light Music fields. Paul Arden-Taylor (Dinmore Records) has produced the fine restorations from these recordings dating from 1983-8, and the booklet notes by Iain himself are the icing on the cake. DA 

BALALAIKA FAVOURITES! Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra / Vitaly Gnutov & The Russian Balalaika Orchestra At Sunrise; The Linden Tree; Kamarinskaya; Midnight in Moscow; Snow Maiden; Evening Bells; Waltz of the Faun … Stepdastep: Steppe All Around; Semyonovna; Kalinka & more … alto Take:2 ALN 1936 (75:53) This is an album of mainly classsic Russian folk tunes that is a joy from start to finish. The first 14 tracks are a reissue of an historic album I’ve long prized, it being among the first recordings ever made in the old Soviet Union (Moscow, 13th and 16thJune 1962) by American technical and musical staff and equipment. It was put onto 35mm magnetic film for Mercury Living Presence and was a best-seller, especially with stereophiles, on vinyl, The principal instrument in the Osipov orchestra is the domra, a small stringed instrument with a rounded soundboard with a sound not unlike that of a mandolin. Among other instruments used are the balalaika (no surprise there!), Vladimir shepherd’s horns and goosli. I particularly enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Buffoons and the final track is a brilliant 1’11" version of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumble Bee, but every piece is a winner. Equally delightful are the eight tracks that complete the album. Very informative liner notes by James Murray give added value. Production and mastering of the CD was in the capable hands of Paul Arden-Taylor. A more entertaining release it would be difficult to find. PB 

EDDIE HEYWOOD ‘The Magic Touch of …..’ 2-CD set 47 tracks incl. Summertime; Cherry; The Man I Love; I Cover the Waterfront; Sitting on a Moonbeam*; All of You … Lies*; I’m Saving Myself for You*; Subway Serenade*; Rendezvous for Two*; Blues in a Happy Mood*; Heywood’s Beguine* … Winds in Autumn*; With the Wind and Rain in Your Hair; The Breeze and I; Whispering Wind*; Begin the Beguine; High on a Windy Hill … St Louis Blues; Hurricane*; Witchcraft; Virgin Isle Vamp*; All the Way; Rendezvous … Jasmine JASCD 736 (70:00 & 61.12) Eddie Heywood Jr (1915-89) was a pianist, arranger and composer. In the Thirties he worked with the orchestras of Wayne Carver, Clarence Love and Benny Carter before striking out on his own in 1940. Partial paralysis of his hands caused him to twice quit playing. Here are four of his stereo albums made after his first comeback:‘The Touch Of Eddie Heywood’ (RCA 1957), ‘Canadian Sunset’ (RCA 1958), ‘Breezin’ Along With The Breeze’ (Mercury 1959) and The Keys And I’ (RCA 1958). On the first he is joined by Al Lucas (bass) and Bobby Donaldson (drums), on the second possibly by the above for half the tracks with orchestral accompaniment conducted by Sid Ramin on the remainder, on the third by Al and Bobby with orchestra conducted by Frank Hunter and on the last with Joe Reisman and his Orchestra. All the tracks asterisked above are Heywood compositions. Another is the well-known title track, one of a dozen such on the second album. On album four there are a couple of particularly "play it again" arrangements of pieces called Caravan in the Night and Madeira. Although you’ll probably find this release listed under "Jazz" it is, unlike Eddie’s earlier albums, more leaning towards light music – that’s why it is reviewed here and not further on. Definitely well worth a hearing. PB 

EDDIE LAYTON ‘Great Organ Hits From …’ 2-CD set 48 tracks incl. Pretty as the Moon; All of Me; I Love Paris; Ida (Sweet As Apple Cider); Vienna, My City of Dreams; Nola; Winter Wonderland; Summertime; Over the Waves; Bright Lights of Brussels; Tenderly; Hawaiian War Chant (Ta Hu Wa Hu Wa!) … The Happy Organ; My Lucky; Ain’t Misbehavin’; Tico Tico; You Can’t be True Dear; Granada; Patricia; Twilight Time; The Dipsy Doodle; The Perfect Song; When The Organ Played at Twilight; By the Waters of the Minnetonka … Jasmine JASCD 737 (60:31 & 65:19) Edward M. Layton (1925–2004) played the organ at Yankee Stadium for 31 seasons, earning him membership in the New York Sports Hall of Fame. He was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and graduated majoring in meteorology with a minor in music. He began playing the organ when he was 12-years-old. While serving in the United States Navy during World War II, he learned to play the Hammond organ. After the war, he began a career as a professional organist writing scores for soap operas on CBS. In the liner notes absence of any such information, I think that the four original stereo albums here were probably recorded in the early Sixties on the Mercury label. Recommended as a nice memento of a very gifted musician whose work may be unfamiliar to JIM readers. PB 

DIAHANN CARROLL ‘Easy to Love’ 46 tracks incl. I May be Wrong; You’re an Old Smoothie; Goody Goody; Heat Wave; But Not for Me; I Should Care; Runnin’ Wild; The Boys in the Back Room … Jasmine JASCD 720 (68:40 & 64:13) This reissue of four of Diahann’s first six LPs charts her early career as a singer. ‘Best Foot Forward’ was recorded in 1958 with orchestras conducted by Sid Bass, Marion Evans, and George Siravo, who take four tracks apiece. These are punchy big band arrangements, which Diahann clearly relishes, and the result is a great fusion. ‘The Persian Room Presents’ was recorded in 1960 with accompaniment provided by Peter Matz, and has the spontaneity and excitement of a live recording. The third album, with the Andre Previn Trio, dates from 1960; Diahann throttled back to produce a more subtle and distinctive vocal sound. Finally, it’s a return to the big band accompaniment of Peter Matz for the 1961 Atlantic album ‘Fun Life’. Sound quality is excellent throughout, and although not specified I think all but the first album are stereo. BMC 

LENA HORNE ‘Unforgettable’ 44 tracks incl. Summertime; I’ll be Around; Mood Indigo; New Fangled Tango; The Man I Love; Some People; Don’t Commit the Crime; I Concentrate on You; I Want to be Happy … Jasmine JASCD 249 (73:58 & 77:22) This contains four RCA Victor albums, namely ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘LH at the Waldorf Astoria’ (both 1957), ‘Lena at The Sands’ (1961 stereo) and ‘Lena Lovely and Alive’ (1962). On the first she was accompanied by a studio orchestra that included a number of famous jazzmen, including Charlie Shavers, Doc Severinsen and Shorty Baker on trumpet, Kenny Burrell on guitar, George Duvivier on bass and Shelley Manne on drums. All four albums present standards from the Great American Songbook, including Cole Porter, Jules Styne, Rodgers, and Hammerstein and Yip Harburg medleys. As with the two live albums, her husband Lennie Hayton conducted the orchestra. At the Waldorf Astoria she was accompanied by Nat Brandwynne’s Orchestra, and the resident orchestra of Anthony Morrelli provided the accompaniment at The Sands. The final album was arranged and conducted by Marty Paich, earned a Grammy nomination, and is noteworthy for the fact that all the songs begin with the personal pronoun. This is an exemplary reissue of one of the great female singers, but its appeal may be diminished somewhat if you bought the 2010 Avid set, which included the first two albums. BMC

AL MARTINO ‘Take My Heart’ 58 tracks incl. I’m Shooting High; I Still Believe; Close to Me; They Didn’t Believe Me; Three Little Words; Makin’ Whoopee … Jasmine JASCD 730 (78:15 & 79:52) Al Martino had a powerful tenor voice, and could belt a song with the best of them, but he could also throttle back for a tender ballad, and this mono compilation displays ample evidence of both approaches. It’s made up of singles recorded between 1952 and 1960, a significant number of which charted on both sides of the Atlantic, augmented by an early studio album, the 1960 ‘Swing Along’, arranged and conducted by Stanley Appelbaum. BMC 

THE MODERNAIRES ‘So it Goes!’ 58 tracks incl. Only You; The Dipsy Doodle; Put Some Money in the Juke Box; The Great Pretender; Alice in Wonderland; Alright, Okay, You Win; As Long as I Have You; East of the Sun…. Jasmine JASCD 727 (79:03 & 78:02) This is sub-titled ‘Singles of the ‘50s’, a time when the group was recording for Coral Records. Having come into being in the early Thirties, their style was ideally suited to the big band sound, which led via recordings with Charlie Barnet and Paul Whiteman to their best-known association, with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The group we hear on this compilation was a quintet, made up of Hal Dickinson, Ralph Brewster, Fran Scott, Johnny Drake and Paula Kelly. They are accompanied variously by the orchestras of George Cates, Neal Hefti, Alan Freed & his Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, Fran Scott, Les Brown & his Band of Renown, Bob Crosby’s Bob Cats, Sonny Burke, Charles Bud Dant, and Milton DeLugg. Four tracks include Georgie Auld on tenor sax, and on two the group is joined by Martha Tilton. The second CD includes a Let’s DanceMedley, a Salute to Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. This delightful compilation showcases The Modernaires’ versatility and embraces swing, Dixieland, ballads, rock ‘n’ roll, and popular songs. Sound quality is excellent, and this should appeal across the board. BMC

FRANK SINATRA ‘Swings the Great American Songbook’ 48 tracks incl. A Foggy Day; Stardust; In the Still of the Night; Without a Song; Misty; A Fine Romance; All or Nothing at All; Prisoner of Love; Learnin’ the Blues … Delta 38364 (73:46 & 73:27) The latest in this series is culled from his early Sixties recordings with Capitol Records. Not every song is a swinger, but every one merits its inclusion. Frank’s wayward approach to the song as written tended to mar his later renditions, but at this stage such lapses were relatively minor. Accompaniments are unspecified, but both Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins would have featured large. If I had to pick out one song which encapsulated Sinatra’s talent it would be The Tender Trap, the title song of the 1955 film in which Frank starred opposite Debbie Reynolds. The compilation also includes the theme tune of Frank’s former boss Tommy Dorsey. There’s no background information on the songs, but sound quality is excellent, and this is a superb salute not only to a great vocalist, but also to some of the greatest songwriters. BMC

BENNY CARTER • DIZZY GILLESPIE • QUINCY JONES ‘Journey to Next’

The Cosmic Eye Suite; Urbanissimo; Voyage To Next; Harlem Wednesday; People People, People; Adventures Of An *; Of Men And Demons Lightyear Entertainment 54168-2 (52:04) Few members of our Society are out and out jazz fans but they should not let this gem of intriguing film music pass them by. Segments of scores written by Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie and Quincy Jones from four animated cartoons have been carefully collated into a package to please most music lovers. To get your taste buds working I’ll mention some of the veritable Who’s Who of the music scene involved, such as Toni Scott, Pete Chrislieb, Ernie Watts, Lew Solon, Frank Wess, Maynard Ferguson, Dee Dee Bridgwater, Hank Jones and Lawrence Brown. Recorded between 1956 and 1985 this selection deserves a wide audience. PC 

MARK de CLIVE-LOWE & THE ROTTERDAM JAZZ ORCHESTRA ‘Take the Space Trane’Relax..Unwind; Blues For Six; Filthy Fingers; Caravan; Money (Don’t Let It Catch Ya) El Dia Perfecto; Heaven; Take The Space Trane Tru-Thoughts TRU267 (47:34) www.tru-thoughts.co.uk Mark’s usual output is fusion jazz, here he delves into the big band sound on some tracks without straying too far from his usual territory. Caravan has been covered by so many it took a brave arranger to write a new setting. John Plomp gives it a shot but listeners used to the Duke Ellington version will probably steer clear – very discordant ending. Blues for Six is closer to what big band devotees expect; Filthy Fingers is a little wild. El Dia Perlecto is a climatic wall of sound written by Mark with his keyboard fleshing out an intriguing tune. Standout track for me is Heaven; the trumpet solo by Rik Mol is endlessly rich, a ballad sound to revel in. PC 

LOUIS ARMSTRONG ‘Satchmo: A Musical Autobiography’ 100 tracks (alternate speech) incl. High Society; Cornet Chop Suey; Hotter Than That; When You’re Smiling; Body and Soul; That’s My Home … plus ‘Satchmo Plays King Oliver’ 18 tracks (6 alt. takes) incl. Dr. Jazz; Panama; Chimes Blues … plus ‘Louis and The Good Book’ 12 tracks incl. Go Down, Moses; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Jonah and the Whale … Avid AMSC 1082 & 1083 (78:44: 77:34: 79:03 & 79:26) This project may have been inspired by Bing Crosby’s earlier ‘Musical Autobiography’, but it’s closer in spirit to Jelly Roll Morton’s Library of Congress recordings. It was an opportunity for Louis to revisit his formative years and he grasped it with both hands. His enjoyment is palpable, in both his spoken introductions and the zest with which he tore into numbers he’d participated in (as a member of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, the Red Onion Jazz Babies, and Clarence Williams Blue Five), acted as accompanist (most famously with Bessie Smith, whose vocals were taken by Velma Middleton) or fronted as soloist. He was supported by his All Stars line-up of the time, augmented as required, mainly by saxes and guitar. They laid down a total of 43 new performances, and five earlier recordings were interpolated. The result is a triumph, with Louis in his mid-fifties proving that he was playing and singing with as much conviction as ever. There are relatively few tracks that fail to hit the spot, and they’re mainly confined to the twenties material. Velma Middleton’s vocals suffer from lack of a blues flavour, and the rendition of Potato Head Blues fails to capture the majesty of the original. The one surprising omission is West End Blues which recording is regarded as Louis’ crowning achievement. That said, what’s here is an unmitigated delight, and the two additional albums serve as the icing on the cake. BMC

ACKER BILK ‘Mr Acker Bilk Requests’ 2-CD set 50 tacks incl. Travelling Blues; Delia Gone; Gladiola Rag; Willy the Weeper; Dardanella; Franklin Street Blues; Easter Parade; Marching Through Georgia; In a Persian Market; I’m Going Home; Ory’s Creole Trombone; Let the Light From the Lighthouse Shine … Stranger On the Shore; Lullaby; Mean To Me; Grreensleeves; Take My Lips; Sentimental Journey; Nobody Knows; Is This The Blues?; Cielto Lindo; Deep Purple; I Can’t Get Started; Carolina Moon … Jasmine JASCD 739 (78:56 & 75:15) Somerset-born clarinettist, vocalist and bandleader, Bernard Stanley "Acker" Bilk, MBE, MA, began his jazz career working with Ken Colyer. He formed his own band in the mid-1950s and was highly successful in the trad boom years playing what has been described as "a polished sort of Dixieland shuffle-beat jazz featuring his skilful and individual playing." Acker, who is still performing in his 85th year, has been called "Great Master of the Clarinet" and spoken of in the same breath as Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. The tracks here are from 1958 and 1959 (Disc 1) and 1961 (Disc 2). On the first 12 toothsome tracks of Disc 2 (all listed above) Acker is accompanied by the Leon Young String Chorale. His two biggest hits, which he co-wrote, are here: Summer Set reached No.5 in the British chart, the first of 11 top 50 singles;Stranger on the Shore stayed on the UK charts for 55 weeks, peaking at No.2, and was the UK’s top-selling single of 1962 – the biggest selling instrumental single of all time – and has sold 1.16 million copies as of November 2012.  With this piece Acker became the first British artist to have a single at No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. This set is a lively listen and Mr Bilk’s idiosyncratic singing on a number of tracks has not spoiled my enjoyment. PB 

TAL FARLOW ‘Three Classic Albums Plus’ Avid AMSC 1086 (80.00 & 78.22)  presents four Verve albums of this guitarist in small-group settings, namely ‘Autumn in New York’ (1954), ‘The Swinging Guitar of Tal Farlow’ (1956), ‘This is Tal Farlow’ (1958) and ‘Music of Harold Arlen’ (1959). Tal Farlow deserves to be better-known, and this reissue of four of his best albums should help win a new legion of admirers.  BMC 

AL HIRT ‘Swinging Dixie’ 2-CD set: ‘Swingin’ Dixie!’ (1958) 12 tracks incl. Caravan; Tiger Rag; And the Angels Sing; Fidgety Feet; Tailgate Ramble; Hindustan … ‘Swingin’ Dixie! Vol.2’ (1959) 12 tracks incl. Darktown Strutters Ball; Wabash Blues; Stumblin’; Feet Draggin’ Blues; Wang, Wang Blues; Battle Hymn of the Republic … ‘Swingin’ Dixie! Vol.3’ (1960) 12 tracks incl. Dixieland One Step; Bill Bailey; When My Sugar Walks Down the Street; High Society; Sweet Georgia Brown Up a Lazy River … Jasmine JASCD 728 (74:55 & 64:59) One of the 20th century’s top popular music trumpeters, Alois Maxwell Hirt saw the light of day in Louisiana in 1922 and started playing the instrument when he was aged six. He studied classical trumpet and was influenced by Harry James’ playing. He was a bugler with several Army bands during WWII and afterwards free-lanced in swing bands including those of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Ray McKinley and Benny Goodman. In 1950 he returned to New Orleans and formed his own group. These are three early albums made for Audio Fidelity Records with Hirt being joined by clarinet, double bass, drums, piano and trombone. The recordings are reckoned to be among the most rewarding of his career. It certainly sounds that a good time was had by all; and no lover of Dixieland need hesitate in acquiring this release. The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music opines that "Hirt’s combo tantalised music lovers because they were obviously capable of more but he settled for a comfortable niche and made plenty of fans happy." He went on to have 22 albums on the Billboard charts in the 1950s and 1960s. ‘Honey in the Horn’ and ‘Cotton Candy’ were both in the Top 10 best sellers for 1964, the same year he scored a hit single with his cover of Allen Toussaint’s tune Java (Billboard No. 4), and later won a Grammy Award for the same recording. Both ‘Honey in the Horn’ and Java sold over one million copies, and were awarded Gold Discs. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame ten years after his death in 1999. If this release proves popular, maybe Jasmine will re-issue some of his later work. PB 

DAVE PELL ‘Four Classic Albums’ Avid AMSC 1084 (76:23 & 74.25) is the second Avid reissue of his Octet, which was drawn initially from the ranks of the Les Brown band. The first CD features two early albums, featuring compositions by Rodgers & Hart (1953) and Irving Berlin (1954). The second CD features two Capitol albums, both from 1961. ‘The Old South Wails’ presents numbers from the Dixieland repertoire, and ‘I Remember John Kirby’ (which includes Benny Carter on alto sax) is a fitting tribute to what used to be called "The Biggest Little Band in the Land", and rounds off an exemplary reissue.  BMC 

CHARLIE SHAVERS ‘Four Classic Albums Plus featuring Maxine Saunders’ Avid AMSC 1085(76:28 & 789.49) is something of a mixed bag.  ‘Horn o’ Plenty’ (1954) comprises just four tracks, the longest being Story of the Jazz Trumpet, in which Shavers produced impressions of other trumpeters. It’s something of a tour de force, but the vocal interjections detract from the music. ‘The Most Intimate Charlie Shavers’ (1955) features songs written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Green, backed by a string orchestra. ’Flow Gently, Sweet Rhythm’ (?1959) features Maxine Sullivan accompanied by former members of the John Kirby band. In August 1956 she recorded ’Tribute to Andy Razaf’, with Charlie Shavers leading a very similar studio group. ‘Blue Stompin’ (1959) features Charlie Shavers with tenor saxophonist Hal Singer.  BMC 

JACK PAYNE Vol.8 The Rex Recordings ‘Lazy Rhythm’ 24 tracks incl. Maybe I’m Wrong Again; My Heart is an Open Book; East of the Sun; The Rose in Her Hair; Lazy Rhythm … Vocalion CDEA 6212 (73:50)

JACK HARRIS At Grosvenor House ‘The Free and Easy’ 24 tracks incl. The Free and Easy; You are My Heart’s Delight; The Flat Foot Floogie; Jeepers Creepers; Swing Band; Little Drummer Boy …Vocalion CDEA 6213 (71:36)

ROY FOX Vol.10 At the Café Anglais ‘Roy Fox Chooses …’ 24 tracks incl. We’re a Couple of Soldiers, My Baby and Me; Big Ben’s Saying Goodnight; Sweet and Hot; A Million Dreams; Isn’t it Romantic? … Vocalion CDEA 6214 (74:30)

JACK HYLTON Vol.11 The Decca Years ‘This Is The Rhythm For Me’ 24 tracks incl. Can’t We Meet Again?; Moon Song; Little Miss Muffett; Hylton Stomp; The Clouds Will Soon Roll By … Vocalion 6216 (74:10) I need to declare an interest, having written the liner notes. That said, I rate all four very highly as prime examples of music from the thirties. Jack Hylton’s recordings date mainly from 1933 and Pat O’Malley took the lion’s share of the vocals; most of Jack Payne’s come from 1935 with Ronnie Scott Coomber sharing vocal hours with Ronnie Genarder and others. Both led show bands that could fill large venues with both capacity audiences and popular music. In contrast, the dance bands led by Fox and Harris played in more intimate settings, and their arrangements were more transparent. The Roy Fox CD covers the last three months of 1932, which he spent at the Café Anglais, with vocalist Jack Plant. Jack Harris spent the early Thirties at the Grosvenor House Hotel, and five previously unissued recordings are included; the remaining seventeen tracks come from the late Thirties, most but not all recorded while the band was playing at Ciro’s Club. Needless to say, the audio restoration is uniformly excellent. BMC

THE ANDREWS SISTERS ‘The Best of … Featuring Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ 25 tracks incl. Pennsylvania 6-5000; Rum & Coca Cola; Beat Me Daddy (Eight to the Bar); One Meat Ball; Strip Polka; Yes, My Darling Daughter … Delta 26700 (71:45) This features their Decca records, mainly from the early 1940s. The earliest is Bei Mir Bist du Schoen which dates from 1937 and their third recording session, and the latest is I Can Dream, Can’t I? from 1949, but the first track is Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from the 1941 film ‘Buck Privates’ which became their signature song. There are a couple of gender-benders, namely Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and I’ll be with You in Apple Blossom Time, and the lyrics of the calypso-based Rum and Coca Cola do not stand up to close scrutiny, but that did not prevent them from being hits. Their close harmonies were well supported by the accompaniments, most if not all of which were supplied by Vic Schoen & his Orchestra. The sound is clear and bright, and although the tracklist lacks detail this is an excellent reissue. BMC

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA ‘Music For Wind Band, Vol. 12’ Royal Swedish Navy Band / Keith Brion 17 tracks incl. Transit of Venus March; Marquette University March; Right Forward March; Right-Left March … Naxos 8.559691 (56:06) This long established series goes as far back as the beginning of 2001. The latest is the second to employ the services of the highly accomplished RSNB. Again, with the possible exception of the 1885 Sound Off March, all may be considered rarities and there is added interest here since this compilation includes some of the American March King’s earliest contributions to the genre. Two of them date from 1876 when Sousa was a mere stripling of 22: The Honored Dead was subsequently performed nine years later at the funeral of President Ulysses S Grant whilst the Revival March embraces the popular hymn tune "In the Sweet By and By." Of the others there is an effective treatment of the popular 1865 Civil War song Marching Through Georgia, and the Mikado March manages to incorporate virtually all the popular tunes from the famous Gilbert and Sullivan operetta during its brief span of under two-and-a-half minutes. We find Sousa in relaxed, carefree mood penning the attractive concert suites Maidens Three and Leaves from My Notebook but with the operetta Chris and the Wonderful Lamp, of which the Overture is included here, commercial success eluded him and it achieved only a short run in 1899. Sousa resourceful as ever wasn’t going to let good material go to waste and simply redeployed some of the music in other scores. Always keeping a keen and alert eye on changing musical fashions prompted him into producing in 1924 his charming Peaches and Cream foxtrot apparently after watching his granddaughter at a dance. So music to both gladden and stir the heart and, since both performances and sound quality are both in the premier league, this disc earns an automatic commendation. In a word simply unmissable! RH

‘AMERICAN BRASS!’ London Symphony Brass / Crees Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man;El Salón Mexico; Ceremonial Fanfare; Bernstein: Suite from "West Side Story"; Prelude Fugue & Riffs;Cowell: Fanfare for the Latin American Allies; Barber: Mutations from Bach; Ives: Variations on "America" alto ALC 1209 (63:37) "The very best in brass playing, brass-arranging, and brass-recording", wrote the Gramophone reviewer on the original release of this Collins full-price label album made at the Barbican in 1991. The London Symphony Brass comprises 29 of Britain’s finest brass and percussion players with clarinet, piano and double bass, all from the ranks of the London Symphony Orchestra. The works are well suited to arrangements for brass, five of which are by the conductor. Although I have most of the pieces in full orchestral form on individual CDs it is good to have them together on a single disc, especially one of this quality. Buy with confidence. ET

ATTERBERG Orchestral Works, Vol.1 Sara Trob?back Hesselink (violin); Per H?gbeg (viola); Gothenberg Symphony Orchestra / Neeme Järvi Chandos CHSA 5116 (70:14) Having brought us from Norway two highly acclaimed recorded series of works by Halvorsen and Svendsen, Chandos now turn to Sweden and Kurt Attterberg (1887-1974), conductor and music critic, and one of his country’s leading 20th century composers. We are promised music that is "tuneful, accessible and charmingly folkoristic, even impressionistic in nature" – and so it is. This time the Estonian maestro conducts "The National Orchestra of Sweden" of which, after being in charge from 1982 to 2004, he is now Principal Conductor Emeritus. The story behind the opening and longest work, Symphony No.6 "Dollar Symphony", is a fascinating one. In 1928 it was the winner in a competition – attracting 500 entries from 26 countries – to mark the centenary of the death of Schubert that called for "original symphonic works in one of more movements presented as an apotheosis of the lyrical genius of Schubert and dedicated to his memory on the occasion of the centennial." The prize was $10,000 (a fortune back then), hence the nickname. Atterberg promptly bought a new Ford Model A! The great Sir Thomas Beecham was allowed by Columbia to record the symphony – the first work ever to be recorded before it had received a public performance. It is joined on this disc by Symphony No.4 "Sinfonia piccolo"En värmlandsrapsodi and Suite No.3, which only received its world premi?re recording release in 2012. All are superbly played and recorded, and there are highly informative booklet notes by Stig Jacobsson to complement an engaging release of works by a composer who deserves to be better known. ET

HAVERGAL BRIAN New Russia State Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Walker English Suite No. 1; Symphonies 22, 23 and 24 Naxos 8.572833 (65:27) Three symphonies on one CD? Yes, but their average length is only around 12 minutes, thus leaving room for the splendidly atmospheric six movement English Suite No. 1 based on the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside. Brian wrote 32 symphonies, most of which defy categorisation, and almost all composed late in life. These three date from the 1960s and are similar in sound to dramatic film music of the time. EW

CHABRIER Orchestre de la Suisse Romande / Neeme Järvi Joyeuse marche; Overture to "Gwendoline"; Habanera; España; Lamento; Bourrée fantasque; Suite pastorale & more … Chandos CHSA 5122 (78:42) In JIM 193 I recommended a mono compilation of Emmanuel Chabrier’s works. Here we have nine compositions, with some duplication, but in digital state-of-the-art sound. The Orchestra of French-speaking Switzerland is in fine form under the baton of its indefatigable artistic and musical director – Maestro Järvi certainly gets around. In 1879, after hearing a Wagner opera, Chabrier (1841-94) resigned his desk job at the French Ministry of the Interior to become a full-time composer. The spectacular success of España proved him to be a master orchestrator. As well as orchestral works, songs and piano works he composed two successful comic operas, L’etoile (‘The Star’) and Le roi malgré lui (‘King in Spite of Himself’), both represented on this disc. All Chabrier’s music has great melodic allure and relish and, as with the earlier disc, there’s a lot of joie de vivrehere. ET

ELGAR London Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Georg Solti ‘Symphony No.1; In the South ("Alassio")’ Decca Virtuoso 4785155 (68:36) A wonderful re-issue from 1980 considered by many to be the best recording of the symphony extant and likened to that of the composer’s own. Whatever other versions you may have, don’t miss out on this one. ET

MOZART European Union Chamber Orchestra / Hans-Peter Hofmann (Director) Symphony No.29; Kassation K.63; Divertimento K.251 Barn Cottage Records bcro11 (79:02) Of Mozart’s 41 symphonies the last four are undoubtedly his finest but I have a soft spot for the earlier No. 29, as it was the first work by the composer that I came to know and love. This is Mozart at his happiest and is often regarded as his first really great work. It is very well-played here by the 18 musicians directed by Herr Hofmann on violin. The release comes from a relatively new small independent label based in Surrey, founded by the harpsichordist Robin Bigwood, which deserves our support as it is responsible for a gem of a disc. PB

RESPIGHI Philharmonia Orchestra / Geoffrey Simon & Jan Pascal Tortelier Church Windows; Brazilian Impressions; Belkis, Queen of Sheba; Metamorphosen; Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Festivals of Rome Chandos CHAN 241 & 245 (77:12 & 80:14) Respighi was an unusual composer who managed to dovetail ancient airs with contemporary sound pictures of Rome which are truly superb. These LP transfers are most welcome and if you don’t know the composer’s music you should indulge yourself. Buy this double CD and you will be transported into a new world of colourful sound. Great value! EW

‘LATIN AMERICAN CLASSICS’ Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela / Theodore KucharHuapango; Danzón No.2; Tocata Bachiana y Pajarillo Aldermaroso; Janitzio; Four Dances from Estancia: Los Trabajadores agricolas, Danza del trigo, Los peoness de hacienda, Danza final (malambo); Kanaima; Batuque Brilliant Classics 9762 (55:43) This is a humdinger of a disc featuring works by Moncayo, Márquez, Romero, Revueltas, Ginastera, Hung and Fernández. The oldest musical ensemble in Latin America, founded in 1930, under the baton of its American conductor, who has appeared on over 100 CDs, is more than a match for the famous Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. The playing is spirited, the conducting idiomatical, the recording good, and the price low (under £5 online). It is such an exciting release, a pity there’s not more of it. PB

JOHN IRELAND ‘Church Music’ Lincoln Cathedral Choir • Charles Harrison (Organ) / Aric Prentice Te Deum in F; Benedictus; Communion Service in C; My Song is Love Unknown; Elegiac Romance, Capriccio (Organ Solos); Evening Service in C; Christ The Lord is Risen Today; Four Unaccompanied Carols; Greater Love Hath No Man; I Am Trusting; Ex Ore Innocentium; Island Praise; Evening Service in F Naxos 8.573014 (77:05) If you are at all interested in church music and/or choral singing, and want a "taster" CD of the genre, look no further than this value-for-money release, well recorded in the cathedral last year to mark the 50th anniversary of the English composer’s death. ET

More recent releases recommended by Wilfred Askew

DEE BARTON ‘High Plains Drifter’ (1973) 27 tracks Intrada Special Collection, vol.217(54:27)

LES BAXTER ‘Jewels Of The Sea’ 12 tracks incl. Sunken City; Sea Nymph; Singing the Shells; The Enchanted Sea; Coral Castle; Dancing Diamonds; plus selections from: ‘The Sacred Idol’ (7 tracks);‘Ports of Pleasure’ (3); and ‘Tamboo’(3)

Cherry Red ACMEM 232 CD (79:25). Original Capitol album (1960)

TOMMY EDWARDS ‘The Hits and More’ For Young Lovers’‘You Started Me Dreaming’& ‘Step Out Singing’ 53 tracks incl. It’s All in the Game; Please, Mr Sun; Morning Side of the Mountain; My Melancholy Baby; Always; You’re a Sweetheart … Jasmine JASCD 196 2-CD set (136:36). Three original M-G-M albums (1959/60)

RUSS GARCIA AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Play the Music of Johnny Green’ 16 tracks incl. Body and Soul; Living in Dreams; Out of Nowhere; Easy Come, Easy Go; I Cover the Waterfront; Coquette; There’s a Ring Around the Moon; I’m Yours … Montpellier MONTCD084 (48:02)

BEVERLY KENNY ‘Complete Decca (US) Recordings’ ‘Sings for Playboys’ (1958) acc. by Ellis Larking & Joe Benjamin 16 tracks incl. It’s Magic; Time Was; Sing a Rainbow; Brooklyn Love Story … ‘Born to Be Blue’ (1958) w. Hal Mooney/Charlie Albertine cond. 13 tracks incl. Again; Beyond the Next Hill; You Couldn’t be Cuter; Somewhere Along the Way … ‘Like Yesterday’ (1959) arr./cond. Stan Freeman 12 tracks incl. Undecided; A Sunday Kind of Love; Tampico; Any Old Time … plusDecca single Your Love is My Love; ‘The Sesac Sessions’ (10 tracks); ‘Playboy’s Penthouse TV Show’ (6 tracks) Fresh Sound FSR-CD 721 2-CD set (154:41)

HENRY MANCINI ‘Condorman’ 28 tracks Intrada Special Collection, vol. 219 (60:28) Original Film Soundtrack (1981)

‘MOON RIVER AND ME’ Including More Music from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ 29 tracks: Soundtrack (17*), Barney Kessel (5); Eddie Harris (3); Moon River by Danny Williams, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Jerry Butler, Al Caiola, and *Audrey Hepburn Cherry Red ACMEM227CD (79:56)

LALO SCHIFRIN ‘Coogan’s Bluff’ 24 tracks plus 8 extras Intrada Special Collection, vol. 223(56:48) Original Film Soundtrack (1968)

ZOOT SIMS ‘ New Beat Bossa Nova, vols 1 & 2’ Original Coxpix recordings (1962) arr. Manny Albam and Al Cohn 23 tracks incl. Recardo Bossa Nova; Cano Canoe; Tickle toe; Lonesome Road; They Call the Wind Maria … American Jazz Classics AJC 99063 (78:01)

BILLY VAUGHAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘’Chapel By The Sea’ (1962) & ‘Greatest String Band Hits’ (1961) Original DOT recordings 24 tracks incl. Petite Fleur; Exodus; Mon River; Midnight in Moscow; Route 66; Bonanza; Wonderland by Night; Carolina in the Morning; Japanese Sandman; Smiles; Baby Face; Happy Days Are Here Again; I’m Looking Over a Four-leaf Clover; In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town; plus 4 bonus tracks: Blues Stay Away From Me; All Nite Long; Whispering & Goodnight Sweetheart Sepia 1206 (64:51)

LAWRENCE WELK AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘ Baby Elephant Walk’ & ‘Young World’ Original DOT recordings (1962) 24 tracks incl. Are You Lonesome Tonight?; Love Me Tender; Gigi; It’s All in the Game; The Brothers Grimm – Theme; Three Coins in the Fountain; Mona Lisa; Vaya Con Dios … Love Letters; Secret Love; April Love; Young at Heart; Young Love; Good Luck Charm; Too Young; plus 4 bonus tracks: Theme from My Three Sons; Out of a Clear Blue Sky; Night Theme; Zero-Zero Sepia 1207 (67:14)

BERT KAEMPFERT & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Let’s Go Bowling’ (1964) 14 tracks incl. Holiday For Bells; Holiday in Scotland; Toy Parade; The Bass Walks; Sunday in Madrid; Love After Midnight; Danke Schoen Polydor 278648-2 (37:24) 

CARMEN McRAE ‘The Complete Kapp Recordings’ 3 LPs on 2 CDs

‘Book of Ballads’ arr./cond. by Frank Hunter 12 tracks incl. By Myself; My Romance; Isn’t it Romantic; Please be Kind; ‘When You’re Away’ arr./cond. by Frank Hunter* & Luther Henderson 12 tracks incl. The More I See You; Willingly*; I’ll Be Seeing You; I Concentrate on You; ‘Something To Swing About’ arr./cond. Ernie Wilkins 12 tracks incl. Three Little Words; That’s For Me; A Sleepin’ Bee; Alone Together Fresh Sound FSR-CD 677 (11:05) 

DAVID RASKIN "What’s The Matter with Helen?" Original Film Soundtrack (1971) Quartet Records SCE 049 (31:34) 

RICARDO SANTOS & HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Song Of The Pearlfisher’ The cascading strings of Werner M?ller 50 tracks from 1954-59 on 2 CDs incl. Ole Guapa; La Cumparsita; Tango Americano; Armen’s Theme; Guagliione; Adios Pampa Mia; Serenata; O Sole Mio; Elephant’s Tango; La Seine; Buona Sera; Donkey Serenade Koch 8061981 (141:01) 

LEITH STEVENS "The War Of The Worlds" (1953) 2-CD set Intrada Special Collection : Vol. 202 (64:12 & 77:48)

FRANZ WAXMAN "Career" Music from the 1959 Motion Picture Kritzerland KR 20024-5 (49:33) 

VICTOR YOUNG "Shane" Music from the 1952 Motion Picture La-La Land LLLCD 1224 (66:03) 

"Run Of The Arrow" (1957) & "The Brave One" (1956) OSTs originally issued on LP by US DeccaDisques Cinémusique DCM 136 (73:31) 

Corrections to KT in our last issue

HARRY GOLD ‘Parade of the Pieces’ My apologies for wrongly crediting Mike Crowther’s review to Barry McCanna, and for omitting him from the list of contributors. - KT Ed.

ANDRE KOSTELANETZ The correct details for this review are: ‘Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra On The Air with Perry Como and Gladys Swartholt’ DSOY 904

‘The Very Best of NEIL DIAMOND’ catalogue number is 8765405872

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