Orchestral

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES VOLUME 4 Ernest Tomlinson:Aladdin (1974) -Jewel Dances, Aladdin’s Dance of Joy, Young Man in Love; John Fox: A Surrey Rhapsody (2006); Jim Cooke: Concert Jig (2004); Phillip Lord: Nautical Overture (1965); Richard Valery: The Magic Carpet (1940); Lionel Sainsbury: Cuban Dance No.2 (1991); Adam Saunders: Overture - Pirates Ahoy! (2006); Carey Blyton: The Golden Road to Samarkand (1991); Peter Flinn: Cinema Suite (2006). Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland and Paul Murphy (Dutton Epoch CDLX7190).

The advance publicity for this new release states: This is the latest instalment in Dutton Epoch’s prestigious series of light music CDs and, as with the previous volumes, features Gavin Sutherland conducting the Birmingham Royal Ballet Sinfonia through sparkling recordings of charming light music scores by some of the finest British composers working in the genre. Ernest Tomlinson’sAladdin opens the disc and bears the hallmarks of grace, elegance and melodic invention for which this figurehead of British light music is so well-known. Among the many other delights on offer include Surrey-born composer John Fox’s orchestral ode to his home county A Surrey Rhapsody, and Carey Blyton’s enchanting The Golden Road to Samarkand orchestral suite. As ever, Gavin Sutherland’s inspired conducting and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia’s impeccable and sensitive playing combine to bring this colourful, beautiful music to life in spectacular fashion. A review of this important new release will appear in our next issue.

NEW GUILD "GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC" CDs

5129 "Beyond The Blue Horizon" full tracklisting in JIM 170, page 15

5130 "Cornflakes" full tracklisting in JIM 171, page 80

5131 "Light Music On The Move" full tracklisting in JIM 171, page 82

Readers who remember the late pianist and composer Albert Semprini may recall how he introduced his regular BBC Radio programmes with what we would today term a ‘mission statement’ – ‘Old ones – New ones – Loved ones – Neglected ones’. This formula could well apply to the entire GUILD series and to these three CDs in particular. [The ‘new’ ones are not actually new, of course - just unfamiliar!]

Beyond The Blue Horizon is a collection of Light Music which presents ‘…a mix of likeable melodies featuring different colours.’ Not surprisingly, Blue definitely predominates here, as it seems many composers have a ‘thing’ about that colour, and it’s featured in 14 of the 27 tracks. Many of these originate from commercial 78s, although there are some interesting library pieces, including Out Of The Blue (Robert Busby) and Blue Mink (Peter Yorke), both of which I well remember were used in BBC tv demonstration transmissions during the early ’50s. Also included is, I believe, another first for GUILD – a rare BBC Transcription recording (The White Scarf by Edgar Bainton). There’s a wonderful Robert Farnon arrangement of Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies, which features the great Dave Goldberg on guitar, and an equally superb Angela Morley treatment of Deep Purple (Parish, De Rose). The highly enjoyable programme is rounded off with another rarity – George Melachrino’s Fantasy Ballet, based on the traditional Little Brown Jug. This is taken from a 1947 recording for the EMI library, which Melachrino was instrumental in setting-up in association with the record company in the early years after WWII.

Cornflakes was not necessarily designed to accompany your breakfast – although it would perform that duty admirably – but, like a number of other GUILD CDs, takes its name from the title of one of its tracks, in this case a Norrie Paramor composition. There are many familiar numbers featuring some leading ’50s musical directors, including Frank Cordell, the aforementioned George Melachrino, Werner Müller, Cyril Stapleton, Mantovani and Malcolm Lockyer. Almost half of the items are grouped together under the title The Polygon Legacy and included in this section are most of the latter company’s tracks which have not already appeared on other GUILD releases. There are some very informative liner notes detailing Polygon’s history and its subsequent demise, when it was subsumed into PYE Records in the mid ’50s. One unfortunate omission, however, is apparent in Song Of The Pearl Fishers’ Tango by the Laurie Johnson Orchestra, which is credited to ‘Heno Gaze – (arr Johnson)’. Whatever became of the actual composer of the tune in question – one Georges Bizet?!

Light Music On The Move is a compilation of mainly upbeat pieces depicting movement in many forms on Land, Sea and Air. Transport features prominently and besides several trains (inevitably!), we are treated to such delights as a Cycling Chimp (Pagan), a few horses and a donkey, a couple of fairground roundabouts and John Malcolm’s famous Non Stop, which must have earned him a penny or two as it was used for many years as the signature tune for Independent Television News on British TV [see also my comments towards the end of this feature]. In contrast you’ll find anAmsterdam Sleepwalker (Steggerda), a space journey, and if you hanker after a more relaxed form of movement, try Drifting On A Cloud (D’Artega - Syracuse ). As with all of these new offerings, LMOTM is a clever assemblage of excellent tracks with Alan Bunting’s digital transfers being of his usual superlative quality. Tony Clayden

BEST OF BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC 2CD compilation

CD 1 includes CURZON: Robin Hood Suite: March of the Bowmen; HEDGES: Overture: Heigham Sound; TOYE: Concert Waltz: The Haunted Ballroom; FARNON: Melody Fair; WOOD: Serenade to Youth; COLLINS: Vanity Fair; TOMLINSON: A Little Serenade; QUILTER: A Children’s Overture; WORLAND: Millennium — A Celebration March; KETELBEY: In a Persian Market; GRAINGER: Country Gardens; ADDINSELL: Goodbye Mr Chips: Theme; GOODWIN: Theme from 633 Squadron"

CD 2 includes BENNETT: Theme and Waltz from ‘Murder on the Orient Express’; WHITE: Puffin’ Billy; TORCH: ALL Strings and Fancy Free; MAYERL: Marigold; DUNCAN: High Heels; ELLIS: Coronation Scot; FARNON: Colditz March; KETELBEY: In a Monastery Garden; BINGE: Elizabethan Serenade; COATES: By the Sleepy Lagoon; COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Hiawatha Overture; GERMAN: Tom Jones, Act III: For Tonight (Sophia’s Waltz-Song); COATES: Dam Busters’ March Various Orchestras Naxos 8570575-76 (2 CDs). Naxos decided to make this compilation ‘CD Of The Month’ for August, which demonstrates their faith in Light Music. The tracks are taken from previous Naxos and Marco Polo CDs, and represent some of the finest composers of the last century.

MUSIC FROM MOTION PICTURES

Exodus, Cimarron, King of Kings, Ben-Hur, The Bible, Butterfield 8, Colonel Bogey/River Kwai March, The Robe, Lygia, Julie, Romeo and Juliet, Spellbound, Spartacus and more

David Rose and his orchestra (Frank Bristow, FBCD161)

MUSIC FROM STAGE AND SCREEN

Humoresque, Great Pretender, Fascination, Love is a Many Splendoured Thing, Bewitched, Just a Memory, Take My Love, Serenade, What’s New Pussycat, Forbidden Planet, La Strada, I’ll Take Romance, And I Love Her, Pigeon and more

David Rose and his orchestra (Frank Bristow, FBCD162)

A DAVID ROSE COLLECTION

Intermezzo, Beautiful Ohio, Diane, Was It a Dream?, Remember, Satisfaction, King of the Road, Estudiantina, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Downtown, Are You Sincere? and more

David Rose and his orchestra (Frank Bristow, FBCD163)

Our Australian friend, Frank Bristow, has already issued a dozen or so David Rose CDs but he has found another 85 ex-MGM tracks to issue over the span of three CDs (all available separately) with a total playing time of nearly four hours! Without checking each individual track, I can’t say offhand whether there is any duplication with previously issued material, but I’d be inclined to say not. Taking the discs in numerical order, the first one is the best with works by the elite composers of Hollywood embracing works by Steiner, Rota, Tiomkin, Rozsa, Newman et al. It has such best sellers as The Green Leaves of Summer, Laura, Around the World, Summertime in Venice and Tara’s Theme. In fact there isn’t one dud track among them (well, you wouldn’t expect one, would you?)

"Stage and Screen" has more of the same (including the only Rose composition in the whole set, something called Pigeon) plus semi classical pieces, a Beatles hit and other songs of the late 50’s and early 60’s. There are also ten songs from the Moose Charlap and Norman Gimbel’s 1948 Broadway flop "Whoop Up" which, as far as I could hear from the selection, deserved better.

"The Rose Collection" is a hybrid (you could say a motley) melange ranging from Strauss and Romberg to Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Eleven tracks are devoted to jazzed-up versions of Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Grieg which (to be quite frank) are neither one thing nor the other!

Arthur Jackson

Frank Bristow CD’s are ONLY available directly from him at 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia. Tel. 03-9528-3167. Email: Credit cards and Paypal are accepted, but no cheques — details on request. Please visit his website for further details on CDs in his catalogue www.musicfromthepast.com

SONGS TO REMEMBER/THE INCOMPARABLE MANTOVANI

With These Hands, Faraway Places, A Very Precious Love, Jamaica Farewell, Tenderly, Blue Star, Gigi, When I Fall In Love, No Other Love, Vaya Con Dios, Two Different Worlds, Tonight/I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now, As Time Goes By, Catch A Falling Star, Where Are You, (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco, I’ll Be Seeing You, Yesterdays, Fly Me To The Moon, I’ll Get By, September In The Rain, Long Ago, More

Mantovani and his orchestra (Vocalion CDLK 4347) 78.07

These albums were both originally issued in 1960 — neither have been issued on CD in Europe or America before — and the first includes some of the best songs of the previous decade in which Mantovani had become world famous. Monty-meister Colin Mackenzie tells me that it is in his top five of favourite albums. The well remembered Edward Rubach is the pianist on Blue Star, which was the theme for the US TV series ‘Medic’; Monty himself plays piano on the lovely When I Fall In Love. My favourite track is Jamaica Farewell with an arrangement by Roland Shaw which I have treasured in my mind for years but for some long forgotten reason did not buy on LP at the time! Richard Rodgers’ No Other Love is delicately played, the big Les Paul and Mary Ford hit Vaya Con Dios(meaning go with God in Spanish) has a nice touch of accordion, and the Bernstein piece is given a powerful rendition. In the June issue of JIM, I was highly enthusiastic about the last Vocalion reissue from Mantovani — my enthusiasm is maintained for this album. The second selection is also attractive with Monty’s trademark swoop of strings very strikingly used on Catch A Falling Star(catchy being the word to describe the Cecil Milner arrangement!), a couple of beautifully arranged Jerome Kern classics, and I Wonder with its effective use of Ivor Mairant’s electric guitar. Incidentally, I was surprised to learn from Colin’s comprehensive liner notes that the song dates from as far back as 1909! We all, including those readers who still resist the Venice born maestro, should be thankful to Mike Dutton for not only enabling Mantovanians to obtain well-loved recordings in a CD format, as well as filling a few gaps in our collections, but also for giving new light music enthusiasts an opportunity to hear someone who really was incomparable.

Peter Burt

LOST ENGLAND

George Butterworth: 2 English Idylls, The Banks of Green Willow 
Walter Leigh: Squadron 992, Overture — Jolly Roger, Harpsichord Concertino, The Fairy of the Phone

Kent Sinfonia/Malcolm Riley with Marion Whitehead (harpsichord)

‘Lost’ because both George Butterworth and Walter Leigh were killed in combat during the world wars. The Butterworth pieces have been recorded previously, and possibly better, but these thoughtful performances are worth having. The discs principle interest comes with the Water Leigh items as his music is little heard. Before his premature death, he composed chamber music (issued fairly recently on a Dutton CD), two operettas and some twenty film scores. Here we have the overture to one of the operettas, which is cheerfully nautical, the Harpsichord Concertino is light in touch, but with a hint of his study with Hindemith and two film scores lovingly reconstructed by Malcolm Riley. The Fairy of the Phone was written for a GPO film unit release on how to use the telephone; it is for six vocalists and ten instrumentalists (six of them woodwind) in an engaging ‘1930s popular’ idiom. Squadron 992 comes from a 1940 documentary on the move of an RAF balloon unit and recalls the music of Vaughan Williams and Sir William Walton. All told, a valuable issue well played by Kent Sinfonia whose fresh sound I like, and recorded with commendable clarity if less full toned than many modern releases. Strongly recommended.

Philip L Scowcroft

This CD is only available from Kent Sinfonia, 5 Pine Grove, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2AJ () £11 incl. P&P

TOWARDS AN UNKNOWN LAND

Quay and Departure, Towards an Unknown Land, Stars My Compass, Song to the Sea, Dream in the Sun, Lifetime Ago, Eastern Waltz, Loch, Out in the Cold, Sirens

Michael Buck (Prestige, CDSGP9041) 54:40

Close your eyes and listen to the music and you are sure to be transported away on a unique musical journey. What has been achieved in the past with a full orchestra is created here by one man and his imagination. The composer of all ten tracks plays high quality samples that ‘live’ in his computer and are controlled by him from a digital piano (Yamaha P90). Michael also uses several virtual synthesizers (Spectrasonics Atmosphere Synthesizer and East West Symphonic Choirs) to get some of the lovely textured backgrounds. The entire album was produced and recorded in Michael’s own studio which is set-up in his home. Michael would love one day to record with a full real orchestra, but this is currently beyond his reach, but he is nevertheless very happy with this, his first album. Listening to the tracks is like watching a film in your mind, by simply sitting back, relaxing and hearing this musical story. This is a CD to dip in and out of, as listened to in full, readers may find this repetitive and the tracks merge into one. The title track is a highlight along with A Lifetime Ago which are both very reflective. There is certainly some influence from John Barry and Ennio Morricone in some of these tracks. So if you want something new to try, then you won’t be disappointed with this CD release.

Adam Endacott

SPIRIT OF VIENNA Overture "Reiche Madchen" (Strauss II), music from Operetta "Katz und Maus" (Strauss III), Traumverloren Waltz (Siegfried Translateur), march and waltz from Operetta "Casanova" (Paul Lincke), also works by Alfons Czibulka, Edmund Eysler, Richard Eilenburg and Joseph Hellmesberger Die Flotten Geister, Czech Republic Conducted by Christian PollackThe press release from The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain describes this as a scintillating new recording of rare operetta & Viennese dance music which has been co-issued by the Johann Strauss Societies of Great Britain and the Czech Republic. This album features the renowned European orchestra ‘Die Flotten Geister’ and Viennese supremo Christian Pollack conducting. Warning — this is no ordinary Strauss & Co album — for a start there’s no ‘Blue Danube’ or ‘Radetzky March’! The music featured on this disc comprises worthwhile compositions which have until now escaped the recording studio, making it a premiere recording in every respect. Johann Strauss II (the Waltz King) is represented with two virtually unknown operetta overtures Reiche Mädchen and Fanny Elssler. The waltz is by no means forgotten and the transfix of three/four time is represented by the respective pens of nephew Johann Strauss, Siegfried Translateur, Edmund Eysler, Paul Lincke, and Joseph Hellmesberger. There are marches, polkas, and gavottes by Paul Lincke, Alfons Czibulka and Richard Eilenberg to fill up this jam packed disc which runs for a truly melodic 79 minutes. The recording was produced in the Czech Republic.

"Spirit of Vienna" is available online from:

The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain www.johann-strauss.org.uk

or through Discovery Records Limited, Nursted Road, Devizes, Wilts. SNIO 3DY. www.discovery-records.com

Price £12.99 UK inc. P&P

CASINO DANCES

Hiawatha, Fox Intermezzo, Marusja*, Yearning (Just for You), Musette, Da Capo,Londonderry Air*, Hello Ma Baby, Donkey Serenade, Serenata, Pizzicato Violins, Casino Dances, Sparrow Concerto, Monna Vanna*, Zigeuner Boogie, By the Waters of Minnetonka,Von der Puszta

Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra with Elizabeth Menezes* (soprano).

This CD seeks to recreate the sound of the once popular saloon orchestra with its seven players and follows their previous two CDs in the series. This is indeed a foot-tapping confection, mainly of less familiar material from the light music genre. The Londonderry Air is heard in a less usual version, by the composer Geoffrey O’Connor-Morris. Of the rest I particularly enjoyed Helmut Zacharias’ two gypsy-based titles and it is good to hear a Jacob Gade tango which is not Jealousy. Performances by the orchestra, which includes flute and oboe to add colour, are splendid and well recorded. Highly recommendable.

Philip L Scowcroft

This CD can only be purchased directly from the Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra; please see www.aspidistra.org for further details or send a cheque made payable to ‘Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra’ for £11 (incl. P&P) to 49 Bankside, London, SE1 9JE, England.

THE BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC COLLECTION Volume 1 2CD set Royal Ballet Sinfonia Conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary CD RSB 205. This is a reissue of two ASV White Line collections: the first was originally released on CD WHL 2113 as "Brian Kay’s British Light Music Discoveries" in 1998; the second CD first appeared in 2000 as "British Light Music Discoveries 2" on CD WHL 2126. The composers include Sir Malcolm Arnold (The Roots of Heaven and Little Suite No. 4), William Alwyn (Suite of Scottish Dances), Clifton Parker (The Glass Slipper – Overture), Sir Richard Rodney Bennett (Little Suite); David Lyon (Joie de Vivre), Paul Lewis (English Overture) and Philip Lane (Suite of Cotswold Folk Dances). These works (and there are more on these CDs) should be in every serious light music collection, so if you missed these the first time round this is your opportunity to remedy the omission. The booklet says there are two more similar volumes of reissues to follow – hopefully the purchase of Sanctuary by Universal will not disrupt these plans. David Ades

CALYPSO/CALYPSO MAN

Saturday Night, All Night Tonight, Sll the Pussy, Papa Says, Margie, Limbo Bar, High Cheek Bones, Run for the Doctor, Melodie d’amour and many more

Edmundo Ros and his orchestra (Vocalion CDLK 4348). How pleasant it is to be able to hear every word on this album (unlike the music of today) especially so as every song tells a story, again unlike today’s music. This is Edmundo Ros at his very best and I highly recommend this release to add to your Latin American collections.

Alec Hellyer

HIGH IN SIERRA

Tap Tap, Sururu, Chica Boa, Jamaica Way, To Be or Not To Be, High in Sierra, Off Shore, Wonderful, Latin Lady, When You’re in Love, So Deep My Love and many more

Roberto Inglez and his orchestra (Vocalion CDEA 6131) 75:39 This disc is great stuff and is the third CD that Vocalion have issued of Roberto Inglez — it is always a pleasure to listen to his orchestra. With 27 tracks this is certainly great value. With the so called summer weather we are having at the moment, it is nice to get this CD to bring some sunshine into the room.

Alec Hellyer

SERENATA

Love is Blue, Hungarian Dance No. 5, Penelope, Sabre Dance, A Frenchman in Dublin, Paris Musette, Angelic Demon, Rio Forever, Le Piano Sur La Vague, A Whole New World, Great Brilliant Waltz Op 18, Entr’act of L’Arlesienne, Intermezzo from Carmen, Invitation to the Dance

Paul Mauriat and his orchestra (GLD GK38359)

MOVIE THEMES

Unchained Melody, Lara’s Theme, Calling You (from ‘Baghdad Café’), Beauty and the Beast, I Will Always Love You, Charade, Chariots of Fire, Colours of the Wind, Schindler’s List, Conquest of Paradise

Paul Mauriat and his orchestra (GLD GK38361)

SAYONARA CONCERT

Space Race, My Heart Will Go On, Invitation to the Dance, Etude in a New Form, Piano Concerto No. 21 Andante, Caravan, Thais Meditation, Czardas, Dolls and Dreams, Serenade a Coline, Begin the Beguine, Toccata, Penelope, Love is Blue/El Bimbo, Hungarian Dance No. 5

Paul Mauriat and his orchestra (GLD GK38360)

These three CD’s, released only in Argentina, contain a compilation of songs recorded by Paul Mauriat during the nineties. The ‘Serenata’ CD contains great hits of the sixties and seventies such asLove is Blue, Penelope and Le Piano Sur La Vague whereas the ‘Movie Themes’ CD has a repertoire of film songs of the nineties plus some remembered themes like Lara’s Theme from ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and Charade. The third CD is a live concert released in Osaka, Japan and dated 29 November 1998. Mauriat offers us an interesting selection of his best hits, world-known melodies and some classics. This is a collection of CD’s for every Mauriat fan and collector of his recordings.

Mario Luis Kocian Rossi

GRANDES EXITOS

Que C’est Triste Venice, A Man Without Love, Lamento Borincano, My Sweet Lord, Mariachi, All of Me, Sunny, Aranjuez, Sentimental Paris, Brigitte, Mona Lisa, Unforgettable, Ecology, A Man and a Woman

Franck Pourcel and his orchestra (EMI 72434997278)

This is an interesting compilation released by EMI in Argentina with a total of fourteen tracks including great Pourcel hits. The songs are digitally remastered and the sound quality is excellent.

Mario Luis Kocian Rossi

GRANDES MELODIAS

Strangers in the Night*, My Sweet Lord^, Bridge Over Troubled Water~, Only You, Somewhere My Love*, The Most Beautiful Girl^, Last Tango in Paris~, Singing in the Rain, Melodie D’Amour*, Michelle^, Love Story~, Moon River

Ray Conniff*, Percy Faith^, Andre Kostelanetz~ and Caravelli (Columbia 2-470045)

A reissue product containing songs digitally remastered on CD by Columbia Argentina. This is a good release for lovers of good compilations.

Mario Luis Kocian Rossi

SLEEPY SHORES

Sleepy Shores, Live and Let Die, Aranjuez Concerto, Killing Me Softly, The Morning is Broken, Brother Sun Sister Moon, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree, Summer of 42, If, You’re a Lady, The Green Leaves of Summer, People, Sing, Zarathustra

Johnny Pearson and his orchestra (Carmusic 0203-02)

This rare recording of the composer of the remembered Sleepy Shores contains an interesting repertoire of songs from films of the seventies and great hits like Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Killing Me Softly and Green Leaves of Summer. Now available on CD in Argentina and also available (like the other Argentine releases) for members and collectors.

Mario Luis Kocian Rossi

RFS members who are interested in buying any of the CDs from Argentina reviewed above are invited to write to: Mario Luis Kocian Rossi, Sucre 2815, C 1428, DVY, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

THE COMPLETE MANHATTAN TOWER

Magical City, Happiness Cocktail, I’m Learnin’ My Latin, Once Upon a Dream, Never Leave Me, This Close to the Dawn, Repeat After Me, The Magic Fire, Married I Can Always Get, The Statue of Liberty, The Party, New York’s My Home and bonus tracks

Gordon Jenkins (Sepia Records, 1087) 76:00

Although I am not a fan of the work of Gordon Jenkins, I listened to this CD with a fresh mind and to reappraise his work. The Manhattan Tower work has quite a following and it is released here in its entirety, recorded back in July 1956. The music is well orchestrated and a very polished performance is given by the Gordon Jenkins orchestra but the linking narrative becomes dull and irritating for me. The highlight for me was Never Leave Me which is a very dramatic piece with Elliott Lewis and the Ralph Brewster singers. The bonus tracks are a range of vocal and instrumental pieces from 1953-55 with Gordon at the piano for Angel’s Lullaby. Remastered by RFS member Robin Cherry, the sound quality is excellent and accompanying CD booklet is very detailed and includes all recording dates and personnel. This is certainly for those who remember the Manhattan Tower with affection and for those not accustomed to the work of Gordon Jenkins.

Adam Endacott

ROMANTIC EUROPE Love in Madrid, Under the bridges of Paris, In old Lisbon, Swedish Rhapsody, London by night, Tulips from Amsterdam, Vienna, city of my dreams, Summertime in Venice, Wonderful Copenhagen, Stars over Crete, La Belle Suisse, Wonderland by night

GLAMOROUS HOLIDAY Evening in Paris, Ca c’est Paris, J’attendrai, Mademoiselle de Paris, Clopin-clopant, Parlez-moi d’amour, La vie en rose, Can can, Evening in Rome, Santa Lucia, Anema e core, Mattinata, Catari, Catari, The echo told me a lie, Mama, Come back to Sorrento Frank Chacksfield and his Orchestra (Vocalion CDLK 4345) 73:45. Another collectable 2-on-1 from one of Britain’s most popular ever orchestra leaders who, as another reviewer once wrote, "rarely, if ever, puts a foot wrong." The first album was originally issued on a Decca Eclipse album in 1972. In the complete absence of any booklet notes, I am left wondering if like some earlier Ace of Clubs budget issues it was aimed at the North American market. Among the highlights for me is the evocative French horn on London by night and Stars over Crete with its shimmering strings. La Paloma is not as overblown as it sometimes is, and it is interesting to hear Chacksfield’s take on items more associated with Riddle, Faith, Mantovani and Kaempfert. In old Lisbon is different from Frank’s 78 rpm version.

The second album was an early stereo issue in 1958. The titles had already appeared on the 1954/55 mono LPs ‘Evening in Paris’ and ’Evening in Rome’, the CD of which was recently deleted by Vocalion [CDLK 4167]. This has been a disc I have often returned to, and for anyone who missed it here is a chance to get half of the 28 tracks in twin-channelled sound. Chacksfield had a way with Italian melodies throughout his celebrated career. As far as I could tell from the limited time I had to compare them, the arrangements here are not exact copies of the earlier albums. The arrangements throughout the disc [only Leon Young is credited on two tracks] are always interesting and keep the listener involved. The use of accordion, guitar and mandolin is well-judged. The sound is enhanced by Mike Dutton’s customary fine remastering. Peter Burt

GUILD "GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC" CDs

5132 "Continental Flavour" full tracklisting in JIM 172, page 72

5133 "Amor Amor" full tracklisting in JIM 172, page 73

Continuing their successful policy of developing different themes for the series, David Ades and Alan Bunting have come up with one or two new ideas. New to GUILD, that is – both CDs are very much in a similar vein to many albums which made their appearance in the heyday of the LP, although naturally there is a wider variety of performing styles represented here than would normally be the case on a one- orchestra disc.

Continental Flavour provides a mix of European, British and American orchestras; a good number of pieces are by Continental composers, with some British notables (and a sole American) making up the balance. As usual, the familiar ‘rubs shoulders’ with the ‘rarely-if-ever-heard-of’ variety, but there are some most welcome surprises. Listening to this selection a few times, it struck me that there is often a marked difference between the ‘sound’ of British composers and their French, Italian, German and Spanish counterparts. It has a lot to do with the orchestration and sometimes the instrumental lineup employed.

The team is to be congratulated in putting together another very imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable collection, which I’m sure will win many new friends.

Amor Amor – Music For Romance again takes its title from an eponymous track, in this instance by the Frank Cordell Orchestra. The original plan was to call it Cocktails For Two after the opening number, a marvellous arrangement of the Johnson-Coslow composition (originally written to celebrate the end of prohibition in the USA); this could only have been created by Robert Farnon and is faultlessly executed under his baton. The full roll call of orchestras is impressive and includes those of Ron Goodwin, David Rose, Stanley Black, Werner Müller, Philip Green and Gordon Jenkins – several other equals share the honours, with a total of 24 tracks of the highest quality – they don’t come any better than this. The mood is very relaxed and the whole CD would undoubtedly make a perfect accompaniment to an intimate candlelit dinner for two; the only things missing are a suitably exotic meal and some appropriately fine wine - but regrettably, these items are not included in the price!

These two latest releases, together with the previous three reviewed at the top of this feature, were excellent company on a recent lengthy drive from my home in North London to the North West of England and back. They are all extremely worthy additions to the GUILD catalogue, which has now topped well over the 30-mark, but stand by for some more newcomers which I hope to review in the near future.

Tony Clayden

AT THE MOVIES

Over the Rainbow, Moon River, As Time Goes By, Somewhere (from ‘West Side Story’), The Shadow of your Smile, The Pink Panther, The Way We Were, The Summer Knows, It Might be You, Cinema Paradiso Suite, A Whole New World, Schindler’s List Dave Koz, saxophone (Capitol 383 6582). It’s always nice when something turns out to be so much better than you expect. When this CD arrived from EMI I took a quick glance though the booklet (with my magnifying glass!) and read the publicity blurb. Until I actually played the CD I had no idea that the talented jazz musicians were going to be supported by a lush-sounding concert orchestra performing some very pleasant arrangements. Dave Koz is obviously a talented player who solos on soprano, alto and tenor sax (at times supported by trumpeter Chris Botti), with guest singers on most of the tracks – among them Barry Manilow, Anita Baker, Johnny Mathis and Donna Summer. The opening track features an excerpt from Judy Garland singing her most famous song, while there are some spoken words from Ingrid Bergman to introduceAs Time Goes By. Rob Mounsey, Rob Mathes, Randy Waldman and Victor Vanacore share the arranging and conducting credits, and at times it seems that the great arrangers of the past half-century are looking over their shoulders. Two numbers – It Might be You and The Shadow of your Smile are reprised at the end in instrumental-only versions. A lot of money has been spent on this recording and the quality is obvious. If you enjoy popular music that is melodious and slightly jazzy, without being too abrasive, then you would do well to sample this. Of course, it isn’t light music in any sense, but I certainly like it and I suspect that many readers of this magazine might also welcome it into their collections as a fine example of today’s younger musicians. David Ades

Classical

BBC LEGENDS: SILVESTRI — ELGAR SYMPHONY NO.1 ETC

Cockaigne Overture, Symphony No. 1 (Sir Edward Elgar), Beckus the Dandipratt (Sir Malcolm Arnold), Symphony No. 2 (Tchaikovsky), Jeux (Debussy), Four Sea Interludes (Sir Benjamin Britten), Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 (Enescu)

Constantin Silvestri and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BBC Legends, BBCL 4182-2). I always tell people if they want to hear a piece of music done the right way, then listen to the old ones — such is the case with this breath taking two CD set! The heart of this release is the greatest single recording ever of Elgar’s First Symphony — it can be made to sound shapeless and formless in less caring hands. Here, Silvestri keeps everything in check with great attention paid to each individual strand and the result is a sharply focused performance with every player knowing their parts and executing them with confidence and assuredness. The same qualities are heard in another troublesome score that of Debussy’s Jeux which is very clear cut. The Tchaikovsky Second Symphony also benefits from Silvestri’s inspired leadership, matching many points brought out by this work’s greatest advocate, composer Igor Stravinsky. The Britten Sea Interludes come from an entirely different concept than Previn’s rather hasty, sloppy performance. Silvestri’s penetrating insight into the gnarled textures of this work result in one of the most satisfying readings available to the general public. The crowning glory was always a great favourite of Silvestri’s, Enescu’s fabulously colourful Roumanian Rhapsody No.1 in which images of a true Roumanian band are more vividly caught than in any other reading. Even if classical music is not your ‘bag’, buy this immensely rewarding set. It will become one of the jewels in your treasure box of favourites!

Richard Jessen

SONG OF THE BIRDS – ENGLISH CELLO MUSIC (Sanctuary White Line CD WHL 2153).

At JIM we do our best to make available details of interesting CDs as soon as they are released; unfortunately, this is one that got away! Published way back in 2004, it seems to have escaped the notice of our stalwart band of reviewers, and might still be in a state of limbo were it not for a chance remark made to me recently by Marjorie Cullerne, on the telephone from Canada, when I was preparing for the unveiling of the commemoration plaque to her great uncle, Haydn Wood (see more details on page ????). The strange thing is, I was aware of plans for a recording of Wood’sPhilharmonic Variations For Cello And Orchestra; it was being spoken about by Ray Crick, of Sanctuary Records, a good eight or nine years ago and forms part of this splendid collection. Although the CD box bears the label British Light Music, the four compositions are really at the ‘serious’ end of the genre. They were all published between 1936 and 1951, with the exception of the Rubra work. Herbert Murill (1909-1952) had become organ scholar at Worcester College, Oxford, by the age of 19 and after studying (and later teaching) composition at the RAM, became Assistant Head of Music and then Director of Music at the BBC, an appointment abruptly curtailed by his death at the age of only 43. Written for the composer’s cellist wife, Vera Canning, the Cello Concerto is dedicated ‘…in respect and affection…’ to the great Pablo Casals and features a Catalan folk melody Song Of The Birds which permeates the entire concerto and from which the CD takes its name. Sir George Dyson (1883-1964) was the son of a Halifax, Yorkshire, blacksmith and having gained his FRCO at 16, won an open scholarship to the RCM where he studied under Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. ThePrelude, Fantasy and Chaconne was written in 1936 for his daughter Alice who was a cello student at the time, and in effect is a miniature three-movement concerto. Edmund Rubra (1901-1986) hailed from Northampton and although originally a railway booking clerk eventually studied with Gustav Holst at Reading University and later went on to the RCM. His career as a pianist and composer flourished during the 1930s; the Soliloquy was written during WWII, when the composer was the pianist for the Army Classical Music Group. This is no miniature, but a full-blown symphonic movement scored for strings, two horns and timpani. And so to the jewel in the crown; Haydn Wood (1882-1959) also studied with Stanford at the RCM, and has been recounted before, produced a large canon of compositions in both ‘light’ and ‘serious’ genres. In the latter category are Piano and Violin concertos and these Philharmonic Variations, which were given for the first time in 1939 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the composer’s baton. After an introductory solo passage, which seems to allude to the Elgar Cello Concerto, the main theme is stated, followed by seven variations and an extended finale with an elaborate cadenza. The whole work has echoes of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations; it lay forgotten for half a century until revived for a concert performance in 1990 at Eton College. This piece is further proof, if such were needed, of the undoubted composing talents of Haydn Wood, who is only now receiving the recognition which he so richly deserves. The performances are in the highly capable hands of cellist Rafael Wallfisch and the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted this time by the greatly underrated Vernon Hanley, whilst recording engineer Paul Waton has worked the same magic with the acoustic at BBC’s Maida Vale studios that he would repeat some seven months later for the first Montague Phillips (Vocalion) CD.

Tony Clayden

Keyboard

SO WHAT’S NEW?

Calling All Workers, Estrellita, Waltz from Masquerade, Eternally, Temptation Rag, The Rose, Medley: Downtown/YMCA/Avenues and Alleyways, Serenade, Medley: The Girl from Ipanema/Moving South/Eso Beso, Medley: Almost Like Being in Love/May I Have the Next Dream with You/I've Heard That Song Before, Medley: Ragtime/And All That Jazz, The Whistler and His Dog, The Trolley Song, Medley: Under the Sea/You've Got a Friend in Me, Medley: Ciribiribin/Oh Maria Marie/Autumn in Rome/On an Evening in Roma, The Harry Lime Theme, Medley: I Wish You Love/If You Love Me, Medley: So What's New?/Jeepers Creepers/Everything's in Rhythm With My Heart

Phil Kelsall (Grasmere, GRCD127) 71:56

You can always rely on Phil Kelsall to release a CD with a variety of tunes and tempos and ‘So What’s New?’ will not disappoint with just over an hour of Wurlitzer at its best with all the stops pulled out. Tim Wills co-wrote Moving South and Eso Beso (although not credited after the tunes) and also produced this CD. Old favourites such as Calling All Workers, Waltz from Masquerade and The Harry Lime Theme mingle with lesser heard tunes. The Rose has an enjoyable church organ section. Covering three decades Downtown, YMCA and Avenues and Alleyways start the foot tapping and the medley of Italian related songs have you thinking of warm nights and holidays. Disney is not forgotten with Under the Sea and You’ve Got a Friend in Me. This CD was recorded in January 2007 on the Wurlitzer Organ at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.

Gillian Endacott

ALFRED HOLLINS — ORGAN WORKS

Concert Overture in C major , Benediction Nuptiale, A Trumpet Minuet, Allegretto grazioso, Concert Overture in C minor, Evening Rest, Concert Overture in F minor, Andante in D, A Song of Sunshine, Maytime Gavotte, Theme with Variations and Fugue

Timothy Byram-Wigfield (Delphian DCD34044) 80:00 www.delphianrecords.co.uk

The composer, Alfred Hollins, born in Hull in 1865 had the very considerable handicap of being totally blind, but he enjoyed a high reputation as both a virtuoso concert pianist and organist. His compositions for the latter instrument despite the vagaries of musical fashion have always continued to feature in the repertoire of many organists. It is in this latter regard that a review of this new Delphian disc seems appropriate since Hollins was often dubbed ‘the Eric Coates of the organ loft’. He wrote a number of delightful, often delicate light miniatures, for the ‘king’ of instruments of which several are included here. There’s a radiant A Song of Sunrise, a charming Maytime Gavotte and a resplendent A Trumpet Minuet, Handelian in character and with highly effective use being made of the trumpet stop. As for the more overtly serious works such as the three Concert Overtures and the substantial Theme with Variations and Fugue, these are all highly accessible and attractive pieces in which good robust memorable themes are never far from the surface.

The attractions of this release are further enhanced by virtue of the fact that Timothy Byram-Wigfield plays on the three manual organ designed by Alfred Hollins himself which was installed in the Caird Hall, Dundee opened in 1923 . The recording and performances are superlative, unlike so much organ music on CD’s where much of the detail can be clouded by excessive reverberation — everything here is crystal clear with every detail telling. Timothy Byram-Wigfield incidentally holds the post of Master of Music at St Georges, Windsor. An outstanding recital of rewarding and essentially tuneful organ music and I do urge you to give Alfred Hollins a try. Roger Hyslop

Military and Brass Bands

THE MUSIC OF THE BLUES AND ROYALS

Overture — My Old Stable Jacket, The Windsorian, The Tangier Horse, Le Cheval Royal, Men of Kent, March of the Royal Horse Guards, Music for the Queen’s Birthday Parade and more

The Band of the Blues and Royals (Specialist Recording Company SRC133) 76:00

The SRC series featuring music associated with specific regiments of the British army continues with the Blues and Royals. There are no less than 39 tracks on this CD, principally trumpet calls and a selection of fast and slow marches and it is impossible to include comment on all of them, so I hope these highlights will give a sufficient flavour to persuade some readers to put it on their shopping list! Particularly noteworthy is Cavalry Brigade, a stately and imposing slow march officially attributed as anonymous but thought likely to be the work of G J Miller whilst by way of contrast, Thornburrow’sThe Windsorian has a distinctly jaunty air. Strauss makes something of a surprise appearance in this compilation with his March of the Royal Horse Guards — a refreshing change from his ubiquitous and much played Radetzky March! The Tangier Horse is a splendid march which flowed from the pen of a former DOM, Lieutenant Colonel G E Evans. A J North’s With Wings as Eagles is an impressive salute to the memory of all members of the Household Cavalry who have been killed whilst on operations. In complete contrast to the trumpet calls and marches comes Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring and a popular piece of film music — the haunting strains of Gabriels Oboe by Ennio Morricone from ‘The Mission’ which is beautifully and sensitively played by Staff Corporal Mark Redman. The recordings were made in The Chapel, Chelsea Barracks and are fully up to SRC’s usual high standard and the CD booklet comes with detailed notes. There are many rarely recorded items in this compilation so that even the most avid collector of military band CD’s will duplicate very little in their collection and will find a great deal of interest. A notable and fascinating release which can be strongly recommended. Roger Hyslop CDs issued by Specialist Recording Company are available from: Discurio, Unit 3, Faraday Way, St Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3QW, England tel/fax 01689 879101. You can also order via their website: www.tillystips.com/dis/

ONCE A MARINE

A Life On The Ocean Wave, Plymouth Hoe, The Captain General, The Padstow Lifeboat, Peter Rabbit and Tales of Beatrix Potter, HM Jollies, Adagio for Trumpet, Cockleshell Heroes, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, On the Quarterdeck, The Shanghai Sailor, Sarie Marais, Kalinka, Comrades in Arms, The Hounds of Spring, Once a Marine

The Royal Marines Association Concert Band (Clovelly CLCD15507) 66:00

The Royal Marines Association Concert Band is an entirely new ensemble formed in June 2006 in response to demand from retired members of the band service. This is their first CD and their versatility and accomplishment is amply demonstrated by the diverse range in style and mood of music included in this compilation, which they tackle with consistent commitment and whole hearted enthusiasm. There’s a fine selection of marches including several by Kenneth J Alford with On the Quarter Deck and HM Jollies and Sir Vivian Dunn with The Captain General and possibly his most popular and arguably one of his finest scores Cockleshell Heroes. Dunn’s march has a lively catchy first section followed by an appropriately poignant trio tune which suitably reflects the growingly somber mood in the latter part of the film. There is also a fine new march Comrades in Arms which has flowed from the pen of the band’s DOM Captain Whealing whilst Ray Woodfield’s Once a Marinewas written especially for the Royal Marines Association and makes clever use of two tunes intimately associated with the Corps namely A Life on the Ocean Wave and Sarais Marais. A good deal more music is featured here other than marches including two well chosen overtures. Alfred Reeds’ The Hounds of Spring is an easily likable piece, new to me, whilst the more familiar strains of the nautical overture by John Ansell, Plymouth Hoe, is a wonderfully invigorating piece based on several traditional tunes — the listener envisions a wonderful whiff of salt laden sea breezes which never fails to raise one’s spirits. A welcome item on this disc is the excerpt from Tales of Beatrix Potter and Slaughter on Tenth Avenue which gives the band a chance to demonstrate their big band credentials. Finally, and by no means least, there are two solo spots featuring members of the band. Jon Yates, principal trumpet, plays his own composition Adagio for Trumpet, an attractively lyrical and heartfelt piece whilst Steve Tanner takes centre stage with Donald Bridgers’ The Shanghai Sailor. This is an impressive debut disc with fine and consistently good wind playing throughout which, given the pedigree of this group of musicians, is hardly surprising. The recording sessions were held at the Clovelly St Edmund’s Studios, Dover and the resultant sound, if a trifle dryish, is very good. Roger Hyslop

For information on how to purchase this CD visit Clovelly at www.clovellyrecordings.com or telephone: 01304239356. This CD is also available from the RMA Concert Band c/o RMA Central Office, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER. The CD costs £12 incl P&P and cheques should be made payable to The RMA Band Fund.

A RIFLES BANDSTAND

Royal Windsor, Orpheus in the Underworld Overture, The Westminster Waltz, The Lines of Torres Vedra, The Watermill, Cornish Through and Through, Light Serenade, Lucy Long, Shepherd’s Hey, Scottish Dances, Mountain Song, Robbin’ Harry, High on a Hill, Rifles Review, Evening Hymn and Sunset, Mechanized Infantry

The Bands and the Bugles of the Rifles (Specialist Recording Company, SRC126) 78:00. The Band of the Rifles was formed in February 2007 and this release is particularly noteworthy as it is the band’s debut CD. The programme has plenty of contrast and interest, particularly for readers of this journal, with a selection which has certainly not ignored the area of British light music. There are two classics of this genre Westminster Waltz, sounding surprisingly effective in a wind band transcription and The Watermill beautifully played as an oboe solo. Two further solo spots on this disc are worthy of comment, a very accomplished bassoonist with Lucy Long and a xylophone impressively propelsRobbin’ Harry at a breathtaking speed. The concert opens with plenty of pomp and splendour with Frederic Bayco’s march Royal Windsor whilst the familiar Offenbach overture which follows combines sensitivity and exhilaration to satisfying effect. The two bugle marches included are calculated to both raise your rafters and annoy the neighbours if played at too high a volume! The recordings were made in Romsey Abbey, Hampshire and the resulting sound quality fully measures up to SRC’s consistently high standard. I recommend this to all admirers of fine wind band playing with confidence.

Roger Hyslop

Soundtracks

"SUMMER SONG"

Overture, Just Around the Corner, My Darling Karolka, Once a Year is Not Enough, Cotton Tail, No-one Told Me, Murphy’s Pig, One Boy Sends You a Rose, Deep Blue Evening, I’ll Be Remembering and more

Original London Cast (Sepia Records, 1086) 78:00

This musical, from 1956, was penned by Anton Dvorak with lyrics supplied by Eric Maschwitz. Described as ‘a story of the new world’ this recording features a very appealing vocal performance by British actress and singer Sally Ann Howes and the male lead is taken by David Hughes. Orchestrations are by Ronald Hanmer and the orchestra is under the direction of Alexander Faris. The highlight of this CD is the Summer Song Selection which is performed by the Melachrino orchestra conducted by George Melachrino and recorded in April 1956 and lasts for over seven minutes — a real delight! Wally Stott also features in the bonus tracks as backing to three tracks from David Hughes, dating also from 1956, There But for the Grace of God Go I, Love is a Many Splendoured Thing and Two Different Worlds. The sound quality and remastering (by RFS member Robin Cherry) is of the highest quality, as expected by Sepia Records who are one of the lead CD labels in issuing rare and sought after material from the back catalogue. This is very nostalgic and takes you right back to the world of post war musical theatre.

Adam Endacott

"AS LONG AS THEY’RE HAPPY" & "AN ALLIGATOR NAMED DAISY"

You Started Something, Be My Guest, Hokey-Pokey Polka, In Love for the Very First Time, Midnight Madness and bonus tracks including A Kiss and a Cuddle, I Feel so Mmm, Close Your Eyes, What More Can I Do and many more

Original film soundtracks (Sepia Records 1092) 76:00

Two classic British film soundtracks are given new life on this very likable and enterprising CD. The main artistes are Jeannie Carson, Jack Buchanan, Jerry Wayne and Diana Dors who all give polished performances in these fun and romantic songs. For both films the musical score and direction is by Stanley Black with the Pinewood Studio Orchestra and his usual excellence shines through with lush orchestral links and arrangements which comes into its own in the reprise of I Don’t Know Whether to Laugh or to Cry Over You with Jack Buchanan. A sensational Diana Dors single (A Kiss and a Cuddle/I Feel So Mmm) from 1953 is included in the bonus tracks with the orchestra conducted by Frank Cordell. Other orchestras featured in the bonus tracks with Jeannie Carson are Reg Owen and Geoff Love. Wally Stott makes an appearance with Jerry Wayne for Lassoo and What More Can I dorecorded in 1953. I thoroughly recommend this CD which is a joy from start to finish. Remastering is again by Robin Cherry and of excellent quality.

Adam Endacott

Vocal

MOMENTO

Momento, Bring Back the Love, Close to You, Os Novos Yorkinos, Azul, Cacado, Night and Day, Tranquillo, Um Segundo, Cade Voce, Words

Bebel Gilberto (V2, VVR1044522) 42:37

The sweet summer sounds of her previous albums are still there but there are a few moments that do not gel! If the vibe of the first tracks had been maintained, then this outing could have topped her earlier recordings. Close to You is Bebel’s own composition (not the one made famous by The Carpenters). An intriguing rhythm is employed rivalling the beat of Bring Back the Love which uses a couple of instruments that I have never heard before — Repique and Gongue — intoxicating sounds! In fact, most tracks employ instruments new to me creating music that is decidedly different. I am not sure what Cole Porter would have thought of this version of his classic song Night and Day! The sax player has a stab at emulating Stan Getz but Bebel’s vocalising seems to lose the way! Tranquillois a live track and sounds like just a filler.

Paul Clatworthy

BEVERLY SILLS: PLAISIR D’AMOUR. Plaisir d’amour; Parlez-moi d’amour; Les filles de Cadiz; Plus 6 Other Songs in French and 3 Songs In Spanish. 48.26 Beverly Sills with Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra Sony Classical SMK 60576. For those who never heard her sing even on records, Beverly Sills was a most remarkable artist. Along with her technical mastery of her craft was a deep humanity and a heart breaking poignancy to her way of performing, no doubt coming from her triumphing over personal tragedies. The body of this CD comes from a pair of 1975 sessions when Sills began working with Andre Kostelanetz who provided all of these arrangements himself. Kostelanetz’s earlier experience as a vocal coach at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City pays off wonderfully with great understanding of his vocalist. With such a charming and soothing set of songs, it’s difficult to find favorites. A personal favorite is "La filles des cadix" which is the original chart written Lily Pons, Andre’s former wife. The programme is rounded off with three songs sung in Spanish and never before released in any format. Of particular interest in this group is a stellar performance of "Estrellita" which is sung very movingly by Sills. The orchestra performing behind Beverly Sills is the New York Philharmonic which adds to the high polish of the accompanying orchestra. This is without a doubt a worthwhile release spotlighting one of the most beloved of all opera stars, Beverly Sills who artistry is being rediscovered anew thanks to many releases of her great performances. Richard Jessen

JESSIE MATTHEWS (1907-1981): A Centenary Celebration 2CD compilation from 78s, film soundtracks and private tapes AVID AMSC 907. This enjoyable collection is the brainchild of veteran LP and CD compiler Hugh Palmer, and he has certainly assembled some rare and fascinating tracks in this well-deserved tribute to a great star of the 1930s. Over 50 of the best-known songs associated with Jessie Matthews are included, so it is highly unlikely that you will not discover your own personal favourites such as Over My Shoulder, Dancing on the Ceiling, When You’ve Got a Little Springtime in your Heart etc. From 1926, through to some private recordings from the late 1970s, we can enjoy her performances of popular songs plus selections from films such as "Out Of The Blue", "One Dam Thing After Another", "The Good Companions", "Evergreen", "It’s Love Again", "Gangway" and others. Among the musicians accompanying Jessie are Leslie Hutchinson (‘Hutch’), Carroll Gibbons, Louis Levy, Jay Wilbur, Fred Hartley, Peter Yorke, Debroy Somers, Bob Busby and Harold Geller. It would be silly to deny that this style of music now seems dated, but surely that is part of its charm. For those who remember how great Jessie Matthews was, and would like a lovingly-compiled souvenir of her career, this is the perfect answer. David Ades

Compilations

COMIC CUTS

Various artistes (Sounds of Yesteryear, DSOY732) 105:00. Grandad is seething in the corner, muttering under his breath, rubbish! It is his birthday party and the youngsters are playing the like of the Arctic Monkeys. Time to put a smile to his face by digging out this novel double CD — 36 tracks by bands of the 1930s. Billy Cotton, Carroll Gibbons, Jack Payne, Jack Hylton, Ambrose, Henry Hall and many others feature and all tracks concentrate on the humorous. I am a Grandad but only knew a few of the titles, three of which I did not know, The Pig Got Up and Slowly Walked Away, Airman! Airman! and What Can You Give a Nudist for Their Birthday, giving you some idea of the content. You also get the well known Laughing Policeman, I Like Bananas, Chinese Laundry Blues and many others well aired in the past on the Billy Cotton Band Show and Family Favourites. A fun collection for all the family, especially if those listening are well oiled!

Paul Clatworthy

CD round-up: some new releases noted by Wilfred Askew

HURRAH FOR MALCOLM ARNOLD

The Belles of St Trinian’s Prelude (Conducted by Muir Mathieson), The Sound Barrier —A Rhapsody For Orchestra Op 38 (conducted by the composer), The Captain’s Paradise: Postcard From the Med (MM), Trapeze: Prelude, Lola’s Theme, Juke Box, Mike and Lola’s Love Theme (MM), Hobson’s Choice Overture (MM), Beckus the Dandipratt — Overture for Orchestra Op 5, English Dances Op 27 & Op 33 (Conducted by Sir Adrian Boult), A Grand Grand Overture for Orchestra (conducted by the composer)

(Cherry Red ACMEM95) 54:12

ROY BUDD — BLUE BUDD

Original 1967-70 Pye recordings. Tracks include: Pick Yourself Up, Girl Talk, I’ll Remember April, On a Clear Day, Pavanne, Call Me, Bye Bye Blues etc

(Cherry Red ACMEM96) 63:52

SPIRAL/SOMETIMES — THE HARRY ROCHE CONSTELLATION

Two original 1973 Pye recordings. Tracks include: Rhapsody in Blue, Pinball Wizard, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Watch What Happens, You’ve Got Possibilities, Carnaby Chick, My Romance, That’s Living etc

(Cherry Red ACMEM100) 79:54

PORTS OF PARADISE

Original Capitol recording from 1960 of instruments and voices by Alfred Newman and Ken Darby. Tracks include The Enchanted Sea, Whispering Wind, Forever More etc

(EMI Special Markets (US) 3670162) 39:03

CRIME SCENE USA: CLASSIC FILM NOIR THEMES

Music by Elmer Bernstein, Adolph Deutsch, Frank DeVol, David Raksin, Miklos Rozsa, Max Steiner, Franz Waxman and more. Tracks include: Street Scene, The Letter, High Sierra, Double Indemnity, Key Largo, The Big Heat, Strangers on a Train, Born to Kill etc.

(Giant Steps GSCR019) 63:47

HORACE HEIDT AND HIS MUSICAL KNIGHTS

Double CD. Tracks include: I’ll Love You in My Dreams, Clarinet Polka, I’ll Get By, South of the Border, Piggy Wiggy Woo, It’s a Blue World, The Singing Hills, Toy Piano Jump, Where or When, Because of You, The Hut Sut Song etc.

(Jasmine JASCD455) 139:32

DVD’s

ALMA COGAN — HER FABULOUS STORY

(Odeon, ODNM 009) 107:00 (Region 0)

The Alma Cogan story has been told in many different ways over the years and the main part of this DVD contains an excellent testimony in a documentary format about her all too short opportunity to entertain in her own unique way. It is very well produced and contains many personal contributions from those fortunate to have experienced the charm of knowing and working closely with her. Like most well thought out material available in DVD format there are some important extras. Very important in this case, for the producers have sought out two quite revealing Hammer cinema film shorts by the Eric Winstone band of the mid 1950’s, on which Alma is the main guest artist. The use of shorts by a great variety of performers were by no means new of course, but perhaps by the 1950’s peoples expectations were higher. A few enterprising film companies made up for this by producing what was in effect a completely self contained film version of the kind of show one may have still expected to find on the bigger variety stages of the time. Enter Hammer films who probably produced the best example of this craft in a series of band shows ranging from performers such as Cyril Stapleton, Johnny Dankworth, Edmundo Ros and, as found here, Eric Winstone. Our 21^stcentury sophisticated eye will spot the fact that this is a canned series of ‘takes’ rather than a continuously live performance, but to the cinema audiences of the mid 1950’s it was often thrilling to be able to experience on the large screen (and in colour) performances of radio, television and record stars of the time. The first of the two shorts is "The Eric Winstone Bandshow" which is immediately interesting; in that Eric’s theme tune Stagecoach is performed over the opening credits using strings. The continuity in this film is created by the old film trick of captioned book page turning and the first number is Fanfare Boogie with all its customary excitement as an opener. Trumpeter Kenny Baker makes a centre stage appearance next on What Could Be More Beautiful followed by a sumptuous credited Wally Stott arrangement of These Foolish Things sung by Alma. Brian Fahey’s arrangement of Skyliner comes next followed by an intriguing Latin American medley performed by the George Mitchell singers and extras. Alma then returns for another Stott arrangement; this time it’s the ‘poppy’ Got’n Idea including some amusing 1950’s role playing by Mr Winstone. Opus one Mambo (another Stott arrangement) is up next featuring four uncredited percussionists and this first show finishes with another showcase including a string section — namely the Winstone arr. Stott titleHeartbreak. The second film short "Eric Winstone’s Stagecoach" is all linked ‘in vision’ by Eric himself and after the theme he welcomes us and incorrectly announces the first Brian Fahey number Curtain Call as Curtain Up! Alma puts in her first appearance this time round with another ‘poppy’ number,The Sycamore Tree and next is the Ray Ellington quartet being as ‘tongue in cheeky’ as ever on The Three Bears assisted by the lovely Marion Ryan, who takes us through a great typical piece of 1950’s band and stage action, one part of which is rather awkwardly mis-cast using Winstone as the fall guy but Marion saves the day though! Reg Owen’s gorgeous Slow Train Blues comes next and as during most of these two film shorts, the camera work accurately follows solos. (She Wore) A Little Jacket of Blue may not be a number which one may expect Alma to tackle, but here she is again doing just that with great aplomb followed by something that I feel could have been better thought out — an Irish sketch. This is all done in an ‘Irish cor blimey’ type of style that seems corny and wooden by any standards; maybe better performed live on stage but doesn’t do it for me here! To close this short there is something for everyone. Firstly, At the Woodchoppers Ball with some lovely section, unison and as always good camera work, then the entire cast rousingly sees us out with Riding on a Rainbow followed by a reprise of the same by the band. I’ve checked quite closely and it’s interesting to note that several of the titles mentioned above have also been recorded commercially by the Winstone band on Polygon or Pye-Nixa. Only one, Opus One Mambo, appears to use a dub of that issue. So, a brilliant DVD in my opinion; sound quality lets things down a bit in parts where I suspect over processing of film and noise removal at the expense of music quality. However, you’ll probably forget all that as you get wrapped up in the overall presentation. On the one hand this is a piece of pure 1950’s visual kitsch exotica; on the other, a wonderful historical document of just one very small part of popular music history showing how it used to be. Go, buy and enjoy!

Philip Farlow

Postscripts to previous reviews

British Light Music Miniatures – Vintage TV & Radio Classics (Naxos 8.570332 - JIM172)

Those who, like me, have become ‘hooked’ on the music of Montague Phillips will be pleased to learn that that this CD contains probably the first ever recordings of the three Dance Revels; these were not included on either of the Vocalion CDs, probably due to lack of space. It’s worth the asking price for these alone! Do I detect definite echoes of Haydn Wood’s Joyousness in number three? This CD also contains Non Stop by John Malcolm; I have seen a review in another publication which claims that this piece was used as a signature tune for ITV’s News At Ten. This is not the case – the piece was used for many years by ITN well before the advent of News At Ten, which used for its signature tune part of Johnny Pearson’s lengthy composition The Awakening; this is still employed in an amended form to this day.

Box Of Delights (Lyrita SRCD214 - JIM172)

Edmund Whitehouse mentioned the ‘…rarely heard complete Fancy Dress Suite of Cecil Armstrong Gibbs’, but once again I’m pretty certain that this is the first time that the whole work (not just Dusk) has appeared on any sort of recording. It is interesting to hear this composer’s most famous tune in the context of the whole suite, and the other movements are worth getting to know too!

English String Miniatures – Volume 5 (Naxos 8557752 –JIM 169)

This CD of new recordings contains another great favourite of mine, the Folk Song And Fiddle Danceby Percy Fletcher. Although this work has been recorded a couple of times before, it’s the first time that the Folk Song has appeared in full. This piece consists of a theme, followed by a number of variations, but on previous occasions one of the latter (a jig variation in the major) has been left out, presumably because there was insufficient space on a 78 rpm disc. Philip Lane has now remedied this situation, and it’s good to hear the whole piece as its composer intended. Tony Clayden

Finally some more new CDs

A listing here does not preclude the possibility of a full review in a future issue

TED HEATH: Big Band Themes Remembered Volumes 1 & 2 Vocalion CDLK 4345

EDMUNDO ROS: Calypso & Calypso Man Vocalion CDLK 4348

MAREK WEBER AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Musicale Vocalion CDEA 6130

ROBERTO INGLEZ: From the Savoy Hotel, London Volume 3 Vocalion CDEA 6131

THE STEPHEN FOSTER COLLECTION 2CD set which includes six tracks from the Decca LP by theRobert Farnon Octet (the complete LP is included on the Vocalion CD "Songs of Britain" CDLK 4174). Other featured artists include Bing Crosby, Sammy Kaye, Al Jolson, Frank Luther and the Andre Kostelanetz Orchestra. Jasmine JASCD 454

FRANKIE CARLE: Silver and Gold 2CD set Jasmine JASCD 462

DENNIS DAY: Serenade 2CD set Jasmine JASCD 662

SALUTING THE STARS 2CD collection featuring American stars of the 1940s and 1950s, such as Perry Como,Nat King Cole, Eddie Fisher, Andrews Sisters, Henri Rene, Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Dinah Shore and many more. Jasmine JASCD 665

RICHARD ARNELL Symphonies 4 & 5 Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates. Dutton Epoch CDLX7194.

SID PHILLIPS BAND ‘Any Old Iron’ Bargain CD to celebrate his centenary year. Dutton CDVS1949.

JACK HYLTON BAND Volume 6 ‘Boomps-a-Daisy’ Vocalion CDEA6128.

PAUL WHITEMAN ORCHESTRA ‘If I Had a Talking Picture of You’ Vocalion CDEA6129.

An apology

In the last issue of JIM (172), the Bing Crosby CD ‘Good and Rare’ was featured. This was incorrectly credited to Sunflower Records. This CD and its sequel, ‘Good and Rare Volume Two’ have been produced by Sepia Records and both CDs feature recording from the 1940s and 50s, which have not been released on CD before. Combined, there are a total of 53 tracks ranging from The Big Movie Sky in the Show to What a Little Moonlight Can Do. The correct catalogue numbers for these discs are ‘Good and Rare’ (Sepia 1071) and volume two (Sepia 1091) Full details on these CDs, and more, can be found on Sepia Records website, www.sepiarecords.com

Orchestral 

FOUR DECADES OF LIGHT MUSIC – VOLUMES ONE AND TWO

Various artists (GUILD, GLCD 5134 and GLCD 5135) Full tracklistings of all Guild Light Music CDs can be accessed via the link on our home page, or by visiting Guild Music [this company and many other record labels can be found on our links page]. You can also visit the Light Music CDs page on this website.

These two new releases contain a wealth of different styles and sounds, and it becomes increasingly clear just how far compositions, arrangements and orchestras evolved during those four decades. The first volume contains the earliest tracks to appear on any Guild issue, dating from 1926. This is a sub-genre which has not been particularly prominent as far as the RFS is concerned, although of course, it was the core interest of the erstwhile Vintage Light Music Society. Whilst some of the tracks are well known such as Parade of the Tin Soldiers (Jessel), Teddy Bears’ Picnic (Bratton) andEstudiantina (Waldteufel), I believe there are quite a number making their CD debut. There’s a wonderful Percy Fletcher piece entitled Pearl  O’Mine – Lyrical Melody and Charles Orth’s In a Clock Store; this is a superb novelty number with all sorts of effects which must have kept several percussionists busy! Following the success of Eduard Kűnneke’s Overture to his Dance Suite (GLCD 5106), this time another movement – Blues – has been included. From a 1937 Bosworth library recording, Frog King’s Parade (Kronberger; Marriott) makes a surprising, though welcome, second appearance on Guild, but this is very different from the arrangement to be found on the "Bandstand in the Park" CD.  Pieces like Flapperette (Greer) and Lustspiel – Overture (Keler-Bela) have a wonderful ‘period’ feel to them, as does The Selfish Giant of Eric Coates, an early composition which was heavily influenced by the syncopated style of contemporary popular music of the time. I would also single out for special mention In A Merry Mood (Harringer), Raindrops – Pizzicati for Strings (T de la Riviera) and Montague Ewing’s Dancing Clock – timepieces were obviously an inspiration to light music composers! The whole programme is well assembled and highly enjoyable, more so with each listening. It’s from an era about which I am personally very keen to learn more, and I hope that there is further material available which could be incorporated into future releases. 

Like the song What a Difference a Day Made, it’s extraordinary what a difference a few years made as far as our kind of music is concerned!  Volume two covers the 1940s and 1950s and there is often a markedly different character to the compositions and indeed the orchestral performances. As with many other areas of creative activity, light music post-WWII seems to reflect a new order, with pieces like March For Americans (Grofé) and World Of Tomorrow (Beaver) embracing this. A rather surprising inclusion is the more-than-ubiquitous Charles Williams composition The Old Clockmaker. It’s good to hear Charles Shadwell’s signature tune Down with the Curtain again. As a child, I was taken on several occasions to Tom Arnold’s Circus at Harringay, in North London, where CS and his orchestra were the ‘resident band’ - and this piece always introduced the proceedings.  Considering that, for many, the 1940s are the definitive era of light music; it’s a tad disappointing that we are offered a mere ten tracks, compared with seventeen for the 1950s selection. This may be because there is a great deal of 1940s material already available on previous Guild issues, whilst advantage can now be taken to include more recordings from the middle, and late, 1950s, as we approach 2008. I have remarked before that the music of this latter era (particularly from about 1953/54 onwards) is rather more ‘glossy’, more sophisticated, than its predecessors, and this is very evident in the programme presented here. Although several of the titles will be familiar, they are to be heard in wonderful arrangements of the highest quality; particularly worthy of mention are Song Of India(Rimsky-Korsakov) given the Laurie Johnson treatment,  Wally Stott’s reading of the Theme from Spellbound (Rozsa)  and Werner Műller with Forty Second Street (Warren) . With the orchestras of Geraldo, Farnon, Chacksfield, Stanley Black, Ray Martin, David Carroll, Roger Roger and more, this CD is yet another worthy addition to the Guild series.

Tony Clayden 

LIGHT MUSIC FOR ALL SEASONS

Various artists (GUILD, GLCD 5138)

The seasons have provided inspiration for many light music composers over the years and I’m sure that there are dozens more season-related pieces than the 24 represented here. The programme is arranged chronologically (from a Northern Hemisphere perspective) starting with April in Paris(Vernon Duke) and continuing with several spring compositions. May, June and summer themes follow, through Autumn, September, (and even November) and so on, finishing up with George Melachrino’s A Christmas Fantasy. Most of the tracks are taken from commercial recordings, although there are some from the libraries of Paxton, Bosworth, Chappell and Boosey and Hawkes. The performing orchestras include those of Michel Legrand, Gordon Jenkins, Sidney Torch, Dolf van der Linden and his Metropole Orchestra, Ron Goodwin and Richard Hayman.  There’s a very characteristic Robert Farnon arrangement of One Morning in May (Schertzinger) and a similarly distinctive version of Indian Summer (Victor Herbert) by George Melachrino and played by his strings.  A slight departure from the usual is Ethel Smith’s version of Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson), played on the Hammond organ as only she could, and accompanied by a small ensemble. This is a very thoughtfully assembled and extremely enjoyable programme. It’s a definite ‘must-have’ for all those who love the kind of music which was the very backbone of the BBC Light Programme and BBC Radio 2 in its early days.
Tony Clayden 

MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE – VOLUME 1

Various artists (GUILD, GLCD 5139)

In distinct contrast to the various ‘themed’ CDs in the Guild series, this new compilation brings together a wonderful array of pieces which do not necessarily fit into neat categories, but sets out to ‘offer a wide variety of styles and ensembles and hopefully spring a few surprises along the way’. The recordings span a period of nearly 25 years, from a Reginald King track of 1932- Roses At Dawning (Kahn, Moret), to three 1956 recordings, including the eponymous Kaleidoscope(Schreckenberger) from a FD&H library disc. As is so often the case, several of the items evoke a reaction of ‘I haven’t heard that for years’ – accompanied by a real ‘buzz ’!  To single out just a few, I would mention Ballet of Madeira (Gregori, Freitas), Fiesta (Jack Coles), Policeman’s Holiday (Ewing) and Sailor’s Holiday (Martell). There are some lovely ‘vintage’ pieces like Cockney Girl (Melachrino),In Happy Mood (Mackey), Legend (Crowdson) and Keep Moving (Charrosin). A section entitled Seven Famous BBC Orchestras includes the two alternate versions of Oranges and Lemons, which were used to open the Light Programme every morning, and  the selection closes appropriately with Billy Cotton’s ‘playout’ music – Legion Patrol (Simpson).  I have played this CD so many times already that had it been a record, it would probably be beginning to wear out! Hugely enjoyable and highly recommended. With the next release the Guild series will reach the ‘Big Four-O’ – an amazing and unparalleled achievement on the part of David Ades, Alan Bunting, and the enterprising company behind the whole project – Guild GmbH of Switzerland.
Tony Clayden 

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES Volume 4

Ernest Tomlinson – music from "Aladdin"; John Fox – A Surrey Rhapsody; Jim Cooke – Concert Jig; Phillip Lord – Nautical Overture; Richard Valery – The Magic Carpet; Lionel Sainsbury – Cuban Dance No. 2; Adam Saunders - Overture: Pirates Ahoy!; Carey Blyton – Suite: The Golden Road to Samarkand; Peter Flinn – Cinema Suite.
Royal Ballet Sinfonia Conducted by Gavin Sutherland and Paul Murphy (Dutton Epoch CDLX 7190) 77:06 mins.
The music in this collection covers a wide range of styles, with the earliest piece dating from 1940 and the latest 2006. Ernest Tomlinson was certainly on form back in 1974 when he composed "Aladdin", and it is good to have three Jewel Dances plus Aladdin’s Dance of Joy and Young Man In Love. John Fox loves the county of Surrey – and especially the area around Banstead – where he has lived for many years, and his beautiful Surrey Rhapsody is his vision of a wonderful part of the world. From the dawn chorus at the opening, to the excitement of Epsom racecourse (and even a traffic jam on the M 25) we are transported musically around one of the loveliest parts of southern England. John is a master of melody and orchestration, and this work is an important addition to the light music repertoire of the 21^st century. If John represents the older school of composers (we celebrated his 80^th birthday with him at an RFS London meeting in 2004), then Adam Saunders is certainly an up-and-coming writer who promises to keep the fine traditions going in future years. His contribution is a lively piece Pirates Ahoy! which should appeal to concert promoters as a lively opener. The other varied works on this CD offer an interesting collection which will possibly make their composers better-known. Now that the Sanctuary White Line series has disappeared, we are fortunate that Michael Dutton is willing to continue supporting new light music on his Epoch label, and he deserves the support of us all. David Ades

LIGHT MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK VOLUME TWO

Various artists (GUILD, GLCD 5137)

It is encouraging to note that the success of ‘Light Music While You Work Volume One’ has prompted another selection of delights which, far from being a pale imitation of the first album, is even better! When reviewing the previous CD, I suggested that the London Coliseum Orchestra and the orchestra of Harold Collins, Wynford Reynolds and David Java should be included next time – and sure enough they are all here, together with old friends like Ronnie Munro, Richard Crean, Harry Fryer and Harry Davidson. Perhaps I should point out that Wynford Reynolds (no relation!) was appointed Music While You Work organiser late in 1941, over a year after the radio programme’s inception and contrary to suggestions in the booklet notes, he did not conceive the original idea for the programme. The show came about as a result of a directive from the War Office, who felt that a programme of uninterrupted and tuneful music would boost morale in industry. Although this CD is primarily of light music, the dance music aspect of the series is represented by several Phil Green recordings and one by Reg Pursglove – although Raymond Scott’s excellent Toy Trumpet was often heard played by light orchestras and military bands. Indeed I heard it on a park bandstand quite recently! I am told that when it comes to reviews, I have a reputation for being somewhat ‘picky’. Well, if that is the case, I offer no apologies as I think that a reviewer should give a truthful opinion. It is true that with volume one, I expressed some reservations relating to programme building, but on this occasion there is absolutely nothing to criticise. The programme has been built with great care and is full of contrast – a lovely mixture of marches, waltzes, selections and novelties. I like the way that Calling All Workers(this time it’s the Eric Coates version) has been tailored in such a way that the recording sounds almost like an extended MWYW broadcast. Indeed the opening signature tune has been effectively ‘clipped’ at the end so as to create a natural segue into Marche Lorraine. I think that my favourite item on the disc is Castles in Spain, a super piece which has probably not been performed in decades. It is customary, when reviewing Guild Records, to pay tribute to Alan Bunting for his fine restoration work, but as this goes without saying, I won’t mention it! 
Brian Reynolds 

MARCHING AND WALTZING

Various artists (GUILD, GLCD 5136) 
‘Marching and Waltzing’ was another famous radio programme from the golden years of radio. It started during the war, continuing intermittently until 1984. It soon developed into a studio production featuring an orchestra to play the waltzes – for many years Wynford Reynolds’ Raeburn Orchestra, alternating with a brass or military band to play the marches. I think that it should be stated at the outset that whilst this CD is inspired by the radio series, it is not intended to replicate it. There are no bands – everything is played orchestrally by some of the finest including Ron Goodwin, Sidney Torch, Cyril Stapleton and a certain Robert Farnon. One surprise inclusion is dance band leader Lou Preager, but on this recording fronting a large concert orchestra. I found this recording quite delightful and in some ways more interesting than the radio series with its broader range of music, particularly amongst the marches. However there is one point in the accompanying notes which is inaccurate. ‘Marching and Waltzing’ was actually probably the only radio series to use two signature tunes and shortened versions of King Cotton and Vienna Blood opened and closed every programme. This is an excellent selection of tunes, with the original recordings as always beautifully restored by Alan Bunting. It has to be one of Guild’s best yet! 
Brian Reynolds 

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK VOLUME 2 

Calling All Workers, In the Arena, The Last Tango, Songs of Old England, Show Boat, A Kiss in the Dark, Parade of the Pirates, Temptation Rag, Wood Nymphs, Careless Cuckoo, Linger Awhile, Memories of the Early Twenties, Salad Days, Friml in the Ballroom, Marigold, Teddy Bears Picnic, Tick of the Clock, You Are My Sunshine, Sing-along Medley, Mad About Music, Choristers Waltz, Waldmere March, Lonely Troubadour
Various artists (Frank Bristow, FBCD 166) 
This delightful new slice of nostalgia comes superbly remastered and therefore very highly recommended, as one would expect with Brian Reynolds, Brian Stringer and Alan Bunting behind it. You will recognise much of the music but some of it may be unfamiliar which is a good thing. Well done chaps!
Edmund Whitehouse 
Frank Bristow CD’s are ONLY available directly from him at 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia. Tel. 03-9528-3167. Email:  Credit cards and Paypal are accepted, but no cheques — details on request. Please visit his website for further details on CDs in his catalogue www.musicfromthepast.com

ANY OLD IRON

Original Dixieland one-step, By Heck, Stumbling, Steppin’ in Society, Is it True What They Say About Dixie?, Johnson Rag and 22 other tracks
Sid Phillips and his band (Vocalion, CDVS1949) 77:14
This CD arrived on a lovely summery morning in August and seemed an ideal accompaniment to match the mood of the day. At only £2.99 (Yes, £2.99!), and to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of this most accomplished musician’s birth, it will also make an excellent Christmas stocking filler! I have always had a soft spot for Dixieland music and ‘England’s King of the Clarinet’ was a master of the genre. He recorded more than 200 sides for HMV throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and we have here a selection of tracks made during the years 1951-1956. As well as the likes of The Birth of the Blues, Stardust, Tiger Rag, When the Red Red Robin, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Wabash Blues and the title tune, there are Sid’s own compositions: The Clarinet Cadenza, Stratton Street Strut, High Jinks and The Jolly Jazzers. As a classical music enthusiast, I was fascinated to read in Oliver Lomax’s very informative booklet notes that in 1946 Sid composed a symphony entitled Symphony Russe, premiered and broadcast afterwards by Sir Adrian Boult.
Peter Burt  
Editor: Unless CDs are purchased direct from record shops, please note that postage may be charged on top of the prices quoted in reviews when buying by mail order or the internet.

SULLIVAN 
Pineapple Poll, Irish Symphony  
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by David Lloyd-Jones (Naxos, 8.570351) 78:26
This is Sullivan, without W.S. Gilbert, which is the way I prefer it. Here we have a marvellous melange of Sullivan’s melodies fashioned into a ballet score by the distinguished Australian conductor Sir Charles Mackerras back in 1951.  Rightly does he write in his comprehensive liner notes of "eminently danceable tunes."  Sir Arthur was of partly Irish descent and the 35-minute symphony originated from a holiday in Northern Ireland when he was 21.  It, too, is very tuneful and approachable.  I would think that the whole disc will appeal to quite a number of light music enthusiasts.  
Peter Burt         

1929-1947 PERFORMANCES 

The New Friends of Rhythm (HPCD1086) 76:19
27 intriguing titles, brilliantly remastered, gathering together almost all the groups recordings both commercial and transcription. The group’s cellist and arranger Alan Schulman first started arranging for dance bands coming to the attention of NBC radio, where his group made their debut in 1939. Clever writing and very humorous retitling such as The Barbers Hitch (based on The Marriage of Figaro), Shoot the Schubert to Me Hubert, The Droschky Drag, Coo Dinny Coo are just a few samples. The group consisted of three violins, a viola, cello, bass, guitar, clarinet and a harpist way ahead of her time, Laura Newell. Schulman said "She put in fills I could never have thought of". One critic said "The group is recommended to those who are not adverse to highly arranged parodies of formal music". By 1940, the group had sold 20,000 records and got the title "Toscanini’s Hep Cats". During wartime service, Schulman met Nelson Riddle. Nelson’s later arrangements for Sinatra, Cole and Fitzgerald reflect Schulman’s influence. Schulman’s copyist named him "The classical guy on the jazz bus". Until the CD arrived, I admit that I had never heard of them but the groundbreaking group deserves your attention – you can then enjoy the music that has been circulating in various formats by those who were in the know! Executive Producer, Alastair Robertson deserves plaudits for putting all this delightful music in one package.
Paul Clatworthy         

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND OTHER SEASONAL MUSIC FOR ORCHESTRA 

Classic Sleighride, A Christmas Overture, The Last Sleep of the Virgin, Overture on French Carols, The Night Before Christmas, Christmas Tree Suite, On the Twelfth Day  
BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth (Naxos, 8.570331)
A truly original and magical Christmas record avoiding the predictable and would make an excellent stocking filler. The familiar name of Philip Lane features large, so enjoyment is guaranteed especially the Overture on French Carols. It is Philip’s piece in the style of ‘Peter and the Wolf’ which gives the disc its title with excellent narration from Stephen Fry. The longest piece on this well filled disc is On the Twelfth Day where the orchestra is joined by the BBC singers and written by film composer Doreen Carwithen. The only work with which I was familiar is The Last Sleep of the Virgin which receives a fine performance from soloist Matthew Lee on cello. All in all a thoroughly fresh and entertaining disc featuring stylish and idiomatic playing you would expect from this orchestra under the baton of Barry Wordsworth with excellent sound from the Watford Coliseum.
David Daniels         

GRIEG AND GOLDMARK

Grieg: Symphony in C Minor, Goldmark: Symphony No 1 in Eb Major (Rustic Wedding) Op26
Bergen Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karsten Andersen/Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos (Decca Eloquence, 4768743) 80:00
Reviews of recordings of symphonies don’t often appear in the columns of Keeping Track but this release of material emanating from the early 1980s is particularly valuable in featuring the first ever commercial recording of Grieg’s youthful Symphony in C Minor, composed mainly at the promptings of the Danish composer Niels W Gade and completed in 1864. The piece received several performances before Grieg subsequently set aside the score with the injunction that it ‘must never be performed’. After his death, it was lodged in the Bergen Public Library and it wasn’t until 1981 that this institution agreed to release the orchestral score and Decca subsequently recorded the symphony with Grieg’s own orchestra. Grieg’s critical judgement of the works worth seems to be have been unduly harsh since it undoubtedly possesses genuine stature and breath and memorable themes all attractively orchestrated and well worth more than an occasional airing.

What makes this disc an even more desirable acquisition is the inclusion of Goldmark’s adorableRustic Wedding Symphony simply brimming over with heart warming melodies. The structure is perhaps more closely related to a suite rather than a symphony with descriptive titles to individual movements such as Bridal Song, Serenade and the rapturous In the Garden; this could easily come within the compass of ‘quality light music’. Both symphonies receive exemplary performances and the recording retails for £5. Well worth investigating – you will be amply rewarded!
Roger Hyslop 

Solo instrumentalists 

THE SWINGIN’ BASSOON

I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, Well You Needn’t, Hay Burner, Scrapple from the Apple, Mood Indigo, Summer Samba, Out of Nowhere, St Thomas, I Remember You, Home At Last, A Night in Tunisia
Daniel Smith (Zah, ZZCD9824)
When this arrived for review, I was hoping to find Bob Farnon’s last work Romancing the Phoenix on the disc, but alas it is not there but evidently still awaiting its premiere! Well chosen jazz vehicles, but I am afraid the only part that really swings is the rhythm section which is very little to please jazz enthusiasts! Daniel’s technical ability is wonderful but even his powerful lungs cannot make the bassoon a suitable jazz solo instrument! The slightly mournful sound is far better used as colouring in a bank of woodwind and brass scored by the likes of Farnon and Gil Evans, where it comes into context. A brave but misguided recording which will inspire other bassoon players to match the playing but still sitting into the novelty category.
Paul Clatworthy 

THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION 1954-55
Out of This World, There’s a Small Hotel, You Are Too Beautiful, When Your Lover Has Gone, Low Life, With the Wind and Rain in Your Hair etc
Bob Brookmeyer (AVC887)
Right from the opening track, 9:20 Special, Bob’s flowing solo shows he was a total master of the trombone even this early in his distinguished career. By track nine, on this double CD, the limitations of a small group start to become obvious to me as a big band fan. The playing is excellent by the varied line ups but each number seems to merge. Johnny Green’s Body and Soul changes the pattern but is a little too mournful for me. Bob switches to piano on his own Under the Lilacs and Berlin’sThey Say It’s Wonderful. Seven tracks include a small string section which I believe originally came out under Bud Shank’s name. Players involved include Red Mitchell, John Williams, Jimmy Rowles, Mel Lewis, Bud Shank, Conte Candoli, Zoot Sims and Stan Levy. 34 tracks essential for small group fans but for me Bob’s writing and playing in larger groups is far more rewarding.
Paul Clatworthy 

GRIEG ALBUM

Arietta, Norwegian Dance No. 2, Solveig’s Song, Anitra’s Dance, I Love Thee, etc. 27 tracks
Sigmund Groven, harmonica with Norwegian Radio Orchestra and soloists (Grappa GRCD4264) 64:56 mins.
RFS members have had the pleasure of meeting Sigmund at our London meetings, and he is especially remembered from the occasions when he came to the Bonnington Hotel with Tommy Reilly. Sigmund is now regarded as one of the finest exponents of the harmonica, and it is hardly surprising that he should choose the music of his famous fellow countryman for his latest CD. Somehow the often melancholic music of Grieg seems well suited to the harmonica, although it is equally suited to the brighter numbers, such as the perky Anitra’s Dance from ‘Peer Gynt’. Lovers of the harmonica will want to add this to their collection. David Ades
This CD can be purchased direct from Sigmund Groven,PO Box 5167, Majorstua, N0302, Oslo, Norway – email

Keyboard 

DIZZY FINGERS

Dizzy Fingers, Where’s That Rainbow?, Sahara, Waltz of the Gypsies, It All Depends On You, Swingin’ Down the Lane, A New Kind of Man with a New Kind of Love for Me, Lucky Day, Jerome Kern medley, Blue Skies, Indian Love Call and more 
Piano Rolls selected and played by Philip Legg (Shellwood Productions, SWCD33) 71:24
The Pianola, the forerunner to the modern computerised electronic organ, where an individual can sit and play music like Sparky and His Magic Piano! I recall that a visit to my Aunt and Uncle’s meant I could play their Pianola and one of the secrets of playing this instrument is to be able to pedal your feet at the current speed to keep the music playing at the correct tempo.
Philip Legg on this CD has played all the piano rolls, which he also selected, to perfection. There is a varied selection of tunes to suit all tastes and having been originally played for the rolls to be made by different pianists’ results in varied piano styles. This CD comes with a comprehensive set of notes in the foldout booklet describing all the tunes. If you are looking for a CD purely of piano and no backing – this is the one for you with over an hour of entertainment. 
Gillian Endacott 

SPORT MODEL ENCORE

Sport Model Encore, On a Spring Note, Colour Scheme, Maple Leaf Hora, Pixie Parade, Black Tulip, Chopins Charleston Dream, Ray Noble medley, Cottontail Rag, Goulash, Joy Jumping, Magia De Ritmi, Foxtrot, Chanuka medley
Alex Hassan (Shellwood Productions, SWCD34) 59:19
This fourteen track CD played by Alex Hassan, an American, takes on the syncopated style similar to Scott Joplin and a complete contrast to the Pianola playing as reviewed previously. Again this is a piano CD without any added backing and Alex has arranged and embellished quite a few of the tunes, with pieces ranging from 1928-1959.
An enjoyable CD to listen to if you champion this style of playing but to anyone who enjoys a relaxing piano CD with contrasting beats and rhythms, then this is not for you. On a Spring Notelooses its appeal through this version for my liking.
Gillian Endacott 

Soundtracks 

AUTHOR! AUTHOR!

Original film soundtrack (Varese Sarabande, VCL03071062)
I am encroaching on Jeff Hall’s excellent pastures but I could not let this one pass without a mention, as regular readers will know that I am a dedicated fan of Johnny Mandel’s writing! The final score used was written by Dave Grusin, but record producer Nick Redman whilst delving in the vaults, was amazed to find two scores for this film! The second unused score was by Johnny Mandel! This is no reflection however on the quality of the writing as evidently the film’s producers had decided that they had a bit of a ‘Dodo’ and thought a more pop orientated score would increase the audience. I never saw the film or know if it ever saw light of day, all I know is I am more than a little pleased to get both scores! Grusin’s is good but for me Mandel makes the better of the two, intuitively he ushers melody into the soundtrack, sometimes with a tinge of jazz. Every track is a winner focused yet expansive lyricism, distinguished by quality composition. Another surprise for me was that I had heard some of the tantalising music before! A few years ago, Vic Lewis had visited Johnny Mandel in California whilst he was composing the score and had given Vic a taster of the music which he let me hear. I have no doubt Johnny got paid for his work but the thought that this could have languished in a 20^th Century Fox music library does not bear thinking about!
Paul Clatworthy 

Vocal 

SINCERELY YOURS

Disc one: The Coral Years, Disc two: The ABC and Paramount Years
Eydie Gorme (Jasmine, JASCD450) 65:01 and 57:12
Excellent playing time with CD one as very pop orientated and CD two really bringing home the bacon starting on track ten where Eydie’s material is classic vocalising, rivalling the best ballad singers of the era. Backed by the wonderful Don Costa Orchestra on tracks such as I’ll Take Romance, Fine and Dandy, Too Close for Comfort, The Gentleman is a Dope, Be Careful It’s My Heart, Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week and the tear-jerking Guess Who I Saw Todayand ballads of similar quality Eydie really shows where she belongs – classic tracks! Other backing by Monty Kelly, Dick Jacobs, Neal Hefti, George Gates and Sid Feller make the pop tracks an enjoyable contrast even if some of the lyrics are slightly cringe making! There are enough excellent performances included here to entice new fans to seek out the many other outings she made solo and with her husband Steve Lawrence, many of them arranged by Don Costa (what a team!)
Paul Clatworthy 

JUMP, JIVE AN’ WAIL: THE ESSENTIAL
Tracks include: That Old Black Magic, Pennies from Heaven, Sing Sing Sing, Just One of Those Things, Hello Dolly!, Cabaret, Civilization and more
Louis Prima (EMI, 3952662) 
Another new hits collection featuring the best solo and collaborative work of the big band and swing musician. Most famously known as the voice of King Louie in Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ which is featured here for the first time on a Prima compilation. Not my cup of tea, but if you are a fan of Prima and or would like to add his work to your collection then this may be the one for you.

Adam Endacott 

GREATEST HITS

Tracks include: I Am a Cider Drinker, Morning Glory, Combine Harvester and more
The Wurzels (EMI GOLD, 3939022) 
What can you say about this release? Certainly not ‘our kind of music’ but if you are a fan of novelty records, then this will add nicely to your collection.
Adam Endacott 

THE CAVERN: THE MOST FAMOUS CLUB IN THE WORLD

Tracks include: Apache, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Stand By Me, I Think of You, It’s All Over Now, Go Now and more
Various artistes (EMI) 
This three CD set celebrates The Cavern’s 50^th anniversary with 50 tracks from artists who have all appeared at the club over the years and can be described as a who’ who of British pop music ranging from The Beatles to Georgie Fame to Arctic Monkeys. Well mastered recordings some of which still sound as fresh today as they did fifty years ago.
Adam Endacott 

Compilations

COMIC CUTS

Various artistes (Sounds of Yesteryear, DSOY732) 105:00. Grandad is seething in the corner, muttering under his breath, rubbish! It is his birthday party and the youngsters are playing the like of the Arctic Monkeys. Time to put a smile to his face by digging out this novel double CD — 36 tracks by bands of the 1930s. Billy Cotton, Carroll Gibbons, Jack Payne, Jack Hylton, Ambrose, Henry Hall and many others feature and all tracks concentrate on the humorous. I am a Grandad but only knew a few of the titles, three of which I did not know, The Pig Got Up and Slowly Walked Away, Airman! Airman! and What Can You Give a Nudist for Their Birthday, giving you some idea of the content. You also get the well known Laughing Policeman, I Like Bananas, Chinese Laundry Blues and many others well aired in the past on the Billy Cotton Band Show and Family Favourites. A fun collection for all the family, especially if those listening are well oiled!
Paul Clatworthy

CD round-up by Wilfred Askew 

WE LOVE NELSON RIDDLE – NELSON RIDDLE AND HIS ORCHESTRA
Recorded between 1954 and 1956 for Capitol Records. Tracks include: Shadow Waltz, Robin Hood, Could You, All or Nothing At All, Body and Soul, Farmer’s Tango, Port Au Prince, The Deep Blue Seaetc
(Cherry Red ACMEM118) 73:58 

LAURIE JOHNSON — YOU’RE NEEDED

Original Pye recordings. Tracks include: Bali Hai, My Favourite Things, It’s a Raggy Waltz, The Donkey Serenade, Lock Up Your Daughters, By Myself, South of the Border etc
(Cherry Red ACMEM112) 58:46 

MAESTRO SOPHISTICATE — LEO REISMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA

Tracks include: You Do Something to Me, Time On My Hands, Night and Day, Poor Butterfly, My Sister and I, Mimi, Love Walked etc. With vocalists such as Lee Wiley, Fred and Adele Astaire, Jack Kitty and Frank Luther – original recordings from 1929-1941.
(Flare, ROYCD244) 76:00

RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND – VOLUMES 1 AND 2
Original recordings from 1928-32. Tracks include Spread A Little Happiness, It’s a Habit of Mine, I Call You Sugar, My Love Affair, Just a Crazy Song, Get Happy etc
(Mellotone Mello 012 and 013) 

GORDON MACRAE – NEVER TILL NOW

Original Capitol recordings on two CDs. Tracks include: One Misty Morning, How Green Was My Valley, Stranger in Paradise, Last Night, Love’s Old Sweet Song, My Love etc.
(Jasmine, JASCD453) 156:19

MONTAGUE PHILLIPS volume 2 – BBC Concert Orchestra / Gavin Sutherland Festival Overture (‘In Praise of my Country’) op.71, Hillside Melody op.40, Hampton Court op.76*, Phantasy for violin & orchestra op.16, Charles II Overture op.60, In Old Verona: a serenade for strings, In May Time op.38, Empire March op.68). World premiere recordings, except* recorded at The Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford, 3-4 August 2005, Epoch CDLX 7158. Around twelve months ago, Dutton Laboratories released what we must now call ‘Volume 1’ of compositions by Montague Phillips (JIM 159). At a stroke, some shamefully neglected music was rescued from oblivion, and Phillips’ rightful place was firmly established on the British musical ‘map’. That first CD has been widely acclaimed, and its success has prompted Mike Dutton to record this second volume. It was known at the time that there was ‘another suitcase-full’ of works patiently awaiting their turn; that wait has been well worth it! Those familiar with the original volume will have no difficulty in recognising the composer’s ‘musical fingerprints’ e.g. his characteristic melodic ideas, and distinctive use of ascending and descending chromatic ‘runs’. Looking back at my earlier review, I have to say that most of the comments apply equally well here. In common with his close contemporaries Haydn Wood and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Montague Phillips had aspirations to be a ‘serious’ composer, and much of the material falls into that category. In several of the pieces, especially the marches, the spirit of Sir Edward Elgar is never far away, and there are occasional suggestions of Frederick Delius and even Edvard Grieg – (was the allusion to the opening bar of the latter’s Piano Concerto in the middle of the Charles II Overture deliberate or unconscious I wonder?). Phillips was a superb orchestrator, and the manner in which he handles his forces has the assured confidence of a true master craftsman, at times reminiscent of Walton. It is inexplicable that music of such high quality has never before (with one exception) been available to the record-buying public. Playing the CD to a professional musician friend, we both felt that it would be almost impossible to better the superb performances by the BBC Concert Orchestra under Gavin Sutherland. The recording venue has changed, this time being Watford Town Hall, from whence engineer Simon Hancock has achieved a very satisfying sound. The informative sleeve notes are once again by Lewis Foreman and credit is due to Fiona Shelmerdine and Michael Ponder for producing what surely deserves to be another winner – and, once again, to Mike Dutton for his initiative in promoting this fine composer. I believe that there may be yet more to come…! This is a definite ‘must-have’ and gets my personal vote of ‘CD of the year’ for 2005. Tony Clayden

...The most ambitious work here is the 12 minute Phantasy for Violin and Orchestra dating from 1912, revised by the composer in 1947, beautifully and movingly played by Matthew Trusler. A particular highlight for me however is the haunting Hillside Melody in which the composer magically recreates the English countryside complete with bird-calls. The 1924 In May Time suite conveys all the freshness and charm of a perfect spring day. The splendid Empire March resulted from a 1942 BBC Proms commission; its noble and poignant trio returns near the end, emphatically crowned by magnificent full organ. Roger Hyslop Editor: to avoid possible correspondence, "Hillside Melody" is not, strictly speaking, a premiere performance, since the Chappell version is included on the Guild CD "Charles Williams and the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra" – GLCD5107.

RON GOODWIN & HIS ORCHESTRA – In Concert THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS: The Carousel Waltz, Some Enchanted Evening, Oklahoma; The Theme from "Love Story"; The Theme from "The Big Country"; The Girl With the Misty Eyes; The Stripper; The Magnificent Seven; The Fool on the Hill; Lancelot and Guinevere; Bridge Over Troubled Water; A TRIBUTE TO HENRY MANCINI: Baby Elephant Walk, Days of Wine and Roses, Charade, Moon River PLAY BACHARACH: Do You Know the Way to San Jose?; Alfie; Wives and Lovers; I’ll Never Fall in Love Again; One Less Bell to Answer; Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head; This Guy’s in Love With You; What the World Needs Now is Love; The Look of Love; I Say a Little Prayer; Walk on By; [They long to be] Close to You (73:19) Vocalion CDLK 4302. Let’s celebrate that Vocalion has begun to reissue material from the much missed Ron Goodwin. The first album on this twofer is a good example of the high quality fare we came to expect from a very nice man who was in the top flight of his profession. It is particularly pleasing to have a modern recording of The Stripper – albeit given a novel arrangement in the style of Holiday for Strings. Another winning track is the shortest: Lennon and McCartney’s Fool, here given expression by rhythmic Latin American strings. Girl and Lancelot are both Goodwin originals. But it is with the second album that Mike Dutton has really scored again, bringing back into circulation another of those "I didn’t ever expect that on CD" releases. All 12 tracks offer something of interest and I immensely enjoyed hearing again Nat Peck’s trombone in the opening number, the French horn of Alan Civil on the haunting One Less Bell, The Look of Love featuring Stan Roderick’s solo flugelhorn, and I Say a Little Prayer with its delectable mix of string pizzicato, flutes and celli. Both albums were recorded in the early 1970s in Columbia’s Studio series – EMI’s answer to Decca’s Phase 4. This disc should be snapped up by Ron’s many admirers in the hope of more to come.Peter Burt

BBC Concert Orchestra / John Wilson. EDWARD GERMAN Symphony No.1 in E minor; Overture – The Tempter; Prelude – Romeo and Juliet; Hamlet – Symphonic Poem; The Willow Song. Recorded at The Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford, 24-25 May 2005, (77:19) Dutton Epoch CDLX 7156. Edward German was one of the premier English composers of his generation, and it is only right that his work should continue to be represented in new recordings. John Wilson is once again conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra in fine performances that should please German’s fans, and also gain the composer some new admirers. David Ades

JOHNNY DOUGLAS – The Railway Children (music from the film). Johnny Douglas and His Orchestra, Lionel Jeffries (narrator) Dulcima DLCD 120 (2 CDs) www.dulcimarecords.com Tel. 01737 812922. The 1970 film of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children is acknowledged as being one of the finest children’s films ever made. Although it paid remarkable attention to period detail, shot entirely on location, its score by Douglas was deliberately contemporary; consistently tuneful, atmospheric 1970s light orchestral music. The film was noted for its romantic style without wallowing in sentiment, and the music is such. This two-disc set is a well-produced reissue of two EMI LPs, both in stereo; one a selection of music from the film, the other taken directly from the soundtrack with additional narration by director Lionel Jeffries. Peter Edwards

Guild Light Music: BANDSTAND IN THE PARK (GLCD5117) and BURIED TREASURES (GLCD5118) For full tracklistings please see JIM 166 pages 47 & 49. I’ve always enjoyed brass and military band music. A Salvation Army band regularly used to play in the middle of our North London street in those post WWII traffic-free days, and if our local park was hosting a band I would remain rooted to the spot and my parents would have the greatest difficulty in dragging me away! Of course, bands also made frequent appearances on the old Light Programme and amazingly still feature in the schedules of Radio 2. Fittingly, therefore, BANDSTAND IN THE PARK opens with the signature tune ofListen To The Band, although sadly this Lionel Monckton composition is no longer employed in its rightful role. (What kind of muddle-headed thinking within the BBC decreed several years ago that all sig. tunes were a no-no?) It will come as a surprise to many to learn that the BBC had an in-house Military Band from the earliest days of 2LO – the Corporation even employed its own staff arranger – and this operated until 1943. Although Brass and Military bands are very different breeds, the two types sit well together on this hugely enjoyable CD. There is a good mixture of marches, Light-Classical and Light Music pieces in recordings spanning the years 1929-1954 and this is another worthy addition to the GUILD series which should appeal to all band enthusiasts. I must particularly mention David Ades’ very comprehensive sleeve notes, on both the above CD and BURIED TREASURES. The ‘mission statement’ of the latter is twofold; firstly to reveal long-forgotten musical gems, and secondly to make available previously unknown compositions by leading writers. Unlike many of the recent GUILD releases which have a very definite ‘theme’ running through their programmes, this new release is, perforce, a rather more random collection of pieces. It is particularly good to hear again Valse Serenade – yet another sig. tune. I was often allowed to stay up late to listen to Tuesday Serenade on BBC Radio, where Stanford Robinson was a ‘household name’ in the early post-war years. Target For Tonight was a prestigious documentary film made during WWII with music specially written by Leighton Lucas. Strangely, it was subsequently recorded for inclusion in the EMI Mood Music library, where it must have found further employment because it seems very familiar to me, although I am sure that I have never seen the film. Was the composer’s allusion to Prelude To Act III of Lohengrin (Richard Wagner) deliberate, bearing in mind that this was a film about the conflict with the Germans? Unusually, the quality of Alan Bunting’s digital transfers is at times a bit variable; I felt that two or three tracks needed a bit of ‘taming’ with the treble control, but this is hardly a major problem. All-in all, this is an interesting collection, which will particularly please those who enjoy something a bit ‘out of the ordinary’. Tony Clayden

RICHARD TAUBER – Intermezzo Vienna city of my dreams, Let me awaken your heart, My heart and I, Serenade from The Student Prince, Roses of Picardy, Can I forget you, The English Rose, One day when we were young, I’m in love with Vienna, Don’t be cross, Only a rose, One alone, My hero, Come back my love, Intermezzo, Ideale, Long ago and far away, We’ll gather lilacs, Au revoir (J'attendrai), Pedro the fisherman, Love lost for evermore, My curly headed baby (in German), The song is done (in German), Good-bye (in German) Recorded in the 1930s and ’40s (75:28) CDVS 1910. Today’s youngsters may find it surprising that Richard Tauber was so popular in his day (the same can be said about many entertainers from that era). This generous (in time and price) souvenir of his unique talents will be warmly received by those who can remember him. David Ades

MATTHEW CURTIS – Orchestral works volume 3. Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland.On The Move, Flute Concerto, Five Dances For String Orchestra, Divertimento Concertante, At Twilight, Partita. (72:27) Campion Cameo 2055. Although considerably younger than competition in this field, Curtis has mastered the genre and is a force to be reckoned with. I am no expert at reviewing orchestral music such as this so I played it to conductor Vic Lewis. In particular, he thought the Flute Concerto showed great promise and was very well played. Paul Clatworthy

... Curtis writes music of a consistently high standard; his orchestral scoring is rich and colourful, and his mastery of form is very satisfying. Peter Edwards

Matthew Curtis possesses that rare and precious facility for these times of being able to communicate readily and effectively with his listeners, even in his more serious works. Never is this better exemplified than in the engaging three movement Flute Concerto, flawlessly realised by Jennifer Stinton who excels movingly in the beautifully wrought Adagio Cantabile whose principal theme the composer subsequently incorporated into his Later Paths to Urbino suite. This work is surely a valuable, significant and attractive addition to the repertoire of Flute Concertos, and one fervently hopes it will be taken up by other flautists in the concert hall. There is much more on this disc to beguile and enchant the ear; the music of Matthew Curtis is a joy and pleasure to hear, with a quality of melodic invention which never flags or risks straying into an unattractive, unmemorable aridity.Roger Hyslop

MART SANDER and his Swing Swindlers – Five-Fifteen: A Tribute to the BBC Dance Orchestra Five-Fifteen BBC, It’s D’Lovely, Rise ‘n’ Shine, Love is the Sweetest Thing, Jeepers Creepers, By the Sleepy Lagoon, Radio Times, Yours and Mine, I’m getting Sentimental over You, One night of Love, Happy Ending... Divine Art 25034 www.divine-art.com Tel. 01609 882062. This is a sensitively performed, beautifully recorded tribute to Henry Hall’s BBC Dance Orchestra. Hall was the orchestra’s leader during it’s golden age, 1935-37, when the band had adopted an unprecedented lush approach to arranging; that very British sound we love so much, with more strings and less brass. Hearing these songs in digital recording one hears so much fine detail for the first time, though perhaps without some of the natural contemporary drive of the original recordings. Marc Sander’s Swing Swindler’s seem to have captured the original style very well. This kind of music is certainly jazzy but I associate it melodically and harmonically with light orchestral music. It appears that the featured vocalists do not speak English as their first language and this is noticeable although their tone is smooth and diction perfect. Peter Edwards

MANTOVANI – All-American Showcase THE BEST OF SIGMUND ROMBERG Lover Come Back to Me, When I Grow Too Old to Dream, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, The Desert Song, Will You Remember [Sweetheart], Serenade from "The Student Prince" THE BEST OF VICTOR HERBERT Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life, A Kiss in the Dark, Sweethearts, I’m Falling in Love with Someone, Indian Summer, Kiss Me Again THE BEST OF IRVING BERLIN WALTZES The Girl that I Marry, Marie, [You Forgot to] Remember, Always, For the Very First Time, What’ll I Do THE BEST OF RUDOLF FRIML Love Everlasting, Rose Marie, Only a Rose, The Donkey Serenade, Sympathy, Indian Love Call (76:28) Vocalion CDLK 4317. What a joy, at last, to have these lovely melodies on CD in stereo; the 1959 double-LP never having been issued in this country. As Scott Raeburn points out in his admirable liner notes, all the composers were actually immigrants although, presumably, their music was composed in America. I have loved Romberg’s music ever since seeing Colchester Operatic Society perform his "New Moon", "Desert Song" and "Student Prince" when I was a young man. And When I Grow Too Old is one of my all-time favourite songs. Good as they are here, I will probably still turn to Percy Faith for the best of Victor Herbert interpretations, but Monty’s string laden versions of the wonderful Irving Berlin’s waltzes are second to none. The programme is completed with the greatest hits of another who, like Romberg, made his name in the now somewhat neglected world of operetta: the Prague born Rudolf Friml. Arguably his best-known piece, The Donkey Serenade, provides another example of Monty’s musical sense of humour. This disc will give much pleasure to anyone buying it – I encourage you to be one of them. Peter Burt

MANTOVANI – More Mantovani Magic Till, Trees, Theme for a Western, "Fiddler on the Roof" – suite: Fiddler on the Roof, If I Were a Rich Man, Sunrise, Sunset, "The Onedin Line" – theme, Spanish Eyes, Snow Frolic, This Way Mary, A Scottish Rhapsody An Evening With Mantovani A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening, Speak Softly Love, The Candy Man, The Summer Knows, The Good Life, With You Gone from "The Great Waltz", Cabaret, Love Theme from "The Valachi Papers", Upstairs, Downstairs, The Me I Never Knew, Amazing Grace [71.02] Vocalion CDLK 4320. Both these albums were recorded in France with French musicians in the early Seventies, two and three years before the close of Monty’s illustrious career when he had become more sparing in the use of his trademark string sound. So they should appeal to most RFS members. ‘An Evening With’ was one original LP that passed me by. The opening number in particular is most beautifully played, yet for all the album’s merits I do not feel it has quite the personality of earlier issues. ‘More Magic’ has always been one of my favourite albums, climaxing with Ronnie Binge’s 7-minute tone poem. Other standout tracks are Trees, an emotional early Twenties piece for which I’ve always had a soft spot; Monty’s own ‘Theme For A Western’, with a nod towards The Magnificent Seven; the three fine tunes from‘Fiddler’ ; Khachaturian’s evocative theme used in a well-remembered BBC TV series; and John Barry’s jewel from the 1972 movie "Mary Queen of Scots". This is the first time on compact disc for both albums and as a reminder of the maestro’s later style is well worth acquiring. Peter Burt

MATTHEW FORD – The Mood I’m in The Mood I’m In, On Days Like These, Always, C’est Magnifique, Call Me, Autumn Leaves, Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, For Once In My Life, I Will Say Goodbye, Nature Boy, A Certain Smile, Oblivion, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, You Are So Beautiful, The Impossible Dream, I Get Along With You Very Well. (55:24) Diving Duck Recordings DDRCD004. Singer Matthew Ford toured with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for five years before launching his solo career. Here he is joined by a ten-piece band with a small string section. Arrangements are by Colin Skinner and James Pearson. I cannot say Matthew has a voice that sets him apart; it is left to his backings to raise the music to a higher level. Half the album is up-tempo, occasionally inappropriately. However, guest guitar soloist Jim Mullen makes for good listening, and Malcolm Laycock has heaped praise on the album calling it ‘stunningly original’. Maybe I am missing something! Paul Clatworthy

Orchestral Jewels – The Composers Conduct. WOLF-FERRARI The Jewels of the Madonna: Act III Intermezzo, The Secret of Suzanne: Overture The Four Peasants: Act II Intermezzo, The Curious Women: Minuet and Furlana Recorded in 1947 Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra conducted by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari; STRAUSS From Strauss to Straus: Selection, The Waltz Dream: Overture, The Chocolate Soldier Recorded in 1947 The New Symphony Orchestra cond. Oscar Straus; SCOTT-WOOD Serenade to Evening, London Caprice featuring Arthur Dulay (piano), Recorded 1949 The New Promenade Orchestra cond. George Scott-Wood; WILDMAN Vienna Concerto Jacqueline Blanchard (piano) Recorded 1949 L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande cond. Charles Wildman (55:05). Dutton CDBP 9760. There are no booklet notes accompanying this CD in Mike Dutton’s ‘Super-budget’ series, but the works by Wolf-Ferrari and Oscar Straus will be familiar to many. Possibly less well-known are the Charles Wildman Vienna Concerto (a pleasant surprise), and the two works by George Scott-Wood. These are fascinating instances of those occasions when musicians associated with the more popular side of the music business feel the urge to venture into the realms of light music. Both are very pleasing numbers, with Serenade to Evening sounding as though it could have existed happily in the Chappell Recorded Music Library alongside pieces by Charles Williams or Sidney Torch.London Caprice is more in the style of the ‘Denham Concertos’ – those numbers who flowed from so many composers’ pens following the success of Warsaw Concerto and the kind of enthusiastic reception enjoyed by Clive Richardson’s London Fantasia. It is worth getting the CD for these two tracks alone, although the other music is very welcome as well. David Ades

CHRIS BOTTI (trumpet) with the London Session Orchestra – When I fall in Love When I Fall In Love, No Ordinary Love, My Romance, Let’s Fall In Love, Cinema Paradiso, Someone To Watch Over Me, La Belle Dame Sans Regrets, Nearness Of You, How Love Should Be, Make Someone Happy, One For My Baby, Time To Say Goodbye. (58:50) Columbia 518841-2. Backed by 28 strings Botti turns in his finest album so far. Four tracks have delectable arrangements by Jeremy Lubbock, the other arrangers coming close second – among them Gil Goldstein, Billy Childs, Bobby Colomby, Jeff Lorber and Brian Bromberg. Childs deserves a special mention for his brass writing on Let’s Fall in Love, the first sweep of strings arranged by Lubbock raises the hairs on the back of your neck, and Bromberg’s bass playing is really something else! Four tracks have vocals, including one by Sting (Botti is part of Sting’s touring band). All thirteen tracks make a wonderful backdrop for a quiet evening in of your choice. Paul Clatworthy

EDMUNDO ROS and His Orchestra – Ros Remembers Vocalion CDLK 4310 The Cuban Love Song, Happy Anniversary, Colonel Bogey, Could It Be, El Rancho Grande, I Yi Yi Yi, Y Viva Espana, Sunshine And Ole, Jungle Fantasy, I Talk To The Trees, Frenesi, South America Take It Away, Pao-Pao, Yellow Bird, Luna Do Brasil, Tango Of Romance, Dolores, The Wedding Samba, Cuanto Le Gusta, Chiu Chiu, Poinciana, Maria From Bahia, Show Me The Way To Go Home. Many of these tracks have been previously issued, but in every new album there are a few delightful surprises. The sleeve notes are by the maestro himself who is still going strong at the age of 95. Alec Hellyer

Music While You Work Music While You Work (Grenadier Guards); Toytown Tattoo (Phil Cardew); Polly (Harold Collins); Coon Band Contest (Troise); Harry Woods Hits (Primo Scala); Double Or Nothing (Jack Simpson); Samum (Harry Fryer); Alpine Festival (Fred Hartley); Tesoro Mio (Ronnie Munro); Knuckledust (Harold Collins); Corn on the Cob (George Scott-Wood); Those Were The Days (Jack Coles); Dance with a Dolly/Trolley Song (Al Collins); Boo Hoo/A Feather In Her Tyrolean Hat (George Elrick); Coon Band Rag (Troise); A Little On The Lonely Side/There Goes That Song Again (Oscar Rabin); East Of The Sun/Careless (Cecil Norman); Light and Shade (Harold Collins); King Steps Out (Richard Crean); Six Hit Medley (Primo Scala); With A Smile and a Song (Reginald Pursglove); Paper Doll/Bye Bye Blackbird/MacNamara’s Band (Jimmy Leach); Gung’l In the Ballroom (Wynford Reynolds); Love Dance Intermezzo (David Java). FBCD 141. Available from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton  3186, Victoria, Australia. Tel. 03-9528-3167 Credit card / Paypal accepted - no cheques please - details on request. Forget any earlier spurious CDs trying to cash in on this long-running radio programme; this one is the real McCoy. All 24 recordings are taken from the eponymous Decca label which operated between 1943-1949. If you like lively light music – who doesn’t? – then you are bound to enjoy the following vintage tracks which neatly complement the definitive new book on "Music While You Work" by Brian Reynolds. Well done to everyone involved in this major project. Edmund Whitehouse

The Art of CONSTANT LAMBERT – A Centenary Tribute Bliss - Miracle in the Gorbals - 1946 Royal Opera House Orchestra / Constant Lambert; Gordon - The Rake’s Progress 1945 - The British Ballet Orchestra / Constant Lambert; Lambert - Music for Orchestra 1948 - Philharmonia Orchestra / Constant Lambert; Walton Façade excerpts 1929 - Edith Sitwell (spoken voice) Constant Lambert Ensemble / William Walton (71:13) CDBP 9761. This mixture of EMI Columbia, Decca and BBC Transcription recordings provides a worthwhile snapshot of an important figure in British musical life during the first half of the 20^th century. His association with William Walton’s Façade will probably prove to be his most lasting tribute. The excerpts on this CD come from the premiére recording in 1929. David Ades

DAISY CHUTE – Simply Jazz. I Just Found Out About Love, Lazy Afternoon, Dindi, You Go To My Head, Girl Talk, Blackberry Writer, Too Young To Go Steady, If I Were A Bell, Little Girl Blue, Waltz For Debbie, Detour Ahead, Bill, I Like It Here. (46:28) TLCD 001 www.daisychute.com A debut CD for young singer Daisy Chute, supported in sensitive arrangements by the David Patrick trio. Chute makes her mark here and she should go far. Paul Clatworthy

SEMPRINI Serenades Rustle of Spring, Grieg’s Piano Concerto (first movement), Maria Dolores, Revolutionary Study (Chopin), Mansell Concerto (Kenneth Leslie-Smith), Come Back To Sorrento, Mediterranean Concerto (Semprini), Autumn Rhapsody, Malaguena, The Last Rhapsody (Wreford), etc. 25 tracks Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5511, 77:27 mins. The pianist Semprini was one of Britain’s most popular broadcasters in the post-war years, and this collection is a fine testament to the kind of repertoire that endeared him to millions. The recordings date from 1951 to 1954, and from the titles above it will be noted that this is a typical mix of Semprini favourites – to quote his own familiar introduction to his radio programmes: "Old ones, new ones, loved ones and neglected ones". Alan Bunting has worked his usual magic on the restorations, and this is a welcome addition to the growing list of CDs reflecting an era that now seems so very long ago. Don’t miss it. David Ades

London, a Vintage Portrait Disc 1: Big Ben chimes, Sing a Song of London (Ambrose), Old Father Thames (Peter Dawson), London Pride (Noel Coward), London Suite – Covent Garden, Westminster, Knightsbridge (Eric Coates), Burlington Bertie (Ella Shields), Barrers in the Walworth Road (Norman Long), Bank Holiday, 'Appy 'Ampstead (Albert Ketelbey), ‘Ampstead Way (Tessie O’Shea), If it wasn’t for the ‘ouses in between (Gus Elen), Underneath the Arches (Flanagan & Allen), Cockneys at heart(Gert & Daisy/Elsie & Doris Waters), Changing of the Guard (Malcolm McEachern), Changing of the Guard (Roy Fox), Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace (Ann Stephens), Horse Guards, Whitehall(Haydn Wood), Life begins at Oxford Circus (Jack Hylton), There’s a lovely lake in London (Gracie Fields), Round about Regent Street (Jay Wilbur), Carry on, London (Jack Payne), London Rhythm(Mills Brothers), Hyde Park (Duke Ellington), London on a rainy night (Harry Roy), A foggy day in London town (Ray Noble). Disc 2: A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square (Hutch), Lambeth Walk (Eddie Peabody), The trees Grosvenor Square (Lou Preager), Down the Mall (Philip Green), The London I love (Vera Lynn), Piccadilly (Ambrose), Piccadilly (Fats Waller) Chelsea (Ted Heath), London Conga (Don Marino Barreto), Bayswater Bustle (Paul Fenoulhet), That autumn in London Town (Joe Loss), Voice of London (Charles Williams), Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner (Hubert Gregg), Leicester Square Rag (Harry Roy), Bow Bells (Donald Peers), Wellington Barracks (Haydn Wood), London Melody (Robert Farnon), Forty fahsend fevvers on a frush (Billy Cotton), On the steps of old St. Paul’s (Billy Cotton), Blues in Mayfair (Harry Roy), Midnight in Mayfair (George Melachrino),Give me the moon over London ((Carroll Gibbons), London by night (Frank Sinatra), When you hear Big Ben, you’re home again (Vera Lynn), Sing a song of London (Peter Dawson), When London is saying goodnight (Billy Thorburn). Living Era CD AJS 2004 (2 CDs)

London Pride Bow Bells (A 10 peal change specially recorded for the BBC in 1926 and used as radio interlude music for 40 years) London Pride (Graham Payn), In Town Tonight (flower seller introduction to BBC Radio Home Service) Knightsbridge March (Eric Coates), Life Begins at Oxford Circus (Jack Hylton), I live in Trafalgar Square (Stanley Holloway), Down at the Old Bull and Bush(Florrie Forde), Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace (Ann Stephens), The Queen’s Horses (Billy Cotton), London Underground train, Round the Marble Arch (Ambrose), London on a Rainy Night(Teddy Joyce), Limehouse Blues (Jack Hylton), The London I Love (Vera Lynn), Lambeth Walk (Sam Costa), Old Father Thames (Peter Dawson), Carry On London (Billy Cotton), Bond Street (Fats Waller), A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Anne Lenner), St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Bells/Oranges and Lemons (Owen Branagan), Bow Bells (Donald Peers), A Foggy Day in London Town (Carroll Gibbons), Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner (Alan Breeze), Big Ben is Saying Goodnight (Sam Browne), Chimes of Big Ben. Evergreen C99.

London CDs listed above Following the appalling events in the Metropolis last July, both Living Era and Evergreen have brought out their own tributes to our capital city. Living Era’s is a double CD while Evergreen’s is an ordinary single. Both are highly recommended; if you like light music, dance band music or ballads then there is something for everyone among the many and varied tracks, only a few of which are duplicated. Edmund Whitehouse

ILONA KNOPFLER – Live the Life I’m Going To Live The Life I Sing About In My Song, Comment Allez-Vous, But For Now, Ask Me Now, Throw It Away, Dansez Sur Moi (Girl Talk), Le Jazz Et La Java, This Is Always,, Paree Que, Alone Together, Les Moulins De Mon Coeur, No Tomorrow. (56:27) Mac Avenue Records MAC1021. www.mackavenue.com Knopfler was born in Paris and this album was produced by Grammy award-winning Jay Ashby- it’s decidedly tasty! The arrangers have perfectly highlighted her excellent. Throw it Away has a languid samba tempo made all the more exotic by use of an instrument called the Oud. Girl talk is sung in French with some Brubeck-inspired piano by Claude Nougaro. On the title track Knopfler’s is backed by some excellent choral work, and Comment Allez Vous is effectively revisited with a big band setting. I will be on the look-out for more recordings by this lady! Paul Clatworthy

LANCE ELLINGTON with John Wilson And His Orchestra – Lessons In Love Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Almost Like Being in Love, I Just Found Out About Love, Nature Boy, A Certain Smile, You Make Me Feel So Young, I Get a Kick Out of You, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, Day In Day Out, How Do You Keep the Music Playing, Then I’ll Be Tired of You, Love Me or Leave Me, A House Is Not a Home, Lover Come Back to Me, What Kind of Fool am I. (48:22) Vocalion Digital CDSA6813. Those of us with ‘snow on the roof’ remember Lance’s father, Ray Ellington, who made a great contribution towards the success of ‘The Goon Show’. Robert Farnon fans remember Ray also for that rare LP ‘I Wish You Love’ he recorded with Bob’s orchestra way back in 1979. British TV viewers will have heard (and briefly seen) Lance as one of the singers with Laurie Holloway’s orchestra in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last year. Happily Lance is firmly in the spotlight on his own in this great collection of numbers by some of the finest songwriters of the past century. He sounds completely at ease in the company of John Wilson and his superb musicians, and surely this album must ensure that his career really takes off from now on. The role call of arrangers is impressive: alongside Angela Morley, Billy May, Nelson Riddle and Neal Hefti are the ‘newer boys’ – Colin Skinner, Mark Nightingale, Andrew Cottee and maestro John Wilson. Most numbers are up-tempo swingers, but there are oases of tranquillity – just listen to Andrew Cottee’s beautiful settings ofNature Boy and A Certain Smile; Andrew’s score for the finale What Kind of Fool am I also deserves special praise. On one track Lance is joined by Jodie Brooke Wilson whom he first met when doing session work backing other singers, and they clearly make a fine team. It’s hard to believe that this is Lance’s first solo CD, because it is such a high quality production in every respect. And once again it is good to find everyone in the orchestra is listed in the booklet. A critic is supposed to criticise, but I cannot honestly say that anything about this CD disappointed me. If you like good songs, excellently arranged and performed, you need look no further. David Ades

PERCY FAITH - The Columbia Singles volume 3 – 1959 to 1967 Theme from "Advise & Consent", Theme from "Lawrence Of Arabia", Melody from "Mahagonny", Love Me Now, Our Language Of Love, Bimini Goombay [Le Marchand De Bonheur], Tia Juana, Hawaiian Lullaby, Bilbao Song, Lover’s Prelude, Theme from "The Last Time I Saw Archie", The Brass Ring, Out Of This World, I Concentrate On You, Music Until Midnight [Lullaby For Adults Only], Jacqueline’s Journey, The Elephant And The Chimp, Perpetual Notion, The Sound Of Surf, La Bamba, Who’s Afraid?, Strangers In The Night, There Was A Time Collectables (67:34) COL-CD-7692. This is the one all Faith-o-philes had been waiting for -- our own Alan Bunting declaring it the greatest issue yet. Your reviewer gave the first two volumes a qualified welcome, so what about this one? Well worth the wait, I’d say, and a great voyage of discovery for those of us who are not too au fait with Faith 45s. There are several singles previously only issued in mono and, better still, five tracks never been released before in any form. There are also four tracks which, due to lack of space, were omitted from the albums‘Bouquet’/’Bouquet Of Love’ [COL-CD-6056] and ‘Tara’s Theme/’Jealousy’ [COL-5843]. The first four items are still in mono as, regrettably, the multi-track masters could not be located and are now presumed lost for ever. The Kurt Weill theme is Faith without strings; but they sing out in the second Weill number, Bilbao Song, and reach the heights on Bimini Goombay, a rather attractive little cha-cha. La Bamba, heard here for the first time, is always welcome. The lovely tune from "Irma La Douce" certainly benefits from stereo; as does The Elephant and the Chimp, originally written for the CBS Television show "A Look at Monaco" [ COL-CD-7611], featuring a tremendous tuba. This is one of nine tracks with the music penned by the great Percy. Other Faith favourites of mine are the gently rock-tinged The Brass Ring, syncopated piano, sawing strings and seductive saxophone combining in Perpetual Notion, and the final item with its classy trumpet that not even the female singers can spoil. Virtually every track is a winner so, unless it’s for the absence of any liner notes [sure Mr Bunting would have obliged], I find it hard to imagine anyone buying this album being disappointed. Peter Burt

London Festival Orchestra & Chorus / STANLEY BLACK – Broadway Blockbusters / Broadway Spectacular (74:43) Vocalion CDLK 4323. Most of the tracks on this CD have been done to death by other arrangers – yet another Oklahoma medley, for instance – but with Stanley Black you are always in for a treat. There are also some less well-known songs from popular shows – Big Dfrom The Most Happy Fella and Lawd I’m on My Way from Porgy and Bess. Brilliant sound quality too; hard to believe these albums are forty years old. Alec Hellyer

LEONARD BERNSTEIN conducts BERNSTEIN Facsimile A Choreographic Essay - RCA Victor Orchestra; On the Town Ballet Music - "On the Town" Orchestra; Jeremiah Symphony Nan Merriman (mezzo-soprano) - St Louis Symphony Orchestra; Ravel Concerto for Piano & Orchestra - Philharmonia Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein (piano). Recorded in the 1940s. (75:50) Dutton CDBP 9758. Leonard Bernstein has received a great deal of well-deserved praise for his illustrious career, so it is hardly necessary to go into great detail about his achievements. This inspired compilation features familiar and less well-known works, all from the 1940s. "On The Town" inspired the film of the same name, although little of Bernstein’s stage music transferred into the screen version. The Ravel Concerto for Piano and Orchestra was recorded in London with Bernstein conducting from the piano. David Ades

FRANCK POURCEL The Importance of Your Love The Lark, Rain and Tears, Congratulations, A Man Without Love, etc. Thinking of You If You Could Read My Mind, Friends, Adelaide, She’s a Lady, It’s Impossible, etc. 26 tracks Vocaliob CDLK4300, 74:14 mins. Franck Pourcel is now enjoying something of a welcome revival, and his many admirers will be glad to see that these two EMI LPs are available once again. David Ades

PEPE JARAMILLO ...meets Manuel High Noon, To Be The Obe You Love, Look Around, Madrid, etc.Moonlight in Mexico Nicola, Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars, Get Out of Town, Sunrise Sunset, The Sweetest Sounds, etc. 26 tracks Vocalion CDLK4306, 79:21. When he left his native Mexico and came to England back in the 1960s Pepe Jaramillo’s career really took off, and he made many LPs for EMI. In the first of them on this CD he is teamed with Manuel – in other words the talented Geoff Love who, as ‘Manuel and his Music of the Mountains’, also became a household name with his records being steady sellers for many years. It is good to be reminded of this tuneful era when pianists seemed to be far more popular than they are today. David Ades

A note about... Must Close Saturday Records

Some time ago we mentioned the activities of Adrian Wright of Must Close Saturday Records, who specialises in releasing rare recordings of predominantly post-war British musicals. His latest batch includes some real gems which will have enthusiasts reaching for their cheque  books. The following basic list shows just how dedicated Adrian is to the cause of musical theatre and all six CDs come highly recommended:  Late Joys MCSR 3026 - Victorian Music Hall from the Players Theatre  featuring Hattie Jacques, Bill Owen and Clive Dunn; Streamline and Jill Darling MCSR 3021 - original London cast recordings featuring  Florence Desmond, John Mills and Frances Day; Harry Parr Davies MCSR  3029 – a centenary recital of his most famous songs; Stop the World,  I Want to Get Off  MCSR 3028 – original London cast including  Anthony Newley and Anna Quayle; Virtue in Danger MCSR 3027 –  Patricia Routledge and friends in 1963, (long before she became  Hyacinth Bucket); Noel Coward  MCSR 3030 – last British recordings etc. For a catalogue and further information contact Must Close Saturday Records, 56 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, NR14 7JT. Tel. 01508-494371 Fax 01508-494471 e-mail enquiries@must-close-saturday-records or websitewww.must-close-saturday-records.co.uk Edmund Whitehouse

MARTIN DENNY The Best of… Exotica, Coronation, Quiet Village, Forbidden Island, Flamingo, Misirlou, Caravan, Jungle Drums, Taboo, etc. 19 tracks EMI 343 3732 54:39 mins. It is said that Martin Denny owes at least part of his international success to the sounds of nearby wildlife while they were performing in the open air at the resort of Oahu in Hawaii. Quite why record companies should assume that people want to listen to music at home interrupted by jungle sounds escapes me, apart from the fact that some musicians need gimmicks to mask their inadequate or non-existent talents. To be fair, such criticisms cannot be levelled at Martin Denny, and the tracks without the extraneous noises are quite enjoyable. It would be nice if modern technology could offer listeners the option to eliminate such annoying ‘extras’ but for the time being we have to put up with them. If you are already a Martin Denny fan you may want to know that only two tracks are new to CD, but the finale is an interview with Mr. Denny recorded in the 1950s and previously unreleased. He died on 2 March 2005 aged 93, and an obituary can be seen on page 67 of JIM 164. David Ades

Brief details of the following... from Wilfred Askew

MITCH MILLER and The Gang – 50 All-American Favourites 2CDs. Original US Columbia Recordings. Collector’s Choice CCM-0516-2. Including You Are My Sunshine, Goodnight Ladies, In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree, Ain’t We Got Fun, Sweet Georgia Brown, Somebody Stole My Gal, Tea For Two, Till We Meet Again... (71:18 + 68:58)

JOE HARNELL, His Piano and Orchestra – Fly me to the Moon / The Bossa Nova Pops Original Kapp recording. Collector’s Choice CCM-0567-2. Including Senza Five, Cry Me A River, Midnight Sun, One Note Samba... (32:01)

MARTIN DENNY – Original Liberty recordings. CDs distributed by Pinnacle. Exotica volume 1CR REV 101; Exotica volume 2 CR REV 102; Exotica volume 3 CR REV 105; Primitiva CR REV 103; Forbidden Island CR REV 104; Hypnotique CR REV 106; Quiet Village CR REV 107; Afro-Desia CR REV 108.

BILLY VAUGHN and His Orchestra – 19 Classic Tracks. Original Dot recordings. Music Club MCCD 466. Including Blue Hawaii, Wheels, Look For A Star, Moonlight And Roses, Red Sails In The Sunset. (49:04)

THE RAY CHARLES SINGERS – Something Special for Young Lovers. Original Command recordings. Collector’s Choice CCM-0538-2. Including More, This Is All I Ask, Hello Dolly, Charade, Sweet Little Mountain Bird... (31:26)

THE RAY CHARLES SINGERS – Al-Di-La and Other Extra Special Songs for Young Lovers.Original Command recordings. Collector’s Choice CCM-0537-2. Including The Girl From Ipanema, Real Live Girl, Satin Doll, Till The End Of Time, You Are Never Far Away From Me... (32:25)

The GUILD series has undoubtedly been an unprecedented success – and still they keep coming, thick and fast!! These five releases cover a very wide timescale and a huge range of different musical styles.

SAY IT WITH MUSIC is the subtitle – taken from the name of the first track – of VOLUME III OF THE 1950s, and spans the years 1952-1955 [GLCD5119]. It follows the established format of combining the well-known with the less-familiar, and features mainly commercial recordings, interspersed with just a few from publishers’ libraries. In addition to works by some of the Great American Songbook composers such as Berlin, Kern, Rodgers and Schwartz, we encounter a number of British, European and American writers, who achieved fame (and hopefully fortune) with their purely orchestral compositions included here. Although some of the titles may not immediately spring to mind, many of the tracks would have been regularly heard on radio broadcasts, certainly those of the BBC. As I have remarked before, there is a definite difference in style and character between Light Music of the mid- to late-’40s on the one hand, and the early-’50s on the other; although this may not have been very obvious at the time, it becomes much more so with the benefit of hindsight, particularly when listening to this very enjoyable new collection.

The next CD marks a significant change in direction for the GUILD series [GLCD5120]. THE HALL OF FAME – VOLUME I – on its own admission – is aimed at newcomers to the World of Light Music, whilst still intending to appeal to established collectors, who are promised some surprises amongst the familiar items. Although a number of the titles may have already appeared elsewhere on CDs, the opportunity has been taken to carry out completely new digital restorations from the original 78s; this is claimed to offer improvements over releases from the late 1990s, due to the more advanced processing technology now available. There is a wide range of musical styles, resulting in a very varied programme – Percy Fletcher’s My Love To You in a 1930s performance by the Reginald King Orchestra, and Nöel Coward’s Mad About The Boy in an André Kostelanetz arrangement from 1955, represent the two extreme time-points. An innovation is the Featured Composer, in this case Clive Richardson, who takes pride of place with three of his popular pieces in recordings dating from 1945-47. Although David Ades’ biographical notes state that Richardson ‘first trained as a doctor’, this is not strictly true; in an exact parallel with Charles Shadwell, he started studying medicine, but soon gave it up in favour of a musical career and certainly never qualified as a physician. All-in-all, a well thought-out programme which happily ‘kept me company’ during a recent long car journey!

For many years, Haydn Wood has been much overshadowed by his contemporary (and rival?), Eric Coates. This is more than a little unfair; Wood was a highly inventive and versatile composer, and his works encompassed a wider range of genres and styles than those of Coates, who tended to keep to a very few well-trodden paths. Whilst most of the items on JOYOUSNESS – THE MUSIC OF HAYDN WOOD [GLCD5121] will not only be familiar but are likely to be in many collections, this is undoubtedly a very worthwhile addition to the GUILD series. It was inspirational to include the Peter Yorke/ Freddy Gardner recording of Roses Of Picardy, together with Wood’s orchestration of Charles Marshall’s I Hear You Calling Me; other highlights are Seville, Bird Of Love Divine, and the Homage March. It is pleasing that Haydn Wood’s music is now getting its due recognition, and the appearance of this new CD can only assist in that regard.

BRITISH CINEMA AND THEATRE ORCHESTRAS – VOLUME II [GLCD5122] covers the years 1927-39; once again, we are presented with a mixture of the very familiar and the almost unknown – but immediately enjoyable! Amongst the conductors, the names of (Arthur) Anton with organist Al Bonnington, Richard Crean, Joseph Muscant and Frank Tours are prominently featured; judging by the number of recordings that they made (some of which have appeared on previous GUILD CDs) they must have achieved great popularity in their day.The programme opens with what is probably the fastest-ever recorded performance of Buccalossi’s Grasshoppers Dance - I am tempted to wonder just what sort of ‘grass’ these particular hoppers were ‘on’!! Although the composer of theEspaña Waltz is credited as Emmanuel Chabrier, the piece here is really a slightly abridged arrangement of Emil Waldteufel’s famous version of the original Chabrier work Rhapsody – España. There seems to be an increasing interest in music of this type (no doubt helped by Volume I -GUILD 5108) and this new CD will certainly appeal to all those who enjoy Light Music of the pre-WWII era.

And so to the final new arrival – GREAT LIGHT ORCHESTRAS SALUTE THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS [GLCD5123]. This is another departure from the usual GUILD format and the booklet notes state that it is the first such SALUTE, the implication being that there will be more to follow. Although the works of Rodgers and his collaborators have been much-recorded, this must surely be the first time that such a diverse collection has appeared on CD in purely orchestral guise, performed by so many different ensembles and conductors. This composer wrote little else but Theatre and Film music, and every track is taken from a show, with the recordings dating from 1949-55. By that time Rodgers (in partnership with Oscar Hammerstein) was arguably at the height of his popularity, although the Rodgers and Hart compositions actually date from much earlier. Considering that most of these pieces were originally conceived as songs with lyrics, they have been very successfully transformed into their new format. In this connection, it is good to report that the names of arrangers are included in the booklet notes where appropriate; too often they are the unsung heroes, without whose talents performances like these could never have happened! This is another enjoyable addition to the series and it would be interesting to know which other composers are destined to appear in future SALUTES – as always, watch this space. Tony Clayden

If any readers would like to know the full contents of these Guild CDs, they were listed in our last issue, starting on page 62. All Guild CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

THE BBC RADIO 4 UK THEME – Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland. The moment it was announced that the medley of British folk tunes which has started the day on Radio 4 for the past 33 years was to be scrapped, producer Herbie Flowers arranged for the music to be recorded and released as a single, the ‘B’ side of which is Ronald Binge’s Sailing By. The disc is available for £1.99 in the shops, or 78p per track to download from the internet; proceeds are going to the Light Music Society. The performance here is fresh and solidly assured - quite superior to the original recording broadcast on the radio! Isn’t it fascinating how we don’t tend to appreciate something until we’ve lost it? Perhaps a small but significant event like this will help raise the profile of light orchestral music. The Radio 4 Theme single has no catalogue number - but is available in the UK from Asda, HMV, Tesco, Virgin and Woolworths or at the web address www.savetheradio4theme.co.uk Peter Edwards

IN THE LOUNGE WITH GARY WILLIAMS & HIS MUSICIANS Music to Watch Girls By (Velona; Ramin); Sweet Lorraine (Parish; Burwell); I Thought About You (Mercer; Van Heusen); A Swingin’ Affair (Myers; Cass); I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (Fields; McHugh); I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning (Berlin); Lover Come Back to Me (Hammerstein; Romberg); Fly Me to the Moon (Howard); I’m Glad There Is You (Madeira; Dorsey); Baubles, Bangles and Beads (Wright; Forrest); Call Me (Otis; Hendricks); All That Jazz (Carter; Stillman); Change Partners (Berlin); Let’s Get Lost (Loesser); Let There Be Love (Grant; Rand); Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries (De Sylva; Brown; Henderson); As Long as I’m Singing (Darin) Arrangements by Andrew Cottee and Richard Rodney Bennett Recorded at Abbey Road Studio No.3, London, February 2006 Vocalion CDSA 6814. One could describe this collection as ‘cocktail’ or ‘late night’ music, but that would imply that it should be enjoyed while doing something else – possibly more interesting. But that is not the case! Gary’s approach to his lyrics, and his empathy with his musicians demand your full attention, and his choice of numbers confirms what a wonderful period in history the last century was for high quality popular songs. Being the supreme professional that he is, Gary occasionally surprises by slipping in a verse that others have not treated us to previously. The general tone of the album is up-tempo, and the fine musicians performing the great arrangements created specially for Gary include Graham Harvey (piano), Dave Chamberlain (bass), Matt Skelton (drums), Martin Kershaw (guitar), Andrew Cottee (vibes) and Luke Annesley on reeds and flute. If I have one minor criticism it concerns the almost unreadable printing in part of the booklet – but that is the fault of the printers, not the musicians! Gary Williams simply gets better all the time – a great CD. David Ades All Dutton Vocalion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

LONDON LIGHTS – Streamline (Palace Theatre 1934) New Mayfair Orchestra / Ray Noble; Going Greek (Gaiety 1937) Debroy Somers; Stop Press (Adelphi 1935) New Mayfair Orchestra / Percival Mackey; Seeing Stars (Gaiety 1935)  Debroy Somers; The Little Dog Laughed (Palladium 1939) London Palladium Orchestra / Clifford Greenwood; Operette (His Majesty’s 1938) His Majesty’s Theatre Orchestra / Ben Frankel; Slipping round the corner (from The Good Companions, His Majesty’s 1931) Debroy Somers; On the outside looking in (from The Little Dog Laughed, Palladium 1939) George Scott Wood and his Six Swingers; I’m on a see-saw (from Jill Darling, Saville 1934) Billy Cotton; You’re the top (from Anything Goes, Palace 1935) Jack Hylton;Mad about the boy (from Words & Music, Adelphi 1932) Savoy Hotel Orpheans; After you, who?(from The Gay Divorce, Palace 1933) Henry Hall; Sitting beside ‘o you / What are you going to do?(from Yes Madam? London Hippodrome 1934) George Scott Wood. Evergreen Melodies CL07. Available from: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at  Credit cards accepted. Price £9.95. Most of the 2,000 musicals which have graced the West End stage since Gilbert and Sullivan have been forgotten so this CD of original orchestras playing the original lively music – complementing the book "London Lights" - is a welcome addition to the Evergreen Melodies catalogue which now boasts almost 150 titles. The first six tracks are tuneful compilations of the complete musical and have never before been released on CD. The other seven tracks are melodic foot tapping singles, all adding up to a delightful light music CD with a swing in the step. Edmund Whitehouse

TEST CARD MUSIC Volume 10 Organ Grinder (Frederick Less), Hora (Ilja Genic), Girline (Less), Scaramuccia (Paul Rolke), Nikolashka (Rudolf Maluck), Pizzi Pizzi (L. Rey), Goodnight Madamoiselle ((Armand Bernard), Countrywise (James Turner), Lonely Journey (Alan Perry – real name Ernest Tomlinson), Welcome Waikiki (Laiser & Laube), Honolulu (Reipsch & Ackerman), Minute for String Orchestra (Capuzzi), Hot Line (William Gardner), Bossa Nova in the Moonlight ((Geo Voumard), Polka on the Rocks (Heinz Hőtter), Five to Play (Hőtter), Shake it Down (Hans Gluck), Bavarian Ramble (Gardner), Rainbow Room (Marino & Rollefson), West One (Gardner), Goo Goo Eyes (Frank Chacksfield) and Filigree (H. Lehmann). Apollo Sound APSCD236, 56:59 minutes. Fans of this enterprising series have been waiting some while for this latest release, but their patience has finally been rewarded. And ‘rewarded’ is the right word, because Test Card Music enthusiasts will find much to delight them in this latest collection – as usual the brainchild of our good friends Heinz Herschmann and Chris Churcher. With the exception of the two Heinz Hőtter numbers from Bosworth & Co., all the tracks are from Mozart Edition GB Ltd. The Orchestra Raphaele is featured on no less than eight tracks, and it is good to hear the fine Cologne Studio Orchestra. There are plenty of pleasant, relaxed light orchestral sounds among the more up-tempo numbers, and I personally think that this is one of the best selections among Apollo Sounds’ recent releases. You can’t help but feel happy when you listen to this CD! David Ades All Apollo Sound CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

PAUL MAURIAT "Le Couturier Musical" 3-CD collection featuring the famous French conductor, composer and arranger in his best-known works. Paul Mauriat plays his International Hits Love is Blue, Sabre Dance, Those Were The Days, New York New York, I Say a Little Prayer, Lara’s Theme, A Man and a Woman, Ebb Tide etc. [22 tracks] Paul Mauriat – Composer I Will Follow Him, Piano Star, Last Summer, Voila Voila, You, Baby [22 tracks, including vocals by Petula Clark, Caterina Valente etc.] Paul Mauriat – Arranger featuring various singers and four tracks under Mauriat’s pseudonym ‘Nico Papadopoulos’ [20 tracks] France Mercury Universal 983 230-5. This superb tribute is the creation of RFS member Serge Elhaik, and it is a beautifully produced box set which will make Mauriat’s fans very happy indeed! A glossy booklet featuring numerous photographs is bound into the box itself, and anyone with basic schoolboy French should not find it too difficult to understand most of the text. This is a high-quality product in all respects, and we send our sincere congratulations to Serge for his splendid work. David Ades This collection is available to special order through the RFS Record Service.

THE SPLENDOUR OF THE MARCH PART 1 - In Concert. The Band of HM Royal Marines School of Music / Lieutenant Colonel F. Vivian Dunn CVO OBE FRAM RM with Frederick Harvey (Baritone). Neville - Silver Bugles; Alford - Old Panama; Hall - The New Colonial; O’Reilly-Sanderson - Drake Goes West; Dodgson-Phillips - The Fishermen of England; Anderson - Bugler’s Holiday; Dunn - The Admiral’s Regiment; Farnon - Derby Day; Sousa - Manhattan Beach, Hands Across the Sea, The Invincible Eagle, The Black Horse Troop, The Pride of the Wolverines; Work - Marching Thro’ Georgia. THE SPLENDOUR OF THE MARCH PART 2 - The 1968 Royal Tournament. The Massed Bands, Corps of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets of HM Royal Marines conducted by Lieutenant Colonel F. Vivian Dunn CVO OBE FRAM RM. Display by the Royal Marines Corps Of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets; The Royal Marines Massed Bands - Marching Display & Finale/Salute and March Off. (59:00) Eastney Collection RMHSEC012. Available from: Eastney Collection, 60 Mayford Road, London SW12 8SN, telephone 0208 673 6157.www.eastneycollection.com The latest arrival from the Eastney Collection features more of Sir Vivian Dunn’s renowned recordings with the Royal Marines Band Service, while he was serving as their Principal Director of Music. The disc divides into two distinct sessions, the first and longer section is based on studio recordings with the Royal Marines School of Music Band, whilst the remainder of the disc emanates from live recordings made at the 1968 Royal Tournament featuring The Massed Bands, Corps of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets of HM Royal Marines. Considering all the obvious difficulties inherent in producing a live recording in such a vast echoing area as Earls Court, the engineers have achieved wonders and the results give the listener a compelling sense of being caught up in a great, historic and thrilling occasion. This was Sir Vivian’s last appearance at a Royal Tournament as PDM of the Royal Marines – he was subsequently to retire a few months later, and amongst the music featured in this sequence is a Kenneth Alford Medley, Cavalry of the Steppes and a stunning Sunset, played by no less than eighty buglers! The studio recordings referred to earlier consist mainly of marches and were made in the famous EMI Abbey Road Studio. Included is one of Vivian Dunn’s own superb essays in the genre, The Admiral’s Regiment, written specially for the 1964 Royal Marines Tercentenary and a quintet of marches by the American March King, John Phillip Sousa; of which The Black Horse Troop, with its simulated hoofbeats is particularly engaging. Sir Vivian was a stalwart champion throughout his life of quality light music and two fine examples of the genre are included in this compilation. Leroy Anderson’s ebullient Bugler’s Holiday, is brilliantly played by three expert Royal Marine musicians, whilst Robert Farnon’s lively Derby Day, is crisply and stylishly delivered. There is incidentally in the booklet notes, a photograph of Robert Farnon and Vivian Dunn discussing the score of A La Claire Fontaine at Deal, which the latter went on to record with the Light Music Society Orchestra and is currently available on a Vocalion CD – CDLK4182. One further strong inducement (if more were needed) to acquire this highly desirable disc is the presence on two of the tracks – Drake Goes West and The Fisherman of England, of the fine baritone voice of Frederick Harvey with its enviable clear articulation. The Eastney Collection is to be congratulated on restoring such valuable and distinguished recordings back to circulation and Brian Culverhouse, an EMI Recording Producer 1952-1972 who supervised the original recording sessions has expertly processed the digital re-mastering of these musical treasures to excellent effect. Roger Hyslop

MARCH MONTAGE – The Band and Bugles of The Light Division featuring the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association (Manchester Branch) / Major Calum Gray BA (Hons.) ARCM psm Fucik - Entry of the Gladiators; Meyerbeer/Godfrey - Les Huguenots; Mc Bain -Mechanized Infantry; Williams - Midway March; Mendelssohn – Wedding March; Texidor - Amparito Roca; Greig - Funeral March; Ganne – Marche Lorraine; Ord-Hume - The BB and CF; Alford - The Vanished Army; Sousa - The Stars and Stripes Forever; Jessell arr. Gould - The Parade of theWooden Soldiers (73:00) CHEVRON CHVCD 23. If you are somewhat daunted at the prospect of sitting through 70 minutes or so of non-stop marches, perhaps I might allay such fears by quoting the comments of the Director of Music of the Band of the Light Division, Major Calum C. Gray in the introductory notes to this CD thus – "It would be perfectly understandable, if on picking up a band recording featuring marches, your mind immediately conjures up images of a parade square replete with band, marching troops and a terrifying RSM barking out his orders. Yet as this recording wil demonstrate, the musical genre entitled ‘The March’ is incredibly diverse, capable of stirring up emotions ranging from pride and joy to tragedy and despair". This claim is amply borne out on this new release from Chevron, with a splendidly wide ranging selection representing marches from the Parade Ground, Silver Screen, Stage & Concert Platform and extending in mood from the flamboyant joyous character of the Spanish March Amparito Roca – the provenance of which now seems to be in some doubt – to the solemn heart rending strains of Grieg’s Funeral March, written as a tribute to the composer’s great friend and composer of the Norwegian National Anthem, Rikard Nordraak. Other highlights are the music from Meyerbeer’s opera Les Huguenots, heard each year at the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards and Leon Jessell’s popular Parade of the Wooden [Tin?] Soldiers - famous for its use many years ago for BBC Radio Children’s Hour ‘Toytown’ Series, in Morton Guild’s somewhat quirky arrangement. Kenneth Alford’s poignant march The Vanished Army, dates from 1918, and it is dedicated to the first 100,000 who ‘gave their all’ during the First World War. Further contrast is provided by three appearances by the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association, playing medleys of traditional Scottish marching tunes arranged by Major Gray. The sound is excellent, full vivid and detailed and the sessions took place in the Regimental Chapel of Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester. Interestingly, they were recorded, engineered, produced and mastered by the Royal Marines Band Service. A first class product! Roger Hyslop

EMI have recently released a further batch of ‘2 on ones’…

JULIE LONDON "Julie / Love on the Rocks" EMI 3530262.

The release of these two albums has been heavily influenced by requests from the many Julie great standards such as "Somebody Loves Me", and "Bye Bye Blackbird". "Love On The Rocks" is an album which contains outstanding tracks which include "Willow Weep For Me", "A Cottage For Sale", and "Love On The Rocks".

KAY STARR "Just Plain Country/Tears and Heartaches" EMI 3529302.

On "Just Plain Country" Kay Starr proves that even country music isn't beyond her vocal talents, zipping through the classics like "Crazy", "Walk On By", and "Singing The Blues". "Tears And Heartaches Old Records" also contains a few classic country tunes; "Make the World Go Away" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" to name but two.

AL MARTINO "We Could / Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself to Sleep" EMI 3530152. Two great Al Martino albums making their debut on CD. "We Could" is an album of ballads sung with Al Marline's unique rich Latin voice. "Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep" contains the title track as well as "Wiedersehn", "Husbands and Wives", and "You Hurt Me".

JUNE CHRISTY "The Cool School/Do Re Mi" EMI 3510172.

"The Cool School" is an album featuring familiar tunes like "When You Wish Upon A Star", and "Swinging On A Star". In contrast "Do Re Mi" is an album of songs from the Broadway show of the same name. "Cry Like The Wind", "Make Someone Happy" and "Fireworks" are the highlight tracks but the whole album swings in great style.

NANCY WILSON "From Broadway with Love/Tender Loving Care" EMI 3512832.

"From Broadway with Love" contains a dozen great classics from the Broadway show stage. This album features orchestrations which fall into three distinctive styles and as usual Nancy Wilson gives all of these songs her very own treatment. "Tender Loving Care" is an album of love songs but not all sung or orchestrated in the form of slushy ballads. Some are pure romance and love but others really swing. Billy May arranges and conducts on this album.

The Essential NANCY SINATRA Bang Bang, Sugar Town, Somethin’ Stupid, Kind of a Woman, Let Me Kiss You, You Only Live Twice, etc. (26 tracks) EMI 356 2332. If your Dad is someone like Frank Sinatra it could be said that you have a head start in life, but somehow one gets the feeling that Nancy would have made a success of her career whoever her parents had been. Her big hits are here including duets with the likes of Dad (naturally) and Lee Hazlewood. Nancy has penned her own sleeve notes, and fans will certainly want this compilation. David Ades

WIENER MUSIK – Robert Stolz conducting the Berlin and Vienna Symphony Orchestras 12-CD Box Set Sony/BMG 82876678902. In his liner notes for Guild’s ‘Buried Treasures’ album [GLCD 5118], David Ades reminds us that Robert Stolz, who lived to the grand old age of 95, was an acclaimed Austrian composer, extremely popular in his homeland, [who] went to Hollywood to escape the Nazis where he enjoyed success writing music for films such as ‘Spring Parade’ and ‘It Happened Tomorrow’. He returned to the country of his birth in 1946, and as well as being one of the major composers of the last century – he was often described as "the king of the silver operetta" – he was also a fine conductor of 19^th century Viennese dance music. At the age of nineteen he had actually met Johann Strauss Jr. – another "king": of the waltz. We have here 155 of the best tunes not only from the Strauss Family but also from Joseph Lanner, Joseph Libitzky, Joseph Gungl, Philipp Fahrbach, Franz von Suppé, Bélá Kéler, Karl Komzàk Sr, Juventino Roses, Carl Michael Ziehrer, Richard Heuberger, Franz Lehar, Julius Fučik, Leo Fall, Siegfried Translateur, Karl Komzŕk Jr, Emmerich Kálmán and Robert Stolz himself. This really is a super collection, working out at around £2.50 a disc. If, like me, you are captivated by the annual New Year’s Day Concert from the Austrian capital, or if you are just looking for a life enhancing listen, then these dozen discs [the shortest is over an hour, the longest just under 75 minutes] of this most graceful, captivating music – beautifully played and recorded – will enchant you all the year through. Peter Burt

THE TERRY CAVENDISH ORCHESTRA "All In An Afternoon’s Work" Leagueliner, Delicado, Blue Lou, Colonel Bogey, Moonglow, These Foolish Things, Tuxedo Junction, Big Noise from Winnetka, Fools Rush In, Organ Grinder’s Swing, Stay With It, When the Sun Comes Out, I’ll Be Around, 9.20 Special, Time for Change, Agotado, Monomania, Issmak, Crash Pad, Joyride, Hadrian’s Wall Vocalion CDSML 8419. These recordings first appeared in the Boosey & Hawkes Cavendish Music library, from which you will quickly realise that ‘Terry Cavendish’ is simply a made-up name! The real brain behind this fine group of British session musicians is Ray Davies who provided the arrangements and five of the compositions. The first 14 tracks come from CAV LP 9 made in 1973, featuring updated versions of well-known swing classics published by companies in the B&H group – the only exception being the first track composed by Ray. This album was subsequently released commercially by Pye. The final seven tracks are from other Cavendish albums of the same period. The top players include Alan Hawkshaw, Herbie Flowers, Denis Lopez, Alan Parker and Alf Bigden. Oliver Lomax deserves a special mention for his very interesting and informative booklet notes. David Ades

LES BAXTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS Unchained Melodies Unchained Melody, Because of You, Blue Tango, April in Portugal, Tropicana, Ruby, I Love Paris, Gigi, Cornflakes, The High and the Mighty, etc plus tracks from the suites ‘Music Out of the Moon’, ‘Perfume Set to Music’ and ‘Le Sacred u Sauvage’ Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5572, 75:40 mins. The music of Les Baxter seems to be enjoying something of a revival (another CD can be found later in this feature) and he is also featured in Guild’s second ‘Hall of Fame’. He made some nice orchestral arrangements alongside his more commercial recordings with voices, and as more of his 1950s items fall out of copyright they are likely to be made available once again. David Ades All Sanctuary Living Era CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

DANIEL SMITH (bassoon), with Martin Bejerano (piano), John Sullivan (bass), Ludwig Afonso (drums) – Bebop Bassoon. Killer Joe (Golson), Anthropology (Parker/Gillespie), Blue Monk (Monk), Sister Sadie (Silver), In a Sentimental Mood (Ellington), All Blues (Davis), Doxy (Rollins), Up Against the Wall (Coltrane), Birk’s Works (Gillespie), Sticky Wicket (Gordon) (45:11). Guild Zah Zah ZZCD9820. Daniel Smith has steadily built up a reputation as ambassador of the contemporary bassoon. He continues to amaze us by his portrayal of the instrument, making it do things we never thought bassoons were meant to do. His latest disc is original in conception and immaculate in execution. The bassoon, whilst being the novelty instrument, is one of four equal voices in the quartet; it is not over-exposed, nor are the microphones unequally balanced as can sometimes be the case with such recordings. Smith gives the bassoon a new voice, bringing out the silky smooth middle and upper register of the instrument in preference to the lower, stereotypically clownish qualities more associated with orchestral solos. The bassoon thrives in this register, perhaps putting itself into the territory of the tenor or alto saxophone; but its tone quality is quite individual. A double reed in jazz is rather special and has to be heard to be believed. Peter Edwards This Guild CD is available from the RFS Record Service.

NIGHTS OF GLADNESS In the Palm Courts of the Thirties Nights Of Gladness - Charles Ancliffe & His Orchestra, Loin Du Bal – Bijou Orchestra, Stephane Gavotte - Ferdy Kaufman & His Orchestra, Clock And The Dresden Figures - Albert Ketelbey & His Concert Orchestra, Serenade Notturno D'Amore - Rendezvous Orchestra, Sizilietta - Charles Prentice Drury Lane Theatre Orchestra, Wedding Of The Rose (Der Rose Hochzeit) - Jack Hylton & His Orchestra, Hearts And Flowers - J.H. Squire & His Celeste Octet, Monsieur Tricotin (A Sketch Of Montmarte) - Mantovani & His Tipica Orchestra, Entr'Acte Gavotte - Marek Weber & His Orchestra, Musette - Fred Hartley & His Quintet, Occhi Di Zingara - Alfredo & His Orchestra, Pierrette - Leslie Bridgewater & His Quintet, Fairies In The Moon - Joseph Nuscant & The Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra, Cuban Serenade - Albert Sandler Orchestra, Poupee Valsante (Waltzing Doll) - Orchestre Raymonde, Nola (A Silhouette) - Serge Krish & His Sextet, Poeme - Edith Lorand & Her Orchestra, Teddy Bears Picnic - Alfredo Campoli & His Salon Orchestra, Jealousy (Jalousie) - Emil Roos, & His Orchestra, Serenade Number 1 - Barnabas Von Geczy & His Orchestra, Cuckoo Waltz - New Mayfair Orchestra, Shy Serenade - New Mayfair Orchestra, Grasshopper's Dance - Troise & His Mandoliers Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5601, 74:42 mins. Happily there do not seem to be many duplications with some other recent CDs in a similar vein, and with a generous helping of 24 tracks admirers of this kind of genteel light music should not hesitate to add this latest offering to their collection. Peter Dempsey has made an interesting selection, and his informative booklet notes add to the enjoyment. David Ades

LIGHT FANTASTIC! – The Radio Light Orchestra / Lieutenant Colonel John Ware Alford - On the Quarter Deck; Anderson - Blue Tango; Lewis - Autumn Love/Great Western Railway; Farnon -Westminster Waltz; Lai - A Man and a Woman; Vintner – Screwball; Jenkins - Happy Times/Trumpet Concertino (moderato); Richardson - Beachcomber; Hope - Jaunting Car (The Ring of Kerry Suite); Buttall - Autumn Embers/The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Orchestral! Duncan - Tomboy; Sullivan -Selection: The Pirates of Penzance (53:00) CLOVELLY CLCD13805. Available from: Clovelly Recordings Ltd., 1The Old Cannery, Hengist Road, Deal, Kent CT14 6WY Tel/Fax 01304 239356.www.clovellyrecordings.com The Radio Light Orchestra was established in 1999 in the West Country by ex Royal Marines musicians who make up approxiamately half of the players on this new Clovelly release. Despite the fact that the BBC are apparently so ill informed or out of touch with the current music scene that they continue to peddle the line that there is very little demand for light music, this newly established Light Orchestra has been compelled to move to ever larger venues as their fame spreads and demand grows. It’s most recent appearances have been at Plymouth Guildhall attracting audiences of over 600 people! The Orchestra numbers some 38 members - roughly the size I would guess of the old BBC West of England Light Orchestra, and their conductor is a former Principal Director of Music of the Royal Marines.The programme is nicely varied and whilst some of the titles will be very familiar to readers of JIM, there are one or two surprises which makes this disc a valuable new addition to Light Music discography. Paul Lewis is represented by two items: Autumn Love, the theme from a TV sitcom which starred Jimmy Jewel and his Great Western Railway,inspired by all those picturesque West Country branch lines which conveyed happy holidaymakers to their seaside resorts. Gilbert Vintner’s piece Screwball was conceived as a virtuosi xylophone solo and it is played with great dexterity by Kathryn Northcott, whilst particularly valuable is the inclusion of Trevor Duncan’s Tomboy, which is not otherwise available as far as I’m aware in an equivalent modern recording. Clive Jenkins, a Devon composer who has written many works for solo instrument and orchestra is featured by a cameo piece Happy Times, and by the second movement of hisTrumpet Concertino, which makes a positive impression - particularly when it is as well played as it is here by Andy Stark. Philip Buttell, another Devon composer arranged a rapidly moving ‘quickfire skit on a number of well known tunes as his The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Orchestral, somewhat reminiscent of Kenneth Alford’s Musical Switches. A nice touch and a refreshingly change is a good old fashioned extended selection rather than the far more usual Overture from The Pirates of Penzance, and rest assured that the strings of the RLO cope well enough with Blue Tango and ‘The Guvnor’s‘Westminster Waltz. This is a promising and impressive CD debut from this recently formed ensembe, and its not exactly everyday that a new Light Concert Orchestra appears ‘on the block’, so despite somewhat modest running time they should be given every encouragement from all who support the cause of Light Music. The well detailed, spacious recording was made at Alford Hall, Torpoint, Cornwall. More, gentlemen, please! Roger Hyslop

THE VERY BEST OF REGINALD DIXON 2-CD collection featuring many medleys and selections, plus individual numbers such as Tiger Rag, Twelfth Street Rag, Canadian Capers, Espana Waltz, La Paloma and Czardas. EMI Gold 094635599725. It seems incredible that Reginald Dixon died over 20 years ago, so this fine tribute is perhaps long overdue. Tim Wills has made a good choice from Reg’s EMI LPs from the era of the 1950s to 1970s when music at the English seaside resort of Blackpool simply meant Reg Dixon. "Mr. Blackpool" became a legend in his own lifetime, and the CD booklet contains many nostalgic photos. David Ades

THESE FOOLISH THINGS – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Includes songs by Mack Gordon, Al Hoffman, Buddy DeSylva, Cole Porter, Brooke Bowman, Harry Warren, Rod Thomas and Jack Strachey, incidental music by Ian Lynn. Vocals by Brian Lawrance, Jack Evetts, Anne Lenner, Cathi Ogden, Pete Zorn, Clare Teal, Judith Owen. (57.00) Sony BMG 82876803782. This disc is a selection of music from the film, which mixes original dance band recordings with newly composed incidental music. The vintage recordings are great, but Ian Lynn’s underscore is trashy and makes no attempt to be in keeping with the period. The final track, Strachey’s beautiful song These Foolish Things is heard in a most unattractive arrangement in which the original harmonies have been simplified and ruined. Peter Edwards

 

FÈTE AU VILLAGE SICILIEN ET NAPOLITAIN France Marianne Melodie 061591 – 49 tracks.This latest 2-CD compilation from Pierre-Marcel Ondher, the foremost authority on vintage light music in France, explores the fascinating repertoire from southern Italy and Sicily. The majority of the recordings come from the first half of the 1950s, but there are generous helpings also from the 1930s and 1940s. There are tarantellas, mazurkas, polkas and waltzes galore, and all tracks have detailed information regarding the recordings. PMO has written the comprehensive booklet notes in French, but English-only readers will be glad to know that Ralph Harvey has contributed some paragraphs in English. Many RFS members have purchased previous collections from this team, and they can be confident that the usual blend of the tuneful, and unexpected, is here in plenty. David Ades This 2-CD set is available to special order from the RFS record Service.

SALONORCHESTER SCHWANEN Conducted by GEORG HUBER Salon Orchestra Favourites Vol. 4 GERMAN HIT SONGS OF THE 1930s, featuring music by Gerhard Winkler, Peter Kreuder and Werner Richard Heymann. The fact that this series has now reached volume 4 is ample proof that there is a healthy demand for this kind of music. Vocals are provided by Annette Postel (in German, of course!) although a few items are purely orchestral. The orchestra performs with obvious enthusiasm, and those of you who purchased the first three volumes are sure to want this one as well. David Ades All Naxos and Marco Polo CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

 

Recent re-releases of classic LP recordings, compiled by Wilfred Askew…

ANDRE KOSTELANETZ (Original Columbia recordings)

Murder on the Orient Express (1975) + Never Can Say Goodbye (1975) Including: Root Beer Rag, Tenderly, Love’s Theme, Stardust, My Own Best Friend, Violets & Silverbells, Maiysha, It’s a Paper Moon. (64:38) Collectable COL-CD-7811.

Wonderland of Sound: Broadway’s Greatest Hits (1962) + Plays Hits of Funny, Finian’s Rainbow & Star! (1969) Including: I believe in You, Tonight, Till there was You, The Rain in Spain, My Favourite Things, My Ship, Funny Girl, My Man. (57:04) Collectables COL-CD-7813.

The Lure of France (1957) + The Lure of Paradise (1959) Including: Mimi, April in Paris, Pizzicato Polka, Reverie, Kalua, Sweet Leilani, Lotus Land, We Kiss in a Shadow. (75:29). Collectables COL-CD-7814

LES BAXTER – The Fruits of Dreams: Ports of Pleasure (1957) + The Sacred Idol (1960) (Original Capitol recordings) Including: City of Veils, Monkey Dance of Bali, Pearls of Ceylon, The Gates of Annam, Fruit of Dreams, Aquaducts, Temple of Gold, Pyramid of the Sun. (70:49) Cherry Red ACMEM57CD.

THE JOHNNY MAN SINGERS – Sixties Man (Original Liberty recordings) Including: The Girl from Ipanema, Snow, Call Me, Cherish, Mrs Robinson, Daydream, Goldfinger, A Taste of Honey. (60:01) Cherry Red ACMEM53CD.

SAMMY KAYE – Midnight Serenade (1959) + Ballroom Date (1960) (Original Columbia recordings) Including: I’ll See You in My Dreams, It Had to be You, I’ll Get By, The Very Thought of You, Baby Face, Blue Prelude, Temptation, Tea for Two. (63:22) Collectables COL-CD-7698.

THE FRANK CHACKSFIELD ORCHESTRA – I Could Have Danced All Night. Including: Wouldn’t it be Lovely, Carousel Waltz, Shall We Dance, On the Street Where You Live, Hello Young Lovers, Stranger in Paradise, Ascot Gavotte, Moon River. (49:23) Start Entertainment Parade PAR 2088

PERCY FAITH – The Oscar: Soundtrack music. Collectables COL-CD-7815

LAWRENCE WELK & HIS CHAMPAGNE MUSIC – Bubbling Over (original mono recordings 1938-1954. Including: Bubbles in the Wine, Two Sleepy People, Maria Elena, Sweethearts or Strangers, Shenandoah Waltz, Moonlight Bay, Ivory Rag, Oh Happy Day. (77:19) Sanctuary Living Era CDAJA 5552.

Finally we have a batch of late April releases from Mike Dutton’s Vocalion label…..

WERNER MÜLLER "ON THE MOVE & THE LATIN SPLENDOUR OF..." ON THE MOVE PFS 4029 (1964) STEREO Istanbul (Kennedy; Simon); American patrol (Meacham arr. Forster); In Hamburg sind die Nächste lang (Bette); Brazil (Barroso; James; Pepper); Arrivederci Roma (Rascel); Mustapha (Assam; Barclay); South of the border (Kennedy; Carr); Vaya con Dios (Russell; James; Pepper); Calcutta (Gaze); A foggy day in London Town (G & I Gershwin); April in Portugal (Kennedy; Ferrao); I love Paris (Porter); Sayonara (Yoshida; Morgan arr. Forster); España (Chabrier; arr. Flor) THE LATIN SPLENDOR OF… PFS 4199 (1970) STEREO Delicado (Azevedo; Lawrence); Perfidia (Dominguez); Pepito (Truscott; Taylor); Yours (Gamse; Sherr; Roig; Rodriguez); Eso es el amor (Iglesias; Elgos; Skylar); Mambo jambo (Prado; Karl; Towne); Frenesie (Dominguez; Charles; Russell); El Cumbanchero (Hernandez); Solamente una vez (You belong to my heart) (Lara); Cumana (Allen; Spina; Hillman); Amor, amor (Ruiz; Mendez; Skylar); A Banda (De Hollanda) TELDEC ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4303.

EDMUNDO ROS "ARRIBA! & BONGOS FROM THE SOUTH" ARRIBA! PFS 4092 (1966) STEREO In a little Spanish town (Wayne; Lewis; Young); Siboney (Lecuona; Morse); The laughing samba (Rizzo; Johnson; Meroff; Spear); Get me to the church on time (Loewe; Lerner); Hello, Dolly! (Herman); Oye negra (Morales; Camacho); Holiday for strings (Rose); Corcovado (Dunn; Rixner); Heartaches (Hoffman; Klenner); From Russia with love (Bart); Al di la (Donida; Mogol; Drake); If you love me (Monnot) BONGOS FROM THE SOUTH PFS 34010 (1962) STEREO Deep in the heart of Texas (Hershey; Swander); Lisbon Antigua (Portela; Galhardo; da Vale); Lady of Spain (Evans; Reaves; Damerell); La comparsa (Lecuona); My old Kentucky home (Foster arr. Ros; Hanmer); Brasil (Russell; Barroso); When the saints go marching in (Trad arr. Ros; Hanmer); Moon over Miami (Burke; Leslie); Roses from the South (Strauss arr. Ros; Hanmer); Taboo (Lecuona; Stillman); In a little Spanish town (Wayne; Lewis; Young); El Cumbanchero (Hernandez) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4313.

MANTOVANI "THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE & STOP THE WORLD... & OLIVER!" THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE SKL 5216 (1975) STEREO The greatest gift (Mancini; David); The old fashioned way (Garvarentz; Aznavour; Kasha; Hirshorn); Si (Go before you break my heart) (Pilat; Panzeri; Conti; Pace; Newell); Solitude (De Lange; Mills; Ellington); Sing (Raposo); Cool summer evening (Mantovani); What are you doing the rest of your life? (A & M Bergman; Legrand); The day of the locust (Barry); The entertainer (Joplin; arr. Shaw); Send in the clowns (Sondheim); Love song ‘The Freak’ (Chaplin); She (Aznavour; Kretzmer) STOP THE WORLD I WANT TO GET OFF & OLIVER! PS 270 (1962) STEREO OLIVER! (Bart) I’d do anything; You’ve got to pick a pocket or two; Consider yourself; Where is love?; Oom-pah-pah; Reviewing the situation; Oliver; Who will buy?; As long as he needs me STOP THE WORLD (Bricusse; Newley) Lumbered; Someone nice like you; Meilinki Meilchick; Once in a lifetime; Gonna build a mountain; I wanna be rich; What kind of fool am I?DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4324.

FRANK CHACKSFIELD "VINTAGE ’52 & GREAT COUNTRY AND WESTERN HITS" VINTAGE ’52 PFS 4413 (1977) STEREO Cry (Kohlman; Churchill); (I wonder why) You’re just in love (Berlin); (Ah, the apple tree) When the world was young (Gerard; Vannier; Mercer; Colpet); Lullaby of Birdland (Shearing; Forster); Kiss of fire (Villoldo; Allen; Hill); Wheel of fortune (Benjamin; Weiss) with Kenny Baker (solo trumpet); High noon (Do not forsake me) (Tiomkin; Washington); No two people (Loesser); Under Paris skies (Giraud; Gannon; Drejac); Aufwiederseh’n Sweatheart (Storch; Sexton; Turner) GREAT COUNTRY AND WESTERN HITS PFS 4080 (1966) STEREO with chorus I walk the line (Cash); I can’t stop loving you (Gibson); Sixteen tons (Travis); Anytime (Williams; Jordan); Lovesick blues (Mills; Friend); Don’t let the stars get in your eyes (Willet); El Paso (Robbins); Cold, cold heart (Williams); Jambalaya (Williams; Feltz); Your cheatin’ heart (Williams); Half as much (Williams); Walking the floor over you (Tubb) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4325.

RONNIE ALDRICH "LOVE STORY & THE WAY WE WERE" LOVE STORY PFS 4222 (1971) STEREO It’s Impossible (Manzanero); (I Never Promised You) A Rose Garden (South); My Sweet Lord (Harrison); Mr Bojangles (Walker); Woodstock (Mitchell); I Think I Love You (Romeo); Amazing Grace (Trad arr. Aldrich); What Is Life (Harrison); Theme from "Love Story" (Lai; Sigman); Candida (Wine; Levine); El Condor Pasa (Robles arr. Milchberg); Togetherness (Aldrich) THE WAY WE WERE PFS 4300 (1974) STEREO Love’s Theme (White); The Way We Were (Hamlisch; Bergman); Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress) (Laurie); I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song (Croce); Top Of The World (Bettis; Carpentier); Have You Heard (Pinder); Last Time I Saw Him (Masser; Sawyer); What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Bergman; Legrand); Vado Via (Riccardi; Albertelli); Wave (Jobim); Happiness Is Me And You (O’Sullivan); Dark Lady (Durrill) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4331.

GUY LOMBARDO "LOMBARDO GOES LATIN & BELLS ARE RINGING" LOMBARDO GOES LATIN ST 1191 (1960) STEREO Cha Cha Cacciatore (Bergman); Ti-Pi-Tin (Grever; Leveen); Besame Mucho (Velasquez); Venezuela (Coleman; Corenzo); Glow Worm (Lincke; Larry arr Owens); Frenesi (Dominguez; Whitcup); Perfidia (Dominguez; Leeds); Cecilia (Dreyer; Herman); The Breeze And I (Lecuona; Stillman); Dinah (Akst; Lewis; Young); A Una Ola (Grever; Dole); Green Eyes (Menendez; Rivera; Utrera; Woods) BELLS ARE RINGING ST 1453 (1961) STEREO Just In Time (Comden; Styne; Green); Do It Yourself (Comden; Styne; Green); It’s A Perfect Relationship (Comden; Styne; Green); Drop That Name (Comden; Styne; Green); I Met A Girl (Comden; Styne; Green); Mu-Cha-Cha (Comden; Styne; Green); Better Than A Dream (Comden; Styne; Green); The Midas Touch (Comden; Styne; Green); Bells Are Ringing (Comden; Styne; Green); The Party’s Over (Comden; Styne; Green); I’m Going Back (Comden; Styne; Green) CAPITOL ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4333.

CARROLL GIBBONS & HIS BOYFRIENDS VOLUME 3 "Life of the party": Introducing; Life of the party; Roses in December; Damsel in distress: Nice work if you can get it; A foggy day; Things are looking up; Double or nothing: Introducing; It’s the natural thing to do; Moon got in my eyes; Smarty; Mr Dodd takes the air: Introducing; Am I in love; Remember me; Carroll Gibbons looks back - Part 1: Introducing; Margie; Whispering; Some of these days; Carroll Gibbons looks back – Part 2: Introducing; Chinatown; My sweetie went away; I ain’t got nobody; Remember? - Part 1: Introducing; You forgot to remember; My heart stood still; I’ll see you again; Remember? - Part 2: Introducing; My blue heaven; Can’t help lovin’ that man; This year’s kisses; That certain age: Introducing; You’re as pretty as a picture; My own; Be a good scout; The gay imposters: Introducing; I wanna go back to Bali; Day dreaming; The Latin quarter; East side of heaven - Part 1: Introducing; Sing a song of sunbeams; That sly old gentleman; East side of heaven - Part 2: East side of heaven; Hang your heart on a hickory limb; What have we got to lose (Heigh ho, lack-a-day); Shuffle off to Buffalo; Stars fell on Alabama; Judy; Let me give my happiness to you; Three wishes; Sleepytime down South; Life is just a bowl of cherries; Black coffee; With thee I swing; If it’s the last thing I do; You can’t have everything - film selection: Introducing; The loveliness of you; Afraid to dream; Please pardon us, we’re in love. Vocalion CDEA 6113.

JACK HYLTON VOLUME 5 • THE DECCA YEARS • "THE LAST ROUND-UP" Nevertheless (I’m in love with you); You’re my decline and fall; Me; I don’t know why; Just once for all time; When the music is playing; Today, I feel so happy; Just friends; Ever since I kissed her on the Volga; Dream sweetheart; You’re taking a chance with me; The flies crawled up the window; I want to cling to Ivy; A bungalow, a piccolo and you; Underneath the arches; Wrap your arms around me; Masquerade; St Louis Blues; Hylton stomp; Love is the sweetest thing; Shadow waltz; We’re in the money; After you; It’s the talk of the town; The last round-up; T’ain’t Vocalists: Pat O’Malley, Eric Breeze, Billy Munn. Vocalion CDEA 6115.

KEN MACKINTOSH, HIS SAXOPHONE & HIS ORCHESTRA "OFF-SHORE" Kiss me again; The man I love; I’ll be around; Plink, plank, plonk; Harlem nocturne; It ain’t necessarily so; Stop! Sit down! Relax! Think!; Strange music; The haunted ballroom; The glow worm; Crew cut; Plymouth sound; The creep; Istanbul; Theme from film ‘Front Page Story’; Off shore; Edwardian; The monster; Air express; Riot in cell block 11; Black velvet; Shifting sands; The very thought of you; Oh my papa; Creeping Tom; Lovers in the dark; That Old Feeling Vocalists: The Mackpies, The Peter Knight Singers. Vocalion CDEA 6116.

KATHY KIRBY "MORE RARITIES & LIPGLOSS!" DECCA SINGLES 1962-66 Big man (Westlake); Who Knows** (Scott; Martin); Playboy (Westlake; Gregory); Too bad for Johnny* (Shuman; Carr); Someone to watch over me (G & I Gershwin); I’ll get by (Ahlert; Turk); Can’t help lovin’ that man (Kern; Hammerstein; Wodehouse); The man I love (G & I Gershwin); I can’t give you anything but love (Mchugh; Fields); Who’s sorry now (Snyder; Kalmar; Ruby); Acapulco 1922 (Allan; Talmy); No regrets (Dumont; Vaucaire; David); Shangri – la (Malneck; Maxwell; Sigman); You’re the answer to everything (Glanzberg); Reach out for me (Bacharach; David); That old feeling (Brown; Fain); Things I want to hear** (unknown); The way of love (Dieval; Stillman); Where in the world (Dunstall); Body and Soul (Green; Sour; Heyman; Eyton); Get Happy (Arlen; Koehler); My Man (Yvain; Charles; Pollock; Willemetz); Till the end of time (Kaye; Mossman); Spanish Flea (Wechter; Stellman)**Unreleased tracks *US release only DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4292.

CATERINA VALENTE WITH SILVIO FRANCESCO DEUTSCHE EVERGREENS SLK 16189-P (1961) STEREO Sing mit mir (Grothe; Dehmel); Kuß mich, bitte, bitte, kuß mich (Carste; Richter); Es war einmal eine Liebe (Jack; Balz); Fur eine Nacht voller Seligkeit (Kreuder; Schwenn); Die kleine Stadt will schlafen gehn (Bochmann; Bergner); Wer ist hier jung, wer hat hier Schwung? (Bochmann; Schulz; Gellen); Ich weiß, es wird einmal ein Wunder geschehn (Jary; Balz); Ganz leise kommt die Nacht (Grothe; Dehmel); Haben Sie schon mal im Dunkeln geküßt? (Jary; Beckmann; v. Pinelli); Kauf dir einen bunten Lutfballoon (v. Pinelli); Musik! Musik! Musik! (Kreuder; Beckman); Sag beim Abschied leise "Servus" (Kreuder; Lengsfelder; Hilm) WENN ES NACHT WIRD IN DEN STÄDTEN ND 625 (1965) STEREO Wenn es Nacht wird in den Städten (Peeters); Wer war der Mann neben dir (Peeters); Paris – C’est très chique (Peeters); San Francisco – Sailor’s Nightclub in Golden Frisco (Scharfenberger); Wien – Charly, zünd die Kerzen an (Galatis); London – In allen Kneipen von Soho (Phillips); Der Abend wird schön (Scharfenberger); New York – Blauer Asphalt (Scharfenberger); Berlin – Julius, ach Julius (Galatis); Rom – Schöne schwarze Rose (Scharfenberger); Mexico City – Mexikanischer Wein (Peeters); Wenn es Nacht wird in den Städten – Finale (Peeters) TELDEC ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4305.

JESS CONRAD "JESS FOR YOU & DECCA SINGLES COMPILATION" JESS FOR YOU LK 4390 1961 Walk away (Kaufman; Anthony); Why am I living (Slavin; Gail); That’s my weakness now (Greene; Stept); You too (Crompton; Sutherland); Rag doll (Pomus; Shuman); Cherry pie (Josea; Taub); (I Wanna) love my life away (Pitney); Little ship (Pomus; Shuman); An angel cries (Davis; Edwards); It tears me all to pieces (Pomus; Shuman; Sair); Out of luck (Gluck Jnr.); Mystery girl (Peacock) PLUS DECCA SINGLES COMPILATION DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4326.

ANTHONY NEWLEY "TONY & NEWLEY DELIVERED" TONY LK 4406 (1961) STEREO Yes! We have no bananas (Silver; Cohn); You’re free (Landesman; Wilder); I was never kissed before (Ellis); Drink to me only with thine eyes (arr. Hackney); All or nothing at all (Lawrence; Altman); Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag (Powell; Asaf); Pop goes the weasel (arr. Hackney); Who can say (Salvador); Bye bye blackbird (Dixon; Henderson); I should care (Cahn; Stordahl; Weston); Basin Street blues (Williams; Plante); By myself (Dietz; Schwartz) NEWLEY DELIVERED LK 4654 (1965) What kind of fool am I (Bricusse; Newley); I saw her standing there (Lennon; Mc- Cartney); You made me love you (Monaco; Mc Carthy); I guess it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy (Anthony; Mann); Young only yesterday (Perper); Pop goes the weasel (arr. Hackney); And the heavens cried (Elias; Reid); Girls were made to love and kiss (Léhar; Herbert); Addio addio (Modugno; Migliacci; Sigman); Deep river (Trad. arr. Keating; Newley); There’s no such thing as love (Fraser; Hackney); Letters to my love (Moutet; Newley); Strawberry Fair (Sharp; Baring-Gould; adapt. Clapton); You are too beautiful (Rodgers; Hart); What now my love (Becaud; Sigman); I don’t want to set the world on fire (Marcus; Benjeman; Durham; Seiler) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4327.

GORDON MACRAE VOLUME 2 • "STRANGER IN PARADISE" Two-faced heart; Oh! Oh! Oh! Ophelia; This is heaven to me; River of smoke; I’m yours to command; I’ll buy you a star; Ol’ Man River; On a Sunday at Coney Island; Cuban love song; Last night when we were young; Down the old ox road; Cuddle up a little closer; Baby Doll; Be my guest; Laughing at love; These things shall pass; Gentle hands; Blame it on my youth; There’s a lull in my life; How do you speak to an angel; Congratulations to someone; C’est magnifique; Homin’ time; Stranger in Paradise; Never in a million years; I don’t want to walk without you; High on a windy hill; Soothe my lonely heart Orchestras: Paul Weston’s Dixie Eight, Orchestra conducted by Carmen Dragon, Orchestra conducted by Carlyle Hall, Orchestra conducted by Van Alexander, Orchestra conducted by Frank De Vol, Orchestra conducted by Axel Stordahl Vocalion CDUS 3035.

LIGHT MUSIC CLASSICS "FINGER BUSTIN’" SIDNEY TORCH, CHARLES WILLIAMS, ROBERT FARNON, CAMARATA, PETER YORKE, ERIC COATES, AMBROSE Charmaine; The Horse Guards - Whitehall (signature tune of radio show "Down Your Way"); Coronation Scot (signature tune of radio detective series "Paul Temple"); Dance of an ostracised imp; Shooting star (signature tune of TV arts feature "Kaleidoscope"); Ring around the moon; Shopping centre; Jumping bean; Portrait of a flirt; The runaway rocking horse; Jazz legato; Jazz pizzicato; Fingerbustin’ Rhapsody for saxophone; London suite; London suite again Vocalion CDVS 1946. This is a budget release which, hopefully, will serve to introduce some people to the pleasures of Light Music and encourage them to investigate the available repertoire more fully. RFS members probably have all these pieces in their collections, although they may welcome the opportunity to hear some of these pieces again in new digital restorations.

LES BROWN "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" Leap frog; Out of nowhere; Daybreak serenade; I’ve got my love to keep me warm; I’m a-telling you, Sam; High on a windy trumpet; Lover’s leap; Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief; Day by Day; Jumpy Stumpy; Sentimental Rhapsody; Dardanella; Triskaidekaphobia (Tris-ky-dec-a-fobia); There’s good blues tonight; A foggy day (in London town); Drifting and dreaming; Beware my heart; Floatin’; I bring you Spring; Blue moon; Green eyes; Deep purple; Sentimental journey; Taking a chance on love Vocalists: "Stumpy" Brown, Butch Stone, Doris Day, Eileen Wilson, Jack Haskell Vocalion CDVS 1947.

KEEPING TRACK

Dateline June 2006

The GUILD series has undoubtedly been an unprecedented success – and still they keep coming, thick and fast!! These five releases cover a very wide timescale and a huge range of different musical styles.

SAY IT WITH MUSIC is the subtitle – taken from the name of the first track – of VOLUME III OF THE 1950s, and spans the years 1952-1955 [GLCD5119]. It follows the established format of combining the well-known with the less-familiar, and features mainly commercial recordings, interspersed with just a few from publishers’ libraries. In addition to works by some of the Great American Songbook composers such as Berlin, Kern, Rodgers and Schwartz, we encounter a number of British, European and American writers, who achieved fame (and hopefully fortune) with their purely orchestral compositions included here. Although some of the titles may not immediately spring to mind, many of the tracks would have been regularly heard on radio broadcasts, certainly those of the BBC. As I have remarked before, there is a definite difference in style and character between Light Music of the mid- to late-’40s on the one hand, and the early-’50s on the other; although this may not have been very obvious at the time, it becomes much more so with the benefit of hindsight, particularly when listening to this very enjoyable new collection.

The next CD marks a significant change in direction for the GUILD series [GLCD5120]. THE HALL OF FAME – VOLUME I – on its own admission – is aimed at newcomers to the World of Light Music, whilst still intending to appeal to established collectors, who are promised some surprises amongst the familiar items. Although a number of the titles may have already appeared elsewhere on CDs, the opportunity has been taken to carry out completely new digital restorations from the original 78s; this is claimed to offer improvements over releases from the late 1990s, due to the more advanced processing technology now available. There is a wide range of musical styles, resulting in a very varied programme – Percy Fletcher’s My Love To You in a 1930s performance by the Reginald King Orchestra, and Nöel Coward’s Mad About The Boy in an André Kostelanetz arrangement from 1955, represent the two extreme time-points. An innovation is the Featured Composer, in this case Clive Richardson, who takes pride of place with three of his popular pieces in recordings dating from 1945-47. Although David Ades’ biographical notes state that Richardson ‘first trained as a doctor’, this is not strictly true; in an exact parallel with Charles Shadwell, he started studying medicine, but soon gave it up in favour of a musical career and certainly never qualified as a physician. All-in-all, a well thought-out programme which happily ‘kept me company’ during a recent long car journey!

For many years, Haydn Wood has been much overshadowed by his contemporary (and rival?), Eric Coates. This is more than a little unfair; Wood was a highly inventive and versatile composer, and his works encompassed a wider range of genres and styles than those of Coates, who tended to keep to a very few well-trodden paths. Whilst most of the items on JOYOUSNESS – THE MUSIC OF HAYDN WOOD [GLCD5121] will not only be familiar but are likely to be in many collections, this is undoubtedly a very worthwhile addition to the GUILD series. It was inspirational to include the Peter Yorke/ Freddy Gardner recording of Roses Of Picardy, together with Wood’s orchestration of Charles Marshall’s I Hear You Calling Me; other highlights are Seville, Bird Of Love Divine, and the Homage March. It is pleasing that Haydn Wood’s music is now getting its due recognition, and the appearance of this new CD can only assist in that regard.

BRITISH CINEMA AND THEATRE ORCHESTRAS – VOLUME II [GLCD5122] covers the years 1927-39; once again, we are presented with a mixture of the very familiar and the almost unknown – but immediately enjoyable! Amongst the conductors, the names of (Arthur) Anton with organist Al Bonnington, Richard Crean, Joseph Muscant and Frank Tours are prominently featured; judging by the number of recordings that they made (some of which have appeared on previous GUILD CDs) they must have achieved great popularity in their day.The programme opens with what is probably the fastest-ever recorded performance of Buccalossi’s Grasshoppers Dance - I am tempted to wonder just what sort of ‘grass’ these particular hoppers were ‘on’!! Although the composer of theEspaña Waltz is credited as Emmanuel Chabrier, the piece here is really a slightly abridged arrangement of Emil Waldteufel’s famous version of the original Chabrier work Rhapsody – España. There seems to be an increasing interest in music of this type (no doubt helped by Volume I -GUILD 5108) and this new CD will certainly appeal to all those who enjoy Light Music of the pre-WWII era.

And so to the final new arrival – GREAT LIGHT ORCHESTRAS SALUTE THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS [GLCD5123]. This is another departure from the usual GUILD format and the booklet notes state that it is the first such SALUTE, the implication being that there will be more to follow. Although the works of Rodgers and his collaborators have been much-recorded, this must surely be the first time that such a diverse collection has appeared on CD in purely orchestral guise, performed by so many different ensembles and conductors. This composer wrote little else but Theatre and Film music, and every track is taken from a show, with the recordings dating from 1949-55. By that time Rodgers (in partnership with Oscar Hammerstein) was arguably at the height of his popularity, although the Rodgers and Hart compositions actually date from much earlier. Considering that most of these pieces were originally conceived as songs with lyrics, they have been very successfully transformed into their new format. In this connection, it is good to report that the names of arrangers are included in the booklet notes where appropriate; too often they are the unsung heroes, without whose talents performances like these could never have happened! This is another enjoyable addition to the series and it would be interesting to know which other composers are destined to appear in future SALUTES – as always, watch this space. Tony Clayden

If any readers would like to know the full contents of these Guild CDs, they were listed in our last issue, starting on page 62. All Guild CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

THE BBC RADIO 4 UK THEME – Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland. The moment it was announced that the medley of British folk tunes which has started the day on Radio 4 for the past 33 years was to be scrapped, producer Herbie Flowers arranged for the music to be recorded and released as a single, the ‘B’ side of which is Ronald Binge’s Sailing By. The disc is available for £1.99 in the shops, or 78p per track to download from the internet; proceeds are going to the Light Music Society. The performance here is fresh and solidly assured - quite superior to the original recording broadcast on the radio! Isn’t it fascinating how we don’t tend to appreciate something until we’ve lost it? Perhaps a small but significant event like this will help raise the profile of light orchestral music. The Radio 4 Theme single has no catalogue number - but is available in the UK from Asda, HMV, Tesco, Virgin and Woolworths or at the web address www.savetheradio4theme.co.uk Peter Edwards

IN THE LOUNGE WITH GARY WILLIAMS & HIS MUSICIANS Music to Watch Girls By (Velona; Ramin); Sweet Lorraine (Parish; Burwell); I Thought About You (Mercer; Van Heusen); A Swingin’ Affair (Myers; Cass); I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (Fields; McHugh); I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning (Berlin); Lover Come Back to Me (Hammerstein; Romberg); Fly Me to the Moon (Howard); I’m Glad There Is You (Madeira; Dorsey); Baubles, Bangles and Beads (Wright; Forrest); Call Me (Otis; Hendricks); All That Jazz (Carter; Stillman); Change Partners (Berlin); Let’s Get Lost (Loesser); Let There Be Love (Grant; Rand); Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries (De Sylva; Brown; Henderson); As Long as I’m Singing (Darin) Arrangements by Andrew Cottee and Richard Rodney Bennett Recorded at Abbey Road Studio No.3, London, February 2006 Vocalion CDSA 6814. One could describe this collection as ‘cocktail’ or ‘late night’ music, but that would imply that it should be enjoyed while doing something else – possibly more interesting. But that is not the case! Gary’s approach to his lyrics, and his empathy with his musicians demand your full attention, and his choice of numbers confirms what a wonderful period in history the last century was for high quality popular songs. Being the supreme professional that he is, Gary occasionally surprises by slipping in a verse that others have not treated us to previously. The general tone of the album is up-tempo, and the fine musicians performing the great arrangements created specially for Gary include Graham Harvey (piano), Dave Chamberlain (bass), Matt Skelton (drums), Martin Kershaw (guitar), Andrew Cottee (vibes) and Luke Annesley on reeds and flute. If I have one minor criticism it concerns the almost unreadable printing in part of the booklet – but that is the fault of the printers, not the musicians! Gary Williams simply gets better all the time – a great CD. David Ades All Dutton Vocalion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

LONDON LIGHTS – Streamline (Palace Theatre 1934) New Mayfair Orchestra / Ray Noble; Going Greek (Gaiety 1937) Debroy Somers; Stop Press (Adelphi 1935) New Mayfair Orchestra / Percival Mackey; Seeing Stars (Gaiety 1935)  Debroy Somers; The Little Dog Laughed (Palladium 1939) London Palladium Orchestra / Clifford Greenwood; Operette (His Majesty’s 1938) His Majesty’s Theatre Orchestra / Ben Frankel; Slipping round the corner (from The Good Companions, His Majesty’s 1931) Debroy Somers; On the outside looking in (from The Little Dog Laughed, Palladium 1939) George Scott Wood and his Six Swingers; I’m on a see-saw (from Jill Darling, Saville 1934) Billy Cotton; You’re the top (from Anything Goes, Palace 1935) Jack Hylton;Mad about the boy (from Words & Music, Adelphi 1932) Savoy Hotel Orpheans; After you, who?(from The Gay Divorce, Palace 1933) Henry Hall; Sitting beside ‘o you / What are you going to do?(from Yes Madam? London Hippodrome 1934) George Scott Wood. Evergreen Melodies CL07. Available from: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at  Credit cards accepted. Price £9.95. Most of the 2,000 musicals which have graced the West End stage since Gilbert and Sullivan have been forgotten so this CD of original orchestras playing the original lively music – complementing the book "London Lights" - is a welcome addition to the Evergreen Melodies catalogue which now boasts almost 150 titles. The first six tracks are tuneful compilations of the complete musical and have never before been released on CD. The other seven tracks are melodic foot tapping singles, all adding up to a delightful light music CD with a swing in the step. Edmund Whitehouse

TEST CARD MUSIC Volume 10 Organ Grinder (Frederick Less), Hora (Ilja Genic), Girline (Less), Scaramuccia (Paul Rolke), Nikolashka (Rudolf Maluck), Pizzi Pizzi (L. Rey), Goodnight Madamoiselle ((Armand Bernard), Countrywise (James Turner), Lonely Journey (Alan Perry – real name Ernest Tomlinson), Welcome Waikiki (Laiser & Laube), Honolulu (Reipsch & Ackerman), Minute for String Orchestra (Capuzzi), Hot Line (William Gardner), Bossa Nova in the Moonlight ((Geo Voumard), Polka on the Rocks (Heinz Hőtter), Five to Play (Hőtter), Shake it Down (Hans Gluck), Bavarian Ramble (Gardner), Rainbow Room (Marino & Rollefson), West One (Gardner), Goo Goo Eyes (Frank Chacksfield) and Filigree (H. Lehmann). Apollo Sound APSCD236, 56:59 minutes. Fans of this enterprising series have been waiting some while for this latest release, but their patience has finally been rewarded. And ‘rewarded’ is the right word, because Test Card Music enthusiasts will find much to delight them in this latest collection – as usual the brainchild of our good friends Heinz Herschmann and Chris Churcher. With the exception of the two Heinz Hőtter numbers from Bosworth & Co., all the tracks are from Mozart Edition GB Ltd. The Orchestra Raphaele is featured on no less than eight tracks, and it is good to hear the fine Cologne Studio Orchestra. There are plenty of pleasant, relaxed light orchestral sounds among the more up-tempo numbers, and I personally think that this is one of the best selections among Apollo Sounds’ recent releases. You can’t help but feel happy when you listen to this CD! David Ades All Apollo Sound CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

PAUL MAURIAT "Le Couturier Musical" 3-CD collection featuring the famous French conductor, composer and arranger in his best-known works. Paul Mauriat plays his International Hits Love is Blue, Sabre Dance, Those Were The Days, New York New York, I Say a Little Prayer, Lara’s Theme, A Man and a Woman, Ebb Tide etc. [22 tracks] Paul Mauriat – Composer I Will Follow Him, Piano Star, Last Summer, Voila Voila, You, Baby [22 tracks, including vocals by Petula Clark, Caterina Valente etc.] Paul Mauriat – Arranger featuring various singers and four tracks under Mauriat’s pseudonym ‘Nico Papadopoulos’ [20 tracks] France Mercury Universal 983 230-5. This superb tribute is the creation of RFS member Serge Elhaik, and it is a beautifully produced box set which will make Mauriat’s fans very happy indeed! A glossy booklet featuring numerous photographs is bound into the box itself, and anyone with basic schoolboy French should not find it too difficult to understand most of the text. This is a high-quality product in all respects, and we send our sincere congratulations to Serge for his splendid work. David Ades This collection is available to special order through the RFS Record Service.

THE SPLENDOUR OF THE MARCH PART 1 - In Concert. The Band of HM Royal Marines School of Music / Lieutenant Colonel F. Vivian Dunn CVO OBE FRAM RM with Frederick Harvey (Baritone). Neville - Silver Bugles; Alford - Old Panama; Hall - The New Colonial; O’Reilly-Sanderson - Drake Goes West; Dodgson-Phillips - The Fishermen of England; Anderson - Bugler’s Holiday; Dunn - The Admiral’s Regiment; Farnon - Derby Day; Sousa - Manhattan Beach, Hands Across the Sea, The Invincible Eagle, The Black Horse Troop, The Pride of the Wolverines; Work - Marching Thro’ Georgia. THE SPLENDOUR OF THE MARCH PART 2 - The 1968 Royal Tournament. The Massed Bands, Corps of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets of HM Royal Marines conducted by Lieutenant Colonel F. Vivian Dunn CVO OBE FRAM RM. Display by the Royal Marines Corps Of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets; The Royal Marines Massed Bands - Marching Display & Finale/Salute and March Off. (59:00) Eastney Collection RMHSEC012. Available from: Eastney Collection, 60 Mayford Road, London SW12 8SN, telephone 0208 673 6157.www.eastneycollection.com The latest arrival from the Eastney Collection features more of Sir Vivian Dunn’s renowned recordings with the Royal Marines Band Service, while he was serving as their Principal Director of Music. The disc divides into two distinct sessions, the first and longer section is based on studio recordings with the Royal Marines School of Music Band, whilst the remainder of the disc emanates from live recordings made at the 1968 Royal Tournament featuring The Massed Bands, Corps of Drums and Fanfare Trumpets of HM Royal Marines. Considering all the obvious difficulties inherent in producing a live recording in such a vast echoing area as Earls Court, the engineers have achieved wonders and the results give the listener a compelling sense of being caught up in a great, historic and thrilling occasion. This was Sir Vivian’s last appearance at a Royal Tournament as PDM of the Royal Marines – he was subsequently to retire a few months later, and amongst the music featured in this sequence is a Kenneth Alford Medley, Cavalry of the Steppes and a stunning Sunset, played by no less than eighty buglers! The studio recordings referred to earlier consist mainly of marches and were made in the famous EMI Abbey Road Studio. Included is one of Vivian Dunn’s own superb essays in the genre, The Admiral’s Regiment, written specially for the 1964 Royal Marines Tercentenary and a quintet of marches by the American March King, John Phillip Sousa; of which The Black Horse Troop, with its simulated hoofbeats is particularly engaging. Sir Vivian was a stalwart champion throughout his life of quality light music and two fine examples of the genre are included in this compilation. Leroy Anderson’s ebullient Bugler’s Holiday, is brilliantly played by three expert Royal Marine musicians, whilst Robert Farnon’s lively Derby Day, is crisply and stylishly delivered. There is incidentally in the booklet notes, a photograph of Robert Farnon and Vivian Dunn discussing the score of A La Claire Fontaine at Deal, which the latter went on to record with the Light Music Society Orchestra and is currently available on a Vocalion CD – CDLK4182. One further strong inducement (if more were needed) to acquire this highly desirable disc is the presence on two of the tracks – Drake Goes West and The Fisherman of England, of the fine baritone voice of Frederick Harvey with its enviable clear articulation. The Eastney Collection is to be congratulated on restoring such valuable and distinguished recordings back to circulation and Brian Culverhouse, an EMI Recording Producer 1952-1972 who supervised the original recording sessions has expertly processed the digital re-mastering of these musical treasures to excellent effect. Roger Hyslop

MARCH MONTAGE – The Band and Bugles of The Light Division featuring the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association (Manchester Branch) / Major Calum Gray BA (Hons.) ARCM psm Fucik - Entry of the Gladiators; Meyerbeer/Godfrey - Les Huguenots; Mc Bain -Mechanized Infantry; Williams - Midway March; Mendelssohn – Wedding March; Texidor - Amparito Roca; Greig - Funeral March; Ganne – Marche Lorraine; Ord-Hume - The BB and CF; Alford - The Vanished Army; Sousa - The Stars and Stripes Forever; Jessell arr. Gould - The Parade of theWooden Soldiers (73:00) CHEVRON CHVCD 23. If you are somewhat daunted at the prospect of sitting through 70 minutes or so of non-stop marches, perhaps I might allay such fears by quoting the comments of the Director of Music of the Band of the Light Division, Major Calum C. Gray in the introductory notes to this CD thus – "It would be perfectly understandable, if on picking up a band recording featuring marches, your mind immediately conjures up images of a parade square replete with band, marching troops and a terrifying RSM barking out his orders. Yet as this recording wil demonstrate, the musical genre entitled ‘The March’ is incredibly diverse, capable of stirring up emotions ranging from pride and joy to tragedy and despair". This claim is amply borne out on this new release from Chevron, with a splendidly wide ranging selection representing marches from the Parade Ground, Silver Screen, Stage & Concert Platform and extending in mood from the flamboyant joyous character of the Spanish March Amparito Roca – the provenance of which now seems to be in some doubt – to the solemn heart rending strains of Grieg’s Funeral March, written as a tribute to the composer’s great friend and composer of the Norwegian National Anthem, Rikard Nordraak. Other highlights are the music from Meyerbeer’s opera Les Huguenots, heard each year at the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards and Leon Jessell’s popular Parade of the Wooden [Tin?] Soldiers - famous for its use many years ago for BBC Radio Children’s Hour ‘Toytown’ Series, in Morton Guild’s somewhat quirky arrangement. Kenneth Alford’s poignant march The Vanished Army, dates from 1918, and it is dedicated to the first 100,000 who ‘gave their all’ during the First World War. Further contrast is provided by three appearances by the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards Association, playing medleys of traditional Scottish marching tunes arranged by Major Gray. The sound is excellent, full vivid and detailed and the sessions took place in the Regimental Chapel of Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester. Interestingly, they were recorded, engineered, produced and mastered by the Royal Marines Band Service. A first class product! Roger Hyslop

EMI have recently released a further batch of ‘2 on ones’…

JULIE LONDON "Julie / Love on the Rocks" EMI 3530262.

The release of these two albums has been heavily influenced by requests from the many Julie great standards such as "Somebody Loves Me", and "Bye Bye Blackbird". "Love On The Rocks" is an album which contains outstanding tracks which include "Willow Weep For Me", "A Cottage For Sale", and "Love On The Rocks".

KAY STARR "Just Plain Country/Tears and Heartaches" EMI 3529302.

On "Just Plain Country" Kay Starr proves that even country music isn't beyond her vocal talents, zipping through the classics like "Crazy", "Walk On By", and "Singing The Blues". "Tears And Heartaches Old Records" also contains a few classic country tunes; "Make the World Go Away" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" to name but two.

AL MARTINO "We Could / Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself to Sleep" EMI 3530152. Two great Al Martino albums making their debut on CD. "We Could" is an album of ballads sung with Al Marline's unique rich Latin voice. "Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep" contains the title track as well as "Wiedersehn", "Husbands and Wives", and "You Hurt Me".

JUNE CHRISTY "The Cool School/Do Re Mi" EMI 3510172.

"The Cool School" is an album featuring familiar tunes like "When You Wish Upon A Star", and "Swinging On A Star". In contrast "Do Re Mi" is an album of songs from the Broadway show of the same name. "Cry Like The Wind", "Make Someone Happy" and "Fireworks" are the highlight tracks but the whole album swings in great style.

NANCY WILSON "From Broadway with Love/Tender Loving Care" EMI 3512832.

"From Broadway with Love" contains a dozen great classics from the Broadway show stage. This album features orchestrations which fall into three distinctive styles and as usual Nancy Wilson gives all of these songs her very own treatment. "Tender Loving Care" is an album of love songs but not all sung or orchestrated in the form of slushy ballads. Some are pure romance and love but others really swing. Billy May arranges and conducts on this album.

The Essential NANCY SINATRA Bang Bang, Sugar Town, Somethin’ Stupid, Kind of a Woman, Let Me Kiss You, You Only Live Twice, etc. (26 tracks) EMI 356 2332. If your Dad is someone like Frank Sinatra it could be said that you have a head start in life, but somehow one gets the feeling that Nancy would have made a success of her career whoever her parents had been. Her big hits are here including duets with the likes of Dad (naturally) and Lee Hazlewood. Nancy has penned her own sleeve notes, and fans will certainly want this compilation. David Ades

WIENER MUSIK – Robert Stolz conducting the Berlin and Vienna Symphony Orchestras 12-CD Box Set Sony/BMG 82876678902. In his liner notes for Guild’s ‘Buried Treasures’ album [GLCD 5118], David Ades reminds us that Robert Stolz, who lived to the grand old age of 95, was an acclaimed Austrian composer, extremely popular in his homeland, [who] went to Hollywood to escape the Nazis where he enjoyed success writing music for films such as ‘Spring Parade’ and ‘It Happened Tomorrow’. He returned to the country of his birth in 1946, and as well as being one of the major composers of the last century – he was often described as "the king of the silver operetta" – he was also a fine conductor of 19^th century Viennese dance music. At the age of nineteen he had actually met Johann Strauss Jr. – another "king": of the waltz. We have here 155 of the best tunes not only from the Strauss Family but also from Joseph Lanner, Joseph Libitzky, Joseph Gungl, Philipp Fahrbach, Franz von Suppé, Bélá Kéler, Karl Komzàk Sr, Juventino Roses, Carl Michael Ziehrer, Richard Heuberger, Franz Lehar, Julius Fučik, Leo Fall, Siegfried Translateur, Karl Komzŕk Jr, Emmerich Kálmán and Robert Stolz himself. This really is a super collection, working out at around £2.50 a disc. If, like me, you are captivated by the annual New Year’s Day Concert from the Austrian capital, or if you are just looking for a life enhancing listen, then these dozen discs [the shortest is over an hour, the longest just under 75 minutes] of this most graceful, captivating music – beautifully played and recorded – will enchant you all the year through. Peter Burt

THE TERRY CAVENDISH ORCHESTRA "All In An Afternoon’s Work" Leagueliner, Delicado, Blue Lou, Colonel Bogey, Moonglow, These Foolish Things, Tuxedo Junction, Big Noise from Winnetka, Fools Rush In, Organ Grinder’s Swing, Stay With It, When the Sun Comes Out, I’ll Be Around, 9.20 Special, Time for Change, Agotado, Monomania, Issmak, Crash Pad, Joyride, Hadrian’s Wall Vocalion CDSML 8419. These recordings first appeared in the Boosey & Hawkes Cavendish Music library, from which you will quickly realise that ‘Terry Cavendish’ is simply a made-up name! The real brain behind this fine group of British session musicians is Ray Davies who provided the arrangements and five of the compositions. The first 14 tracks come from CAV LP 9 made in 1973, featuring updated versions of well-known swing classics published by companies in the B&H group – the only exception being the first track composed by Ray. This album was subsequently released commercially by Pye. The final seven tracks are from other Cavendish albums of the same period. The top players include Alan Hawkshaw, Herbie Flowers, Denis Lopez, Alan Parker and Alf Bigden. Oliver Lomax deserves a special mention for his very interesting and informative booklet notes. David Ades

LES BAXTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS Unchained Melodies Unchained Melody, Because of You, Blue Tango, April in Portugal, Tropicana, Ruby, I Love Paris, Gigi, Cornflakes, The High and the Mighty, etc plus tracks from the suites ‘Music Out of the Moon’, ‘Perfume Set to Music’ and ‘Le Sacred u Sauvage’ Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5572, 75:40 mins. The music of Les Baxter seems to be enjoying something of a revival (another CD can be found later in this feature) and he is also featured in Guild’s second ‘Hall of Fame’. He made some nice orchestral arrangements alongside his more commercial recordings with voices, and as more of his 1950s items fall out of copyright they are likely to be made available once again. David Ades All Sanctuary Living Era CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

DANIEL SMITH (bassoon), with Martin Bejerano (piano), John Sullivan (bass), Ludwig Afonso (drums) – Bebop Bassoon. Killer Joe (Golson), Anthropology (Parker/Gillespie), Blue Monk (Monk), Sister Sadie (Silver), In a Sentimental Mood (Ellington), All Blues (Davis), Doxy (Rollins), Up Against the Wall (Coltrane), Birk’s Works (Gillespie), Sticky Wicket (Gordon) (45:11). Guild Zah Zah ZZCD9820. Daniel Smith has steadily built up a reputation as ambassador of the contemporary bassoon. He continues to amaze us by his portrayal of the instrument, making it do things we never thought bassoons were meant to do. His latest disc is original in conception and immaculate in execution. The bassoon, whilst being the novelty instrument, is one of four equal voices in the quartet; it is not over-exposed, nor are the microphones unequally balanced as can sometimes be the case with such recordings. Smith gives the bassoon a new voice, bringing out the silky smooth middle and upper register of the instrument in preference to the lower, stereotypically clownish qualities more associated with orchestral solos. The bassoon thrives in this register, perhaps putting itself into the territory of the tenor or alto saxophone; but its tone quality is quite individual. A double reed in jazz is rather special and has to be heard to be believed. Peter Edwards This Guild CD is available from the RFS Record Service.

NIGHTS OF GLADNESS In the Palm Courts of the Thirties Nights Of Gladness - Charles Ancliffe & His Orchestra, Loin Du Bal – Bijou Orchestra, Stephane Gavotte - Ferdy Kaufman & His Orchestra, Clock And The Dresden Figures - Albert Ketelbey & His Concert Orchestra, Serenade Notturno D'Amore - Rendezvous Orchestra, Sizilietta - Charles Prentice Drury Lane Theatre Orchestra, Wedding Of The Rose (Der Rose Hochzeit) - Jack Hylton & His Orchestra, Hearts And Flowers - J.H. Squire & His Celeste Octet, Monsieur Tricotin (A Sketch Of Montmarte) - Mantovani & His Tipica Orchestra, Entr'Acte Gavotte - Marek Weber & His Orchestra, Musette - Fred Hartley & His Quintet, Occhi Di Zingara - Alfredo & His Orchestra, Pierrette - Leslie Bridgewater & His Quintet, Fairies In The Moon - Joseph Nuscant & The Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra, Cuban Serenade - Albert Sandler Orchestra, Poupee Valsante (Waltzing Doll) - Orchestre Raymonde, Nola (A Silhouette) - Serge Krish & His Sextet, Poeme - Edith Lorand & Her Orchestra, Teddy Bears Picnic - Alfredo Campoli & His Salon Orchestra, Jealousy (Jalousie) - Emil Roos, & His Orchestra, Serenade Number 1 - Barnabas Von Geczy & His Orchestra, Cuckoo Waltz - New Mayfair Orchestra, Shy Serenade - New Mayfair Orchestra, Grasshopper's Dance - Troise & His Mandoliers Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5601, 74:42 mins. Happily there do not seem to be many duplications with some other recent CDs in a similar vein, and with a generous helping of 24 tracks admirers of this kind of genteel light music should not hesitate to add this latest offering to their collection. Peter Dempsey has made an interesting selection, and his informative booklet notes add to the enjoyment. David Ades

LIGHT FANTASTIC! – The Radio Light Orchestra / Lieutenant Colonel John Ware Alford - On the Quarter Deck; Anderson - Blue Tango; Lewis - Autumn Love/Great Western Railway; Farnon -Westminster Waltz; Lai - A Man and a Woman; Vintner – Screwball; Jenkins - Happy Times/Trumpet Concertino (moderato); Richardson - Beachcomber; Hope - Jaunting Car (The Ring of Kerry Suite); Buttall - Autumn Embers/The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Orchestral! Duncan - Tomboy; Sullivan -Selection: The Pirates of Penzance (53:00) CLOVELLY CLCD13805. Available from: Clovelly Recordings Ltd., 1The Old Cannery, Hengist Road, Deal, Kent CT14 6WY Tel/Fax 01304 239356.www.clovellyrecordings.com The Radio Light Orchestra was established in 1999 in the West Country by ex Royal Marines musicians who make up approxiamately half of the players on this new Clovelly release. Despite the fact that the BBC are apparently so ill informed or out of touch with the current music scene that they continue to peddle the line that there is very little demand for light music, this newly established Light Orchestra has been compelled to move to ever larger venues as their fame spreads and demand grows. It’s most recent appearances have been at Plymouth Guildhall attracting audiences of over 600 people! The Orchestra numbers some 38 members - roughly the size I would guess of the old BBC West of England Light Orchestra, and their conductor is a former Principal Director of Music of the Royal Marines.The programme is nicely varied and whilst some of the titles will be very familiar to readers of JIM, there are one or two surprises which makes this disc a valuable new addition to Light Music discography. Paul Lewis is represented by two items: Autumn Love, the theme from a TV sitcom which starred Jimmy Jewel and his Great Western Railway,inspired by all those picturesque West Country branch lines which conveyed happy holidaymakers to their seaside resorts. Gilbert Vintner’s piece Screwball was conceived as a virtuosi xylophone solo and it is played with great dexterity by Kathryn Northcott, whilst particularly valuable is the inclusion of Trevor Duncan’s Tomboy, which is not otherwise available as far as I’m aware in an equivalent modern recording. Clive Jenkins, a Devon composer who has written many works for solo instrument and orchestra is featured by a cameo piece Happy Times, and by the second movement of hisTrumpet Concertino, which makes a positive impression - particularly when it is as well played as it is here by Andy Stark. Philip Buttell, another Devon composer arranged a rapidly moving ‘quickfire skit on a number of well known tunes as his The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Orchestral, somewhat reminiscent of Kenneth Alford’s Musical Switches. A nice touch and a refreshingly change is a good old fashioned extended selection rather than the far more usual Overture from The Pirates of Penzance, and rest assured that the strings of the RLO cope well enough with Blue Tango and ‘The Guvnor’s‘Westminster Waltz. This is a promising and impressive CD debut from this recently formed ensembe, and its not exactly everyday that a new Light Concert Orchestra appears ‘on the block’, so despite somewhat modest running time they should be given every encouragement from all who support the cause of Light Music. The well detailed, spacious recording was made at Alford Hall, Torpoint, Cornwall. More, gentlemen, please! Roger Hyslop

THE VERY BEST OF REGINALD DIXON 2-CD collection featuring many medleys and selections, plus individual numbers such as Tiger Rag, Twelfth Street Rag, Canadian Capers, Espana Waltz, La Paloma and Czardas. EMI Gold 094635599725. It seems incredible that Reginald Dixon died over 20 years ago, so this fine tribute is perhaps long overdue. Tim Wills has made a good choice from Reg’s EMI LPs from the era of the 1950s to 1970s when music at the English seaside resort of Blackpool simply meant Reg Dixon. "Mr. Blackpool" became a legend in his own lifetime, and the CD booklet contains many nostalgic photos. David Ades

THESE FOOLISH THINGS – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Includes songs by Mack Gordon, Al Hoffman, Buddy DeSylva, Cole Porter, Brooke Bowman, Harry Warren, Rod Thomas and Jack Strachey, incidental music by Ian Lynn. Vocals by Brian Lawrance, Jack Evetts, Anne Lenner, Cathi Ogden, Pete Zorn, Clare Teal, Judith Owen. (57.00) Sony BMG 82876803782. This disc is a selection of music from the film, which mixes original dance band recordings with newly composed incidental music. The vintage recordings are great, but Ian Lynn’s underscore is trashy and makes no attempt to be in keeping with the period. The final track, Strachey’s beautiful song These Foolish Things is heard in a most unattractive arrangement in which the original harmonies have been simplified and ruined. Peter Edwards

 

FÈTE AU VILLAGE SICILIEN ET NAPOLITAIN France Marianne Melodie 061591 – 49 tracks.This latest 2-CD compilation from Pierre-Marcel Ondher, the foremost authority on vintage light music in France, explores the fascinating repertoire from southern Italy and Sicily. The majority of the recordings come from the first half of the 1950s, but there are generous helpings also from the 1930s and 1940s. There are tarantellas, mazurkas, polkas and waltzes galore, and all tracks have detailed information regarding the recordings. PMO has written the comprehensive booklet notes in French, but English-only readers will be glad to know that Ralph Harvey has contributed some paragraphs in English. Many RFS members have purchased previous collections from this team, and they can be confident that the usual blend of the tuneful, and unexpected, is here in plenty. David Ades This 2-CD set is available to special order from the RFS record Service.

SALONORCHESTER SCHWANEN Conducted by GEORG HUBER Salon Orchestra Favourites Vol. 4 GERMAN HIT SONGS OF THE 1930s, featuring music by Gerhard Winkler, Peter Kreuder and Werner Richard Heymann. The fact that this series has now reached volume 4 is ample proof that there is a healthy demand for this kind of music. Vocals are provided by Annette Postel (in German, of course!) although a few items are purely orchestral. The orchestra performs with obvious enthusiasm, and those of you who purchased the first three volumes are sure to want this one as well. David Ades All Naxos and Marco Polo CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.

 

Recent re-releases of classic LP recordings, compiled by Wilfred Askew…

ANDRE KOSTELANETZ (Original Columbia recordings)

Murder on the Orient Express (1975) + Never Can Say Goodbye (1975) Including: Root Beer Rag, Tenderly, Love’s Theme, Stardust, My Own Best Friend, Violets & Silverbells, Maiysha, It’s a Paper Moon. (64:38) Collectable COL-CD-7811.

Wonderland of Sound: Broadway’s Greatest Hits (1962) + Plays Hits of Funny, Finian’s Rainbow & Star! (1969) Including: I believe in You, Tonight, Till there was You, The Rain in Spain, My Favourite Things, My Ship, Funny Girl, My Man. (57:04) Collectables COL-CD-7813.

The Lure of France (1957) + The Lure of Paradise (1959) Including: Mimi, April in Paris, Pizzicato Polka, Reverie, Kalua, Sweet Leilani, Lotus Land, We Kiss in a Shadow. (75:29). Collectables COL-CD-7814

LES BAXTER – The Fruits of Dreams: Ports of Pleasure (1957) + The Sacred Idol (1960) (Original Capitol recordings) Including: City of Veils, Monkey Dance of Bali, Pearls of Ceylon, The Gates of Annam, Fruit of Dreams, Aquaducts, Temple of Gold, Pyramid of the Sun. (70:49) Cherry Red ACMEM57CD.

THE JOHNNY MAN SINGERS – Sixties Man (Original Liberty recordings) Including: The Girl from Ipanema, Snow, Call Me, Cherish, Mrs Robinson, Daydream, Goldfinger, A Taste of Honey. (60:01) Cherry Red ACMEM53CD.

SAMMY KAYE – Midnight Serenade (1959) + Ballroom Date (1960) (Original Columbia recordings) Including: I’ll See You in My Dreams, It Had to be You, I’ll Get By, The Very Thought of You, Baby Face, Blue Prelude, Temptation, Tea for Two. (63:22) Collectables COL-CD-7698.

THE FRANK CHACKSFIELD ORCHESTRA – I Could Have Danced All Night. Including: Wouldn’t it be Lovely, Carousel Waltz, Shall We Dance, On the Street Where You Live, Hello Young Lovers, Stranger in Paradise, Ascot Gavotte, Moon River. (49:23) Start Entertainment Parade PAR 2088

PERCY FAITH – The Oscar: Soundtrack music. Collectables COL-CD-7815

LAWRENCE WELK & HIS CHAMPAGNE MUSIC – Bubbling Over (original mono recordings 1938-1954. Including: Bubbles in the Wine, Two Sleepy People, Maria Elena, Sweethearts or Strangers, Shenandoah Waltz, Moonlight Bay, Ivory Rag, Oh Happy Day. (77:19) Sanctuary Living Era CDAJA 5552.

Finally we have a batch of late April releases from Mike Dutton’s Vocalion label…..

WERNER MÜLLER "ON THE MOVE & THE LATIN SPLENDOUR OF..." ON THE MOVE PFS 4029 (1964) STEREO Istanbul (Kennedy; Simon); American patrol (Meacham arr. Forster); In Hamburg sind die Nächste lang (Bette); Brazil (Barroso; James; Pepper); Arrivederci Roma (Rascel); Mustapha (Assam; Barclay); South of the border (Kennedy; Carr); Vaya con Dios (Russell; James; Pepper); Calcutta (Gaze); A foggy day in London Town (G & I Gershwin); April in Portugal (Kennedy; Ferrao); I love Paris (Porter); Sayonara (Yoshida; Morgan arr. Forster); España (Chabrier; arr. Flor) THE LATIN SPLENDOR OF… PFS 4199 (1970) STEREO Delicado (Azevedo; Lawrence); Perfidia (Dominguez); Pepito (Truscott; Taylor); Yours (Gamse; Sherr; Roig; Rodriguez); Eso es el amor (Iglesias; Elgos; Skylar); Mambo jambo (Prado; Karl; Towne); Frenesie (Dominguez; Charles; Russell); El Cumbanchero (Hernandez); Solamente una vez (You belong to my heart) (Lara); Cumana (Allen; Spina; Hillman); Amor, amor (Ruiz; Mendez; Skylar); A Banda (De Hollanda) TELDEC ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4303.

EDMUNDO ROS "ARRIBA! & BONGOS FROM THE SOUTH" ARRIBA! PFS 4092 (1966) STEREO In a little Spanish town (Wayne; Lewis; Young); Siboney (Lecuona; Morse); The laughing samba (Rizzo; Johnson; Meroff; Spear); Get me to the church on time (Loewe; Lerner); Hello, Dolly! (Herman); Oye negra (Morales; Camacho); Holiday for strings (Rose); Corcovado (Dunn; Rixner); Heartaches (Hoffman; Klenner); From Russia with love (Bart); Al di la (Donida; Mogol; Drake); If you love me (Monnot) BONGOS FROM THE SOUTH PFS 34010 (1962) STEREO Deep in the heart of Texas (Hershey; Swander); Lisbon Antigua (Portela; Galhardo; da Vale); Lady of Spain (Evans; Reaves; Damerell); La comparsa (Lecuona); My old Kentucky home (Foster arr. Ros; Hanmer); Brasil (Russell; Barroso); When the saints go marching in (Trad arr. Ros; Hanmer); Moon over Miami (Burke; Leslie); Roses from the South (Strauss arr. Ros; Hanmer); Taboo (Lecuona; Stillman); In a little Spanish town (Wayne; Lewis; Young); El Cumbanchero (Hernandez) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4313.

MANTOVANI "THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE & STOP THE WORLD... & OLIVER!" THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE SKL 5216 (1975) STEREO The greatest gift (Mancini; David); The old fashioned way (Garvarentz; Aznavour; Kasha; Hirshorn); Si (Go before you break my heart) (Pilat; Panzeri; Conti; Pace; Newell); Solitude (De Lange; Mills; Ellington); Sing (Raposo); Cool summer evening (Mantovani); What are you doing the rest of your life? (A & M Bergman; Legrand); The day of the locust (Barry); The entertainer (Joplin; arr. Shaw); Send in the clowns (Sondheim); Love song ‘The Freak’ (Chaplin); She (Aznavour; Kretzmer) STOP THE WORLD I WANT TO GET OFF & OLIVER! PS 270 (1962) STEREO OLIVER! (Bart) I’d do anything; You’ve got to pick a pocket or two; Consider yourself; Where is love?; Oom-pah-pah; Reviewing the situation; Oliver; Who will buy?; As long as he needs me STOP THE WORLD (Bricusse; Newley) Lumbered; Someone nice like you; Meilinki Meilchick; Once in a lifetime; Gonna build a mountain; I wanna be rich; What kind of fool am I?DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4324.

FRANK CHACKSFIELD "VINTAGE ’52 & GREAT COUNTRY AND WESTERN HITS" VINTAGE ’52 PFS 4413 (1977) STEREO Cry (Kohlman; Churchill); (I wonder why) You’re just in love (Berlin); (Ah, the apple tree) When the world was young (Gerard; Vannier; Mercer; Colpet); Lullaby of Birdland (Shearing; Forster); Kiss of fire (Villoldo; Allen; Hill); Wheel of fortune (Benjamin; Weiss) with Kenny Baker (solo trumpet); High noon (Do not forsake me) (Tiomkin; Washington); No two people (Loesser); Under Paris skies (Giraud; Gannon; Drejac); Aufwiederseh’n Sweatheart (Storch; Sexton; Turner) GREAT COUNTRY AND WESTERN HITS PFS 4080 (1966) STEREO with chorus I walk the line (Cash); I can’t stop loving you (Gibson); Sixteen tons (Travis); Anytime (Williams; Jordan); Lovesick blues (Mills; Friend); Don’t let the stars get in your eyes (Willet); El Paso (Robbins); Cold, cold heart (Williams); Jambalaya (Williams; Feltz); Your cheatin’ heart (Williams); Half as much (Williams); Walking the floor over you (Tubb) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4325.

RONNIE ALDRICH "LOVE STORY & THE WAY WE WERE" LOVE STORY PFS 4222 (1971) STEREO It’s Impossible (Manzanero); (I Never Promised You) A Rose Garden (South); My Sweet Lord (Harrison); Mr Bojangles (Walker); Woodstock (Mitchell); I Think I Love You (Romeo); Amazing Grace (Trad arr. Aldrich); What Is Life (Harrison); Theme from "Love Story" (Lai; Sigman); Candida (Wine; Levine); El Condor Pasa (Robles arr. Milchberg); Togetherness (Aldrich) THE WAY WE WERE PFS 4300 (1974) STEREO Love’s Theme (White); The Way We Were (Hamlisch; Bergman); Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress) (Laurie); I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song (Croce); Top Of The World (Bettis; Carpentier); Have You Heard (Pinder); Last Time I Saw Him (Masser; Sawyer); What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Bergman; Legrand); Vado Via (Riccardi; Albertelli); Wave (Jobim); Happiness Is Me And You (O’Sullivan); Dark Lady (Durrill) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4331.

GUY LOMBARDO "LOMBARDO GOES LATIN & BELLS ARE RINGING" LOMBARDO GOES LATIN ST 1191 (1960) STEREO Cha Cha Cacciatore (Bergman); Ti-Pi-Tin (Grever; Leveen); Besame Mucho (Velasquez); Venezuela (Coleman; Corenzo); Glow Worm (Lincke; Larry arr Owens); Frenesi (Dominguez; Whitcup); Perfidia (Dominguez; Leeds); Cecilia (Dreyer; Herman); The Breeze And I (Lecuona; Stillman); Dinah (Akst; Lewis; Young); A Una Ola (Grever; Dole); Green Eyes (Menendez; Rivera; Utrera; Woods) BELLS ARE RINGING ST 1453 (1961) STEREO Just In Time (Comden; Styne; Green); Do It Yourself (Comden; Styne; Green); It’s A Perfect Relationship (Comden; Styne; Green); Drop That Name (Comden; Styne; Green); I Met A Girl (Comden; Styne; Green); Mu-Cha-Cha (Comden; Styne; Green); Better Than A Dream (Comden; Styne; Green); The Midas Touch (Comden; Styne; Green); Bells Are Ringing (Comden; Styne; Green); The Party’s Over (Comden; Styne; Green); I’m Going Back (Comden; Styne; Green) CAPITOL ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4333.

CARROLL GIBBONS & HIS BOYFRIENDS VOLUME 3 "Life of the party": Introducing; Life of the party; Roses in December; Damsel in distress: Nice work if you can get it; A foggy day; Things are looking up; Double or nothing: Introducing; It’s the natural thing to do; Moon got in my eyes; Smarty; Mr Dodd takes the air: Introducing; Am I in love; Remember me; Carroll Gibbons looks back - Part 1: Introducing; Margie; Whispering; Some of these days; Carroll Gibbons looks back – Part 2: Introducing; Chinatown; My sweetie went away; I ain’t got nobody; Remember? - Part 1: Introducing; You forgot to remember; My heart stood still; I’ll see you again; Remember? - Part 2: Introducing; My blue heaven; Can’t help lovin’ that man; This year’s kisses; That certain age: Introducing; You’re as pretty as a picture; My own; Be a good scout; The gay imposters: Introducing; I wanna go back to Bali; Day dreaming; The Latin quarter; East side of heaven - Part 1: Introducing; Sing a song of sunbeams; That sly old gentleman; East side of heaven - Part 2: East side of heaven; Hang your heart on a hickory limb; What have we got to lose (Heigh ho, lack-a-day); Shuffle off to Buffalo; Stars fell on Alabama; Judy; Let me give my happiness to you; Three wishes; Sleepytime down South; Life is just a bowl of cherries; Black coffee; With thee I swing; If it’s the last thing I do; You can’t have everything - film selection: Introducing; The loveliness of you; Afraid to dream; Please pardon us, we’re in love. Vocalion CDEA 6113.

JACK HYLTON VOLUME 5 • THE DECCA YEARS • "THE LAST ROUND-UP" Nevertheless (I’m in love with you); You’re my decline and fall; Me; I don’t know why; Just once for all time; When the music is playing; Today, I feel so happy; Just friends; Ever since I kissed her on the Volga; Dream sweetheart; You’re taking a chance with me; The flies crawled up the window; I want to cling to Ivy; A bungalow, a piccolo and you; Underneath the arches; Wrap your arms around me; Masquerade; St Louis Blues; Hylton stomp; Love is the sweetest thing; Shadow waltz; We’re in the money; After you; It’s the talk of the town; The last round-up; T’ain’t Vocalists: Pat O’Malley, Eric Breeze, Billy Munn. Vocalion CDEA 6115.

KEN MACKINTOSH, HIS SAXOPHONE & HIS ORCHESTRA "OFF-SHORE" Kiss me again; The man I love; I’ll be around; Plink, plank, plonk; Harlem nocturne; It ain’t necessarily so; Stop! Sit down! Relax! Think!; Strange music; The haunted ballroom; The glow worm; Crew cut; Plymouth sound; The creep; Istanbul; Theme from film ‘Front Page Story’; Off shore; Edwardian; The monster; Air express; Riot in cell block 11; Black velvet; Shifting sands; The very thought of you; Oh my papa; Creeping Tom; Lovers in the dark; That Old Feeling Vocalists: The Mackpies, The Peter Knight Singers. Vocalion CDEA 6116.

KATHY KIRBY "MORE RARITIES & LIPGLOSS!" DECCA SINGLES 1962-66 Big man (Westlake); Who Knows** (Scott; Martin); Playboy (Westlake; Gregory); Too bad for Johnny* (Shuman; Carr); Someone to watch over me (G & I Gershwin); I’ll get by (Ahlert; Turk); Can’t help lovin’ that man (Kern; Hammerstein; Wodehouse); The man I love (G & I Gershwin); I can’t give you anything but love (Mchugh; Fields); Who’s sorry now (Snyder; Kalmar; Ruby); Acapulco 1922 (Allan; Talmy); No regrets (Dumont; Vaucaire; David); Shangri – la (Malneck; Maxwell; Sigman); You’re the answer to everything (Glanzberg); Reach out for me (Bacharach; David); That old feeling (Brown; Fain); Things I want to hear** (unknown); The way of love (Dieval; Stillman); Where in the world (Dunstall); Body and Soul (Green; Sour; Heyman; Eyton); Get Happy (Arlen; Koehler); My Man (Yvain; Charles; Pollock; Willemetz); Till the end of time (Kaye; Mossman); Spanish Flea (Wechter; Stellman)**Unreleased tracks *US release only DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4292.

CATERINA VALENTE WITH SILVIO FRANCESCO DEUTSCHE EVERGREENS SLK 16189-P (1961) STEREO Sing mit mir (Grothe; Dehmel); Kuß mich, bitte, bitte, kuß mich (Carste; Richter); Es war einmal eine Liebe (Jack; Balz); Fur eine Nacht voller Seligkeit (Kreuder; Schwenn); Die kleine Stadt will schlafen gehn (Bochmann; Bergner); Wer ist hier jung, wer hat hier Schwung? (Bochmann; Schulz; Gellen); Ich weiß, es wird einmal ein Wunder geschehn (Jary; Balz); Ganz leise kommt die Nacht (Grothe; Dehmel); Haben Sie schon mal im Dunkeln geküßt? (Jary; Beckmann; v. Pinelli); Kauf dir einen bunten Lutfballoon (v. Pinelli); Musik! Musik! Musik! (Kreuder; Beckman); Sag beim Abschied leise "Servus" (Kreuder; Lengsfelder; Hilm) WENN ES NACHT WIRD IN DEN STÄDTEN ND 625 (1965) STEREO Wenn es Nacht wird in den Städten (Peeters); Wer war der Mann neben dir (Peeters); Paris – C’est très chique (Peeters); San Francisco – Sailor’s Nightclub in Golden Frisco (Scharfenberger); Wien – Charly, zünd die Kerzen an (Galatis); London – In allen Kneipen von Soho (Phillips); Der Abend wird schön (Scharfenberger); New York – Blauer Asphalt (Scharfenberger); Berlin – Julius, ach Julius (Galatis); Rom – Schöne schwarze Rose (Scharfenberger); Mexico City – Mexikanischer Wein (Peeters); Wenn es Nacht wird in den Städten – Finale (Peeters) TELDEC ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4305.

JESS CONRAD "JESS FOR YOU & DECCA SINGLES COMPILATION" JESS FOR YOU LK 4390 1961 Walk away (Kaufman; Anthony); Why am I living (Slavin; Gail); That’s my weakness now (Greene; Stept); You too (Crompton; Sutherland); Rag doll (Pomus; Shuman); Cherry pie (Josea; Taub); (I Wanna) love my life away (Pitney); Little ship (Pomus; Shuman); An angel cries (Davis; Edwards); It tears me all to pieces (Pomus; Shuman; Sair); Out of luck (Gluck Jnr.); Mystery girl (Peacock) PLUS DECCA SINGLES COMPILATION DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4326.

ANTHONY NEWLEY "TONY & NEWLEY DELIVERED" TONY LK 4406 (1961) STEREO Yes! We have no bananas (Silver; Cohn); You’re free (Landesman; Wilder); I was never kissed before (Ellis); Drink to me only with thine eyes (arr. Hackney); All or nothing at all (Lawrence; Altman); Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag (Powell; Asaf); Pop goes the weasel (arr. Hackney); Who can say (Salvador); Bye bye blackbird (Dixon; Henderson); I should care (Cahn; Stordahl; Weston); Basin Street blues (Williams; Plante); By myself (Dietz; Schwartz) NEWLEY DELIVERED LK 4654 (1965) What kind of fool am I (Bricusse; Newley); I saw her standing there (Lennon; Mc- Cartney); You made me love you (Monaco; Mc Carthy); I guess it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy (Anthony; Mann); Young only yesterday (Perper); Pop goes the weasel (arr. Hackney); And the heavens cried (Elias; Reid); Girls were made to love and kiss (Léhar; Herbert); Addio addio (Modugno; Migliacci; Sigman); Deep river (Trad. arr. Keating; Newley); There’s no such thing as love (Fraser; Hackney); Letters to my love (Moutet; Newley); Strawberry Fair (Sharp; Baring-Gould; adapt. Clapton); You are too beautiful (Rodgers; Hart); What now my love (Becaud; Sigman); I don’t want to set the world on fire (Marcus; Benjeman; Durham; Seiler) DECCA ARCHIVES • Vocalion CDLK 4327.

GORDON MACRAE VOLUME 2 • "STRANGER IN PARADISE" Two-faced heart; Oh! Oh! Oh! Ophelia; This is heaven to me; River of smoke; I’m yours to command; I’ll buy you a star; Ol’ Man River; On a Sunday at Coney Island; Cuban love song; Last night when we were young; Down the old ox road; Cuddle up a little closer; Baby Doll; Be my guest; Laughing at love; These things shall pass; Gentle hands; Blame it on my youth; There’s a lull in my life; How do you speak to an angel; Congratulations to someone; C’est magnifique; Homin’ time; Stranger in Paradise; Never in a million years; I don’t want to walk without you; High on a windy hill; Soothe my lonely heart Orchestras: Paul Weston’s Dixie Eight, Orchestra conducted by Carmen Dragon, Orchestra conducted by Carlyle Hall, Orchestra conducted by Van Alexander, Orchestra conducted by Frank De Vol, Orchestra conducted by Axel Stordahl Vocalion CDUS 3035.

LIGHT MUSIC CLASSICS "FINGER BUSTIN’" SIDNEY TORCH, CHARLES WILLIAMS, ROBERT FARNON, CAMARATA, PETER YORKE, ERIC COATES, AMBROSE Charmaine; The Horse Guards - Whitehall (signature tune of radio show "Down Your Way"); Coronation Scot (signature tune of radio detective series "Paul Temple"); Dance of an ostracised imp; Shooting star (signature tune of TV arts feature "Kaleidoscope"); Ring around the moon; Shopping centre; Jumping bean; Portrait of a flirt; The runaway rocking horse; Jazz legato; Jazz pizzicato; Fingerbustin’ Rhapsody for saxophone; London suite; London suite again Vocalion CDVS 1946. This is a budget release which, hopefully, will serve to introduce some people to the pleasures of Light Music and encourage them to investigate the available repertoire more fully. RFS members probably have all these pieces in their collections, although they may welcome the opportunity to hear some of these pieces again in new digital restorations.

LES BROWN "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" Leap frog; Out of nowhere; Daybreak serenade; I’ve got my love to keep me warm; I’m a-telling you, Sam; High on a windy trumpet; Lover’s leap; Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief; Day by Day; Jumpy Stumpy; Sentimental Rhapsody; Dardanella; Triskaidekaphobia (Tris-ky-dec-a-fobia); There’s good blues tonight; A foggy day (in London town); Drifting and dreaming; Beware my heart; Floatin’; I bring you Spring; Blue moon; Green eyes; Deep purple; Sentimental journey; Taking a chance on love Vocalists: "Stumpy" Brown, Butch Stone, Doris Day, Eileen Wilson, Jack Haskell Vocalion CDVS 1947.

THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE - Mantovani and his Orchestra The Greatest Gift, Solitude, Sing, Cool Summer Evening, The Day Of The Locust, The Entertainer, Send In The Clowns, Love Song "The Freak", She, selections from Oliver!, Once In A Lifetime, Gonna Build A Mountain, I Wanna Be Rich, What Kind Of Fool Am I?... (77.15) Vocalion CDLK 4324. The first album, well thought of sonically by Mike Dutton, was Monty’s last original LP – recorded in Paris with French musicians during May and June 1975. In his brilliant biography of Mantovani [Melrose Books], Colin Mackenzie tells us that Monty showed signs of being unwell during the recordings and had help from Roland Shaw to finalise the album which, as well as being theologically correct, includes some beautiful sounds and is indeed a fitting climax to a lifetime in music. The Aznavour and Legrand tunes inevitably conjure up images of the French capital; Locust is one of John Barry’s many film themes; Cool was Monty’s final composition, and among his best; Charlie Chaplin’s Love Song from his proposed film The Freak proves again that his music is underrated. And what an enchantingly evocative melody Sondheim’sClowns is. The second album is a 1962 release recorded for American ears only. Again, Mr Mackenzie tells us that a third medley, from Irma La Douce, recorded at the same time was not released. Pity, because I much enjoyed what we have here: two seamless suites from David Merrick produced British musicals of the day. The Bart score has remained a firm favourite down the years, and it makes a nice change [especially if you have young grandchildren] to hear the music divorced from the film. Both selections demonstrate once again that Monty was not just about strings alone as all sections of his accomplished orchestra are involved, with a special mention for the trumpeter onGonna Build A Mountain. Peter Burt

A GREENWICH BANDSTAND - Royal Artillery Band/Lt. Col. Malcolm Torrent March: Trafalgar(Zehle), Greensleeves (Trad/arr Reed), Folk Festival from the film The Gadfly (Shostakovich/Hunsberger), The Love of My Life (McPherson/G Bragg), Shepherd’s Song (Trad/Goff Richards), Marche Militaire (Marche la Ronde) (Gounod/Trevor Sharpe), The Joyful Skeleton　(W G Lemon/W Duthoit), March: Prodana Nevesta (The Bartered Bride) (Smetana/Zavertal)... (76:01) Specialist Recording Company SRC124.The latest in the excellent ‘Bandstand’ series from the Specialist Recording Company visits Greenwich with its rich, naval heritage and thus it’s hardly surprising that the contents reflects something of this nautical dimension. Particularly welcome is the inclusion of John Ansell’s ‘other’ maritime overture The Windjammer receiving a rare stereo recording in which the composer makes effective use of the famous traditional sea shantyShenadoah. Philip Sparke is a much respected and admired figure in wind and brass band circles having written a considerable corpus of works for these ensembles. On this disc we can sample both an exhilarating ride on the Orient Express accompanied by suitable train noises and be transported north of the border for the opening movement Andross Castle from the Hymn of the Highlands suite which is based on the haunting atmospheric and well known melody Highland Cathedral. Jazz enthusiasts amongst us will be well served with a flawless and stylish account of Artie Shaw’sConcerto for Clarinet which, as Lt Col Malcolm Torrent mentions in the CD booklet, was featured in the 1940 film ‘Second Chorus’ starring Fred Astaire. The soloist is Sergeant Ben Woodgate and his proficiency on the clarinet is surely ample testament to the high standards achieved by our military musicians these days. Of the remaining items on this imaginatively planned anthology it is refreshing to have such pieces as the Folk Festival from the film The Gadfly (rather than the somewhat over played Romance) and the stirring Fantasy of British Sea Songs by former Royal Artillery bandsman Gordon Langford. Langford made his first broadcast with the band as solo pianist in 1951. It would be extremely amiss of me to conclude this review without a reference to Robert Farnon’s State Occasionwhich is always a popular march with military bands and it receives here a truly resplendent performance — one of the best I’ve ever heard. With SRC’s usual vivid and well detailed recording, made in Woolwich Town Hall, there is plenty of contrast in the style and mood of the music on this disc, with predictably fine and outstanding playing throughout by the band. This CD makes for a very satisfying and absorbing aural experience — I thoroughly recommended to all with enthusiasm.Roger Hyslop

ENGLISH STRING MINIATURES Volume 5 - Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland Suite for Timothy (Pamela Harrison), Renaissance Suite (Francis Chagrin), Folksong and Fiddle Dance (Percy Fletcher), Suite Navarraise (Paul Lewis), Giocoso (Albert Cazabon), Three Pieces arr. Humphrey Searle (Thomas Roseingrave), Downland Suite arr. Geoffrey Bush (John Ireland). Naxos 8.557752. By now we know what to expect from the Philip Lane/Gavin Sutherland partnership and this CD is no exception - delightfully tuneful light music from lesser-known composers who, in some cases were better-known for other musical genres or, in other cases not known at all. Only one way to find out about their music. Buy it! Edmund Whitehouse

GREAT FILM FANTASIES - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra/Erich Kunzel Including music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings... (61:48) Telarc CD-80664. Jeff Hall territory, really, but you can’t have too much of a good thing – and this is good. There are ten tracks from John Williams’ Star Wars, three from his Harry Potter and three from Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. If not exactly classical music [Classic FM, please note] it is classic film music and is certainly big on sound. The Main Theme from ‘Star Wars – A New Hope’ is still the star track in my opinion, although the jollyCantina Band from the same episode is one of those pieces one constantly replays. The booklet notes tell us that Erich Kunzel is the most successful Billboard classical crossover recording artist in history; this is his 82^nd album with the Pops orchestra. The Telarc sonics are, as ever, almost worth buying the CD for. Peter Burt

BALLAD ESSENTIALS - Gene Harris Concord Jazz CCD-2170-2. (67:00). Made up of carefully chosen selections, this collection from the Concord catalogue of the 1989-1997 era provides a very welcome introduction to the great Gene Harris, a vastly underrated jazz pianist. His style is an engaging mix of funk with charismatic class. Sweet And Lovely explains this reasoning with a solid bass line by Ray Brown while Harris plays an elegantly modern styling of this classic song. Others in this quietly lyrical album include a misty This Masquerade with a great solo by guitarist Ron Eschete and a heart rending playing of That’s All which is another fine example of how hypnotic Gene Harris could be when he sat down at the piano. Ron Eschete is again finely lyrical as spun silk on this number. Together they lead the group in a swinging finale that defies words. Amidst these fine performers, there are some guests like Scott Hamilton on tenor in a gorgeous rendition of At Lastwith just Harris on piano. The late Jack McDuff is here on his Hammond B-3 organ, contributing an interesting contrast with Harris’ piano as they trade phrases back and forth. Although a great album for letter writing, this is also a much deeper album full of great feeling which were a highlight of Gene Harris’ artistry. Richard Jessen

ARRIBA/BONGOS FROM THE SOUTH - Edmundo Ros and his orchestra Vocalion. CDLK 4313. Another excellent release, 24 tracks all excellent and all standards; those that stand out are Siboney, Holiday for Strings and of course Brazil, great stuff but what is interesting is that there are two recordings of In a Little Spanish Town, one of which is 2:02 and the other 2:45 but I for one cannot tell the difference. I was hoping for some new releases of orchestras like Stanley Black but will have to be patient. At around £10 Vocalion recordings are exceptional value for money. Alec Hellyer

SINGS HER WONDERFUL SONGS - Rosemary Clooney 20 original recordings for under £3! (55.51) Disky SI 903626. Come On-A My House, Botch-A-Me, Hey There, Mambo Italiano, Wish I Wuz, Tenderly are all here. This Ole House should be but, although listed, has somehow been replaced by If I Loved You Half As Much. Guy Mitchell duets on You’re Just In Love and Rosie is joined on Too Old To Cut The Mustard by the great Marlene Dietrich. Another great, Percy Faith is credited on two tracks, Who Kissed Me Last Night and Mixed Emotions, that would have benefited from Alan Bunting’s audio attention. None the less something of a super bargain. Peter Burt

THE DIRECTOR’S CHOICE - Band of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)/Major D. D. Robertson The Watch Tower (Herze), Action Front (Blankenburg),Glorious Victory (Kendall), Machine Gun Guards (Marechal, The Standard of St George (Alford),: Wellington (Zehle)... (77:00) Specialist Recording Company SRC 151. This impressive assemblage of parade marches with a satisfying blend of the familiar and less familiar promises to be the first volume in a new series by the Specialist Recording Company, whereby a band’s Director of Music is tasked with making his own personal selection of marches. On this new release they vary in mood from the ebullient General Mitchell to the rather more sombre strains of The Vanished Army. Of the Alford pieces, Eagle Squadron was the last march to flow from the pen of this talented man, appearing in 1942 and saluting the American pilots who joined the RAF in 1940, a year before the USA entered the Second World War. Interestingly and coincidentally, also in 1942 a feature film was released in the UK bearing the same title as Alford’s march, depicting American flyers who join the RAF, based on a story by the well-known Hornblower novelist C. S. Forester. Other attractions on this new disc include a bracing On the Square by the ‘March King’ of Pittsburg, Frank Panella, whilst Hermann Starke provides an irrepressible, foot-tapping example of the Parade March. The strains of Thomas Bidgood’s The British Legion will be instantly familiar to any of us who watch the annual televised Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance from the Royal Albert Hall, as this piece is invariably played during the muster of Standards at the beginning of this moving and poignant ceremony. The composer Lloyd Thomas appears to have been a somewhat shadowy figure and Major Robertson in the informative booklet notes comments that little information appears to exist about Thomas other than the fact that he frequently recorded for the Regal Zonophone label in the 1930s, playing on the mighty Wurlitzer organ in the Granada Cinema, Tooting. I wonder whether any of our readers can supply further information on this composer/performer? In sum, those with a zest for exhilarating, tuneful and stirring music splendidly realised by the Blues and Royals, and with vivid, well-balanced recording, produced at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, will be well rewarded here. If the excellence of this first in the series is anything to go by this promises to be an exciting, outstanding, and landmark contribution to the art of military music discography. Roger Hyslop

WEST COAST VIBES - Roy Ayers Sound And Sense, Days Of Wine And Roses, Reggie Of Chester, It Could Happen To You, Donna Lee, Ricardo’s Dilemma... (51:01) EMI MQP1107. Being a fan of big bands means small group jazz does not often feature on my wants list! Roy is an exception! I like to think I have most of his recordings. He has gained most fame as a purveyor of quality soul music but his early career was in jazz, influenced by his father (trombone) and mother (piano). At a very early age he was given a set of vibes by Lionel Hampton who was very impressed with his talent. In the early 1960s he joined Curtis Amy’s group. This recording was the first under his own name, backed by a three-piece rhythm section and supported by his mentor Curtis Amy on tenor and soprano sax. Two titles self-written, others by Benny Golsen, Charlie Parker, Leonard Feather, Theolonious Monk and pianist Jack Wilson. Roy has a rare feel for ballads, well displayed here. The group do not add much to the jazz regulars but unless you have the original issue this is well worth investigating. Two tracks have been added recorded the previous year when Roy was a member of the Vi Redd group.Paul Clatworthy

UPTOWN ELEGANCE - Joe Negri Featuring arrangements by Dr. John Wilson Including Sweet And Lovely; It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood; The Best Thing For You... (52:11). MCDJ-1015. This CD is definitely one which comes under the heading of a nourishing meal and a half! With scores evenly divided between a big band and small group, Joe Negri has another fabulous CD with great charts by Dr. John Wilson. Starting off with a big band swinger Sweet And Lovely, Negri displays the quietly hard driving swinging style which is his alone. The big band backing him is hot and really cooking. Making unorthodox charts for How My Heart Sings and A Weaver Of Dreams, trombones provide a dark cushion for Negri’s gently flowing performance, full of light and sunshine. And it’s always a wonderful day when we hear Negri’s spirited playing of the famous Fred Roger’s song It’s a Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. The two Duke Ellington offerings (Solitude and Caravan) are worth mentioning for the fresh treatment each gets, especially Solitude which in Negri’s hands becomes a beautifully swaying bossa nova. Nina’s Smile spotlights Negri’s lyrical abilities in this tenderly reflective work. And after this handsome feast we get a desert: jazz clarinettist extraordinaire Buddy DeFranco and vibist Terry Gibbs come on board for a rousing conclusion with the small group for Blues For Brody. Both DeFranco and Gibbs are in excellent form as is Negri who plays magnificently throughout. The big band charts remind one of the Alvino Rey big band of the middle 1940's. Which is enough incentive to buy this sparkling recording. Richard Jessen

THE LATIN SPLENDOUR OF…/ON THE MOVE - Werner Muller and his Orchestra Vocalion CDLK 4303. 26 tracks of which 12 are standards which have been recorded many times and none of which are new to me. But when it comes to the second 13 that is different as several are new to me and while I like the sound it is not as big as I expected. The version of my all-time favourite Brazil is some 6 seconds shorter than the Edmundo Ros version on his new album. While I would most certainly buy another Muller album it is not a must for me, which is certainly not the case with Edmundo Ros. Alec Hellyer

KOGA MELODIES/RYOICHI HATTORI MELODIES - Percy Faith and his Orchestra 24 tracks(69:21) Taragon TARCD-1106. These must be two of the rarest LPs ever to make it onto CD. Not only have they not been on CD before, they have never been issued in any format either in the US or UK. They were recorded in the 1970s especially for the Japanese market. Masao Koga [1904-1978] was Japan’s most popular song composer and Ryoichi Hattori [1907- 1993] was also highly regarded in his native land for, among other things, his film music. Maestro Faith has taken a dozen each of their compositions and arranged them in his customary immaculate style. Alan Bunting, who has compiled the CD, was a prime mover behind its release and relates in his liner notes how Hattori was stunned at the complexity and richness that Percy brought to his work. The re-mastered sound is of the high quality for which the American company Taragon is renowned. This is a beautiful disc which, given its provenance, should be a prime purchase for every Faith aficionado. Peter Burt

MARCHES AND CEREMONIAL Authentic sound recordings from the last century CARLIN CAS 029. This recent 2-CD set from Carlin Production Music offers an astonishing array of marches of all kinds. Just a few are familiar (such as American anthems) but the rest are seemingly from a variety of sources and cultures which enthusiasts of this kind of music should find intriguing. It’s fun to sample in small batches, and the catalogue number will alert collectors to the fact that this archive series from Carlin has now built up to an impressive body of repertoire spanning many different moods. David Ades Carlin CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service.

TO LOVE AGAIN - Chris Botti with the London Sessions Orchestra Various singers including: Sting (Embraceable You), Paula Cole (My One And Only Love), Michael Buble (Let There Be Love), Gladys Knight (Lover Man), Paul Buchanan (Are You Lonesome Tonight?)... (59:45) Columbia 826 7677 5052. As with his previous CD Chris employs top class arrangers and musicians. An amalgam of lyricism and stirring exploration, all the musicians impress individually and as a unit, again a cross of jazz and soul music, very hard to categorise. Jeremy Lubbock’s string writing is spellbinding, only one track let down by a weak vocal. Chris’s pianist Billy Child’s writes the Gill Evans ‘Chug’ intoPennies from Heaven. Greg Phillingans arrangement and Fender Rhodes playing on Good Morning Heartache provides real competition. Chris and his eloquent trumpet soloing has set a winning formula. I hope he keeps them coming! Paul Clatworthy

AFTERNOON IN RIO Joe Negri with Kim Nazarian, Duduka Dafonseca, Marty Ashby, Dwayne Dolphin, Jay Ashby O Grande Amor, Modinha, Red On Red, Lush Life... (40:55) Jazz MCG-1004. If difficulties arise in purchasing this CD, write to: Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or visit ww.mcgjazz.org. For those of you who may already know, Joe Negri was known to millions of children as Handyman Negri, working alongside Fred Rogers on the popular PBS show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. What many haven’t known until recently that he is also a great jazz artist of the first rank. Starting off with Jobim’s O Grande Amor showcases Negri’s lyrical bent with this time honoured bossa nova classic. Kim Nazarian’s clear, vibrant voice comes over beautifully in her duet with trombonist Jay Ashby’s husky vocals. Above it all, Negri rides a high octane flying solo that’s so full of pulsing life. Nazarian is heard to excellent advantage onModinha with Negri’s deeply felt playing on his solo. Jay Ashby plays a great trombone solo during "Red On Red," interacting with Negri as well having more than enough room to stretch as a performer. Negri plays with a quietly driving energy that keeps everyone moving. And just in case you were wondering, Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life does work as a bossa nova, with a long introduction by Negri alone before settling into the beat with strong yet light support by Duduka DaFonseca on drums. This is simply a magnificent set, short though it may be. It proves that Joe Negri is one great artist. Richard Jessen

ON THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND STAGE - Johnny Green and the MGM Studio Orchestra High society overture, Lili excerpts, Heather On The Hill, Silk Stockings, Glass Slipper, Barretts Of Wimpole Street... (77:48) Frank Bristow FBCD145. A wonderful selection comprising MGM soundtracks and studio recordings from the early 1950s, some of which I haven’t heard for years. One of these isSunday Jumps which I had on a 78 (backed with Fred Astaire’s Every Night at Seven which recalls Fred’s dance with a hat rack and gymnasium equipment...). Another is Serenade for a New Babywhich Marge & Gower Champion did in Everything I have is Yours, and which I remember because it came along at exactly the same time as our new baby. Other soundtracks of the musicals are self-evident, but what might not be so obvious are the dramatic scores by such as Bronislau Kaper (though his Invitation is a latter-day classic), Miklos Rozsa, Herbert Stothart and, of course, Green himself. But I don’t think that at this stage we need another An American in Paris as heavily re-edited by Green and Saul Chaplin to fit the screen action. This is a valuable contribution by the estimable Frank Bristow to the ever-growing library of orchestral music. Arthur Jackson

STRIKE UP THE BAND! - Band of the Royal Swedish Air Force/Jerker Johansson Wind Band Classics Series - Including Florentine March, Entry Of The Gladiators (Fucik), March Of The Toys(Alford), Anchors Aweigh (Zimmerman), Under The Double Eagle (J.F.Wagner), Military March No.1(Schubert)... (77:00) Naxos 8.557545. this latest new arrival from Naxos, described as ‘marches from around the world’, is a generously filled disc mainly of popular parade marches but with several less predictable choices. Thus included here are such famous and renowned personages as The Dambusters, whose outer sections are rather too briskly done, Old Comrades and the redoubtableColonel Bogey. The more unexpected items come in the form of Johann Schrammel’s Vienna will always be Vienna, reminiscent of the style of Johann Strauss, whilst Kurt Noaks’ Brownies’ Guard Parade, apparently his one big hit, is a real charmer. Semyon Tchernevsky is not widely known but in his own country is regarded as the Russian Sousa; his march Salute to Moscow is one of his most popular, and it begins with a quotation from Moscow Radio’s interval signal. Gounod’s engagingFuneral March of a Marionette, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, is beautifully done, and who could not respond to Johannes Hansson’s infectuously tuneful Valdres March, described by composer Ole Olsen as the finest march he had ever heard? This thoroughly exhilarating and enthralling disc is rounded off to splendid effect with Paul Lincke’s exultant and joyous march The Air in Berlin (Berliner Luft ) which originally featured in the composer’s musical Frau Luna and was so successful that he used it again in a 1906 musical which was itself named Berliner Luft. The band of the Royal Swedish Air Force had some unlikely roots when in 1905 some employees of the Gothenburg Tramways Company started a brass sextet which gradually developed to become a fully fledged band owned by the company which, not unreasonably, expected the musicians to serve as tram drivers! From 1992 the name was changed to Goteborgs Musiken and since then has become a fully professional ensemble. Five years on it was commissioned to perform as required at ceremonial events as the Band of the Royal Swedish Air Force. Certainly on the evidence of this new disc there is more than ample evidence of their technical prowess producing a full sound with consistently spot-on intonation. As this impressive new release ticks all the right boxes – generous playing time, super-budget price, superb sound and high technical accomplishment, it earns an automatic recommendation. Rest assured you do not have to be a military band ‘junkie’ to obtain considerable pleasure and satisfaction from this thrilling disc! Roger Hyslop

TOUCHDOWN! - Percy Faith and his Orchestra Mr Touchdown, U.S.A., On, Brave Old Army Team!, Anchors Aweigh, Far Above Cayuga’s Waters, Fight On, Pennsylvania, The Olive And the Blue... 19 tracks. Taragon TARCD-1105. This is a fun and immensely enjoyable CD. It comprises American football songs of the ‘50s performed by Percy’s brass players and a male chorus. I am not surprised to learn that the originals were extensively used by many radio stations for intros to shows about or broadcasts of football games. I don’t suppose it will sell in great numbers outside the US – and even there 32 minutes might be considered short measure. But if like some Faith fans you buy everything he recorded, then you won’t be disappointed by this. Peter Burt

JAZZ/CONCORD/SEVEN COME ELEVEN - Herb Ellis with Joe Pass, Ray Brown, Jake HannaLook for the Silver Lining, Happiness is the Concord Jazz Festival, In a Mellow Tone, Seven Come Eleven... (78:58) Concord Jazz CCD2-2168-2. This CD set contains the very first performances recorded by Concord Records in 1973 and 1974 respectively. And what performers! When one has Herb Ellis and Joe Pass on guitars with Ray Brown on bass and Jake Hanna on drums, the experience is one which few people will ever want to leave out of their jazz collections. With an exquisite beginning played by Joe Pass, Look for the Silver Lining leads off the first CD Jazz/Concord with an eloquence seldom heard either live or recorded. Stuffy shows off the group’s cohesiveness whileGeorgia brilliantly displays the different characteristics of Pass and Ellis: the former with his bright, cleanly articulated playing while Ellis is a softer edged yet edgy attitude to his playing. The second disc Seven Come Eleven is a live 1974 performance at the Concord Summer Festival which Carl Jefferson, the Festivals’ president and general manager, sets the tone with a terse, "Have a good time and listen to some fine guitar interplay." An understatement if there ever is one! The first three tracks alone demonstrate what great performances come out of the Ellis-Pass Duo. There is some fine gelling between these two gentlemen on In a Mellow Tone with a delicious solo played by the world’s finest bass player, Ray Brown. But mellow, it’s not, with a fine driving beat. The title track,Seven Come Eleven is literally fireworks on the frets with Ellis, Pass, and Ray Brown burning it up with fiery solos and tight group work. Jake Hanna spurs everyone on with a quietly driving force. This essential classic is available in various formats. However, this two disc set is the best as the sound is clear with a fine sense of stage presence. Don’t miss it! Richard Jessen

HALL OF FAME Volume 2 - Various Artists Hard on the heels of Vol 1 of The Hall of Fame (GUILD GLCD5120 – JIM 168) comes its new companion – Vol II (GUILD GLCD5124). Once again we are presented with a compilation which, on its own admission, "mixes the familiar with – occasionally – the unknown". The disc opens with a version of Zes Confrey’s Dizzy Fingers by Percy Faith, which makes use of a small choir (billed as ‘The Magic Voices’), using a vocalese style which also became popular with other British and American orchestras during the ’50s. Another notable inclusion isPossession (from Harry Revel’s Perfume Set To Music) by the Les Baxter Orchestra, which features the electronic music instrument known as the "Theremin"; this track was discovered by our US-based RFS member Enrique Renard. Also worthy of special mention is the amazing Angela Morley arrangement of Victor Herbert’s March Of The Toys, performed by the Geraldo Tip Top Tunes Orchestra, which dates from 1949 – you’ve never heard it like this before! Whilst the majority of tracks are taken from commercial (USA and UK) sources, some publishers’ recordings have been included, providing an interesting contrast to the former. The featured composer this time is none other than the late lamented Leonard Charles Trebilco. Writing under the name of Steve Bretton as well as his usual pseudonym of Trevor Duncan he is accorded the honour of four tracks, including of course High Heels and Grand Vista (the famous Pearl and Dean theme). This is a carefully chosen programme which, aided by a particularly satisfying sound quality, will give a great deal of pleasure.Tony Clayden

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES - Various Artists The second new Guild Music offering brings the current total in the series to twenty-five – a quite remarkable achievement on the part of all concerned – and for me is a real winner. Although the title "Childhood Memories" (GLCD 5125) is a reference to the names of the various compositions which all have children’s connotations, a number of the pieces themselves evoke powerful memories of my own childhood. As described in Peter Luck’s excellent article on BBC Television Newsreel (also in JIM 168), the Corporation introduced a spinoff – BBC Children’s Television Newsreel – in 1950. I watched this regularly from the beginning; we had acquired our first TV during 1948. At least three of the tracks were often used behind the newsreel stories – Playbox (F. Charrosin), Toy Town Parade (A. Ferraris) and a piece I have waited more than fifty years to hear once again – one of the movements (Marbles) from Joseph Engleman’s delightfulChildren’s Playtime Suite. Unfortunately, the correct order of the four movements has not been followed on the CD (Ring O’Roses should be placed first, not last; the other three are as the composer intended), and I am grateful to RFS member David Mardon for providing this information. A probable fourth contender is Angela Morley’s Tinkerbell, which I am pretty certain appeared from time to time on Children’s Newsreel. UK readers of a certain age may also remember the series of "Whitehall Farces" staring Brian Rix, starting with the famous Dry Rot. These were screened during the ’50s and early ’60s directly from London’s Whitehall Theatre, and the intro music was always Roger Roger’s Clowneries, whilst another favourite of mine, Clockwork Clown (Edward White) was featured for a time around 1953/4 on the daily BBC demonstration film broadcast for the benefit of the Radio and Television trade. There are many other hugely enjoyable pieces on this absolute gem of a CD. Alan Bunting has worked his usual magic and these vintage tracks have never sounded so good. ‘Childhood Memories’ is highly recommended, especially to those who were amongst the first generation of "TV kids" in the pioneering days of post-war British television. For a full track listing for both of these new releases see JIM 168. Tony Clayden

With thanks to Wilfred Askew for the following details of recent releases...

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT - Various Artists A 6-CD set celebrating the golden age of MGM musicals, 1929-58. 135 remastered soundtrack recordings from: Singin’ In The Rain, An American In Paris, High Society, Annie Get Your Gun, Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Meet Me In St Louis, The Wizard Of Oz... With performances by Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne. Includes one disc of 25 newly discovered tracks, and a 108 page booklet. (7 hours 50 mins) Rhino 8122 73192-2.

JAZZ ACCORDION - Jo Basile and his Orchestra Original Audio Fidelity recording, includingLullaby Of Birdland, Don’t Blame Me, A Fine Romance, Pennies From Heaven, Taking A Chance On Love, On The Sunny Side Of The Street... (31:02) Blue Moon BMCD 1623, Distributor: Discovery.

LISTEN - The Hi-Los with Orchestra conducted by Frank Comstock Original 1955 Starlite recording, including June In January, I Don’t Want To Cry Anymore, Whatever Lola Wants, Fools Rush In, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Where Are You?... (27:56) Cherry Red ACMEM67CD

MAH-NA-MAH-NA - The Dave Pell singers Original 1969 Liberty release, including Oh, Calcutta!, Sugar Sugar, Keem-O-Sabe, Laughing, Get Together, Sweet Caroline... (34:17) Cherry Red ACMEM77CD

NAT: AN ORCHESTRAL PORTRAIT OF NAT KING COLE - Nelson Riddle and his OrchestraOriginal 1965 Reprise recording, including Straighten Up And Fly Right, It’s Only A Paper Moon, Mona Lisa, Pretend, Ballerina, Ramblin’ Rose... (34:21) Collectables COL-CD-6736

WHITE ON WHITE AND OTHER HITS OF 1964 - Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra Original 1964 Reprise recording, including Shangri-La, The Shelter Of Your Love, Java, Beautiful Obsession, I Wish You Love, My Heart Cries For You... (28:28) Collectables COL-CD-6737

PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES/INTERPRETS GREAT MUSIC, GREAT FILMS, GREAT SOUNDS - Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra Original 1963 and 1964 Reprise recordings, including Gabrielle, Brandy Glow, That Face, Valse De Paris, Bastille Cha-Cha, Touch Of Tenderness, Charade, Saw Dust And Spangles And Dreams, Little Girl Blue, Over And Over Again, My Romance, This Can’t Be Love...(65:42) Collectables COL-CD-7493

THE SAVAGE AND THE SENSUOUS - The Don Ralke Oorchestra Original 1960 Warner Bros release, including Safradesia, Ju-Ju Man, Zulu Magic, Head Hunter, Poison Dart, Sacrifice Of The Maidens, Session Grande... (48:04) Harkit HRKCD 8207, Distributor: Pinnacle

THROUGH THE YEARS - Hugo Winterhalter and his Orchestra 2 CDs, 49 tracks. Original RCA recordings, including Blue Tango, I Understand, Blue Christmas, Smilin’ Through, Memory Lane, These Foolish Things, Mama, Land Of Dreams, Vanessa, Stairway To The Stars, My Destiny, Unsuspecting Heart, Always, Leave It To Your Heart, On The Trail... (155:22) Jasmine JASCD 436.

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES Volume 3 - Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland, Paul Murphy Rhythmic Overture: Highway to the Sun (Ernest Tomlinson); Overture to a Pantomine(Victor Hely-Hutchinson); Elizabethan Express (Clifton Parker); Three Court Dances (Phillip Lord);Ballet Suite (James Langley).... Dutton Epoch CDLX 7170

MAYNARD FERGUSON HORN 2/THE BALLAD STYLE OF MAYNARD FERGUSON - Maynard Ferguson "Maynard Ferguson Horn 2" CBS 65027 (1972) Give it One (Downey; Ferguson arr Alan Downey); Country Road (Taylor arr Keith Mansfield); Theme from Shaft (Hayes arr Keith Mansfield);The Summer Knows (Legrand; Bergman arr Kenny Wheeler); Mother (Lennon arr Keith Mansfield);Spinning Wheel (Clayton-Thomas arr Adrian Drover)... "The Balland Style of Maynard Ferguson" CBS 63514 (1969) with the Keith Mansfield Orchestra. Born Free (Barry; Black); Girl Talk (Hefti; Troup);If He Walked Into My Life (Herman); The Fool on the Hill (Lennon; McCartney); The Impossible Dream (Leigh; Darion); Somewhere (Bernstein; Sondheim)...Vocalion CDSML 8421.

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH/EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’ ABOUT… Salena Jones "The Moment of Truth" CBS 63613 (1969) with the Keith Mansfield Orchestra. For Once in My Life (Miller; Murden); Alone Together (Schwartz; Dietz); For Me (Unknown); This Girl’s in Love (Bacharach; David); Just a Couple of Losers (Unknown); The Moment Of Truth (Satterwhite; Scott)... "Everybody’s Talkin’ About…" CBS 63901 (1970) Am I the Same Girl (Soulful Strut) (Record; Saunders); Everybody’s Talkin’ (Neil);Without Him (Nilsson); My Way (Anka; Thibaut; Revaux; Francois); The More I See You (Gordon; Warren); Morning Dew (Rose; Dobson)... Vocalion CDSML 8422

TERMINATOR - Nick Ingman Original 1976 recording. Brass Knuckles (Ingman); Come Together(Lennon; McCartney); That’s Fine (Ingman); Tricky Nicky (Ingman); American Pie (McLean); An Octave Faster (Ingman)... Vocalion CDSML 8423

THE RIGHT TIME - The Pete Cater Big Band You Don’t Know What Love Is (Raye; DePaul arr Kevin Wedrychowski); Getting There (Matt Wates arr Wates); Holland Park (Frank Griffith arr Griffith); Firm Roots (Cedar Walton arr Adrian Fry); Teach Me Tonight (Cahn; DePaul arr Frank Griffith); Yes and No (Wayne Shorter arr Adrian Fry)... Vocalion CDSA 6815

ENGLISH STRING MINIATURES Volume

6 – Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland. Moorside Suite (Holst), Chacony in G Minor(Purcell), Rosa Mundi (Paul Lewis), Winton Suite (Winchester) (Adam Carse), Bethlehem Down(Warlock), Very English Music (Cuckmere Haven, Cornish Air, Hunt Gathering) (Paul Carr), Waltz in E Minor (William Lloyd Webber) Two Nocturnes (Lionel Sainsbury), From Across La Manche (Malcolm Lipkin). Naxos 8.557753. Just when you thought the series must be running out, up pops another! For those who enjoy atmospheric landscape music then Holst, Adam Carse and Paul Carr fit the bill admirably. William Lloyd Webber was a much underrated and self deprecating composer whose works are only now being afforded the credit they deserve but he did sire two very musical sons!Edmund Whitehouse

RADIO VISION ONE Big City Walk, Dr. Watson’s Vision, The Artful Dodger, Your Perfume, You’re In My Heart, Yesterday On The Champs Elysees, Here In A Smoky Room, Lyric Moon, Early One Morning, Starlight Hours, Blue Lady, Mon Ami Mon Amour, Café Braziliana, Ce Soir, Sounds Latin, Gwendolyn, Mixed-up Mazurka, Hasta La Vista, Skyline Concerto, Dancing In Bavaria, Velvet Moon, For Fiddlers Only Apollo Sound APSCD 237, 57:15 mins. This is the first in a new series from Heinz Herschmann’s Apollo Sound specialising in easy listening music typical of the sounds to be heard on radio and television during the 1960s and 1970s. One track comes from Amphonic, with the remainder all sourced from Mozart Edition. Some composers will be familiar – Brian Fahey, Peter Hope, Heinz Hotter, Neil Richardson and Gordon Langford – whereas the others (presumably from the continent of Europe) are less well-known. Among the orchestras are those of George Hermann, Dolf van der Linden and the Orchestra Raphaele, plus an assortment of ensembles that typified the output of so many production music libraries of that period. Technical director Chris Churcher has put together a pleasing selection that will delight fans of what seems to have become known as ‘Test Card Music’. You’ll probably put it on the CD player as background music, and then suddenly find that it has grabbed your full attention. Let’s hope that Apollo Sound let us have some more like this.David Ades

JOHNNIE RAY – Just Walking In The Rain Prism PLATCD 1428. "The Nabob of Sob" was very big in the early to mid ‘fifties. It is said that he cried himself into a fabulous fortune. His first hit, Crybacked with The Little White Cloud that Cried, sold over two million in 1952; staying at No.1 in the US charts for three months and spending almost a year in the listings. It was followed by a second million seller, [Here Am I] Broken Hearted. His third million seller, Just Walking in the Rain came in 1956; it topped the UK charts for seven weeks. Other hits on this disc include Please Mr Sun, Walkin’ My Baby Back Home, All of Me, Hey There, Hernando’s Hideaway, and Such a Night. He is joined by Doris Day and Paul Weston and his Orchestra on Ma Says, Pa Says and A Full Time Job. Percy Faith and his Orchestra provide stellar support for Alexander’s Ragtime Band. Other orchestras involved are those of Johnny Carroll, Joe Reisman, Les Elgart and Mitch Miller. Apart from the title track all the recordings here are the originals. Also included are 11 "Bonus Tracks" from Johnnie’s Palladium Concert in 1954 when he beat the box office records set a few years earlier by Frankie Laine. With acceptable sound, good liner notes/track listings and a few seconds under 70 minutes music for a penny under £3, this is a big bargain buy – and an ideal stocking filler. Peter Burt

MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS – New London Orchestra / Ronald Corp. Helios CDH55246. If you enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan then you will certainly want to buy this new complete production of Harold Fraser-Simon’s classic musical. It opened during the First World War and ran for more than 1,300 performances, an incredible run bettered only by Chu Chin Chow, both records standing for more than 40 years. The star was Jose Collins and the show would have run longer had she not finally cried "enough!". The most famous songs are "A bachelor gay am I" and "Love will find a way" but some of the other offerings are G & S at their best – except they are not G & S! It is a tale of brigands, suitors and beautiful young ladies. Admirable stuff! Edmund Whitehouse

The Golden Age of Light Music: "Soloists Supreme" & "The Great Light Orchestras Salute Cole Porter" for full tracklistings please see pages 52-57 of the last issue of ‘Journal Into Melody’.The unprecedented success of the GUILD GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC series has, in no small way, been due to imaginative programming of the CDs. With the availability of a large resource of recorded material – much of which is drawn from the collections of RFS members – David Ades and Alan Bunting are constantly developing new ‘theming’ ideas. This has already resulted in two Hall Of Fame issues and the Salute To Richard Rodgers (GLCD5123) which is now joined by Salute To Cole Porter (GLCD5127). In common with Irving Berlin, Cole Porter wrote both his own ‘notes and words’ although, as the booklet comments :– ‘the music still stands up well without the lyrics’. This is obviously assisted by the quality of the arrangements and performing orchestras included here, in recordings spanning a 10-year period between 1945-1955. In addition to American and British GUILD ‘regulars’ such as Andre Kostelanetz, Percy Faith, David Rose, Sidney Torch, Mantovani and Stanley Black, we meet newcomers such as the orchestras of French musicians Guy Luypaerts and Eddie Barclay. This new offering proves conclusively that as a tunesmith, Porter was the equal of Berlin, Jerome Kern, and George Gershwin; his prodigious talent is evident on every one of the 21 tracks. Three of these contain selections or suites, and particularly worthy of special mention is the arrangement, made by the then Wally Stott for Sidney Torch, of the big numbers from Kiss Me Kate. Another conductor making his GUILD debut is Glenn Osser whose work, certainly in the UK, is not widely known, but who arranged for an impressive list of top US bands during the ’50s. Regrettably, the arranger of the final track the Cole Porter Suite by Louis Levy and his ‘Music from the Movies’ orchestra is not credited but it is likely to have been undertaken by one of several distinguished musicians who regularly ‘ghosted’ for Levy.

The other new release also features a new ‘angle’, reflected in its title – Soloists Supreme (GLCD 5126). This is an assemblage of compositions featuring a solo instrument, instrumental section or in two cases, a whistler! It’s a great opportunity to put together a collection of really excellent titles, most of which were recorded in the late-’40s/early-’50s. Sadly, not all of the soloists are known, but those credited include guitarists Dave Goldberg and Bert Weedon, pianists Edward Rubach and Joe Henderson, violinists Reginald Leopold, Mitch Miller playing both oboe and cor anglais and the ‘siffleurs’ Ronnie Ronalde and Muzzy Marcellino. Sidney Torch makes a rare appearance as a solo organist with Carroll Gibbons’ orchestra on a vintage 1932 recording , and I must especially mention the amazing saxophonist Freddy Gardner, with the Peter Yorke orchestra. Whilst this track – Valse Vanite has appeared on previous reissue CDs, it never fails to thrill, and as David writes in the booklet… ‘he [Gardner] finds notes on the instrument that weren’t supposed to be there…’ Virtually all of the orchestras and conductors will be familiar, with Robert Farnon being accorded the honour of three tracks – two with his own orchestra and one with the Danish State Radio Orchestra; the latter is the only non-commercial (Chappell) recording amongst the 25 tracks. So here we have yet another two very enjoyable and most worthy additions to the GUILD series. There are some more interesting issues in the pipeline, which will be reviewed in the next edition of the JIM.

Tony Clayden

VICTOR YOUNG Singing Strings and Orchestra. Manhattan Concerto; Love Letters; Cornish Rhapsody; Geraldine; Tara’s Theme; Invitation; My Foolish Heart; Hi-Lili Hi-Lo; Limelight; Call Of The Faraway Hills; Melba Waltz; Where Is Your Heart; Arizona Sketches; Stella By Starlight; Spellbound; Autumn Leaves; Blue Star…Frank Bristow FBCD151/152. A thousand thanks (from me at least) to Frank Bristow for letting us hear again this batch of four Victor Young 10 inch LPs and one 12 inch album from the Brunswick catalogue of fifty or more years ago which I thought I would never hear or see again. A Musical Sketch Book, Pearls On Velvet, Hollywood Rhapsodies, Love Themes andCinema Rhapsodies between them contain 46 tracks by such as Steiner, Rozsa, Mancini, Korngold, Newman, Kaper and Raksin with Young himself contributing no less than 18 of his own compositions, most of which are now recognised as standards. All of which testifies to the quality of the basic material, much of which knowledgeable readers will probably know anyway, even if not in these particular settings which explore every facet of Victor Young’s genius. in my article on young in JIM159 I quoted Gordon Jenkins’ comment to me that Victor was a lovely man and a great composer, but he always had a bad band. Gordy may have exaggerated this point somewhat, for at that time, and on these sessions at least, I can’t fault the style and sound of his orchestras. You will find however that frank has boobed in reversing track 20 on disc one and track 1 on disc two, which doesn’t affect the quality one little bit. Arthur Jackson

The Massed Bands of HM ROYAL MARINES / Lt Colonel Chris Davis – Music from Beating Retreat 2006. Washington Grays, McAlpine (drum solo), On The Quarterdeck, Monforterbeek, Drummers Call, Band Call, Fall In, Sarie Marais, Royal Flourish, To Fight & Win, Per Mare Per Terram, Globe & Laurel, Royal Salute, Chatham, Portsmouth, Eastney, British Grenadiers, Soldiers of the Sea, HM Jollies, Gladiator, Captain General, The Day Thou Gavest, Sunset, Rule Britannia, The National Anthem, Heart of Oak, A Life on The Ocean Wave, Famous Songs of the British Isles, Mountbatten March, Wellington, Under the White Ensign. (67:00) Chevron / Doyen CHVCD24. Available from: The Blue Band HG06 HQBSRM, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, PO1 3HH. Cheque for £12 payable to ‘The Blue Band’. Or online at www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk The sessions for this splendid studio representation of the famed Beating Retreat ceremony preceded the actual event held on Horseguards Avenue on June 16-17 by some two and a half months, the Royal Marines band service having wisely elected to go for a studio recording rather than the inherent risk of assorted extraneous off-stage noises of the somewhat limited sonics which accompany any live recording, not to mention the possible vagaries of the English weather. The recordings took place between 3-5 April with a composite band of mainly Plymouth personnel under the baton of Captain M.P. Dowrick. The complete programme of music, some 37 tracks in total – too many to detail here – was composed or arranged by Royal Marine musicians and comes replete with various bugle calls, fanfares, drum solos and an excellent choice of marches by the likes of Kenneth Alford – On The Quarter Deck, HM Jolliesand, by that icon of military music, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Vivian Dunn, Captain General, theMountbatten March and Under The White Ensign. One of the most moving tracks is Captain Green’sFamiliar Sunset, which dates from 1932, and delivered here with great sensitivity and innate dignity. It would have been nice to have some information on the music played and/or a brief history of the Beating Retreat ceremony, but the time-scale involved here was incredibly short, with the resultant disc actually being on sale to the public at the event itself, the Royal Marines having to obtain the necessary street-trading licence! An indication of how little time was available to meet the deadline is that the track information details as shown go a little awry. Track 31 is actually the Mountbatten March, while track 33 is Vivian Dunn’s attractive arrangement of famous songs of the British isles, and not the other way round as shown. For those who attended this military spectacular, this Chevron release will be an invaluable souvenir of a memorable occasion, whilst those unfortunates like myself who weren’t present for an outstanding display of military music prowess at least have a superb and vividly recorded disc of what we sadly missed. An indispensable buy for all admirers of the Royal Marines band service. Roger Hyslop

Orchestral Works of DOUGLAS LILBURN – New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd. Aotearoa; Birthday Offering; Drysdale Overture; Forest; Song of the Islands; Festival Overture; Processional Fanfare. Naxos 8.557697. A pupil of Vaughan Williams, Lilburn nevertheless developed his own New Zealand style of lighter music and this eminently suitable CD will find a happy home on the shelf of many tuneful music lovers. Serious music with a lighter twist from a composer who deserves to be better known. Edmund Whitehouse

CAPRICE – Alison Balsom (trumpet), Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra / Edward Gardner.EMI 353255-2. Although a Classical release, there should be a fair number of the 18 trumpet transcriptions here that appeal to JIM readers who admire top-flight brass playing. The soloist is the young musician voted "Classic FM Listeners’ Choice" in the Classic FM Gramophone Awards 2006. She had previously won a Brit Award as "Young British Classical Performer of the Year". The opening number will be very familiar: Mozart’s Rondo alla turca. So, possibly, will be Ms Balsom’s version of the same composer’s Queen of Night aria, played on a piccolo trumpet, and Paganini’s Caprice No.24. Opera buffswill appreciate, too, Arban’s Variations on ‘Casta Diva’ from Bellini’s ‘Norma’[at six minutes, the longest item]. There are also nine Latin-inspired pieces by Piazolla and de Falla. An hour of enormously elevating music. Try it! Peter Burt

The Band of the GRENADIER GUARDS / Maj. D. Barton – The Music of the Grenadier Guards. Alwyn - The Young Grenadier; Bashford - Queen’s Company; Clarke - Forgotten Heroes; Godfrey - Guards Waltz; Sousa - King Cotton, The Liberty Bell; Wedderburn - Good Courage; Ewing -Toy Grenadier; Burton - First Guards; Waltts - Nairac G.C.; Hills - Nijmegan Company; Williams - The Guards Patrol; Mason - Invicta Grenadier; Eley - The Duke Of York… (78:00). Specialist Recording Company SRC135. This, the latest offering from the specialist recording company, featuring music associated with specific regiments, directs the spotlight on one of the premier and most distinguished components of the British army, namely the Grenadier Guards celebrating their 350^th anniversary. The CD booklet list all the principal conductors – bandmasters and directors of music – of this illustrious band from c.1780-present time. The current incumbent, major Denis Burton, has held this, one of the most prestigious appointments in army music, since 2002, and this new disc features some of his original compositions such as the slow march First Guards, composed for the queen’s birthday parade in 2003, and various attractive arrangements he has forged of English folktunes. Kenneth Alwyn, better known as a distinguished conductor who made some notable recordings for the Marco-Polo and ASV labels of the music of Richard Addinsell in the 1990s, is here represented in less familiar guise as composer of an impressive concert march The Young Grenadier, composed originally for the Queen’s Birthday Parade in 1992 and relating to a photograph depicting the then young princess Elizabeth wearing a Grenadier cap when she assumed the position of Colonel of the Regiment in 1942. Nigel Clarke, chiefly known as a film music composer, penned the concert marchForgotten Heroes. Described in the CD booklet as filmic in style, I found it written in a somewhat abrasive, unappealing modern idiom and distinctly lacking in a good strong memorable tune, which is surely such an indispensable ingredient of a successful well-constructed march. By contrast, a better exemplar of a modern concert march is Robin Wedderburn’s Good Courage, written partly in memory of his father, an army major who was killed whilst on duty in Singapore in 1960. The faster outer sections enclose a noble trio tune, not too far removed in character from the world of Sir William Walton. The two Sousa marches included in this collection are the popular Liberty Bell and King Cotton – the latter, famous for its use as a signature tune in BBC radio’s long-running Marching and Waltzing, is delivered with an intoxicating verve and swagger. Albert Williams, a DOM of the Grenadier Guards between 1896 and 1921 gives the band’s musicians an opportunity to exercise their vocal chords in a rousing and lusty rendition of The British Grenadiers, in his descriptive pieceThe Guards Patrol. Also well worthy of mention is a rare performance and rare recording of a light music gem from 1953 in the form of Montague Ewing’s delightful and witty Toy Grenadier. It is perhaps a pity that room could not have been found on this admittedly generously filled disc for Emile Waldteufel’s Grenadier Waltz, a product of a friendship which developed between the composer and Dan Godfrey, bandmaster of the Grenadier Guards whilst the Frenchman was in London conducting at a series of promenade concerts. The piece is however included in volume 9 of Marco Polo’s The Best Of Emile Waldteufel (B223687). There are all-told 28 tracks of music on this CD associated in some way with the Grenadier Guards, and with full, vivid and well-detailed sound, beautifully produced art work, close to maximum playing time and gloriously rich tonal burnished playing from the band, this is yet another outstanding new release from SRC and can be strongly recommended. Next in line in this particular series will feature the music of the Royal Engineers, due for release in a few months time. Roger Hyslop

Deep In My Heart: The Songs of SIGMUND ROMBERG. Living Era CD AJA 5642. Complementing the purely orchestral Mantovani album reviewed a couple of issues ago, this is the 24^th release in Living Era’s wonderful "Songs Of" series. There are 22 numbers here – some of the finest from the pen of the Dublin born last giant of American operetta claimed to be the first composer to write for film. So there are tracks from the "dream team" of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald who achieved instant stardom in the 1935 movie ‘Naughty Marietta’. And Mario Lanza gets his golden tonsils round four hits from the 1954 picture of ‘The Student Prince’. On the CD’s title tune he is joined by Elizabeth Doubleday. There are duets from Tony Martin and Kathryn Grayson, Gordon MacRae and Lucille Norman, and Larry Douglas and Jean Carlton. Other artists featured are Richard Crooks [You Will Remember Vienna], Shirlee Emmons [Dance, My Darlings], Evelyn Laye [The Night Is Young], Jo Cameron [Lordy, What A Sweet World!], Howard Keel [Your Land And My Land], and Tony Bennett [My Heart Won’t Say Goodbye]. The composer himself conducts on at least three of the tracks. We get all this for around £8. Well done, again, Sanctuary Classics. Peter Burt

ROBERT SIMPSON – The Complete Symphonies. Hyperion budget-price boxed set CDS44191-7. Don’t pass this over because Robert Simpson was the one person at the BBC who put his money where his mouth was. In 1980 he resigned in protest at where Radio 3 and the Proms in particular were going. In his book "The Proms and Natural Justice" he then argued against the "avant garde nutcase school of composing" in favour of our tuneful musical heritage. His symphonies are unlike any other but contain echoes of many past great composers. There are 11 symphonies in all, plusVariations on a Theme of Nielsen. Edmund Whitehouse

CLASSIC CHILDREN’S SONGS. JUSCD003. Available from: Just Accord Music, PO Box 224, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5YJ. £10 (to LMS members) including p+p. The field of children’s songs, in the sense of songs for children to listen to rather than to sing (though there are plenty of those, some memorable) is attractively explored on this disc. It is impossible to deal adequately with all 35 tracks in a 200 word review, but composers range widely over a period of perhaps a century, and they include light music practitioners like Victor Hely-Hutchinson, Liza Lehmann, Malcolm Williamson, Howard Blake, Harold Frazer-Simpson, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edward German, Christopher Le Fleming, Cecil Armstrong Gibbs, Donald Swann and Lord Berners, and distinguished British composers (just two songs are American) like Arthur Somervelle, Howells, Lennox Barclay, Britten and Ronald Stevenson. Lyric writers are similarly varied, with R.L. Stevenson and Walter De La Mare (five each), Kipling (four) and A.A. Milne and the whimsical Spike Milligan (three each) scoring the most, with Kenneth Grahame, Lewis Caroll and Tolkien among others also represented. There are just three women composers – Betty Roe, Lehman and Barbara Reynolds – and surprisingly only two female lyricists (Eleanor Fargein and Marjory Fleming who died at the age of 8). Not all songs rely purely on charm and melody; some have an underlying sadness. Performances, by baritone Roderick Williams and soprano Elizabeth Atherton, are intelligent, beautifully clear in focus and admirable in diction, with Iain Burnside an alert positive accompanist. Recording first-rate; though no words are reproduced, the booklet has full notes on the music and a general essay on children’s song. Highly recommended. Philip Scowcroft

ENGLISH LANDSCAPES Arnold Bax – Tintagel; Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending, Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1; Gerald Finzi – The Fall Of The Leaf; Frederick Delius – Summer Night On The River, On Hearing The First Cuckoo In Spring; Edward Elgar – As Torrents In Summer; John Ireland – The Hills The Hallé Orchestra and the Hallé Choir conducted by Mark Elder Sanctuary/Halle CD HLL 7512, 71:40 mins. As readers will be aware from many reviews in this magazine, there is a wealth of glorious English music available today on compact discs and the great news is that so much more is still being written by a new generation of composers. However in this instance, the emphasis is on the acknowledged masters, most of whom were born between 100 and 125 years ago, and anyone approaching this repertoire for the first time couldn’t have a better introduction than this hugely enjoyable selection. When I first heard Tintagel many years ago I was immediately reminded of some of Trevor Duncan’s majestic works – I’m sure that this will have been noticed by other RFS members! Mark Elder certainly pleased many light music fans when he conducted Eric Coates’ Calling All Workers on the Last Night of the Proms in September, and he has already been highly praised for his achievements. He received the CBE as long ago as 1989, and has held prestigious posts in the USA as well as throughout the UK. Clearly this CD is aimed at younger people who may not already have a wide selection of classical music on their shelves, but I suspect that many seasoned collectors will also welcome the opportunity to add new versions of these glorious works to their libraries.David Ades

Wilfred Askew has informed us of the following recent releases:

BILLY VAUGHN and his Orchestra – Sail Along, Silv'ry Moon / Blue Hawaii. Raunchy; Sail Along Silv'ry Moon; Sunrise Serenade; Sweet Georgia Brown; Sentimental Journey; Until Tomorrow; Jealous; Twilight Time; Sleepy Time Gal; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You; Moon Over Miami; Tumbling Tumbleweeds; Hawaiian War Chant; Blue Hawaii; Hawaiian Paradise; Little Brown Gal; My Isle Of Golden Dreams; Sweet Leilani; Coconut Grove; Trade Winds; Beyond The Reef; My Little Grass Shack; Song Of The Islands; Hawaiian Sunset; Aloha Oe. (58:19). Collector’s Choice CCM-0666-2. Original DOT recordings from 1958.

BILLY VAUGHN and his Orchestra – Theme From A Summer Place / Theme From The Sundowners. A Summer Place; Tammy; Tracy's Theme; Climb Every Mountain; Que Sera, Sera; The Terry Theme From Limelight; True Love; The Sound Of Music; Three Penny Opera; Some Enchanted Evening; All The Way; Sayonara; The Dark At The Top Of The Stairs; O Solo Mio; Never On Sunday; Old Cape Cod; The Green Leaves Of Summer; The Church's One Foundation; Mr. Lucky; The Sundowners; Everybody's Somebody's Fool; Walk Don't Run; Remember When; Volare; Love Is A Many Splendored Thing. (62:18). Collector’s Choice CCM-0667-2. Original DOT recordings from 1960.

BILLY VAUGHN and his Orchestra – Look For A Star / A Swingin' Safari. Look For A Star; Snowfall; Mona Lisa; Paper Roses; Greenfields; Beyond The Sunset; Because They're Young; He'll Have To Go; Theme From The Apartment; La Montana; Just A Closer Walk With Thee; Marta; Swingin' Safari; (It's No Sin); Born To Be With You; Alone; Glow Worm March; In The Chapel In The Moonlight; Sunday In Madrid; Love Letters In The Sand; Blue Flame; A Fool Such As I; Throw Another Log On The Fire; When The Saints Go Marching In. (54:19). Collector’s Choice CCM-0668-2. Original DOT recordings from 1960 and 1962 respectively.

LES BAXTER and his Orchestra – Ritual Of The Savage / Passions. Busy Port; Sophisticates Savage; Jungle River Boat; Jungle Flower; Barquita; Stone God; Quiet Village; Jungle Jalopy; Coronation; Love Dance; Kinkajou; Ritual; Bacoa; Despair; Ecstacy; Hate; Lust; Terror; Jealousy; Joy. (59:16). Rev-Ola CRREV171. Original Capitol recordings from 1951 and 1954 respectively.

PADDY ROBERTS – Strictly for Grown Ups / Paddy Roberts Tries Again. Love Isn't What It Used to Be; Follow Me; Don't Upset the Little Kiddywinks; Architect; Big Dee Jay; Anglais Aves Son Sang; Froid; Ballad of Bethnal Green; Love in a Mist; Short Song; Growing Old; I've Got the Blues; Lavender Cowboy; Poor Little; Country Girl; Let Me Introduce the Boys; I Gave My Love a Cherry; You're a Square; We've Never Had It So Good; I Want to Go Home; The Belle Of Barking Creek; Why Did It All Begin?; Awful Lot of Bull; I Love Mary; Pie Eyed Piper; Tattooed Lady; We've Got to Thank Columbus; What's All This Fuss About Love? (73:22). Must Close Saturday Records MCSR3022. Original Decca recordings from 1959 and 1960 respectively.

REGINALD KELL & his Quiet Music – Swing Low Sweet Clarinet***. Clarence Raybould - The Wistful Shepherd**; Fritz Kreisler – Liebesleid*; The King Steps Out* (Stars in my Eyes);Liebesfreud*; Schön Rosmarin*; Caprice Viennois*; Claude Debussy - Le Petit Berger* (Children's Corner); La fille aux cheveux de lin*; Rêverie*; La plus que lente*; Walter Mourant - Blue Haze*;The Pied Piper*; Ecstasy*; Anonymous - The Gentle Maiden; Stephen Collins Foster - Gentle Annie; Some Folks; Irish Traditional - The Snowy Breasted Pearl; Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded; Sebastián Iradier - La paloma; Annie Fortescue - Harrison In the Gloaming; Michael William Balfe -Killarney; Reginald Porter-Brown - Dance of the Three Old Maids*; George H. Clutsam - Ma Curly-headed Baby**. (*with Camarata and his Orchestra; **with the BBC Salon Orchestra; ***with Ambrose and his Orchestra). (73:59). Clarinet Classics CC0049. Recorded 1942-55.

LAURIE HOLLOWAY – The Piano Player. Surrey With The Fringe On Top; People Will Say We Are In Love; Every Time We Say Goodbye; How To Handle A Woman; My Favourite Things; Hello Young Lovers; Some Enchanted Evening; Honeysuckle Rose; I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans; Forgotten Dreams; Blue Skies; Pick Yourself Up; I Won't Dance; Smoke Gets In Your Eyes; They Can't Take That Away From Me; Cute; Blind Date/Beadle's About; Gymnopedie No 1; Shall We Dance; They Say It's Wonderful. (72:01). Universal 986 754-8.

ANDRE KOSTELANETZ – Sounds of Today / Today's Greatest Movie Hits. Born Free; Dommage, Dommage (Too Bad, Too Bad); Games That Lovers Play; In the Arms of Love; Summer Wind; Man and a Woman; Sound of Silence; Cabaret; Alfie; Strangers in the Night; Guantanamera; Two for the Road; Barefoot in the Park; Tara's Theme (from Gone With the Wind); Thoroughly Modern Millie; What to Do? (Theme from Woman Times Seven); The Eyes of Love (from Banning); Doctor Dolittle; This Is My Song (from A Countess from Hong Kong); Fabulous Places (from Doctor Dolittle); Dreamsville (from Peter Gunn); Happy Barefoot Boy (from Two for the Road). (56:11). Collectables COL-CD-7601. Original Columbia recordings from 1967.

HUGO WINTERHALTER and his Orchestra – Through the Years. With Peter Hanley, June Valli, Billy Eckstine, Ginny Gibson, Stuart Foster, Eddie Heywood, Sunny Gale, The Ames Brothers, The Rhythmettes and Don Cornell & The Ray Charles Singers. Blue Tango; Melancholy Serenade; Foggy River; The Second Star To The Right; I Understand; Wrong Wrong Wrong; Orchid Room; The Flying Dutchman; More Than You Know; Dream Of Olwen; Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone); The Chosen Few; My Heart Says No; Smoke Dreams; Blow Blow Winds Of The Sea; Blue Christmas; Smilin' Through; If I Could Tell You / In My Garden; Memory Lane; Take A Look In The Mirror; The Winter Snow; Beyond The Blue Horizon; These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You); Mama; Land Of Dreams; Music Box In Blue; Vanessa; Salute To Industry; Make Believe Land; Something To Remember You By; Swingin' On A Star; Stairway To The Stairs; Stay With The Happy People; Are You Lonesome Tonight?; Prelude To The Stars;.My Destiny; Canadian Sunset; The Coca-Cola Company Theme; Let Me Go, Lover!; Unsuspecting Heart; Always; White Christmas; Music Of Manhattan / Memories Of Yesterday; Flaherty's Beguine; Leave It To Your Heart; Hopelessly; Seems Like Old Times; On The Trail; Through The Years. (155:22). Jasmine JASCD436. Original RCA recordings.

EMI has recently sent us a batch of new releases which should find their way into many Christmas stockings later this month.

Pride of place must go to a 3-CD box set that will certainly delight those with a soft spot for a certain American pop star. BOBBY VEE – The Singles Collection contains no less than 95 tracks spanning the years 1959-1977. The publicity notes inform us that this is a complete collection featuring all the hits, the US A-sides and B-sides, UK-only singles and rare material including tracks never previously released on CD – and even some Italian language versions. This collection has been produced in the UK, and the CD booklet is an example of how this kind of material should be treated; there are numerous photographs of Bobby Vee plus record labels and covers, some very comprehensive notes (you might like to have a magnifying glass handy!) plus full credits for the composers – one trackSwahili Serenade is even the work of Sir Malcolm Arnold! I am slightly amused to see that the contents of sets of more than one CD are no longer identified as CD1, CD2 etc, but ‘Component 1’ etc! EMI Gold 367 3792.

The Essential RONNIE RONALDE 50 tracks 2 CDs 2:20 mins EMI Gold 370 2352. This collection concentrates on Ronnie’s recordings for EMI, so you won’t find the four sides he recorded with Robert Farnon for Decca (one of these is on the new Guild CD "Soloists Supreme"). Now in his eighties and living in Australia, Ronnie continues to perform and he has a loyal following of devoted fans. Paul Hazell has assembled an enjoyable selection (assisted by Ronnie) and the booklet cannot be faulted. I have not listed the titles because Ronnie’s admirers can be reassured that their favourites such asIf I Were A Blackbird, In A Monastery Garden and Dream Of Olwen are all here. Like Bobby Vee (above) and the two collections which follow below, EMI have excelled themselves with informative and attractive booklets, and after criticising a lack of information in some instances in the past I am delighted to say that purchasers of these collections are certainly getting value for their money.

DICK HAYMES – The Complete Capitol Collection 2 CDs EMI Gold 371 3892. 36 tracks include It Might As Well Be Spring, The More I See You, The Very Thought Of You, You’ll Never Know etc.. This collection is simply what the title says – it contains the two LPs Dick Haymes recorded for Capitol in 1955 and 1956, plus a handful of singles. The LP "Rain or Shine" was conducted by Ian Bernard, who also contributed most of the arrangements, the others being by Johnny Mandel. "Moondreams" was entirely arranged and conducted by Ian Bernard. Billy May, Gordon Jenkins and Jackie Gleason had a hand with the singles. Musicologist and film historian Ken Barnes is responsible for this high quality product which stands as an example of the heights to which popular music had risen during the 1950s. A superb collection in every respect.

MATT MONRO – The Rare Monro Other People, Mirage, All Of A Sudden, Yours Alone, Let Me Choose Life, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Try To Remember, When I Look Into Your Eyes, Where In The World, New York New York, Taking A Chance On Love, Blue Moon, Birth Of The Blues, etc. 51 tracks EMI Gold 372 5582. British readers may have seen an excellent documentary on BBC4 about Matt Monro in recent months, subsequently repeated on BBC2 (pity the Radio Times couldn’t spell his name correctly). EMI’s blurb states: "Each time Matt Monro went into the studio with George Martin he would lay down five or six recordings. Those were then listened back to and a song was chosen that they thought would be the next hit. But what about the discarded songs? Well, they’re here!" The collection contains many previously unreleased tracks, and is largely the brainchild of Matt’s daughter Michele, who has also contributed the booklet notes and supplied a good selection of photos. Several songs are from non-EMI sources and the final track is a medley of four TV commercials sung by Matt early in his career. He was one of the few British singers of quality popular music during a period when rock ‘n’ roll just about overwhelmed everything else. It is good to know that his unique talent is still appreciated today, David Ades

Also new from EMI …

DEL SHANNON Home & Away A selection of ‘new’ material and a re-recording of his big hitRunaway – album recorded at Olympic Studios, London in February 1967. EMI seem to have resurrected a fondly remembered name from the past, although the repertoire used to be rather different – Zonophone! EMI Zonophone 374 8532.

CLIFF RICHARD Two’s Company The now familiar ploy of linking the ‘star’ with other singers. Someone must still be buying Cliff Richard CDs, because EMI keep issuing them! EMI 377 0722.David Ades

The American label Monstrous Movie Music may be unknown to many readers. It has come to our attention following the recent release of a rare Ron Goodwin score.

"THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS" (Ron Goodwin) 1962. The CD also includes music from "War Of The Satellites" (Walter Greene) 1958, "This Island Earth" (Herman Stein, Hans Salter and Henry Mancini) 1955 and "Earth vs the Flying Saucers" (Daniele Amfitheatrof) 1956 – Radio Symphony Orchestra of Slovakia. 60:12 mins, Monstrous Movie Music MMM-1954. The extremely detailed, and utterly fascinating booklet notes tell us that both Ron Goodwin and his colleague Ron Shillingford assisted in the preparation of the manuscripts for this recording, but it is clear that the film was not a happy experience for many people who worked on it. Both Allied Artists (of the USA) and the Rank Organisation (from Britain) were involved in the original production, and the first version was decimated to remove scenes where the special effects were far from special. Around 25 minutes was cut, including a lot of Ron Goodwin’s music. Extra scenes were subsequently shot to make the film sufficiently long for a first feature, but by then Ron had moved on to other projects. Johnny Douglas was brought in to add some music for the new material, but the producers also used some of his work to replace parts of Ron’s original score. Some music cues ended up being used in parts of the film for which they were not intended. Johnny Douglas did a good job, but it would have been far better if either he, or Ron, had been responsible for the complete film, because it seems that Johnny Douglas was not told to make sure that his music fitted the rest of the film. It all sounds like a typical case of producers thinking they know better than the creative artists themselves, and no doubt this kind of thing still goes on today. The CD is worth buying for the fascinating story in the booklet, and all admirers of Ron Goodwin will want to add this to their collections. Monstrous Movie Music is the only soundtrack label specialising in music from classic science fiction, fantasy and horror films, and if you are on the internet you should visit their website:www.mmmrecordings.com where you can buy by mail order.

Another recent release is "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" (Roy Webb) 1949, plus "20 Million Miles To Earth" Mischa Bakaleinikoff and the Columbia Pictures’ music library) 1957, and "The Animal World" (Paul Sawtell) 1956. 61:48 mins, MMM-1953.

David Ades

THE BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC CLASSICS SERIES 77 tracks in a 4-CD box set The New London Orchestra Conducted by Ronald Corp Hyperion CDS44261/4. Most readers will already have one – if not all – of the CDs in this set; the first was released to considerable acclaim as long ago as 1996 with the fourth arriving in 2002. These modern stereo recordings introduced a new audience to the delights of 45 fine light music composers including Charles Ancliffe, Ronald Binge, Ernest Bucalossi, Eric Coates, Frederic Curzon, Robert Farnon, Herman Finck, Albert W. Ketelbey, Lionel Monckton, Sidney Torch, Gilbert Vinter and Charles Williams – to select just a few. We have not been advised that the four single volumes have been deleted, but if any RFS members would like all four this is surely a great bargain - not to be missed. David Ades This 4-CD set is available from the RFS Record Service for £19 [US $38].

For full details log on to the brilliant Hyperion website at www.hyperion-records.co.uk and go to Catalogue by Collection. You will also discover many other superb lighter music CDs from this very enterprising British company. Edmund Whitehouse

"Precious moment" EDDIE HENDERSON. To wisdom the prize, Blue in green, Around the world in 3/4, Precious moment, Dear old Stockholm, Unforgettable, Dance cadaverous, Wild flower, Silent night, (Kind of blue. KOB 10008) 55:53 mins. The opening tune written by Larry Willis with the crystal clear piano playing by Kevin Hays promises much for the rest of the CD. Things go slightly off form with Bill Evans’ beautiful "Blue in green". Eddie’s soloing rings changes in the Miles Davis version but not with the same tragic melancholy, so sounds aimless. Eddie is an inventive improviser - one I have enjoyed since his "Fusion" outings such as "Say you will", "Butterfly" and "Prance on". His rhythm section Kevin Hays, Ed Howard and Billy Hart have been with him for many years and the empathy shows. Two titles were written by his wife Natsuko, "Around the world in 3/4" and the title track. To be honest I wish he had kicked these into touch as they are the most forgettable! He should stick to ballads and better known composers. For me the most fascinating number is Eddie’s take on "Silent night" ticking percussion, wispy synthesiser sweeps and his soloing making up for lesser delights. Paul Clatworthy

"The Arthur Schwartz songbook" HERB GELLER. Dancing in the dark, Then I’ll be tired of you, Alone together, I see your face before me, A shine on my shoes, Come a wandering with me, By myself, Haunted heart, Girl in calico, I guess I’ll have to change my plan, You and the night and the music, They’re either too young or too old, How sweet of you, (medley Oh but I do, Something you never had before, Something to remember you by, That’s entertainment. (Hep Jazz CD2089) 60:58. Sleeve writer Gene Lees must have had a senior moment when he states "this is the first instrumental album devoted to the music of Arthur Schwartz". He is a Farnon Society member! That small quibble aside this album is bursting with good tunes immaculately played. Herb arranged all tracks which included some Schwartz songs new to me, and because I am a Big Band fan after a while the tracks set into a pattern, one medium tempo one medium fast - rather a churlish criticism as it was sent to me as a promo! (which probably means no more!) Lovers of small group jazz will love the album. Paul Clatworthy

"Rendezvous in Rio" MICHAEL FRANKS. Under the sun, Rendezvous in Rio, The cool school, Samba do Soho, The critics are never kind, Scatsville, The chemistry of love, Hearing "Take five", The question is why, Songbirds. (Koch records KOC-CD9964) 52:41. I have never heard a Michael Franks album that disappointed, this is no exception! His voice is unique, he writes most of his own output and always chooses so right backings. As befits the title this has a mainly Latin slant, one to put alongside the album he did with Eumir Deodata. I was hooked from track one till the end, beautiful tunes, sometimes "Bossa" other times "Samba" exceptionally clever lyrics, "I grew up listening to Mose and Chet" on "The cool school" summing up what he thinks of most critics by using quotes from Degas, Van Gogh and Gaugin on "The critics are never kind". There are no poor tracks on the album, the arrangers are Chuck Loeb, Charles Blenzig, Scott Petito, Roger Burns and Jeff Lorber, all raising their game to new

heights. Paul Clatworthy

PHIL KELSALL The Classic Collection Tritsch Tratsch Polka, Sailing By, Nola, My Heart and I, Bugler’s Holiday, The Girl From Corsica, Narcissus, In a Persian Market, Marigold, etc 21 tracks. Grasmere GRCD 126. This is a compilation of previous recordings which Phil describes as ‘my greatest tracks’. He has made an astonishing number of CDs, and has a big following in the organ fraternity. David Ades

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Conducted by VIC LEWIS "Colours" Ochre, Red, Green, Sienna, Jade, Black, Mauve, Gold, Azure, Yellow, Grey. also "Russian Suite" excerpts, plus Romance for Violin (Lewis, arr. Rob Pronk). Vocalion CDLF 8112. Vic Lewis has been responsible for some exciting recording projects over the years, which have not always received the publicity that they deserved. Possibly "Colours" is a case in point. Originally on an RCA LP released in 1978, it has previously appeared on CD, but this new Vocalion release is far more attractive. Also it has extra tracks which were not on the original album. The idea for "Colours" was basically simple, yet imaginative: invite the leading composers and arrangers of the day to submit new works each depicting a colour, take the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra into the CTS Studios (October 1977), and allow the magic to flow. With contributors such as Malcolm Williamson, Ken Thorne, Kenny Clayton, David Morgan, John Scott, John Cameron and Randy Edelman – plus Robert Farnon (his Irena from "Shalako" renamed Mauve) and Vic Lewis’s own Red (a tribute to Shostakovitch, who had died the previous year) …the project was bound to produce some outstanding results. This is excellent value for money in all respects. David Ades

MANTOVANI Mantovani – By Special Request Guild Light Music GLCD5110 77:46 mins. [full track listing in JIM 161 – page 30]. My wife, who doesn’t share all my light music enthusiasms, likes Mantovani and thought this album sounded very nice. High praise with which I couldn’t agree more as it was in contention for my "CD Of The Year 2004". Three outstanding tracks are Monty’s ownSeptember Nocturne, featuring pianist Arthur Sandford; Blue Mantilla, written by Pedro Manilla, who bore more than a passing resemblance to the maestro himself; and Ronald Binge’s Whirlwind [an antidote to Sailing By!]. The trademark string sound was mint fresh in the early ‘50s and rings out on such tracks as my favourite Love’s Roundabout, but 14 of the 26 tracks are pre-Charmaine. I especially like Passing Clouds by Phil Cardew, and The Timbalero with its echoes of the conductor’s Tipica Orchestra. Ian Stewart’s Whistling Boy is in the long tradition of this orchestra’s novelty numbers. There are also film themes and a quartet of those terrific tangos. All in all a wonderful disc – I suppose it would be greedy to ask for second helpings? Peter Burt

MATTHEW CURTIS Orchestral Works VOL 2. Ring in the New; Romanza; Little Dance Suite; Irish Lullaby; Autumn Song; Graduation Day; Sinfonietta; Bon Voyage! Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland. Campion Cameo 2035 76:53 mins. Over the past twenty years Matthew Curtis has been delighting us with his melodic gifts. He will not delight the musical establishment, as ever since Sullivan it has down cried the writers of tunes. This disc, splendidly performed by the dream team of Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Gavin Sutherland includes a work of symphonic stature, 27 minutes long, but rather coyly styled Sinfonietta – the Irish inspired slow movement is beautiful indeed, the whole stimulatingly worked out. For the rest we have two examples of the British light concert overture (Ring in the New and Graduation Day) which come well up the order of merit in that huge genre, a march Bon Voyage!, a tribute to Gavin Sutherland (it briefly quotes his musical Little Woman), a Little Dance Suite, concise but with one or two surprises, and three rich slow movements: the earlyRomanza, the Elgarian Autumn Song and, written especially for this disc, Irish Lullaby. Curtis might not regard all these as light music, but we should salute him for helping keep light music’s traditions alive. Strongly recommended. Philip L Scowcroft

PETER CORK: Through the Looking Glass†; A Man of Kent*. †The Carroll Ensemble/Peter Cork. *Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland. Campion Cameo 2031, 51:28 mins. Peter Cork has spent most of his life (he is 77) teaching music (Dudley Moore was a pupil), but he has composed much for radio, TV and film and these concert works make very enjoyable listening. The suite Alice Through the Looking Glass (12 movements, 35 minutes – surely no-one will hear it complete in concert) is performed by ten instruments (wind quintet, string quartet, piano). It was inspired by Tenniel’s drawings, many of which are reproduced in the booklet and, as Peter Cork points out, these can be scary to a youngster. The music, even Jabberwocky, is not scary; generally it is shapely and tongue-in-cheek, whether it is depicting a train, Humpty Dumpty, The White Knight (who is seen as a kind of cowboy) or Alice’s Coronation. A Man of Kent, played by the admirable RBS under Sutherland, is a most attractive addition to the topographical suite repertoire; Romney Marsh andAlkham Valley rely largely on folk elements, the finale, The White Cliffs, reflects Dover’s maritime heritage. Do try this. Philip L Scowcroft

Guild Light Music

GLCD5111 – MIDNIGHT MATINEE

GLCD5112 – REFLECTIONS OF TRANQUILITY

As promised, here are two more GUILD releases, which bring the current total to a ‘round dozen’ – incredibly, these have all appeared within the space of 12 months. Midnight Matinee is the subtitle of Volume 2 of the 1950s, which introduces a whole new clutch of composers and orchestras. It begins with the eponymous Len Stevens composition, which to my ears is more than a little suggestive of the late Benny Green’s signature tune That’s Entertainment. Amongst the conductors we meet along the way are Hugo Winterhalter, Cyril Ornadel (accompanying the pianist Winifred Atwell) and Nelson Riddle, whose arrangement of The Shadow Waltz by Clive Richardson – alias Paul Dubois – is a far more voluptuous affair than the composer’s original concept; it was one of Riddle’s first recordings for Capitol records. Other orchestras include those of Richard Hayman, Ronnie Pleydell, Geoff Love, Johnny Douglas, Laurie Johnson, Axel Stordahl, Reg Tilsley and George Siravo. This time there are rather more ‘commercial’ tracks, including a couple from the small British Melodisc company. Publishers’ labels have not been totally ignored, however, and are represented by items from the Boosey & Hawkes, Chappell, and Paxton libraries, albeit recorded on the European mainland as a result of the Musicians’ Union embargo which was discussed in JIM 161. Comparing this new offering – and indeed Volume 1 – with the GUILD 1940s CD, it is most apparent that the light orchestral music of the early/mid ‘50s was evolving fairly rapidly, both in terms of compositional and, especially, performance styles. The character of much of the music is distinctly different – ‘smoother’ and ‘glossier’ are two words which come to mind – from its predecessors of only a few years earlier. Of course, this was happening to almost everything else: clothes, furniture, cars and architecture of the brave new post-WWII era all underwent what we would call today a ‘makeover’.Reflections of Tranquility embraces a relatively long time-span between 1946-1954. David Ades has created a compilation which is deliberately soothing and relaxing – just the thing for late-night listening with the lights dimmed, and accompanied perhaps by a glass or two of your favourite beverage…! Try Angela Morley’s Adrift in a Dream, Trevor Duncan’s Moon Magic, or the two Bob Haymes/Acquaviva tracks, and you’ll see what I mean. The formula is the usual GUILD combination of well-loved favourites, interspersed with equally worthy compositions deserving of the wider exposure which hopefully they will now receive. In common with Midnight Matinee, a good number of tracks originate from across the Atlantic. By the ‘50s, U.S. record companies such as MGM, Mercury and Capitol, together with Philips and Decca (who controlled the Brunswick label) found a steady market within the UK for American orchestral recordings, their popularity being given a considerable boost by regular airings on the BBC’s Light Programme. In the Publishers’ department, Chappell and Paxton are this time complemented by items from the vast Harmonic and Bosworth libraries. Both CDs contain a generous helping of tracks which, as I have remarked before, will surely jog many memories and evoke a great deal of pleasure. It hardly needs restating that the digital transfers are up to Alan Bunting’s usual impeccable standard; as the years progress – we are now well within sight of the first stereo recordings of the late ‘50s – it is likely that the sound quality will improve still further. From their inception, the GUILD CDs have attracted an enthusiastic following, with many RFS members placing a standing order for new releases as they are issued; for these collectors, and also to those who have not yet taken the plunge, both additions to this great series will not disappoint – in fact they are wholeheartedly recommended. Tony Clayden

THE LEGENDARY BOBBY DARIN Once in a Lifetime, More, Charade, Beyond the Sea, As Long as I’m Singing, Mack the Knife, On The Street Where You Live, Hello Dolly, etc… 24 tracks EMI Capitol 5945772, 66:17 mins. With all the publicity surrounding the Kevin Spacey film of Bobby Darin’s life story, it is hardly surprising that his own recordings should be reissued again. It seems incredible that he died over 30 years ago, because many of his performances still seem fresh in the memory. Some of the tracks feature live performances, rather than the original studio recordings. The CD booklet contains notes by respected writer Will Friedwald (although they are perhaps rather brief), but full recording details are given for each track. This is a fitting souvenir of a singer whose work seems to be gaining greater respect with the passing years. David Ades

THE BUTTON DOWN BRASS ‘Girl Talk’ Castle PIESD269. 18 tracks, 58:20 mins. Ray Davies was one of the top arrangers and session players in the 1960s and 70s. But he came to the public’s attention as the man behind The Button Down Brass who recorded a string of hit easy listening albums between 1968 and 1977. A lot of the early BDB Fontana material was collected on a previously issued ‘Best Of’ CD but here the PYE archives have been trawled for a more varied selection of material. This CD was actually issued as long ago as 2002 but somehow slipped by without attention, but is still available. It combines some superb tracks from Ray’s five PYE albums including the hard-to-find Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington tribute ‘Benny and The Duke’ (the master tapes of which were thought to be lost until recently). It’s a combination of jazz standards, film and TV themes plus some of Ray’s own pop/rock influenced titles which marked a change in the style from his earlier work and featured top session players such as Harry Stoneham and Alan Hawkshaw on keyboards and Alan Parker on guitar. These include Heavy Water, Hadrian’s Wall andMach 1 (all showcasing Alan Parker’s distinctive guitar solos), and the more laid-back lounge ofMartinique and Girl In The Green Dress. Ray also recently revealed that he was the writer of Truckin’(also included) which is credited to ‘Kendall’, which was actually his wife’s maiden name. And he was also the name behind the 1973 PYE/Cavendish big band offshoot ‘All In An Afternoon’s Work’ (credited to The Terry Cavendish Orchestra). That same year he also produced and wrote material for fellow session player Dennis Lopez’s Latin-rock PYE album Cinnamon Rock which was in similar funky territory. Sadly no tracks from these two albums are included here, although some of Ray’s other Cavendish titles are to be found on the recently released CD ‘Transmission Impossible’ for which Ray has also written an introduction. Today Ray is still busy writing mood music for Cavendish/Boosey (although he no longer plays the trumpet) including the impressive ‘Moviedrome’ where different styles of movie music are explored. He also keeps busy as the chairman of The Performing Rights Society Member’s Fund. Collectors of Ray Davis material may also be interested to know that in the mid-1980s he recorded some Latin albums for independent dance label Dansan as The Ray Davies Orchestra, and some tracks from these sessions have surfaced on some Dansan CDs (DACD011 and 012). Please see www.maestrorecords.com/raydavies_catalogue.html for information. ‘Girl Talk’ should be available from larger branches of Virgin and HMV and via the HMV website.

David Noades (with thanks to Ray Davies)

JOHNNY HARRIS ‘Movements’ Warner Bros 8122736022 11 tracks, 43:35 mins. Johnny Harris’ classic 1970 album ‘Movements’ has recently been re-launched on CD with improved artwork and corrected sleeve notes. Since it was last released in September 2002 it has come to light that the guitarist on these legendary sessions was not Mickey Gee (as erroneously listed on the sleeve notes and in my previously published Johnny Harris article) but Bill Parkinson. It seems that both had previously been guitarists in Tom Jones’ backing band The Squires, but it was Bill who provided the distinctive guitar sound (with wah-wah effects) which helped make ‘Movements’ the classic it is today. The album was recorded at The Olympic Studios in South London with Bill on guitar and Johnny Harris on piano, plus Harold Fisher (drums), Herbie Flowers (bass) Roger Coulam (Organ) and Harold McNair (flute). The only exception was Footprints On The Moon (which was released as a single), which was recorded earlier at Chappells in Bond Street with the same group plus a full orchestra. The same small group had also recorded the score for the movie ‘Fragment Of Fear’ that was the basis of the album but at The Teddington Studios, and it was re-recordings of these tracks, which graced ‘Movements’. Another track, Norwegian Wood, was also laid down at the same sessions but was shelved and used on Johnny’s next Warner Bros. album ‘All To Bring You Morning’, which was very much in the same style, but didn’t see the light of day until 1973. This album also included the epic 11 minute title track, which Johnny later reworked for some concerts with singer/actress Lynda Carter. Bill Parkinson was a busy session guitarist and had previously worked with Johnny Harris with Tom Jones on his legendary ‘Live at The Talk of the Town’ album and ‘Thirteen Smash Hits’, and went on to contribute to album sessions for Petula Clark and Shirley Bassey, also arranged/conducted by Johnny. The latter included the legendary Something which was recorded in Milan with Johnny Dean (drums) and Tony Campo (bass) with the rhythm section laid down first and the strings (and Ms Bassey’s vocals) added separately. Bill also appeared on various live performances with Johnny as conductor including Sammy Davies Jr, Vic Damone, Bobby Vee, and Petula Clark, including with the latter, the first ever televised live colour transmission in 1970 from the Albert Hall. With Tom Jones they also toured the USA in the late 1960s including some memorable gigs in Las Vegas at The Flamingo. One of these Vegas trips was turned into a holiday with Bill and Johnny hiring a private plane and visiting the sights including the Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon. And Bill was also poached by Ralph Dollimore to play a few gigs with the Ted Heath Orchestra who was also touring the US at the time. Johnny relocated to North America in 1972 and is now a successful writer of TV movie scores and musical director at The Palm Springs Follies. Bill is still active in the music business in Britain and regularly tours as a session jazz guitarist and is also a successful artist. And he’s at last enjoying being recognised as one of the names behind the legendary ‘Movements’ album! Before the score for ‘Fragment of Fear’ (and ‘Movements’) bought his name to the attention of Hollywood Johnny was struggling to make a name for himself as a film composer. He initially penned a lot of advertising jingles but in 1969 he was commissioned to write some cues for some obscure German movies. Some of these have just been issued on a German CD called ‘Schwabing Affairs’ Diggler Records DIG 012, 17 tracks 44:45 mins. In a similar style to the previously issued ‘St Pauli Affairs’ this compilation sees a variety of themes and pop songs lifted from the obscure Munich-based comedy and soft porn films. The music dates from 1967 to 1972 and is up-tempo, kitsch, pop-beat with the accent on cheesy brass, Hammond organs and guitars (some with vocals). A variety of composers and styles are on display including Peter Thomas (kitsch pop), Martin Bottcher (bossa nova jazz), David Llywelyn – later with rock band Supertramp (soul-pop) as well as Johnny Harris: his contributions include the funky soul-grooves Let’s Beat It and Go Go Shake, which have a library music feel about them but were specially commissioned. Unfortunately the sleeve notes are all in German and so the background to the music and the films must remain a mystery to British readers (although looking at some the accompanying photos perhaps that’s for the best!). But this is a pleasant, upbeat collection which will appeal to collectors of kitsch, ‘sixties pop sounds. David Noades (with special thanks to Bill Parkinson)

Both CDs are available from larger branches of Virgin and HMV and via the HMV website. (See also Diggler’s website www.diggler.de for more information on ‘Schwabing Affairs’).

TO YOUR GUARD Marches – Hughes: The Guard’s Colours, To Your Guard; Ancliffe: The Liberators, Ironsides; Hall: General Mitchell, Death or Glory, The Red Men’s March; Crosse: Unter Den Linden;Stanley: Alamein; Mansfield: The Red Cloak; Walker: The Right o’the Line; Rimmer: Punchinello;Fucik: Fearless & True; Brigham: Colchester Castle; Plater: Ridgewood; Herzer: Hoch Heidecksburg;Latann: Frei Weg; Tulip: The Prince; Friedemann: Kaiser Friederich; Neville: Shrewsbury Fair;Bashford: By the Left!; Blankenburg: Back to (the) Camp. The Band of the Grenadier Guards, Director Of Music Major Denis Burton ARCM pcm. DROIT TRCD 235, 73:00 mins. An enterprising, imaginative and well chosen selection of British, American and European military marches including many, I suspect, that are not currently available on alternative recordings, and not a single one by Sousa! It was honestly no hardship or ordeal to play through the 22 marches on this disc at one sitting and simply marvel at the versatility and ingenuity showed by all the composers represented here whose task was to produce good strong tunes within the fairly restricted and disciplined medium of the military march. One suspects that the German composer Hermann Blankenburg had a continuous production line of military marches going for according to Colin Dean’s notes he apparently produced a mind boggling 1,300 of the genre, the majority of which have since been lost. A particularly novel item is Rodney Bashford’s By the Left! which cleverly interweaves bugle calls with popular army songs such as the evergreen "Bless ‘em All". A particular favourite of mine included here is Charles Ancliffe’s irrepressible The Liberators composed during the First World War to which I immediately returned for ‘an encore’ at the end of the disc which, incidentally, takes its title To Your Guard from a march by William Hughes who served for a time in the Scots Guards Band. Despite the minor irritant that individual times are not listed for each track this well recorded CD made in the Chapel, Chelsea Barracks is well worth exploring and I can safely promise that you will not feel short changed! Availability: from Discurio – Note new address. Discurio, Unit 3, Faraday Way, St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3QW, Tel/Fax: 01689 879101. Visits are by prior appointment only (a mail order service is operated). Alternatively the disc should be available, or could be ordered, from the HMV Stores. The Specialist Recording Company CDs mentioned elsewhere in this feature are also available from Discurio. Roger Hyslop

‘ROSEMARY & THYME’, Music from the ITV series composed and conducted by Christopher Gunning Rosemary & Thyme theme; They Understand Me in Paris; Up the Garden Path; And No Birds Sing; Rosemary’s Chase; Orpheus in the Undergrowth; The Tree of Death; A Gracious Garden; The Memory of Water; The Gongoozlers; Laura’s Dash; Sweet Angelica; An Elegant Garden; Blown by the Wind; Swords into Ploughshares; Arabica & the Early Spider. Sanctuary Pure Classics PCACD002. Whether or not you are green-fingered or enjoy watching criminal detectives at work, you will love this CD of gardening and classical music mixed together by Christopher Gunning for the television series starring Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris. Most of the compositions are original but famous classic tunes pop up from time to time – excuse the pun – adding up to a delightful pot pourri of modern light music. It matters not whether you have seen any of the series because the melodies stand alone, ranging from the brightest blossoms to the darkest and most sinister plots worthy of Sherlock Holmes at his best. Edmund Whitehouse

A HENLEY BANDSTAND Gounod: La Reine de Saba; Herold: Zampa; Percy Fletcher: Bal Masqué;Peter Yorke: The Shipbuilders Suite; Mussorgsky: Gopak (Sorochinsy Fair); Rimsky Korsakov:Introduction and Wedding March (Le Coq d’Or); arr. Nestico: A Cole Porter Spectacular; Kaps: The Eton Boating Song; Elmer Bernstein: Theme from the Magnificent Seven; Haydn Wood: The Seafarer;Laukien: Through Night to Light. The Band of the Grenadier Guards, DOM Major Denis Burton ARCM psm. Specialist Recording Company SRC123, 78:00 mins. On release of ‘An Irish Guards Bandstand’ (JIM No. 159 p.72) the Specialist Recording Company promised that this was the first of a series replicating typical programmes featured in the past at park and seaside bandstands. Now hard on the heels of that attractive disc comes ‘A Henley Bandstand’ this time featuring the Grenadier Guards Band and including along with light classics a very fair representation of British Light Music. Peter Yorke’s suite The Shipbuilders was included only recently by The King’s Division Waterloo Band in their ‘Northern Salute’ on Band Leader BNA 5180 (JIM No. 158 p.82), but this newcomer has the undoubted benefit of a distinctly superior recording. Good also to have in this collection are Percy Fletcher’s Bal Masqué and Haydn Wood’s The Seafarer. Naturally The Eton Boating Song makes an appearance and Colin Dean, who is chairman of the IMMS UK (Founder) Branch and provides the very interesting and informative notes for this new release, mentions that the composer Karl Kaps – a nom de plume for John Roberts – took the principal melody composed by a Captain Algernon Drummond and developed it into a very successful waltz sequence lasting near 8 minutes, and it’s delightful to hear such a familiar tune in this less familiar guise. One hopes the opportunity will not be lost in future issues of this series to include selections and pot-pourris from popular musical comedies and operettas from the Edwardian era and later which were such a mainstay of the bandstand of yesteryear. Meantime with vivid refined recording made at The Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, fine playing, very generous playing time and attractive art work, strongly recommended! Roger Hyslop

THE ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND – The Music of the Royal Artillery. The Royal Artillery Band, DOM Lt. Col. Malcolm Torrent LTCL LGSM psm CAMUS. Specialist Recording Company SRC131 76:00 mins. I hesitated to submit a review of the above disc on the grounds that some readers might feel it too peripheral for our magazine but hope the Editor will generously allow a little space to extol the virtues of this latest splendid offering from the Specialist Recording Company. The Royal Artillery Band taking a well deserved break from their complete Sousa Edition perform music with a strong affinity to this famous regiment who, incidentally, boast the oldest established symphony orchestra in Great Britain. What we have here – on 43 tracks (!) – are some fine marches with suitably appropriate titles such as The Gunners, The Little Gunners, Once a Gunner, etc., a splendid grand march by the Italian born Cavaliere Ladislao Zavertal Queen Victoria and two impressive fanfares by Frederic Curzon and Sir Arthur Bliss. And who could not thrill at the dignified, imposing and stirring strains of the Royal Artillery Slow March reputedly composed by HRH The Duchess of Kent, mother of Queen Victoria? Also making an appearance is Captain A C Green’s moving and poignant Sunset.Music much associated with the Senior Service when colours were struck on Royal Navy warships at the end of the working day. The centrepiece of this disc is a twelve minute audio depiction which seeks to recreate the celebrated Royal Horse Artillery The Musical Drive – a popular feature of countless Royal Tournaments down the years. The music blends traditional tunes such as Bonnie Dundee, Come Lasses and Lads, The Campbells are Coming, The Keel Row etc. with snatches from the Light Cavalry Overture and The Galloping Major. This CD proved to be an exceptionally enthralling 1¼ hours. The vivid resplendent recording – for the technically minded in 24 bit sound – was made at the Woolwich Town Hall. This latest release from SRC simply exudes quality and, with excellent art work, thoroughly deserves a mention in dispatches – I hope the editor agrees! Roger Hyslop

FRANK WEIR Frank Weir & His Saxophone The Happy Wanderer, From Your Lips, The Bandit, By Candlelight, The Never Never Land, The Little Shoemaker, Whistle Along The Road, Starlight Souvenirs, The Cuckoo Cries, Misty Islands Of The Highlands, Theme from ‘Journey Into Space’, Serenade To An Empty Room, Hold Me In Your Arms, Too Many Dreams, [Tinkle-Tinkletay] The Water Tumbler Tune, Whispering Leaves, I’m A Little Echo, Castles In The Air, Stein Song [University of Maine], Lily Of Laguna, The ‘Trek’ Song, Vieni, Vieni, The Story Of A Starry Night, By The Sleepy Lagoon, The Donkey Serenade, Oh! My Papa, Du bist mein Liebchen [You Are My Beloved], The Glow Of A Candle, My Love, My Life, My Own, I’ll Come When You Call, Thank You For The Waltz [Dear Stranger] Vocalion CDLK 4266 78.39 mins. Congratulations to Mike Dutton for resurrecting these recordings from this most talented and versatile Welsh musician. They consist of a 10-inch Lp and singles from Weir’s golden years at Decca in the 1950s, when he ranked alongside such light music luminaries as Black, Chacksfield, Farnon, Mantovani and Ros. The Happy Wanderer was the most popular tune of 1954 and this version spent a total of 19 weeks in the charts and went to No.4. The appeal of Weir’s version was undoubtedly his lilting soprano saxophone. The success of this recording meant the combination of 24-piece string orchestra, 12-voice male choir and his instrumental solos was to be Frank Weir’s stock-in-trade formula for almost all of his recordings for the next few years. There are other vocalists featured among the 31 tracks. One is the Swiss, Lys Assia, who was responsible for introducing O Mein Papa to this country and here sings her English language version. It is thought that the Theme from ‘Journey Into Space’was probably the only recording made of the cult BBC radio series tune. Serenade To An Empty Room is a very attractive mood piece. Weir’s third single in 1954 was a popular coupling of The Never Never Land, with a group of schoolgirls - Maureen Childs & The Little Tinkers - and The Little Shoemaker, featuring The Michael Twins. Other featured vocalists are Jean Hudson, Eula Parker, Janet Harrison, Gillian Harrison and Jean Marden. My favourite track The Cuckoo Cries was another title, like Weir’s biggest hit, introduced to the UK by the Obernkirchen Children’s Choir. It is great to have all these titles back in circulation as a reminder of a musician who does not deserve to be forgotten. Peter Burt

TANGO ROMANTICO INTERNACIONAL … 2 CD Collection (France) Marianne Melodie 041655, 46 tracks. It’s been a little while since we have seen a new compilation from Pierre-Marcel Ondher, but here he is with an entertaining 2-CD collection of Tangos, recorded between 1933 and 1953. Many of the orchestras will be ‘old friends’ to readers – Victor Young, Sidney Torch, George Melachrino, Mantovani, Victor Silvester, Frank Chacksfield and Leroy Anderson. There are also some distinguished ensembles from the Continent of Europe, among them Alfred Hause, Heinz Huppertz, Georges Boulanger, Werner Muller and Barnabas von Geczy. Most enjoyable! David Ades This 2-CD set can be obtained to special order through the RFS Record Service.

A COUPLE OF SONG AND DANCE MEN featuring Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Bojangles Robinson, Sammy Davis Jnr, Jack Buchanan, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, Ann Miller, etc… Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5568, 76:23 mins. This could almost be called an RFS production! David Lennick has selected some memorable tracks, which have been expertly remastered by Alan Bunting. There are so many highlights that I won’t even try to identify them. But one title may intrigue: Ray Bolger sings Once In Love With Amy on a 10" Decca 78 that lasts 4:21mins. That’s not a misprint – the 78 (one side only) really does last that long, because I have it in my own collection. Dating from 1949, it may have been an attempt to transfer the ‘new’ LP technology to 78s. Who knows! David Ades

DEPARTMENT TV 30 tracks including Eye Level by The Simon Park Orchestra, Leonie, Soft Spectum, Downtown Motown & Touch Of The Bow Bells by Reg Tilsley plus tracks from Barbara Moore. Winchester Hospital Radio WHRCD501 (see advertisement on page 92). Welcome to Department TV. Come on in. Take a musical cocktail and sit down. Relax and enjoy this varied mixture of melodic tunes from the DeWolfe Music Library. This library has a wealth of tunes covering over five decades and has not been widely exposed at all. So for production music fans this will come as a breath of fresh air to be able to find so many tracks not heard elsewhere. For the connoisseur of light melody then this is how loungecore used to be before it became jazzy and trendy. Here we have a good mixture of tempos and melodies, punchy catchy numbers, a few vocalise swingle style tracks from Barbara Moore and some lovely orchestral instrumentation from Mr Reg Tilsley, who was a backing orchestra for the likes of Tom Jones. I must draw your attention to Soft Spectrum. This is a track that just melts with sophistication. You listen to this and you wonder why music like this cannot be produced today. This CD also includes the No. 1 Single Eye Level, which was the catchy theme used for the TV Series "Van Der Valk" starring Barry Foster as the Amsterdam detective. You can feel the drama unfold as this theme plays out and as usual with all CD’s that go to help the funds at Winchester Hospital the quality here is second to none. A lot of the big producers out there could not better the sound quality of this CD. So sit back and enjoy Department TV.   Malcolm Batchelor

STANLEY BLACK conducts The London Festival Orchestra and Chrous ‘Music of a People’ / ‘Spirit of a People’. Vocalion CDLK4256, 92:41 mins (2 CDs for the price of 1). Two fine Decca Phase 4 albums (from 1965 and 1974) offer a thoughtful selection of traditional Jewish melodies, interlaced with a few popular hits from leading Jewish writers. The fine orchestra produces some wonderful sounds from the maestro’s inventive, yet sensitive arrangements. Stanley Black’s own original sleeve notes are supplemented with some biographical details by RFS’s Tony Clayden. David Ades

THE GREAT DANCE BAND VOCALISTS featuring Carole Carr, Anne Shelton, Alan Dean, Al Bowlly, Paul Carpenter, Beryl Davis, Eve Boswell, etc… Memoir CDMOIR587, 75:18 mins. Gordon Gray can always be relied upon to come up with interesting compilations, and he is well supported by Ted Kendall in the remastering department. Robert Farnon accompanies Paul Carpenter in Maybe You’ll Be There, and Bob is also the conductor (uncredited) on Getting Nowhere featuring Carole Carr with the Geraldo Orchestra. David Ades

VERA LYNN ‘Yours’ You’ll Never Know, Again, By the Fireside, I’ve Heard That Song Before, etc. 24 tracks Memoir CDMOIR588, 72:53 mins. This is an interesting selection, covering the years from 1943 to 1953, with several 78s arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon: You Can’t Be True Dear, My Thanks To You, Heartaches, Put Your Dreams Away, I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore, You’d Be Hard To Replace and Our Love Story. Other conductors include Len Edwards, Roland Shaw and Bruce Campbell. Ted Kendall’s digital remastering treats the material sympathetically. David Ades

The World of NAT ‘KING’ COLE EMI Capitol 560 6802. Marking the 40^th Anniversary of Nat’s death on 15 February, this collection begins with Let’s Face The Music And Dance and ends with Stardust. In between you’ll find 25 other numbers that are all indelibly associated with one of the greatest popular singers of the last century. Of course, we’ve already got most of them safely filed away in our collections, but there will probably be a few tracks that may have escaped you previously. What is new, is the excellent booklet that accompanies the CD. Mainly the work of Nat’s daughter Natalie, the booklet is crammed with photos and other memorabilia, and happily the arrangers and conductors also receive their due credit. The only possible ‘extra’ would have been the inclusion of recording dates, but this is truly an outstanding tribute. A DVD is also due to be released around the end of February. David Ades

PERCY FAITH Columbia Singles, Volume 1: 1950-1951 [full track listing in JIM 161 – page 82][There are 28 tracks; some booklet listings are incorrect as they omit track 9, Goodbye John]Collectables Records [US] Col 7635, 78:32 mins. When I was nowt but a lad the only Percy Faith 78 single I possessed was Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride coupled with the piece appearing at the top of the above listing. I still have that record albeit with a bit broken out of it. Most of the other songs here, released in the first two years of Faith’s association with Columbia that was to last for close on three decades, were new to me so this release has been a journey of discovery. In fact, The Loveliest Girl and Come Home will be new to everyone, as they have not been previously issued in any format. All the tracks not credited with a vocalist feature a chorus. We are told that most of these titles were released in the hope of breaking into the hit parade. Imagine that today! Only three titles actually made it: I Cross My Fingers [Faith’s first appearance in the charts], When The Saintsand I Want to Be Near You. If you are happy with all the vocalising you will find this an enjoyable album. Several of the songs, like Hal David/Leon Carr’s There She Goes, are great fun if not great music. Unsurprisingly the best tracks come from the Gershwins, Lerner & Loewe, and Freed & Brown. Being our Percy, ‘though, everything is done well. [Since finishing this review I have found myself re-playing the CD quite often]. Peter Burt

PERCY FAITH Columbia Singles, Volume 2: 1952-1958 [full track listing in JIM 161 – page 82]Collectables Records [US] Col 7636, 74:41 mins. Even if the first volume was not entirely to my liking, I was looking forward to this album especially after reading the paean of praise from Alan Bunting, who liaised closely with Dan Rivard of Sony in the compilation of the collection. Alan has already mentioned two previously unreleased tracks -- they are Somewhere and Do I Need You --and Leroy Anderson’s exciting Pyramid Dance [Heart Of Stone]. These are three of the ten tracks appearing in stereo, some for the first time, having been remixed from the master tapes especially for this compilation. The others are Katsumi Love Theme, Never Till Now, Maria, The Impala Theme, Indiscreet, Same Old Moon, and Isle Of Paradise. One has to agree with Alan in lamenting that Faith did not record more Anderson titles or do a ‘West Side Story’ album. This is another release that will especially appeal to RFS members [and there are quite a number] who prefer the great arranger, conductor and composer with vocals. Peter Burt

PERCY FAITH I Think I Love You [Plus Bonus Tracks] Everything’s Alright; [Where Do I Begin] Love Story; Love The One You’re With; He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother; Easy Days-Easy Nights; The Green Grass Starts To Grow; I Don’t Know How To Love Him; I Think I Love You; My Sweet Lord; Rose Garden; Don’t Say Goodbye; The Time For Love Is Anytime [‘Cactus Flower’ Theme]; Peppermint Hill And Strawberry Lane; Theme For Young Lovers [Where Is My Someone]; I Can Hear The Music; The Godfather Waltz; Life Is What You Make It [Theme from ‘Kotch’]; Emmanuelle-The Joys Of A Woman Collectables Records COL 7653. In the summer of 1972 the LP of ‘I Think I Love You’ was hardly off our turntable at home. Before listening to this CD version my thoughts were that I must have been more tolerant of Percy Faith’s Chorus then than I am now. It was after this album that I believe Faith yielded to protest from his "hard core" listeners [significantly, I bought the original record in a WH Smith sale] and dropped the chorus altogether. But on re-hearing it I have to admit that the rock-influenced arrangements are good, the singing crystal clear and the sound recording fine. Pity about the fade-outs but they are part and parcel of a ‘pop’ approach. I even think I prefer the two ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ songs in their vocal guise to Faith’s instrumental versions on his album of that name, although not everyone will agree. The standout track for me is Burt Bacharach’s Green Grass. The CD is completed by seven singles also from the early ‘70s; ’76 in the case of the last track.

Peter Burt

DAVID ROSE Holiday For Strings [full track listing in JIM 160 – page 29] Sanctuary Living Era CDA5499 75.43 mins. As soon as I joined the RFS I sought to fill a gap on my CD shelves by ordering from our Record Service a cheap-as-chips disc called The Stripper by the David Rose Orchestra – presumably without David Rose. The selection here is the real thing: 25 original recordings spanning the years 1942 to 1952. There’s no Stripper, nor that other million seller Calypso Melody, but there are 11 titles penned by the man himself including the title tune from 1944 that made him famous and gave him his first million seller 14 years later, as well as Dance Of The Spanish Onion, Our Waltz, One Love, Manhattan Square Dance, American Hoe-Down, Serenade to a Lemonade and Parade of the Clowns, etc. I especially liked the pizzicato led Gay Spirits. Rose’s arrangements of the remaining 14 numbers are all interesting. The start of Serenade [The Student Prince] sounds as if it’s going to be Begin the Beguine, and Someone to Watch Over Me includes a quotation from Clair de Lune. The final number, Harlem Nocturne, features the alto-sax of no less a luminary than Woody Herman. The sound is good although I did find all those high strings a tad tiring to listen to at one sitting, but that could just be me. Without doubt, this album is another admirable addition to Sanctuary’s long list of re-issued 78s on CD. Praise, too, for the booklet cover design.Peter Burt

THE PLAYFUL PACHYDERM Classic Miniatures for Bassoon & Orchestra My Teddy Bear (Ganglberger); Romance (Elgar); Allegro Spiritoso (Senaille); Walking Song from Appelbo (Swedish folk tune); Mist-covered Mountains (Scottish folk tune); Piece (Faure); The Playful Pachyderm (Vinter); Four Folk Songs (Vaughan Williams); Bonny at Morn (Northumbrian folk tune); Lucy Long (Godfrey); Funeral March of a Marionette (Gounod); The Old Grumbler (Fucik); Habanera (Ravel); Carnival (Hume); The Bassoon (Ashlyn). George Perkins with the New London Orchestra conducted by Ronald Corp Hyperion CDA67453. Rather like the bass singer in opera, the bassoon is something of a neglected and side-tracked constituent of music. How pleasing, therefore, that this CD redresses the balance and delights under a title which conjures up a mischievous circus elephant, easily imagined in musical bassoon form. All the old favourites are there plus many new ones and jolly good they are too. Edmund Whitehouse

MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA Old And New Fangled Tangos Whatever Lola Wants [Lola Gets], Blue Tango, Tango delle rose, A New Fangled Tango, Music Box Tango, Adios muchachos, Besame mucho, Hernando’s Hideaway, Blaue Himmel [Blue Skies], Takes Two To Tango, The Rain in Spain, The Orange Vendor Folksongs Around The World Aura Lee, Skip To My Lou, The Streets Of Laredo, Shenandoah, The Blue-Tail Fly, Red River Valley, Oh! Susanna, Au Clair de la Lune, Frère Jacques, Du, du liegst mir im Herzen – introducing Lieber Augustin, Addio a Napoli, Rosa, Greensleeves – introducing Love Is Kind, Early One Morning, Annie Laurie, Wi’ A Hundred Pipers, All Through The Night, The Minstrel Boy, Two Guitars, Moon On the Ruined Castle, Hava nagila Vocalion CDLK 4265, 75 mins. No sooner had I expressed the hope, in JIM160, that these two albums might be on Mike Dutton’s list of intended re-issues, than here they are. Monty has always had a way with tangos and ‘Old and New Fangled Tangos’ from 1967 is a nice mix of the ‘classical’ with more modern tunes, some of which are not normally thought of as standard tangos. It is good to have Goehr’s clever Music Box Tango back in circulation. Another of my favourites, The Orange Vendor, is credited to Rodilo, who bore more than a passing resemblance to Mantovani himself. The newer tunes are all well suited to the tango rhythm, although we would expect nothing less from this conductor. The Tijuana trumpet led A New Fangled Tango is great fun. ‘Folksongs Around The World, from three years earlier, is a lush presentation that some will think is too syrupy to be always appropriate. It features traditional folk songs of America [arranged Cecil Milner] and from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands [arr. Roland Shaw], the British Isles [arr. Milner], and Russia, Japan and Israel [arr. Mantovani]. It is unique in including a track, Wi’ A Hundred Pipers, without a single violin. The sound was the best Mantovani had received at that time and the arrangements are nothing if not colourful. I loved it. Peter Burt

MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA with RAWICZ & LANDAUER Music From The Films Warsaw Concerto, Serenata d’amore, The Dream Of Olwen, The Legend Of The Glass Mountain, Story Of Three Loves - Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, Cornish Rhapsody Film Encores My Foolish Heart, Unchained Melody, Over the Rainbow, Summertime In Venice, Intermezzo, Three Coins In The Fountain, Love Is A Many-Splendoured Thing, Laura, High Noon, Hi-Lili Hi-Lo, September Song, Theme from "Limelight" Vocalion CDLK 4255, 70:18 mins. This 2-on-1 brings us a superior selection of film music under the baton of maestro Mantovani. On ‘Music From The Films’ -- including the best of what Steve Race called "Denham concertos" [most films emanating from the British studio at that time seemed to have a full-blown piano pseudo-concerto on the soundtrack] -- he is joined by pianist friends Maryan Rawicz and Walther Landauer, who in the 30s, 40s and 50s were highly respected [even if we teenagers did sometimes call them Rabbits and Laundry] and immensely popular in the UK. The beautiful Serenata d’Amore is another of Mantovani’s own compositions. This was Monty’s first stereo Lp in 1958 and is a winner all the way. ‘Film Encores’ was originally released the previous year in mono and re-recorded in stereo, also in 1958, and is another five-star album. The sweeping strings at the start of My Foolish Heart are memorable. Three Coins has a magical ending, and Love Is is magnificent; I have yet to hear a finer version. The "Limelight" Theme is also v. good -- what an admirable tune that is. Monty’s many fans will not hesitate to add this CD to their collections. Neither should anyone else. Peter Burt

The very best of PEARL BAILEY EMI 724387493926, 73:47 mins. The "boffins" at EMI have certainly been busy (see Big Band Roundup). Pearl’s strident Cabaret singing has always passed me by and this one is no exception! Twenty six tracks arranged by her husband Louis Bellson and Don Redman compiled by obvious fan Lee Stevens, some for the first time on CD or not previously available. Call me Irresponsible has some pleasant string writing but the strings are drowned out onThe second time around by her nasal voice, far too forceful for me! Pearl sometimes talked the lyric and those lyrics could be pretty explicit! The tracks contained here exclude the more risque songs (saved for another album which I know exists). Pearl played often in England starring in "Sunday night at the London Palladium" and "The Talk of the Town". She also had parts in many Hollywood films. Come fly with me is totally murdered on this album but perhaps that's just me! For fans only.Paul Clatworthy

TONY BENNETT The Art of Romance Close enough for love, All in fun, Where do you start, Little did I dreamI, I remember you, Time to smile, All for you, The best man, Don't like good-byes, Being alive, Gone with the wind RPM Records/Columbia 5188692, 44:29 mins. By the time this appears in print I'm sure many copies will have been sold. Something to cherish, Tony back with the mastery of Johnny Mandel! Being a perfectionist Johnny only had time to do five of the arrangements but he conducts all but two songs. It seems ages since rumours circulated of the recording taking place - I suspect time taken up by extensive editing and retakes! Tony's voice falters on occasions but still worth the wait! Tony turns in his best album in some while, some of the songs have been visited before but this is still an enthralling piece of work, continually revealing fresh nuances, graces and delicate shadings. I could listen till the sun comes up! Jorge Calandrelli and Lee Musiker scored the other songs and also deserve praise. If you buy for the singer or the backings, this is class! If you buy for both you have struck gold! Paul Clatworthy

Midnight Jazz EMI 724386686121 Double CD, 143:10 mins. Yet another compilation! Thirty tracks of anything but "edgy" jazz but mercifully not all ‘smooth’ which for me is a label to steer clear of!Moonlight in Vermont reminds the listener of what a great piano player Nat King Cole was although he gained greater fame with his singing. Lou Donaldson plays a very ‘bluesy’ Down home; Lou Rawles is listed as singing Willow weep for me but instead we get St James's Infirmary either a typo error or the compilers attention wandered! Days beyond recall featuring Sidney Bechet is too ‘traddy’ to be included. Autumn leaves by Miles Davis, Oh you crazy moon by Peggy Lee, Sweet stuff by Horace Silver and How long has this been going on by George Shearing make disc two the better selection. If you have not got the tracks elsewhere and EMI sell at the right price good backdrop for a night in of your choice. Paul Clatworthy

MUSIC FOR A FESTIVAL: Bax: Royal Wedding Fanfare, Elgar: Sursum Corda Op11, Pomp & Circumstance March No. 4 in G Major Op39, Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite, Milhaud:Suite Francaise, Gordon Jacob: Music for a Festival, Arnold: Homage to the Queen. The Band & Fanfare Trumpets of HM Royal Marines School of Music conducted by Lieutenant Colonel F Vivian Dunn CVO OBE FRAM RM with Barry Rose (organ). Eastney Collection RMHSEC010 64:00 mins. This latest distinguished arrival from the Eastney Collection boasts three significant original works for wind band. Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite received its first performance at Kneller Hall in 1923 and in the version under review comes up delightfully fresh, bracing and invigorating. Milhaud’s fairly lightweight and engagingly tuneful Suite Francaise with movements carrying the titles of French provinces was a product of his stay in the USA during the Second World War and contrasts effectively with the more serious and weighty Music for a Festival which lends its title to this CD – for which recording sessions the composer Gordon Jacob was in attendance. Of the eleven movements of this fairly lengthy piece eight are included on this disc. The music was originally commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain for the 1951 Festival of Britain. The claims of this disc are enhanced further by resplendent performances of Elgar’s Sursum Corda – the Latin for ‘Lift up your Hearts’ – and Malcolm Arnold’s Homage to the Queen – in its original form a full length ballet – in which the Royal Marines Band is joined by the weighty tones of the Guildford Cathedral organ with Barry Rose at the console. It’s almost superfluous to add that the playing of this accomplished band in challenging repertoire is peerless and with good recording a wonderful and glowing testimonial to the talent and genius of Vivian Dunn who was surely a towering figure in military music in the last century. Roger Hyslop

ELGAR: Pomp and Circumstance Marches No. 2 in A minor Op 39, No. 4 in G major Op 39, Cockaigne Overture Op 40 Serenade, The Wand of Youth – 2^nd Suite Op 1b, Sérénade Mauresque Op 10/2, The Severn Suite Op 87. The Band of The Grenadier Guards, DOM Lieutenant Colonel P E Hills FLCM, psm. Specialist Recording Company SRC 105 73:00 mins. The Specialist Recording Company and The Band of the Grenadier Guards here revisit Elgar – Volume one is available on SRC 101, not reviewed in JIM. Both Pomp and Circumstance Marches are played here with commendable and predictably crisp precision. On the other hand, I approached the expansive Cockaigne Overture with some little apprehension since this is certainly a challenging and daunting piece for any wind band to tackle but The Grenadiers carry it off with aplomb and superb professionalism in an exceptionally well judged and well paced performance. I found their rendition entirely convincing not missing the strings of an orchestra to any significant extent, all helped no doubt by excellent, vivid recording. All the transcriptions here are effectively done by such well known figures as Dan Godfrey – both senior and junior – and Henry Geehl. The Severn Suite was, of course, originally scored for brass band as a test piece for the 1930 Crystal Palace Brass Band Championship and works exceptionally well in this arrangement for military band. Incidentally one of the items on this disc is a little known late published work Serenade, one of three miniatures originally for piano. Recommended strongly particularly as the standard of technical expertise and musicianship displayed here and by all our premier military bands has never been higher and yet they continue to be denied access to the national airwaves to showcase their considerable and indisputable talents. The recordings were made in November 2001 prior to the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Hills as DOM. Roger Hyslop

A NORWEGIAN BANDSTAND: Borg: Den norske Armé og Marines Revelje, Den norske Armé og Marines Tappenstreg, Svendsen: Carnival in Paris, Okkenhaug: Lyric Dance, Thingn Æs: The Clown,Hansson: Valdres March, Grieg: Norwegian Dances, Gudim: Eg ser deg utfor gluggen, Johansson:Holmenkollen March, Halvorsen: Norwegian Rhapsody No. 1, Grøndahl: New Circus. Royal Norwegian Navy Band, Principal conductor: Leif Arne Tangen Pedersen. Specialist Recording Company SRC 122, 67:00 mins. For the latest in their highly imaginative ‘Bandstand’ series the Specialist Recording Company have ventured intrepidly across the expanse of the North Sea to produce a Norwegian version engaging the services of the excellent Royal Norwegian Navy Band established in 1820 and currently comprising some 29 musicians. Greig’s endearing Norwegian Dances will probably be the most familiar item in this concert for most collectors and is sensitively and idiomatically treated here in a highly effective transcription for wind band. Johann Svendsen is represented by probably his most popular work namely the ebullient Carnival in Paris, the arrangement being made by the ubiquitous Dan Godfrey, whilst Johan Halvorsen chiefly remembered today by his very popular march ‘Entry of the Boyars’ and like Svendsen a composer of symphonies makes his appearance with the first of two Norwegian Rhapsodies. Also here is a somewhat jauntyLyric Dance by Paul Okkenhaug and a short 3 movement suite by Frode Thingn Æs The Clown which features a prominent solo cornet. Hanssen’s Valdres March described by fellow composer Ole Olsen as the finest march he had ever heard was included in an orchestral version as part of a collection of Norwegian Classical Favourites by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bjarte Engeset on NAXOS 8.557017 apart from which the two discs are entirely complementary as to their respective contents. In sum there is much attractive and interesting music here in nicely contrasting styles from orthodox military music to a ‘big band’ effect in the Gudim piece which is based on an old Norwegian Folk song and all rounded off neatly by a particularly engaging march by Oscar Borg Den norske Armé og Marines Tappenstreg which apparently translates as ‘The Reveille and Taps of the Norwegian Army and Navy!’ An unusual but inherently tuneful and thoroughly absorbing release, vividly recorded and anyone looking for something a little ‘off the beaten track’ will be well rewarded by purchasing this CD. Roger Hyslop

LEROY ANDERSON The Waltzing Cat The Typewriter, The Waltzing Cat, Fiddle Faddle, A Trumpeters Lullaby, Horse & Buggy, Plink Plank Plunk!, Belle of the Ball, The Irish Washerwoman, The Last Rose of Summer, The Phantom Regiment, Pyramid Dance, Blue Tango, Bugler’s Holiday, Sleigh Ride, The Syncopated Clock, Chicken Reel, Piano Concerto in C Major. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paul Mann, with Simon Tedeschi (piano) ABC Classics 476 1589, 68:00 mins. An unexpected but very welcome release from the Australian Broadcasting Commission on their ABC Classics Label of the music of Leroy Anderson made so more so by the inclusion of the rarely performed or recorded three-movement Piano Concerto in C Major – the composer’s only extended orchestral work, playing for about 20 minutes. The music is inimitably and recognisable in his own idiom and style but with occasional hints of Rachmaninov. The concerto was written in 1953 and the composer conducted the first performance with Eugene List as soloist but according to James Koehne in his informative notes was withdrawn immediately afterwards for revision which in the event Anderson never got round to. It only surfaced again in 1989 when his executors allowed the concerto to be finally published in its original unrevised form. There is a rival recording on a difficult to obtain Telarc CD-CD-80112 with Stewart Goodyear as pianist with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel and coupled with music by fellow Americans George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Morton Gould etc. On the present disc you get more music by Leroy Anderson including many old favourites but one or two novelties such as Chicken Reel and Pyramid Dance which currently lack modern recordings. Good committed playing from the Melbourne Orchestra and exemplary well detailed recording. Perhaps one or two individual items are played with a little more restrain than we are used to from American recordings but this is still a very worthwhile addition to the Anderson discography and I imagine the inclusion of the rare Piano Concerto will enhance the disc’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Well worth seeking out! Roger Hyslop

PASSING IN A Life on the Ocean Wave (Russell), Markers Call/Divisons Call (Trad.), Sea Shanties (Trad.), Auld Lang Syne (Trad.), On the Quaterdeck (Alford), By Land and Sea (Alford), Heart of Oak (Boyce), The Thunderbirds (Gray), Rule Britannia (Arne), Scipio (Handel), Defence of the Realm (Weston), The Captain General (Dunn), Soldiers of the Sea (Dunn), Washington Greys (Grafulle), The New Colonial (Hall), Barnum and Bailey Favourite (King), On Parade (Elms), Shrewsbury Fair (Neville), Wellington (Zehle), The Invincible Eagle (Sousa). Band of H.M. Royal Marines, Plymouth. D.O.M. Major P. Weston M.Mus., A.R.C.M., L.R.S.M., R.M. Introduced and Narrated by Commodore D.W. Pond R.N. CLOVELLY CLCD13604, 61:00 mins. A fascinating and imaginatively conceived disc giving an excellent insight into the ‘Passing In’ parade at H.M.S. Raleigh, Torpoint, Cornwall in which new entrants after 8 weeks initial basic training make the formal and somewhat dramatic transition from ‘civvies’ to sailors as the ‘Pass In’ to the Royal Navy. There is an interesting, informative and succinct commentary interpolated at several points by Commodore D.W. Pond R.N. Playing through this CD with one or two occasional shouted orders setting the scene gives one the distinct feeling of being transported to the parade ground of this naval establishment hopefully perhaps as a passive observer rather than an actual participant doubtless under the gimlet eye of a seasoned C.P.O.! The programme which was recorded in the band complex rather than the parade ground includes a fine selection of marches by some of the giants of the genre – Alfrod, Dunn, Sousa and even a certain Mr. Handel! There’s also a recent piece – Defence of the Realm – by the current D.O.M. of the Plymouth Band, Major P.A. Weston. All credit to Clovelly for releasing this disc with all dispatch since the recording sessions took place in late September 2004 and the disc was in my hands by mid November 2004! Recording quality is full and brilliant and it’s difficult to imagine finer playing than we get here from the Plymouth Band. So full marks to Clovelly and the Senior Service for such an unusual, enterprising, and engrossing disc. Despite the armchair ‘square bashing’ this CD has given me great and stimulating pleasure – there is absolutely no danger of ‘nodding off’ and is cordially commended not least for the great musical experience. Roger Hyslop 

DAVID HUGHES Great British Song Stylist Castle PLSCD738. 20 tracks for around £2.99 from the Fifties "pop" career of this fine artiste who became a celebrated opera singer and died aged 47. Among the songs are I Talk To The Trees, Rags To Riches, With These Hands, Bridge Of Sighs, Wild Horses, and If I Had Wings. But the disc would be worth the modest price if it only featured David’s duets with Jo Stafford, Let Me Hear You Whisper and One Love Forever, one of the first "Records of the Century" [78 rpm, of course] on the then new Philips label. Peter Burt

FRANKIE LAINE "I Believe" I’m Gonna Live Till I Die, Shine, That’s My Desire, We’ll Be Together Again, I May Be Wrong, The Cry of the Wild Goose, Mule Train, Your Cheatin’ Heart, Jezebel, Rose Rose I Love You, etc.. 27 tracks Memoir CDMOIR586, 75:09 mins. Many of Frankie Laine’s biggest hits are here. It’s incredible to think that all these tracks are over 50 years old!

BILLY MAY – A Tribute Cherokee, American Patrol, Clambake in B Flat, Lazy River, Memphis in June, Fat Man Mambo, Minor Mambo, All of Me, My Silent Love, etc… 27 tracks Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5575, 78:03 mins. So much has been written about Billy May during the past year, and Living Era are joining a growing list of record companies who are reissuing his vintage recordings. As well as his own orchestra, this CD finds May scores for Charlie Barnet, Glenn Miller and Charles LaVere.

THE ROYAL MARINES PLAY BRITISH MUSIC Salute to the Colours (Dunn), Cockleshell Heroes (Dunn), The Globe and Laurel (Dunn), Jupiter – The Planets (Holst), March – Suite No.2 in F Major (Holst), I Vow to Thee My Country (Holst), Country Gardens (Grainger), Drakes Drum (Stanford), The Old Superb (Stanford), The Little Admiral (Stanford), The Contemptibles (Stanley), Sea Songs (Vaughan Williams), Scherzo – Music for a Festival (Jacob), Welcome the Queen (Bliss), Call to Adventure (Bliss), The Churchill March (Grainer), Orb and Sceptre (Walton), Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 in D Major Op.39 (Elgar). Band and Fanfare Trumpets of H.M. Royal Marines School of Music, conducted by Lieutenant Colonal F. Vivian Dunn C.V.O., O.B.E., F.R.A.M., R.M., with Frederick Harvey (baritone), David Bell and Barry Rose (organ). EASTNEY COLLECTION RMHSEC009, 66:00 mins. The latest release from the Eastney Collection is to be the more warmly welcomed since it gives us the all too rare opportunity to hear again the fine baritone voice of Frederick Harvey whose career was abruptly terminated by and early death at the age of 59 in 1967. He was a Devon man born in Plymouth and served throughout the Second World War in the R.N.V.R. undertaking a number of recording sessions with the Royal Marines Orchestra, Portsmouth Division under a certain young Captain F. Vivian Dunn so was perhaps uniquely qualified for performing some of Stanford’s Songs of the Sea and Fleet. Never was this considerable talent more challenged than in the tongue twisting ‘Little Admiral’ which required crystal clear articulation for its full effect and in which this gifted singer negotiates through tricky waters with consummate ease. Several of the tracks originally appeared on an HMV LP ‘Music of the Sea’ released in the early 1960’s the cover of which was graced by and illustration of a painting of HMS Victory and a fine official photograph of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. Despite the claim that the recordings range in date from 1953 to 1968 which would imply a mix of both mono and stereo tracts careful listening on headphones would appear to reveal that all have two dimensioned sound imaging. Notwithstanding there is little variation in the more than acceptable sound quality throughout this disc which is brought to a resounding conclusion by a splendid and frisson inducing Pomp and Circumstance No.1 complete with the full blooded panoply of organ joining the band in the final reprise of the famous trio tune. This latter recording made in Guildford Cathedral in 1968 is historically significant as Brian Culverhouse in his introductory notes to this release states that this was the final recording Sir. Vivian made for EMI under whom he was contracted with the Royal Marines Band Service although of course he went on to make a number of commercial recordings with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Light Music Society Orchestra. A self recommended disc, a valuable addition to the steadily expanding Eastney Collection and a superb reminder of Sir Vivian’s outstanding musicianship. Roger Hyslop

FRANK CHACKSFIELD & HIS ORCHESTRA Black Satin Chill Samba (Fones); Isla Del Sol (Wilson); Blue Baion (Aldrich); Pacific Blue (Chacksfield); Sleepy Time Bossa Nova (Frith/Turner); Heidi (Nash); Winter Dreams (Alstone/Chacksfield); Fernando (Rey); When It's Twilight In Capri (Gurner); Barbiroussa (Warren); Mexican Doll (Rey); Tamoretta (Mellis/Senicourt); Black Satin (Warren); On The Tamiami Trail (Vezey); Autumn Romance (Fones); Dreamy Eyes, Dreamy Girl (James/Scott); Just Like A Leaf In The Wind (Warren); Solitario (Loublique); Tenerife (Fenoulhet); Make You Happy (Langford); Soho Samba (Harrison/Johnson/Pugh); Soft Lights (Harris/Waugh). Prestige Elite Records CDSGP0961. West of Sunset Cuban Boy (Chacksfield); Capri Serenade (Ballerini); Jumpin' Jupiter (Harrison/Johnson/Ross); Cheeky Cha Cha (Fones); Inishannon Serenade (Chacksfield); Singapore Girl (Fones); La Nina Callada (Caffell); Miami 747 (Fones); Bless Your Heart (Chacksfield/Chester); Marylin (Fones); An Idle Dream (Hughes); I'll Be There (Fones); After All (Litchfield/Wills); Sahara (Ninaber); How Was It For You (Langford); Shadow Play (Caffell); Majorcan Holiday (Johnson/Litchfield); Jog Trot (Langford); West of Sunset (Hughes/Johnson/Pugh); Aperitif (Langford); Wedding In Schio (Fones); Ocean Sunrise (Vezey). Prestige Elite Records CDSGP0962.   These two superb CDs were released in the UK towards the end of last year. I must admit that when I bought them, most of the tracks meant little to me but Frank Chacksfield's name was enough to entice me to obtain them. I am so glad I did. These are two very enjoyable CDs. Most of the tracks are very hummable, catchy tunes. There is a good variety of music from some slower, romantic tracks to quite a few faster paced up-tempo tracks. Some of the tracks have the trumpet as a lead instrument and a couple have the accordion as the lead instrument but all of the tracks are accompanied by the famous lush string sound of Chacksfield's orchestra.   Six of the tracks are composed by Chacksfield, this includes the track titled Tamoretta attributed to Mellis/Senicourt. I understand that Senicourt is one of the many pseudonyms used by Chacksfield. I must say I didn't know that Chacksfield was such a talented composer. There is even a very enjoyable up-tempo melodic tune composed by Ronnie Aldrich titled Blue Baion. Apart from the very beautiful track titled Inishannon which appeared on the 1993 Chacksfield 'Streaks of Lavender' CD (NB long deleted CD), I believe that most if not all of the tracks on both CDs were not commercially available before. According to the CD sleeve notes, all of the music was licensed from music publishers Novello & Co. Limited. This is the company that owns Music Sales Limited, Chester Music, Bosworth & Co and other music publishers. I should make clear that the music on the CDs is not really themed in anyway. The tracks on both CDs are just an ad-hoc compilation of music licensed from Novello & Co. There is over an hour of music on each CD and the sound quality is really excellent and all at a low price of around £5.99 for each CD. Further information on these CDs can be obtained from the Prestige Elite Records Limited website at http://www.prestige-elite.com/  The CDs are available from all good record shops in the UK. They can also be obtained directly from Prestige Elite's distributors Pinnacle Entertainment who have a secure online shop for the public to use at http://www.pinnacle-entertainment.co.uk/ The CDs can also be obtained from the usual internet websites like HMV athttp://www.hmv.co.uk/ In summary, I would say that this is Chacksfield and lush beautiful orchestral music at its best. A must not just for Chacksfield fans but for all lovers of our kind of music. Do not delay in adding these CDs to your collection. Chris Landor

CHARLES WILLIAMS High Adventure; Model Railway; Young Ballerina; Bells of St. Clements; Dream of Olwen; Cutty Sark; Nursery Clock; The Night Has Eyes; Devil’s Galop; Starlings; Voice of London; Music Lesson; Girls in Grey; Humming Top; Destruction by Fire; Old Clockmaker; Little Tyrolean; Throughout the Years; Blue Devils; Jealous Lover; Rhythm on Rails; Sally Tries the Ballet; Cross Country; London Fair. BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth Sanctuary Group White Line WHL 2151, total timing 75:01 mins. Here, for the first time, is a CD of modern recordings by one of the finest ever light music composers. Those familiar with the original recordings from the maestro himself may at first find it a little difficult to adjust to the tunes in a contemporary setting. However, the many unfamiliar titles, some of which have not been heard for more than 50 years – if ever before – will present no such difficulties! Everyone involved in rescoring and recreating the latter are to be congratulated on their labour of love. Detailed liner notes by Charles Williams enthusiast, Tony Clayden, make this long overdue CD into a highly desirable purchase. Peter Worsley

This is the CD that collectors have been eagerly anticipating for years. With such a vast output during his distinguished career, it is almost inevitable that music lovers will feel that some of their favourites are missing, but there is still a great deal to enjoy. I am slightly surprised at the inclusion of London Fair since much of this work is taken directly from The Bells of St Clements. Many readers will already have spotted that the actor playing ‘Dick Barton’ on the cover is not Duncan Carse (as stated in the booklet), but the original DB, Noel Johnson (who later became ‘Dan Dare’ on Radio Luxembourg). Another minor niggle concerns the incorrect dates attributed to some of the compositions. The Voice of London was first recorded for Chappells at Abbey Road in 1942. Although it is difficult to be precise about the dates of the Levy’s Sound Studios sessions, Girls in Grey andRhythm on Rails were recorded some time in 1943, and Devil’s Galop in either late 1943 or early 1944. The Old Clockmaker was certainly recorded no later than 1945. Model Railway was recorded by Boosey & Hawkes in 1950, so all these works were composed earlier than the CD booklet states. But don’t let such matters put you off buying what is an essential purchase for everyone even remotely interested in light music. David Ades

The BBC Concert Orchestra is performing at its best with a slightly compacted tone, somewhat reminiscent of the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra, especially in the less well-known and rarely heard pieces such as Nursery Clock, The Music Lesson and Humming Top. Splendid versions of The Old Clockmaker and Jealous Lover, too. The sleeve notes by Tony Clayden are very informative. Bill Watts

JOHN RUTTER Distant Land Distant Land, Five Meditations for Orchestra, Suite for Strings, Suite Antique, Beatles Concerto Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/John Rutter Universal Classics 476 124-2 78 mins. Although not promoted as such, this tastefully written disc of Rutter’s orchestral music is definitely of interest to the light music enthusiast. The piece that gives the album its title, originally written for choir, was inspired by the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. It features some very nice French horn playing. The Meditations are also based on Rutter’s own choral pieces, including the lovely Christmas carol What Sweeter Music. The Suite for Strings is a Rutter arrangement of four folk-songs including A-Roving and I have a bonnet trimmed with blue. We’re back with Rutter’s own music in the Suite Antique, six gentle tuneful movements for flute, harpsichord and strings. Chansonwas later turned into a Christmas carol. The Beatles Concerto is in three movements and features the piano duo of Peter Rostal and Peter Schaefer [remember them? They recorded the same work with Ron Goodwin conducting back in the late 70s]. It is a highly enjoyable 23’ 41" piece which, I feel sure like me, you will find yourself often coming back to. And something to play to friends asking the question, "Guess who wrote these arrangements?" Peter Burt

FRANK CHACKSFIELD AND HIS ORCHESTRA "South Sea Island Magic" South Sea Island Magic, The Moon of Manakoora, Drifting and Dreaming, Sweet Leilani, Aloha Beloved, Song of the Islands, On the Beach at Bali-Bali, Blue Hawaii, Blue Pacific Moonlight, Good-bye Hawaii, Moonlight and Shadows, To You Sweetheart, A Little Rendezvous in Honolulu, Aloha Oe "In the Mystic East"Japanese Sandman, Moon Above Malaya, Moonlight on the Ganges, By an Old Pagoda, Song of India, March of the Siamese Children, Rose Ros, I Love You, Caravan, On a Little Street in Singapore, Rickshaw Ride, La Petite Tonkinoise, Katsumi Theme, San Vocalion CDLK4207, 82:44. Once again Mike Dutton offers 2 CDs for the price of one, because the two original LPs last just too long to fit on one CD. Yet they make a perfect pairing for this new release, which will prove very attractive for Frank Chacksfield’s many admirers. His large orchestra plays some delightful arrangements (probably mostly by his chief arranger Leon Young – he is credited on a few tracks) – the only regret being that the LPs date from 1957 so they just miss being in stereo. But for goodness sake don’t let that stop you buying – it’s the music that’s important, not the technology! David Ades

ENGLISH OBOE CONCERTOS Concerto No. 1 for Oboe & Strings (Gordon Jacob); Soliloquy (Edward Elgar); Fugal Concerto for Oboe & Flute (Gustav Holst); Concerto in One Movement (Eugene Goossens); Oboe Concerto (Ralph Vaughan Williams). BBC Elgar Chamber Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell Sanctuary DCA 1173. The gentlest of instruments the oboe is usually associated with lighter music and this new disc is an excellent example. The previously unheard Gordon Jacob concerto is as light as one could wish for, as are all the other four pieces. Charmingly played by Ruth Bolister, who is joined by flautist Kate Hill in Holst’s Fugal Concerto, it is good to know that tuneful British music is still being uncovered and recorded.    Edmund Whitehouse

PHIL KELSALL playing the Technics SX-FA1 ‘The Sweetest Sounds’ Whistle Down the Wind, Joanna, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, Roulette, Music Box Dancer, Twilight Time, Spanish Harlem, These Foolish Things, etc… Grasmere GRCD 120. This time Phil has temporarily left behind his strict-tempo style for a collection of popular melodies with a distinct light music feel about them. Which isn’t surprising, when you note that the composers include Trevor Duncan (The Girl from Corsica), Steve Race (Faraway Music) and Albert Ketelbey (In a Persian Market). This Technics organ demonstrates just how far the technology has gone since the very early electronic instruments of long ago, and Phil Kelsall certainly knows how to explore all its possibilities. He really is a very gifted player, and this CD is packed with many delightful moments. If you enjoy the electric organ, you’ll be captivated. David Ades

FRANZ LEHAR – Overtures and Waltzes OVERTURES: Clo-Clo, Divine Spouses, The Merry Widow WALTZES: Adriatic, Grützner, Old Viennese Love Waltz, Wild Roses Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michail Jurowski CPO 999 891/2, timing 51:00 mins. This interesting collection of Overtures and Waltzes by Franz Lehar is made the more welcome by the inclusion of the charming and delightful Wild Roses. Readers with long memories will recall that the piece surfaced from time to time in light music programmes on BBC Radio light years ago, and it’s good to have it at last in an excellent modern recording beautifully realised in this performance by the Berlin RSO. The waltzes here represent almost the last gasp of music expressly composed for the ballroom. Since by the early 1900’s these were considered too elaborate and lengthy for contemporary taste. Nonetheless such vagaries of musical fashion need not spoil our enjoyment of some lovely lilting Lehar melodies. Of the overtures on this CD, that to The Merry Widow is in fact a late work. The original operetta had no proper overture and for a performance in which he conducted the Vienna Philharmonic at the Festspielhaus in July 1940 Lehar produced a fully-fledged and cleverly constructed concert overture. The familiar tunes come tumbling out in rapid profusion and are subject to all kinds of clever rhythmic treatment and often broken up into small motifs. The overtures to Clo-Clo and Divine Spouses are much simpler in structure and are basically straightforward potpourri’s contemporaneous with their respective operettas. Despite the short measure on this disc – and surely quality is more important than quantity – this is self-recommending for anyone with a weakness for Viennese dance music. The recording is exemplary. You are certainly not in doubt that we have a large symphony orchestra with a substantial string section! Roger Hyslop

BERT KAEMPFERT IN LONDON Live at the Royal Albert Hall incl. Bye Bye Blues, Never my Love, A Song for Satch, Wonderland by Night, That Happy Feeling, Strangers in the Night, All I Ever Need is You, Blue Midnight, Tahitian Sunset, Afrikaan Beat, Take the ‘A’ Train, I Cover the Waterfront, Danke Schon, etc… (Germany) Universal/Polydor 981157-0 (2 CD set). Our member Volker Rippe had a hand in the production of this collection, which will be warmly received by Bert Kaempfert’s countless fans. The occasion was a memorable concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 22 April 1974, and around half of the tracks are previously unreleased. Most of Bert’s biggest successes are here, and the enthusiasm of the audience certainly adds to the sense of occasion (whether or not you want to have your music interrupted by applause when listening at home is another matter that I will not address here!). The CD booklet is splendid: the notes are in both English and German, it is generously filled with photographs and the members of the orchestra are listed in full. In other words, a top quality product in all respects. David Ades

PERCY FAITH AND HIS ORCHESTRA House of Flowers House of Flowers, I’m Gonna Leave off Wearing my Shoes, Waitin’, Smellin’ of Vanilla, etc… Adventure In the Sun Tropical Meringue, Bluebell, Carmellita, The Fiddling Bullfighter, Eleanora, Tambora, Hey Jose, Bahama Lullaby, Bubbling Over, Italiano, Tropic Holiday, The Bandit (USA) Collectables COL-CD-7612 65:51 minutes. Another 2-on-1 from the States of two albums originally issued in mono during the mid-50s. ‘House of Flowers’ was a successful Broadway show that I don’t believe ever made it to this side of the ‘pond’. The Caribbean influenced music was written by Harold Arlen, who was also responsible for such enduring songs as That Old Black Magic, Stormy Weather, and Over the Rainbow. The songs here, given the then familiar Faith instrumental treatment, are not of that calibre but pleasant enough. Some will prefer the string led numbers such as the title tune, I Never Has Seen Snow and A Sleepin’ Bee [the pick of the bunch] to the more upbeat numbers of which Two Ladies in de Shade of de Banana Tree is a good example. Mardi Gras Waltz and Smellin’ of Vanilla [Bamboo Cage] are fun pieces. ‘Adventure In the Sun‘ is a collection of singles, some of which reappeared in subsequent stereo versions. Included are Faith’s own The Fiddling Bullfighter, Carmellita, Hey José and Tropic Holiday. There is also Bluebell [shades of Jimmy Shand] and my favourite, the Swedish melodyBubbling Over. You won’t find a lot of lush string sound here but the selection is very bright and enjoyable. Peter Burt All Percy Faith CDs on Collectables are available from the RFS Record Service price £16 [US $32] each, plus the usual postage and packing.

THE BEST OF BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC 104 titles on 5 CDs Royal Ballet Sinfonia, BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland, Barry Wordsworth Sanctuary Resonance CD RSB 502. This bargain priced box set should appeal to anyone who does not already have all the British Light Music Discoveries and British Light Overtures series on ASV. Composers include Stanley Black, Brian Kelly, Philip Lane, Paul Lewis, David Lyon, Clifton Parker, as well as Arnold, Butterworth, Lambert and Rutter. Works include such gems as Maurice Johnstone’s Tarn Hows [much requested of Brian Kay], Eric Fenby’s Rossini on Ilkla Moor, David Fanshawe’s Fantasy on Dover Castle and Lionel Monckton’s The Arcadians. There is ample proof here that modern composers can still write good tunes. Peter Burt This collection is available from the RFS Record Service for £18 [$36].

The above collection should not be confused with the following, also released by Sanctuary and compiled from its Light Music archives:

‘HALCYON DAYS’ – A Treasury of British Light Music themed into five collections: ‘A Popular Concert’ (Montague Phillips, Delius, Ernest Tomlinson, Ronald Binge, Warlock, Elgar, etc.); ‘Around These Islands’ (Sir Malcolm Arnold, John Ansell, Haydn Wood, Angela Morley, Eric Coates, Philip Lane, Frederic Curzon, Ron Goodwin, etc.); ‘Sound and Vision’ (Charles Williams, Binge, Muir Mathieson, Richard Addinsell, Coates, Wilfred Josephs, Paul Lewis, etc.); ‘Composers Abroad’ (William Blezard, Max Saunders, Bryan Kelly, Coates, Peter Hope, Gilbert Vinter, Addinsell, etc.); ‘For The Dance’ (Arnold, Madeleine Dring, Geoffrey Toye, Paul Reade, David Lyon, etc.) Various orchestras and conductors Sanctuary White Line CD WLS 501. Pressure on space prevents us from giving full tracklisting details for this, and the previous collections. If you are a regular collector of Sanctuary/ASV White Line CDs you will probably have most of this material already, but for anyone new to Light Music this is an ideal way to commence a worthwhile collection. David Ades ‘Halcyon Days’ can be obtained from the RFS Record Service for £23 [$46].

SHIRLEY HORN May The Music Never End Forget me, If you go away, Yesterday, Take love easy, Never let me go, Watch what happens, Ill wind, Maybe September, Everything must change, This is all I ask, May the music never end. Verve 0044007602829, 57:48 mins. Shirley has a way of playing and singing that is unique. She was a devotee of Miles Davis and undoubtedly would have liked him to be present on this album. Here she utilises his favourite pianist Ahmad Jamal on two tracks and Roy Hargrove plays flugel on two others. It is a lusciously deep jazz take on some standards especially on "Never let me go" a song that has suddenly been dusted off and given second wind by several people (Bob Florence and Boz Scaggs to name two). What I missed was the sort of strings that Johnny Mandel provided on her album "Here's to life". Shirley produced the album so either she could not afford Mandel or he was too busy. Paul Clatworthy

BOZ SCAGGS But Beautiful What's new, Never let me go, How long has this been going on?, Sophisticated lady, But beautiful, Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, Easy living, I should care, You don't know what love is, For all we know. (USA) Gray Cat GCD 4000, 51:01 mins. Boz has paid his dues ever since 1969 mainly in the rhythm and blues market. An anthology recently released states "He is the son of the truest music America ever produced". His own quote says "My interest in music is broad and I'm exploring each of these elements each time I record". He made ten albums before really hitting the mainstream with the LP "Silk Degrees" winning a "Grammy" for the track "Lowdown" which topped both Pop and Soul charts simultaneously in the fall of 1976. His last album in this vein "Dig" reunited him with David Paich, producer of his best sellers. "But beautiful" stemmed from an old friend Jimmy Pierre who many years ago gave him a list of songs he thought Boz should record, all standards that had stood the test of time. March 2003 was when Boz met up with Paul Nagel who persuaded Boz to go back to that almost forgotten list. Paul played piano and wrote the arrangements, Eric Crystal sax, John Shifflett bass and Jason Lewis drums complete the group. I love Boz's voice but admit others may not; what nobody can fault is the choice of songs. I sincerely hope there will be another CD because the original list had "Lush life", "Round midnight", "Don't go to strangers" and "Drinking again" - all would fit well into this intimate setting. Sample "Never let me go" if you like to hear before buying, simply a divine interpretation. Paul Clatworthy

MONIA LITER AND HIS ORCHESTRA Lovers in Rome & Lovers in Paris [full tracklisting in JIM 157 – page 32] Vocalion CDLK 4220. Those of you who, like me, are devotees of the big string sound but thought of Monia Liter only as a soloist on some distinguished Mantovani tracks in the late 40s, hear this; it is an absolute delight. The strings sometimes reach thrilling heights but are faithfully captured in Mike Dutton’s remastering. Mention must also be made of the percussion department, while Monia himself occasionally contributes harmoniously from the piano keyboard. Beginning with Gerhard [Answer Me My Love] Winkler’s Chianti Song through a total of 28 tracks, mostly unknown to me and I suspect to you, through to Blue Blues by Helmut Zacharias, this is life-enhancing music. It seems unfair to pick out tracks but I must just mention Tumble Home by Ken Warner of Scrub Brothers Scrub fame. As well as quality you also get quantity: two CDs [85 minutes] for the price of one. Pity they could not have been in stereo but you can’t have everything. I have not enjoyed listening to anything so much for ages and will be surprised if this is bettered in 2004. Peter Burt

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA The Mantovani Scene Delilah, Those Were The Days, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Both Sides Now, A Man Without Love, Love Is Blue, Honey, If I Were A Rich Man, Come September, For Once In My Life, Les Bicyclettes de Belsize; The Mantovani Sound Dear Heart, People, Charade, Fiddler On The Roof, Who Can I Turn To, Helly Dolly, What Kind Of Fool Am I, As Long As He Needs Me, I Have Dreamed, The Sweetest Sounds, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Climb Ev’ry Mountain Vocalion CDLK 4195 [70’52"]. It still seems strange to find Monty on a non-Decca label but Mike Dutton is serving us well with these re-issues and we look forward to ‘Collector’s Mantovani Volume 2’. For now we have these two albums from the 60s to enjoy for the first time on CD. I well remember how excited I was to hear ‘Scene’ on LP. Here were hit songs from 1968, such as Delilah, Those Were the Days, By the Time I Get to Phoenixand Les Bicyclettes de Belsize, and other contemporary pieces being played by Mantovani with the accent on brass and woodwind; the famed ‘cascading strings’ being used very sparingly. There was also one of my all-time favourite songs, Both Sides Now, featuring a delicious jangly piano. ‘Sound’from four years earlier is in more familiar style with music from stage and screen, including Mancini’sDear Heart and Charade, Fiddler on the Roof, What Kind of Fool Am I?, The Sweetest Sounds [they certainly are] and Climb Ev’ry Mountain. So this 2-on-1 has something both for those of us who tingle to the Mantovani string sound and those who are not so appreciative. Peter Burt

ISLEY MEETS BACHARACH arranged and conducted by Burt Bacharach. Alfie, Raindrops keep falling on my head, In between the heartaches, Make it easy on yourself, A house is not a home, The look of love, Count on me, This guys in love with you, Close to you, Anyone who had a heart, Love's still the answer, Here I am, Windows of the world. Dreamworks label 80001005-02 INOI, 58:19 mins. Ernie Isley has the most emotive falsetto voice in Soul music, with a massive string of hits with The Isley Brothers group. Teaming him with the Bacharach sound was a bold move and one that Bacharach initially resisted; years ago Isley wanted to record a Bacharach song but Bacharach said "No! you're not cutting this song!" He now claims amnesia to this story! This confrontation happened in 1962, and hearing what has resulted in this pairing makes me regret the time wasted! As so many other people were vying to record Bacharach's songs all those years ago, perhaps the wait was necessary for a new audience to get maximum entertainment from what have now become standards. Judging by the Orchestra’s personnel Bacharach was given a large budget, and he has come up with new arrangements that fully justify any costs. The album contains melodies full of languid statement and a great sense of "Joie de vivre" Excellent work from everyone concerned.Paul Clatworthy

NORTHERN SALUTE : Barnard Castle (Goff Richards); Yorkshire Overture (Philip Sparke);Brideshead TV Theme (Geoffrey Burgon); Northern Echoes (Gordon Harrison); Yorkshire Relish (Phil Evans); John Peel (Clive Richardson); Bedale Hunt (Frank Aston); York Chimes (Wayne Hopla); On Richmond Hill Baht’At (James Wood); Shipbuilders (Peter Yorke); Scarborough Fair (Hal Leonard);Three Dale Dances (Arthur Wood); Northumbrian Airs (Chris Attrill); On Ilkla Moor Baht’At (Clive Richardson); Stephenson’s Rocket (Nigel Hess); Bond of Friendship (J Mackenzie-Rogan). The King’s Division Waterloo Band D.O.M. Captain R. W. Hopla B.A.(Hons) A.R.C.M. B.B.C.M. psm CAMus. Bandleader BNA 5180. 69.00 mins The Northern Salute by the King’s Division Waterloo Band offers a number of attractions for the light music aficionado. Foremost in this interesting collection is a complete performance of Peter Yorke’s suite The Ship Builders originally commissioned by the BBC for the 1960 Light Music Festival. (those were the days!). The individual movements have suitably descriptive titles – the third All Hands at Work has some suggestive jazzy inflexions about it. Arthur Wood’s – he of Barwick Green fame – enchanting and delightful Three Dale Dances were beloved of light concert orchestras half a century or more ago and must be a worthy contender for inclusion in a future volume of Hyperion’s British Light Music Classics series. Also included in this compilation are two of the brilliant arrangements originally produced for the ITMA Radio Show by the much admired and sorely missed Clive Richardson transcribed for wind band by W.J. Duthoit. Also worthy of note is Nigel Hess’s fascinating and thoroughly entertaining descriptive piece Stephenson’s Rocketcommemorating the 1829 Rainhill Trials in which the Rocket carried off the £500 prize having attained a speed of 25 mph! The recordings were made on location at the Waterloo Band Complex Catterick Garrison and are a trifle over bright and dryish on quality but with plenty of impact in the louder sections. Any slight deficiencies in the engineering department are more than amply compensated by the enthusiastic and committed playing of these army musicians. In short there is much to enjoy on this disc particularly for those with affection for this part of England and a liking for some of its traditional tunes, who should certainly need no further urging to acquire this attractive CD. Roger Hyslop

Plenty even for a Lancastrian to enthuse about here! If you like atmospheric music then this will do very nicely, thank you. Excellent tunes based mainly on north Yorkshire and Northumberland withStephenson’s Rocket and John Peel arguably putting in an appearance for Liverpool and the Lake District respectively. It’s almost worth buying the CD for the wonderful colour picture of the band on parade outside Castle Howard. Edmund Whitehouse

THE MUSIC OF KENNETH ALFORD including the complete marches Colonel Bogey,The Great Little Army, H.M.Jollies, On the Quarter Deck, The Thin Red Line, Voice of the Guns, The Standard of St. George, Cavalry of the Clouds, The Middy, Holyrood, Army of the Nile, Dunedin, The Vanished Army, Old Panama, Eagle Squadron, By Land and Sea, The Vedette, The Mad Major, Fantasies: The Lightning Switch, A Musical Switch.Band of H.M. Royal Marines, Naval Home Command, Portsmouth, D.O.M. Captain J. R. Mason L.R.A.M. A.R.C M. Chandos Collect CHAN 6584, 73.00 mins. Anyone on the lookout for a complete set of the military marches of Kenneth Alford need look no further than this super budget CD on the Chandos Collect label. Rival versions exist by H.M. Royal Marines Band (Commandos) on Clovelly CL CD102 and the Band of the Army Air Corps on Bandleader BNA 5163. The Chandos disc - despite based on sessions originating from the 1970’s - yields nothing in terms of sonics to its more expensive digital counterparts. It also has the considerable advantage of including both of his Fantasias dating from the 1920’s. These are pot-pourris of coruscating brilliance with brief snatches of popular tunes tumbling out in bewildering profusion, managing to embrace both Haydn’s Miracle Symphony and Knocked ‘em in the Old Kent Road and are enormous fun. Alford’s career unusually began with the Army at the tender age of 14 and ended with the Senior Service, being compelled to retire from his appointment as D.O.M. of the Royal Marines, Plymouth Division Band because of ill health. His marches have the unusual qualities of being able to cheer and stir but often also to move the human spirit. The Royal Marines Band deployed here have a wonderful instinctive feel for this music and it is difficult to imagine performances more idiomatic or with greater sensitivity. A great bargain at the price and strongly commended. Roger Hyslop

"PAGANINI AFTER A DREAM" Pavane pour une infante defunte, Black Orpheus, Pavane, Oblivion, Reverie, Healing in foreign lands, Apres un reve, Excerpt from "Alexandra", Cinema Paradiso.Regina Carter (Violin) Conducted by Ettore Stratta. Verve 065554-2. Fellow member Regis Hubert sent me this CD which probably otherwise would have evaded me! It is one of those hybrids that although labelled "File under Jazz" has just as much appeal to lovers of Classical music! The first track sets the standard I would have preferred to have been continued, as it has a full string section (fully deserved for such a delectable Ravel composition). Two other songs get this full blown treatment but the rest are performed by a small group. Regina gets top billing but pianist Werner "Vana" Glerig deserves just as many plaudits. Werner also composed and arranged "Healing"; Regina arranged "Alexandra" the remaining are in the capable hands of Jorge Calandrelli. This is an album that deserves success for trying something different. I do not enjoy "perfect pitch" so the fact that Regina performs with the much treasured Paganini's legendary violin seems to me to be a "gimmick" to enhance sales, but don't let that put you off sampling, it is a very rewarding album.Paul Clatworthy

JO STAFFORD You Belong To Me Kissin’ Bug Boogie, Hawaiian War Chant, Jambalaya, Gambella (with Frankie Laine), Georgia On My Mind, Wunderbar (with Gordon MacRae), The Moment I Saw You (with Teddy Johnson), Shrimp Boats, A-round The Corner, etc.. 24 tracks Memoir CDMOIR 577, 68:32 mins. This is not the first CD of Jo Stafford’s early hits, but it is certainly one of the best. A good choice of material by Gordon Gray, plus intelligent booklet notes by Geoff Wilding and excellent digital remastering by Ted Kendall all combine to make this a fine memento of some of the best popular music from just over 50 years ago. Jo Stafford was in a class of her own, and her singles had that special extra touch because the musical director was the man she married, Paul Weston. There are just two exceptions here: Our Very Own features the Hal Mooney Orchestra, and the unique British connection can be found on The Moment I Saw You where Teddy Johnson sang with the Norrie Paramor Orchestra in London, and Jo added her part of the duet back home in the USA. It made the news at the time, although it wasn’t released in the USA. If you love Jo Stafford you’ve probably already bought this CD! David Ades

TIME FOR ACCORDION: 50 tracks including Dizzy Accordion; Ski Jump; Black Masks Waltz; Promenading Rhythm; Dicky Bird Hop; Dance of the Comedians; (Toralf Tollefsen) Indian Love Call; Rose Marie (attrib. to Tollefsen) The Very Thought of You; Just By Your Example; Over My Shoulder; (Billy Reid) (solo accordion), Maria Elena, Shepherd Serenade, Yours (Eric Winstone's Accordion Band). It's Been a Long Long Time; Crusing Down the River; (Accordion Serenaders). Remaining items by Primo Scala; Alexanders Accordions; Billy Reid, and the London Piano Accordion Bands. Rex (2 CD set) REXX 305. This is a highly commendable and enterprising issue of accordion music. Collectors will associate accordion bands more with dance music than with light music. However there are several light music items of particular interest on these discs. The issue also includes artists who have rarely been featured on CD before. The main interest for JIM readers will be the light music and novelty tracks played by that virtuoso of the accordion Norweigan born Toralf Tollefsen, who was very popular in the UK particularly during the 1940's and 50's, and possibly the Eric Winstone tracks. There are no UK CDs of Tollefsen currently available, so this issue is welcome if even for only 6 tracks!! There is also currently little available by Eric Winstone's delightful accordion orchestra. A Billy Reid solo medley is also included on the disc, and it is interesting to compare how different his style is to that of Tollefsen. Eric Winstone's accordion band (sometimes alluded to as "accordion orchestra" on the original 78 labels) has a lighter texture than most other accordion bands, by virtue of an added string section, etc. The Shepherd's Serenade featuring vocal by Alan Kane is a most delightful number. Maria Elena has vocalist Julie Dawn. The Accordion Serenaders are probably an anonymous George Scott Wood combination. There are a substantial number of items by Primo Scala as well as the London Piano Accordion Band, with the latter featuring singers such as Dorothy Squires; several tracks by Alexanders Accordions complete the discs. Indian Love Call, I suspect is wrongly assigned to Tollefsen. This number appears to feature George Scott Wood on the piano and it could even be his own accordion ensemble. A track on the second disc could also be wrongly attributed to Tollefsen. Listeners will have to judge for themselves. Many of the London Piano Accordion Band items, I imagine, are probably under Scott Wood's direction although no details are provided. In fact the talented George Scott Wood doesn't even get a mention and it is a pity that information contained in the CD booklet regarding the recordings and the artists is so sparse. Poorly transferred accordion recordings can sound horrid, but the transfers on this issue are full bodied and clear bringing a fresh vitality to these old classic recordings. More please! Brian Stringer

SECOND HOUSE with those wonderful comedians Comedy records featuring George Formby, Gert and Daisy, Tommy Handley, Cicily Courtneidge, Spike Jones, Joyce Grenfell & Norman Wisdom, Max Miller, Reginald Gardiner, etc.. Memoir CDMOIR 578, 73:06. If you want something a little out of the ordinary in your collection, do check this one out. Those ‘in the know’ will realise that Reginald Gardiner is included with his famous 78 Trains, and the two Spike Jones ‘classics’ are Chloe andCocktails For Two. Enough said! David Ades

SONG AND DANCE – The Musical Stars of Hollywood featuring Ann Miller, Lena Horne, Debbie Reynolds, Jane Powell, Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Ginger Rogers, etc… Memoir CD MOIR 582, 76:08 mins. The 50-year copyright rule in the UK means that more and more 78s from the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals are now available to independent companies like Memoir to reissue as they wish – which is very good news for collectors whose precious 78s may be lying in a loft because a suitable turntable to reproduce them is no longer part of the family hi-fi system. I can remember when Debbie Reynolds’ 78 of A Lady Loves suddenly became popular – only to discover that MGM had deleted the original 78 with untimely haste, although I seem to recall that it was still briefly in their catalogue on an EP. Since then the complete soundtrack from I Love Melvin has been available on CD, but if you just want the best song from the film – here it is! Of course, there are many other priceless gems in this collection, and if you love the sound of the old musicals my advice is: don’t hesitate! David Ades

Memoir CDs are available through the RFS Record Service for £10 [$20] each, plus the usual postage and packing.

CLARINET KALEIDOSCOPE Lounge Suite (Gavin Sutherland; Serenata – Mother and Child (David Fanshawe); Meditation (Reginald Hunt); Song and Dance (Gilbert Vintner); Canto Populare (Elgar); Three Spanish Dances (Philip Lane); A Graceful Tune, A Humorous Fantasy, An Autumn Tune, Moods (Frederick Kell); Clarinet Cakewalk (Terence Greaves); Nostalgia - medley of tunes by Ray Noble, Manning Sherwin and Ivor Novello, In Party Mood (arr. Sutherland). Verity Butler (clarinet), Gavin Sutherland (piano) Campion Cameo 2022. For many of us light music means light orchestral music, but as this finely played and recorded disc shows, much pleasure may be had from music for solo instrumentalists. Most of the titles here are premiere recordings and there is a fair spread stylistically and chronologically (the Elgar, adapted by him from In the South, is the earliest), from Philip Lane’s fluent pastiches, Sutherland’s own jazz-inspired Lounge Suite (the movement titles relate to things found down the back of chairs or settees!) and Greave’s catchy Cakewalk to Hunt’s rhapsodic Meditation, Vintner’s four movement, five minute suite and Kell’s four charming miniatures, one dedicated to his son Reginald, arguably the greatest of British clarinettists. Verity Butler is an accomplished and committed player; we know Gavin Sutherland previously as a conductor but here he excels as pianist and arranger, especially enjoyable being his foot-tapping version of In Party Mood, made especially for the recording. Philip L. Scowcroft

LIVING STRINGS AND TWO PIANOS - The World We Knew/My Silent Love Inc: Dream of Olwen, Snowfall, My Silent Love, Falling Leaves, Dream Lover, Intermezzo, On the Trail, Canadian Sunset, Faithfully Yours, The World We Knew, Exodus, Temptation, My Heart Cries For You, There Must Be a Way, Poeme, Mattinata, etc. Frank Bristow XFB801 77:34. It was around 1960 that RCA producer Ethel Gabriel had the idea of forming The Living Strings for their Camden budget label, and asked the late lamented Johnny Douglas to lead the orchestra as arranger/conductor, which he did for something like 80 LPs. He shared the job with William Hill-Bowen who (as Billy Hill) had first made his name with George Melachrino’s ‘Orchestra in Khaki’, better known as the British Band of the AEF, during World War II, and later played with the Blue Rockets under Eric Robinson. This particular CD is somewhat short on names and credits, teaming the orchestra under whoever was leading it at the time with a completely anonymous 2-piano team in a well varied programme of standards and classical and semi-classical medleys. I must say the musical logic of combining Chabrier’s Espana Rhapsody in a medley with Floyd Cramer’s Last Date escapes me. As does Frank Bristow’s four biographical pages in the liner notes devoted to Geraldo, whose only connection is as co-composer with Bernard Ebbinghouse of My Summer Heart. Arthur Jackson Frank Bristow’s CDs can only be obtained direct from him in Australia: Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, Australia – e-mail:

GERALDO AND HIS ORCHESTRA – Summer’s End Inc: Man with the Mandolin, They Say, You’re As Pretty as a Picture, My Heart is Taking Lessons, Heart and Soul, My Own, If I Didn’t Care, You Couldn’t Be Cuter, Romany, Deep in a Dream, One Day When We Were Young, On the Sentimental Side, While a Cigarette Was Burning, Two Sleepy People, Summer’s End. Vocalion CDEA6064 75:50 This was the orchestra of 1938/9 when Geraldo was beginning to modernise, adding young swing musicians to the pre-war line-up, among the future Squadronaires Andy McDevitt, Eric Breeze and Clifton Ffrench along with other mainstays of the wartime Geraldo band like Harry Hayes and George Evans. The big selling point here, though, will be the late Al Bowlly on no less than 16 of the 24 tracks, with others being shared by Sam Browne, Cyril Grantham, Eve Becke and George Evans. So it will be obvious that the vocals are no anti-climax in the context of the band’s musicianship; on the contrary at this time Gerry had one of the strongest vocal teams of any British band. But, over all looms the presence of the great Bowlly, who never failed to impress, whatever his material. No complaints on that score here, however; some of the songs may be less known than others but there’s no diminution in quality. Arthur Jackson

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Charmaine – 25 Original Mono Recordings 1940-1952Charmaine, Jealousy, Under the Roofs of Paris, La Cucaracha, Wyoming, Pavanne, Diane, Warsaw Concerto, Caribbean Calypso, Serenade, Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Adios Muchachos, Mexicali Rose, Holiday for Strings, Greensleeves, Hear My Song Violetta, Symphony, Ramona, Gypsy Legend, Dreaming, The Legend of the Glass Mountain, Village Swallows, La Mer, I Live for You. Some Enchanted Evening    Living Era CDAJA 5500.

THE ORIGINAL MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA  CHARMAINE Charmaine, Just for a While, Greensleeves, Love Makes the World Go Round, Dancing with Tears in My
Eyes, Dear Love My Love, Wyoming, Under the Roofs of Paris, For You, Kisses
in the Dark, Diane, Babette, Love Here Is My Heart, Moonlight Madonna,
Lovely Lady, Mexicali Rose, Was It a Dream, It Happened in Monterey, Some
Enchanted Evening, Gypsy Love Waltz, La Cumparsita, Tango de la Luna, Roses
from the South, Blue Danube.   (Portugal) Remember RMB 75105.

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA PLAY STRAUSS WALTZES Blue Danube, Roses from the South, Vienna Blood, Voices of Spring, Artist's Life, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Emperor Waltz, Morning Papers, Accelerations, You and You, Wine Women and Song, Village Swallows, Gypsy Love Waltz, Tell Me You Love Me, Le Chaland Qui Passe   (Portugal) Goldies GLD 63247.

With the original Mantovani "New Sound" recordings passing into the public domain there has been no shortage of re-issues of the music that sold millions of copies in the early 1950s. Of Portuguese origin, the Remember and Goldies CDs are issued under license from Intermusic SA, and have been dubbed from LP or 45. On the whole, they are praiseworthy issues, not everyone's cup of tea, I'll admit, depending on whether you like the overlapping string sound or not, but even if you don't, there's much to enjoy in the lush arrangements of Ronnie Binge and how they were interpreted by Mantovani. The Remember album includes some outstanding pieces which have not been available for a long time, among them Mexicali Rose, Babette (a terrific feature for trumpeter Stan Newsome),Some Enchanted Evening (boosted by the subtle vibraphone of Charlie Botterill) and Monty's own fine composition, Tango de la Luna. The Strauss Waltzes collection excludes inexplicably two tracks from Mantovani's fine 1952 LP, but includes two more, Vienna Blood and Artist's Life, which were not included at the time. The real bonus here, however, is the very first appearance of Tell Me You Love Me on any sort of album. Recorded on 6 February 1951, it was the first "New Sound" arrangement by Ronnie Binge, a really sensational one, which was never released in England because of copyright difficulties. The Living Era CD has gone further than the other two albums by laudably inserting several melodies from the 1940s previously unavailable on CD. Among them are the two partWarsaw Concerto, an early version of the Serenade from The Student Prince and Morton Gould'sPavanne. The 78 transfers are of a good standard, and it's a very worthwhile collection, marred only by some errors in the recording data, e.g. I Live For You was not recorded until January 1954 rather than late 1953, and Holiday for Strings in February rather than May 1944. Minutiae such as this should not detract from your listening pleasure, however, and I would commend all three albums to Mantovani enthusiasts. The Living Era CD, distributed by Sanctuary Records, should be obtained easily enough in the UK, and I have encountered copies of the Remember CD in HMV in Oxford Street; the Strauss Waltzes album is rather more elusive, but copies can be ordered on-line from Amazon in Japan. Colin Mackenzie

MARIAN McCPARTLAND Plays The Benny Carter Songbook (with special guest Benny Carter) When The Lights Are Low; I’m In The Mood For Swing; A Kiss From You; Key Largo; Plus 7 Other Songs. (USA) Concord Jazz CCD - 4412. There’s no more satisfying compliment for a composer than to have an artist of the calibre of Marian McPartland play their music. The composer, Benny Carter, plays alto sax with McPartland on 5 of the 11 tracks. McPartland is at her inspired best on "When The Lights Are Low." She hits a bossa nova groove on "Summer Serenade." Carter’s eloquent alto sax weaves magic on swingers such as "I’m In The mood For Swing," "Doozy," and "Easy Money." Both artists contribute a romantic mood on "Only Trust Your Heart." John Clayton on bass and Harold Jones on drums are the rock steady rhythm section on these 1990 sessions. The overall sound picture is one of warm depth with clinical clearness. A charming CD full of surprises which should be in every music lover’s library. Richard Jessen

HAL KEMP & HIS ORCHESTRA Got a Date With An Angel Moonlight Saving Time, Forty-Second Street, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, For All We Know, Lullaby of Broadway, etc…Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5399, 76:59. Hal Kemp and his staccato trumpets has been quoted as the inspiration behind the ‘sound’ of Britain’s Billy Ternent Orchestra, although having listened to this new CD I wonder if the influence was as strong as I imagined. These recordings date from 1929 to 1940, and this is the kind of compilation which is probably best sampled in small doses, rather than in one big chunk. Most of the tunes are still well-known, but I have to confess that I find some of the vocalists a bit disappointing. But I’m glad that this CD is available, because Hal Kemp was successful in his day, and he deserves to be remembered. David Ades

STEVE LAWRENCE SINGS SINATRA A Musical Tribute to the Man and his Music I’ve Got You Under My Skin; You Make Me Feel So Young; The Lady Is A Tramp; The Summer Wind; plus 10 other songs. (USA) GL Music Co. 60145. If there ever was a singer whose musical instincts are the equal of Frank Sinatra, it would be Steve Lawrence who gives an intelligent, thoughtful portrait of one of popular music’s giants. All of Sinatra’s major songs are present on this CD, using the original arrangements by the classic masters Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones, Don Costa, and Billy Byers. Lawrence’s voice lies comfortably within Sinatra’s vocal range although he studiously avoids imitating Sinatra’s well remembered interpretations. Lawrence courageously attacks "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" (with a fabulous trombone solo by Chauncey Welsch) and actually makes an amazingly different spin on this well-remembered classic. Lawrence is aided by the presence of the West Coast’s best musicians: the afore-mentioned Welsch plus two former members of Sinatra’s touring band, Vinnie Falcone (Sinatra’s pianist and best music director after Bill Miller) and Ol’ Blue Eyes’ last successor to Irv Kottler’s chair, drummer Gregg Field. The added surprise is that Steve Lawrence’s son David is the conductor. David elicits crisp, clean playing throughout the disc, totally at home in every style represented on this session. This is a worthy tribute from one supreme singer to another.Richard Jessen

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA Conducted by David Lloyd-Jones DELIUS – Marche Caprice, Summer Evening, Winter Night (Sleigh Ride), Spring Morning, American Rhapsody, The Walk to the Paradise Garden, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, Summer Night on the River, A Song Before Sunrise, Fantastic Dance Naxos 8557143. The ten short orchestral works in this collection virtually span the whole of Delius’ creative life, illustrating his love of the four countries that most inspired him – England, America, Norway and France – and his love of nature in all its bittersweet transience. Displaying to the full Delius’ late Romantic mastery of chromatic harmony and orchestration, they constitute a perfect distillation of his very personal kind of genius. The chronologically programmed disc includes a relative rarity, the American Rhapsody, an early version of Appalachia composed in 1896 but not given its first performance until 1986. Taken from advance publicity supplied by Naxos.

"WE DIG DAHL" Pat Dahl arranged by Benny Carter, Billy May, Lyn Murray, Marty Paich, Shorty Rogers and Pete Rugolo - Stout-Hearted Men, I'm in love with the Honourable Mr So and So, It's all right with me, I who have nothing, On the good ship Lollipop, There's no fool like an old fool, Oh, Johnny, What now my love, Ten cents a dance, Show me, Lonely Woman, Someone to watch over me. Fresh Sound Records AF6157CD, 39:19 mins. A couple of decidedly "Iffy" songs but with arrangers of this calibre you cannot go far wrong. Marty Paich works wonders with "Lollipop" and Shorty Rogers does the same with "Oh, Johnny". The other ten songs are injected with a feel-good factor redundant in much of today's output. As a singer Pat falls somewhere between Betty Grable and a reined back Shirley Bassey! With several songs not thrashed to death elsewhere and well crafted arrangements there is plenty to savour on this CD first issued in 1966. This reissue is dated 1989, who has been sitting on it? Paul Clatworthy

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA. "APRIL IN PARIS." April In Paris; Corner Pocket; Shiny Stockings; Sweetie Cakes plus 6 other selections plus 7 alternate takes. (USA) Verve Master Edition 314 321 402-1.

COUNT BASIE / THE COMPLETE ATOMIC BASIE. The Kid From Red Bank; Flight Of The Foo - Birds; Whirly - Bird; Li’l Darlin’ plus 8 other selections and 5 alternate takes. (USA) Blue Note / Roulette Jazz CDP 7243 8 28635 2 6. During the middle 1950's, Count Basie enjoyed a resurgence of interest due to his masterful recordings of arrangements by Neal Hefti, Frank Foster, Ernie Wilkins and Frank Wess. The Verve CD (recorded in 1955-6) catches the energy, the crashing contrasts in dynamic levels and the overall enthusiasm Basie instilled in his musicians. "April In Paris" (in this rousing "Wild Bill" Davis chart) finds the band at its all time best. "Corner Pocket" and "Shiny Stockings both have an undercurrent of urgency seething beneath their nonchalant atmosphere. The Roulette CD (recorded 1957) is made up of Neal Hefti classic charts such as "The Kid From Left Bank," "Flight Of The Foo-Birds," and the smoulderingly sexy composition "Li’l Darlin’." The remaining cuts are from an abandoned Jimmy Mundy project which includes two takes of "The Late Late Show:" one instrumental and the other featuring one of Basie’s greatest vocalists, Joe Williams, in a masterful performance. Both CD’s were remastered from their original mono tapes. The CD sound is superbly atmospheric and life like. All in all, a pair of vital introductions to the music and legend of Count Basie. Richard Jessen

VIKKI CARR: LOVE STORY / SUPERSTAR. Love Story; If You Could Read My Mind; For All We Know; Superstar plus 19 other songs. (USA) Collectables COL - CD - 7528. 78:14.

VIKKI CARR: EN ESPANOL / HOY (TODAY). Somos Novios (It’s Impossible); Grande, Grande, Grande; Historia De Amor (Love Story); Sin Saber Por Que (The Way We Were) plus 17 other songs.(USA) Collectables COL - CD - 7536. 72:45. Of late, Collectables has become the home of Vikki Carr’s classic LP’s. Producer Dick Glasser and arranger Ernie Freeman join Carr in these classic LP’s from her 1970-1975 Columbia Records era . "Love Story" was her first album in 1970 for Columbia. Such top 40 hits such as "I’ll Be Home" and "Six Weeks Every Summer" are present as are unforgettable accounts of "If You Could Read My Mind" and "For All we Know." The 1971 album "Superstar" is another best seller with great songs such as the title track as well as "Spanish Harlem." As an attractive extra, we have a scintillating "Cabaret" from 1972. The two Spanish language albums ("En Espanol / Hoy") are perfect examples of giving an artist the necessary freedom to record music which is best suited for their talents. Both are scored by Bob Florence and recorded at 1972 and 1974 sessions. Each explores the rise and fall in a love relationship. "En Espanol" has the break-through version of "Grande, Grande, Grande" which prefaced Shirley Bassey’s equally famous version by a year. "Somos Novios (It’s Impossible") compares favourably with Perry Como’s version with Carr sensitively limning every word. "Hoy" is a darker album scored by Florence for a dominant cello section. Everything about these two albums transcends their language barriers, a rarity in the annals of music. My personal hats off to Vito Cifaldi who writes the liner notes on both CD’s with thorough knowledge of his subject, as he should: he’s the President of Vikki Carr’s fan club! The CD mastering of these albums is superb. Nothing more need be said except that these are performances by a great vocalist who is still at her prime! Richard Jessen

NELSON RIDDLE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Romance Fire and Fancy Don’t Break My Heart, Costa Mesa, Midironde, Chemise Noir, Twilight Romance, Dancing Shadows, Nightingale, Sun Spots, Talk About Music, Beautiful Sunrise, Fireflies, Night Winds (Germany) Intersound ISCD 188, 34:18 mins. These tracks were recorded at Capitol Records Studio, Hollywood in 1979, and feature four Riddle originals – Costa Mesa, Chemise Noir, Dancing Shadows and Fireflies. Two others are by the chap who owns the record company, Gerhard Narholz (under his better known ‘Norman Candler’ pseudonym) and all the arrangements are by Nelson. His fans will recognise that these tracks represent the sort of work that he was doing later in his career, so you won’t find the kind of sounds from the 1950s that made Sinatra and Riddle so popular as a great team. The playing time is hardly generous, but remember that this is a production music CD not intended for sale to the general public. We mention it because quite a large number of RFS members have already bought it, so there may still be some of you out there who have not yet discovered that it is available. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £14 [US $28] plus postage and packing.

PERCY FAITH AND HIS ORCHESTRA Your Dance Date / American Waltzes / Carefree Rhythms Flight 33⅓, One Night Of Love, My Shawl, Ba-Tu-Ca-Da, What Is This Thing Called Love?, Beautiful Love, Nightingale, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, Carousel Waltz, The Girl That I Marry, Valse Hugette, I’ll Take Romance, Waltz In Springtime, A Kiss In The Dark, While We’re Young, When I’m Not Near The Girl I Love, Carefree, Kitten On The Keys, Nervous Gavotte, The Hot Canary, The Syncopated Clock, Dizzy Fingers, March Of The Siamese Children, Fiddle Derby (USA) Collectables COL-CD 7599, 72:44. Even better than a 2-on-1, this 3-on-1 is a real winner. The original albums were issued on three 10" LPs in the early 1950s. The first, ‘Your Dance Date’, is of a full concert orchestra playing in strict dance tempo eight numbers beginning and ending with Faith originals Flight 33⅓ and Brazilian Sleigh Bells. Fascinatingly, the tracks are segued together with short piano interludes. The second eight, American Waltzes, are all composed not by, but for, Americans "and in the American idiom". Among the composers are Rodgers [Carousel], Berlin [The Girl That I Marry], Friml [Valse Hugette], Kern [Waltz In Springtime] and Herbert [Kiss In the Dark]. All quality stuff. The third set – and to my mind the best of a good bunch – opens with Percy’s own Carefree and continues through the 1920s classic Kitten on the Keys, Nervous Gavotte, The Hot Canary [I could have done without the vocal], Syncopated Clock, Dizzy Fingers and March Of The Siamese Children to Faith’s amusing re-creation of the racetrack, Fiddle Derby. On Kitten and Dizzy we encounter for the first time on record the Faith innovation of the Magic Voices: a female chorus singing wordlessly as another instrument of the orchestra. Definitely one of the best of the recent Faith re-issues. Peter Burt

PERCY FAITH & HIS ORCHESTRA and MITCH MILLER It’s So Peaceful In The Country / European Holiday It’s So Peaceful In The Country, While We’re Young, Goodbye, John, I’ll Be Around, It Could Happen To You, Imagination, Love Among The Young, Moonlight Becomes You, Who Can I Turn To?, So Help Me [If I Don’t Love You], Darn That Dream, It’s Always You, Flyin’ Up To Europe, Dealer In Dreams, Trip Of Your Dreams, The Gourmet Song, Heavenly Holiday, Travelling Through Europe, Entre Nous, Under Paris Skies [Sous Le Ciel De Paris], Autumn Leaves, Without My Lover [Bolero Gaucho] (USA) Collectables COL-CD-7596, 67:52. This second 2-on-1 is really a 1-on-1 for Faith CD collectors as he and his orchestra only feature on the first 12 tracks along with the cor anglais/oboe playing maestro Mitch Miller. The album, originally released in 1956 is a follow-up to their very successful collaboration on ‘Music Until Midnight’ [Collectables COL-CD-6486]. Here we have Percy in lush pastoral mode with tunes written by Alec Wilder and Jimmy Van Heusen such as the title tune, I’ll Be Around, Moonlight Becomes You and Darn That Dream. No wonder this album is a favourite among many Faith fans. The remaining tracks, with three exceptions, is a travel dream set to words [many spoken] and music conducted by Miller which would, in my opinion, have been better left in the Sony vaults. But the CD ends well with Mitch’s versions of Under Paris Skies,Autumn Leaves and Without My Lover [Bolero Gaucho]. Peter Burt

TONY WHITTAKER Music Man Page Boy (Leonard), Beauty and the Beast, Ring Ding (Steve Race), 2 Gershwin Medleys, Sweet and Twenty (Gardner), Dindi, Westminster Waltz (Robert Farnon), Pink Panther Theme, Latin Lover (Tony Whittaker), etc. (17 tracks) TWMS 01/04. The advent of the CD has meant that it is now within the realms of possibility for many talented musicians to release their own material. Sometimes this is mainly for family and friends; on other occasions performers in clubs and theatres can make some extra useful income from sales after the show. Other musicians simply feel the urge to share their enjoyment of music with others, and I suspect that RFS member Tony Whittaker falls into this category. His latest CD features Tony on piano plus organ, electric piano, guitar, bass and drums; he confesses that putting it all together gave him some sleepless nights! The result is a very pleasing mixture of old and new favourites that ought to be promoted by the manufacturers of his equipment as an example of the wide variety of sounds that can be achieved. Page Boy and Ring Ding brought back some happy memories, although I must confess that I could personally have done without the three Andrew Lloyd Webber tunes (am I the only music lover who isn’t tuned in to his talents?). I particularly enjoyed listening to this CD on a long car journey, and it is a perfect example of the pleasing sounds that are possible from electronic equipment – in the right hands. David Ades This CD is available direct from: Tony Whittaker Musical Service, 83 St Helens Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3QG, England – price £11 (including UK p & p).

SALON ORCHESTRA FAVOURITES Vol. 3 Florentiner (Fucik); Berceuse (Godard); Leise, ganz leise (Oscar Straus); Teufelsmarsch (Suppe); Im Chambre separée (Heuberger); Salut (Elgar); Czardasfürstin (Kalman); Humoreske (Dvorak); Libelle (Josef Strauss); Chanson de nuit (Elgar); Chanson de matin (Elgar); Sturmgalopp (Komzak); Liebesleid (Kreisler); Liebesfreud (Kreisler); Thais (Massenet) Salonorchester Schwanen Conducted by Georg Huber Naxos 8557048, 63:45 mins. This third volume in this popular series focuses mainly on dance music and operetta from Vienna, Prague and Budapest, although England is represented with the three familiar Elgar works. By now fans of this style of music will know what to expect, and they shouldn’t be disappointed. David Ades

KETÈLBEY CONDUCTS KETÈLBEY Volume 4 Men of England: In Holiday Mood (On the Promenade, Down the Stream, Illuminated Fete); Tangled Tunes Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4; Phantom Melody; My Heart Still Clings to You; Silver Cloud; Wildhawk; Sunday Afternoon Reverie; Canzonetta; Wonga; Vision of Fuji-San; Knights of the King; In a Monastery Garden.  Jean Schwiller (cello), Albert Ketèlbey (piano), Edgar Coyle (baritone), Nellie Walker (contralto), Orchestras conducted by Albert Ketèlbey, Louis Voss, Claude Ivy, Harry Wood, Gustave Cloez, Lt. W. J. Dunn, M.C. Recorded 1912-1933. Naxos 8110870, 64:33 mins. The importance of this series is that it is turning up some rare items, and Ketèlbey deserves to have his work preserved for posterity. The only disappointing aspect (and I know that I am repeating myself) is that some of the tracks have excessive surface noise, which really could be largely eliminated using modern technology. David Ades

This final compilation contains quite the rarest Ketèlbey items yet, some of which are more than 90 years old. Given all the difficulties of pre-electric techniques, Naxos are to be congratulated on finally squaring the circle and those of us who enjoy the music should be grateful for this opportunity of hearing it as it was, warts and all. In Holiday Mood is good fun as is the jolly foxtrot, Christmas Medley. If you are really smart then you can unravel all the different melodies in four separateTangled Tunes. With the exception of the complete versions of Men of England, The Vision of Fuji-Sanand In a Monastery Garden, all the other pieces are single sided 78s in length and well worth a listen.    Edmund Whitehouse

Forthcoming releases from Vocalion:

MANTOVANI Collectors Volume 2 CDLK4233

WERNER MÜLLER Wild Strings & Percussion in the Sky CDLK4235

Forthcoming releases from Sanctuary Living Era:

DAVID ROSE CDAJA5499

SEMPRINI CDAJA5511

SIDNEY TORCH CDAJA5540

New from Shellwood Productions

Our friends at Shellwood are starting to expand the kind of repertoire offered on their new releases.The Youth Showchoir of London present a very varied selection of songs from musicals of the past 60 years (SWCD 30). And a remarkable young pianist Benjamin Grosvenor – aged only 10 when he made the CD – plays some well-known classics plus several Billy Mayerl novelties that test the most accomplished pianists (SWCD 31).

Some more new CDs just received …

TRIBUTE TO SIR FRED Ballet Music by ANDRÉ MESSAGER ‘Les Deux Pigeons’; FRANK LISZT ‘Dante Sonata’; ALAN RAWSTHORNE ‘Madame Chrysanthème’; FRANCOIS COUPERIN ‘Harlequin in the Street’Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Barry Wordsworth Sanctuary White Line CD WLS 273. Ballet Music shares many features with true Light Music and this 2-CD set features contains plenty of lovely melodies. The ‘excuse’ for the collection is that each work is closely associated with its choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton (1904-1988).

THE GOLDEN VOICE OF PERRY COMO It’s a Lovely Day Today, You’re Just in Love, A Dreamer’s Holiday, If Wishes Were Kisses, etc.. 25 tracks Memoir CDMOIR 580. Perry Como was certainly in his prime when these recordings were made just over 50 years ago. He still has many admirers today, and they shouldn’t hesitate to add this new release to their collections.

DANCE WITH THE SWEET BANDS featuring Ben Selvin, Leo Reisman, Ted Weems, Russ Morgan, Freddy Martin, Benny Strong, Hal Kemp, Sammy Kaye, Eddy Duchin, Guy Lombardo, Rudy Vallee, Gus Arnheim and Xavier Cugat 25 tracks Memoir CDMOIR 584. This collection is a great idea, because many people like to hear the melody and enjoy some good swing music at the same time.

HITS OF 1953 featuring Perry Como, Teresa Brewer, Outside of Heaven, Kay Starr, Percy Faith, Guy Mitchell, Joni James, Les Baxter, Nat King Cole, Frankie Laine, Frank Chacksfield, etc.. 28 tracksSanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5553. This is the latest in a long series of ‘Year’ compilations by ASV/Sanctuary. It is probably aimed more at the American market, because every track (except for the two Chacksfield sides which were Top Ten hits in the USA) originate from the USA, making collectors in Britain wonder if any home-grown records made the hit parade in 1953!

MUSIC OF A PEOPLE and SPIRIT OF A PEOPLE Shema; Hava Nagila; Raisins and Almonds; Yes my darling daughter; Eli Eli; Tzena Tzena Tzena; And the angels sing; A letter to my mother; Joseph!; Hebrew Melody; Hatikvah; Exodus; My Yiddishe Moma; Freilich; Sunrise, Sunset; Second Avenue Symphonette; Kinneret; Kol Nidre; Finale. London Festival Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Stanley Black Vocalion CDLK 4256. This double album brings together CD transfers from two outstanding Decca LPs. "Music of a People" was issued in 1965, and I treasure my original copy. "Spirit of a People" dates from 1974; for some reason I never invested in this sequel, so having both discs in one modern package is a long-delayed treat. Decca were using their trademark "Phase 4 Stereo" process, involving a 20-channel mixer enabling the orchestral instruments to be "precisely pinpointed along the horizontal plane, or forward and back." Small beer alongside our modern multi-track magic. But those original tapes have been nurtured by the indefatigable Mike Dutton into a glowing, digital sonic experience that belies their years. There is a lot of Jewish music around on CD. Much of it is "klezmer" – that is, modern imitations of vagrant East European village bands playing traditional Jewish folk-melodies at weddings and other celebrations (as in the famous Bottle Dance in "Fiddler on the Roof"). Stanley Black (born Solomon Schwartz in London’s Jewish East End) gave us something quite different. In his original sleeve notes he wrote: "I have tried to echo the love of traditional ceremony, both sacred and secular, the love of music, the love of dancing, the love of living." He took those traditional songs, dances and centuries-old prayers, arranging and extending sometimes trifling tunes, and scored them for a virtuoso orchestra (I suspect it’s the London Philharmonic, with "Festival" used for contractual reasons). Adding a well-drilled chorus bursting with vigour, his arrangements became little masterpieces in their own right. There’s a glittering array of percussion, punchy brass, sweeping strings, tender woodwind solos and a huge sense of sheer enjoyment at those recording sessions. The range of moods is vast: from Hollywood-style spectaculars like the opening calls on the shofar (ram’s horn) introducing "Hava Nagila" (can there be a more vibrant rendering of this warhorse anywhere on disc?), to the sensitive treatment of traditional synagogue melodies such as "Eli Eli" (Psalm 22) and "Kol Nidre", made famous in its cello-and-orchestra incarnation by Max Bruch but here in its original form for cantor and chorus (John McCarthy, founder of the Ambrosian Singers, contributing his own arranging skills for this track sung by the men of the London Festival Chorus). Sadly, with Stanley Black no longer with us – and the public performance of Jewish melodies in glossy orchestral garb confined to rare gala concerts at the Barbican or the Royal Festival Hall – these scores are in danger of fading from the memory. Black dressed up those familiar tunes in the manner of Dvorak or Brahms in their Slavonic and Hungarian Dances, and the glittering orchestral palette is worthy of Glinka or Rimsky-Korsakov, who also knew a thing or two about reinventing folk tunes for the concert hall. So all thanks to Decca and Vocalion for providing an experience you will probably never hear again "live", and will only get from putting these well-engineered discs into your player. Enjoy the skills of a superb British arranger and conductor, marshalling his forces in music that’s clearly close to his heart, or rather in his very blood.Rodney Greenberg

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES Volume 1 John Fox – Characters from the Fairy Tales, Strings in 3/4; Philip Lane – Spring in Vermont, Anaiis; Herbert Chappell – ‘The Pallisers’ theme; Adam Langston – Gentle Rains; Carlo Martelli – Jubilee March, Cock Linnett; Gavin Sutherland – Air fur Zwei; Peter Lawson – Baroque Autumn; Adam Saunders – The Magical Kingdom; Geoffrey Wright – Three Neapolitan Dances Dutton Epoch CDLX 7147, 69:02 mins. Volume 2 Philip Lane – Overture on French Carols; John Field – Concertino for flute and small orchestra; Haydn Wood – British Rhapsody; Rimsky-Korsakov – Variations on a theme of Glinka; Anthony Hedges – Festival Dances; Carlo Martelli – Romance, Greensleeves, Aubade; Richard Addinsell – Harmony for False Lovers; Georges Bizet – Pas de Deux (from Carmen) Dutton Epoch CDLX 7151, 77:00 mins. With the flow of new Light Music releases apparently diminishing from the Sanctuary White Line label, it is good to know that Mike Dutton seems to have ensured the continued availability of recordings produced by Philip Lane. From the above details readers will recognise many familiar names, as well as a few new ones: the second volume also covers arrangements by British composers, hence the appearance of the likes of Rimsky-Korsakov and Bizet. Several orchestras are featured, and it is most praiseworthy that (almost) all the music is available for the first time. It could be argued that ‘Light Classical’ might be a better description than ‘Light’ for some of the items, but it would be churlish to be pedantic about such matters. Instead we should rejoice that we have a record company that it prepared to release beautiful music such as this. David Ades All Dutton Epoch CDs are available through the RFS Record Service.

THE FILM MUSIC OF CLIFTON PARKER Suite from Treasure Island, Seascape from Western Approaches, The Sword and the Rose, March from Sea of Sand, The Blue Lagoon – Rhapsody for Orchestra, Theme from Night of the Demon, Virigin Island- A Caribbean Rhapsody, March from Sink the Bismark, Blue Pullman BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN10279, 80:00 mins. The latest instalment in Chandos’ well regarded and successful series devoted to British film music features Clifton Parker and I welcome it the more warmly not least because he was responsible for creating one of my favourite film scores – of which anon. However I do have to start with something of a caveat since I have a difficulty with the first piece on this disc – the music for Treasure Island. This comes in the form of a lengthy 24 minute, seven movement suite and as a free standing concert piece is problematical because the music is essentially descriptive and desperately needs the medium of film more than any other piece on this disc to make its full and proper impact. I can well imagine many listeners’ concentration wandering at this point – like mine did – but others possibly may respond more positively. That said this disc still has ample musical compensation to offer not least the broodingly atmospheric Seascape from the wartime film ‘Western Approaches’. It conjures up a vivid mental picture of the white flecked heaving grey Atlantic Ocean across which a vital merchant convoy is making its way escorted by Royal Navy escorts and at the mercy of a U-boat attack at any moment. At just under five minutes in duration this minor masterpiece is all too short. The film itself was unusual for wartime in being made in colour, starred men from the allied navies and was hailed at the time by the Daily Mail as ‘without doubt the best sea film in existence’. Its surely high time this outstanding film graced our television screens again as a welcome change from the same old batch of British films some of distinctly dubious quality being endlessly and constantly recycled by the various television channels.The favourite piece of film music referred to at the head of this review is the March from the 1960 film ‘Sink the Bismark’ starring Kenneth More and dealing in a reasonably factual way with the sinking of the pride of the Royal Navy, the ill fated battle cruiser HMS Hood by the German super dreadnought Bismark and the subsequent hunting down and destruction of the latter by heavy units of the British fleet. Clifton Parker hits exactly the right buttons with a fast menacing sounding outer section doubtless depicting Bismark and its escort the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen on the loose in the North Atlantic contrasting with a flowing nobilmente triotune much in the style of Elgar and Walton in their marches and imbued with great dignity. The first appearance of this great theme so apposite to the films’ character is surely a moving and poignant moment. The version here though by no means eclipses the fine account of Kenneth Alwyn and the Philharmonic Orchestra on a Silva Screen double CD – FILMXCD309 of Great British Film Music 1938-1998. Other attractions on this Chandos release are a short suite from The Sword and the Rose which includes a graceful and beguiling Lute Dance and a distinctly catchy march tune for the film Sea of Sand. Transport buffs amongst us can delight in having the opportunity to catch an exhilarating musical ride on the Blue Pullman – music Parker wrote for a British transport film to launch a new prestigious express train in 1960. This is music which manages to be both overtly descriptive but also thoroughly entertaining and involving and easily sustains its near 16 minute duration. Despite my earlier reservations concerning the Treasure Island music this generously filled disc with state of the art recording made at Walthamstow Town Hall can be confidently recommended to all lovers of British film music. Roger Hyslop

BRITISH LIGHT CLASSICS Volume 1 Allegro non troppo – from ‘English Dances (Malcolm Arnold), Calling All Workers, By the Sleepy Lagoon & The Dam Busters March (Eric Coates), Barwick Green (Arthur Wood), Coronation Scot (Vivian Ellis), The Bandstand Hyde Park (Haydn Wood), Cornish Rhapsody 9Hubert Bath), Portrait of a Flirt & Westminster Waltz (Robert Farnon), March from Little Suite (Trevor Duncan), Rhythm on Rails, Heart O’ London & Devil’s Galop (Charles Williams), Jamaican Rumba (Arthur Benjamin), Puffin’ Billy (Edward White), Vanity Fair (Anthony Collims),Chanson de Nuit (Edward Elgar) Warner Classics 2564 61438-2 (total timing 59:33 mins);Volume 2 Mexican Hat Dance (arr. Peter Hope), Nights of Gladness (Charles Ancliffe), Dreaming (Archibald Joyce), Pas de Quatre (Meyer Lutz), The Grasshopper’s Dance (Ernest Bucalossi), The Boulevardier (Frederic Curzon), The Haunted Ballroom (Geoffrey Toye), Concert Jig from Silverthorn Suite (Ernest Tomlinson), The Watermill (Ronald Binge), The Old Clockmaker (Charles Williams), Bells Across the Meadow (Albert Ketelbey), Dusk (Cecil Armstrong Gibbs), Jumping Bean (Robert Farnon), Destiny (Sydney Baynes), Londonderry Air (arr. Hamilton Harty), Covent Garden from London Suite (Eric Coates) Warner Classics 2564 62020-2 (total timing 64:24 mins) – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth. If these two CDs had been released 20 years ago we would have all been over the moon! It is a measure of the healthy state of Light Music today that most of us will already have at least one version of these works in our collections. One could be negative and say that we have heard all this before, but I feel that would be highly regrettable. The glory of Light Music is that it can benefit from different interpretations: not only do conductors have their own styles and preferences (The Boulevardier is a good example!), but recording engineers can also have a profound effect on what we hear at home. How often have you noticed a ‘new’ instrument in a piece you thought you knew very well? One famous example is the Decca recording of Robert Farnon’s Poodle Parade where the counter-melody in the middle section is almost entirely lost; it came as a pleasant surprise to many of us the first time we heard the Chappell version. But to return to these two CDs … volume 1 originally appeared on the RPO’s own label, so do check that you do not already have it. This music is now reaching a wider audience through Warner Classics, and one can only wish them well. The RPO is a superb orchestra, and there can be few conductors with a breadth of experience in this genre to match Barry Wordsworth. Forget about duplications! Add these CDs to your Light Music collection, and be grateful that our kind of music is enjoying such a welcome revival! David Ades

I approached this latest offering (Volume 2) from Warner Classics with keen expectations particularly the more so as its predecessor ‘Light Music Legends’ originally issued on the Royal Philharmonic’s own label – RPO 008 reviewed in the June 2004 Journal Into Melody (p. 67) and subsequently re-released as ‘British Light Classics’ – Cat. No. 2564 614382 on the Warner Classics label I hailed with considerable enthusiasm both on account of the sound quality and the stylish idiomatic performances. That recording was made in the Henry Wood Hall London which self evidently has decidedly superior acoustical attributes than the Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace used for this newcomer. Whilst many of the tracks on this new disc admittedly tread very heavily in the footsteps the excellent Hyperion Series ‘British Light Music Classics’ featuring Ronald Corp and the accomplished New London Orchestra – which one fervently hopes will be resumed again soon – I was looking forward again to the luxury of listening to these gems of the light music repertoire played by a large ‘Premier League’ symphony orchestra. Alas not only is the recording disappointing with rather bright sound somewhat lacking in any great sense of depth or amplitude but many of the performances here are, surprisingly in view of the conductor’s fine reputation in music of this kind, rather brusque and insensitive with in some cases eccentrically fast tempo. One almost has the feeling of a conductor racing through the recording sessions at a fair rate of knots with a view to catching a particular train! Thus Charles Ancliffe’s fine waltz Nights of Gladness is despatched in a mere 3.25 mins with little in the way of repeats and at a tempo which would have been impossibly fast to dance to. Ronald Corp with his New London Orchestra on Hyperion CDA 66868 has far more ‘oomph’ here. Revealingly no less than eleven tracks on this new disc are contained on the aforementioned Hyperion CD which in every way is to be preferred. Barry Wordsworth’s The Boulevardier instead being out for a jaunty walk about town appears to be in headlong flight, pursued by his creditors perhaps! Compare with Corp’s version which comes out at amore acceptable 3.55 with the music consequently more pointed and better characterised and Vivian Dunn’s account on Vocalion CDLK 4182 at an entirely persuasive 3.34. Again Meyer Lutz’ Pas de deux is simply played too fast with all its effect and charm needlessly dissipated. It is after a balletic piece and Corp invests the piece with a delightful and beguiling lilt which is quite irresistible. Again comparable timings are instructive here with Wordsworth reaching the ‘finishing line’ at 2.55 against the more steady and persuasive Corp at 3.39. You will gather by now that I am not greatly enthused with this disc and it is all the more disappointing since Barry Wordsworth is usually such a sympathetic and reliable interpreter of the light music repertoire. To be fair the more lively numbers such as Peter Hope’sMexican Hat Dance and Robert Farnon’s Jumping Bean survive rather better. The performance of Ronald Binge’s enchanting The Watermill is simply not in the same class as Vivian Dunn’s version on the previously mentioned Vocalion disc where he coaxes beautifully atmospheric and magical playing from the Light Music Society Orchestra. Sorry to be so negative about what promised to be a significant and desirable addition to British light music discography and others may respond more positively to this Warner Classics disc but on every count Ronald Corp and his New London Orchestra on Hyperion is to be preferred in much of this repertoire where fine, sensitive, committed and idiomatic playing makes for a completely satisfying listening experience! Roger Hyslop

The enormous upsurge of interest in Light Music over the last few years has brought success to several UK record companies, and a number of CDs have been aimed at a target audience of principally ‘classical’ purchasers. A good example is the series conducted by Ronald Corp on the Hyperion label, and more recently (2003) a volume of British light classics by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Barry Wordsworth, which has now been joined by Volume 2. Having observed the work of Barry Wordsworth at close quarters (he conducted the Charles Williams CD with which I was involved in 2003), I believe that he is a highly competent exponent of this genre. In contrast to one or two other conductors, his tempi are usually fairly brisk, but on this occasion some of them are far too much so – eg Nights of Gladness, The Grasshopper’s Dance, and especially The Boulevardier, which bizarrely sounds as if Frederic Curzon’s hero is trying to set a new record for the 100 metres, rather than taking a leisurely stroll! The RPO delivers textbook performances and the same can be said for the quality of Tony Faulkner’s recordings. Aside from the vexed question of tempi, the other problem is that the majority of collectors will already possess at least one – if not several – of every title. It is most unfortunate that no opportunity was taken to include at least a couple of less-often-recorded titles – there are still plenty of fine compositions awaiting their turn to appear on CD. This new Warner release (together with its predecessor) will be mainly of interest to those who are just starting a light music collection. Acknowledgments are given to the Library of the Light Music Society, which was of assistance in providing some of the sheet music, and the booklet also includes a ‘plug’ for the RFS website. Tony Clayden

GUILD Golden Age of Light Music CDs tracklistings earlier in this issue

GLCD5113: Mantovani – By Special Request Vol. 2

GLCD5114: Great American Light Orchestras Vol. 2

In a little over a year, the GUILD Golden Age of Light Music CDs have become firmly established, not only in the UK but farther afield; encouraged by their success, the Company’s string of new releases continues apace. Already we have had Volume 2 of Music Of The ’50s – Midnight Matinée (JIM162) and this is now joined by second volumes of Mantovani By Special Request and Great American Light Orchestras. The Mantovani compilation embraces what I regard as this conductor’s most musically interesting and satisfying period, namely 1940-1951. During these eleven years, he made a surprising number of recordings, although unfortunately many of these never became as well known as his later work. It has been suggested that this may be because Decca’s publicity machine only really moved into ‘top gear’ with the advent of the Charmaine era which was the time when the new LP format was becoming heavily promoted. As with Volume 1 (JIM161), some of the earlier tracks have a definite ’30s ring about them; Nights Of Gladness, Castiliana, Spanish Cocktail and Valse Septembre are all obvious examples. There are some classical ‘borrowings’, including the Song of Norway suite (Edvard Grieg), Tell Me You Love Me (from Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci) and Tango Bolero, which although credited to Juan Llossas seems to be decidedly under the influence ofGranada from Suite Española for guitar by Isaak Albeniz. Hejre Kati makes use of what I am certain is a traditional Hungarian melody, because the very same tune crops up in one of the Hungarian Dances by Johannes Brahms. A good few tracks also feature Mantovani as a composer, both under his own name and "Pedro Manilla" in this absolutely splendid collection which should appeal to all who enjoy Light Orchestral Music of the post-WWII period. Volume 2 of Great American Light Orchestrasis subtitled Travellin’ Light after the first track by Walter Scharf and his orchestra; Victor Young’s main theme has a particularly ‘English’ sound about it. Some of the orchestras featured in Volume 1 (JIM159) make a welcome return and are joined by a number of newcomers, not all of which are too familiar to British audiences. The programme is a well-chosen combination of original compositions for orchestra, together with Broadway/Hollywood standards dressed up for the occasion in lush orchestral ‘party frocks’. Highlights of the twenty-seven tracks – for me at any rate – are Leon Jessell’s Parade of the Wooden Soldiers (having become metamorphosed from the Tin variety we know and love on this side of the pond) and Fritz Kreisler’s Chinese Tambourine. Both are played like you’ve never heard them before! I would also mention New York in a Nutshell (shades of Gershwin’sAn American in Paris?), The Grasshopper by Bernard Landes and two equestrian pieces, Kentucky Trotter by Frank Perkins and David Rose’s Flying Horse – is it my imagination, or has Poncielli’sDance of the Hours crept (or more likely galloped) into the proceedings? Once again GUILD has produced a collection of the highest quality and a worthy successor to Volume 1. Here then are two more great additions to this excellent series. What rabbits will David Ades and Alan Bunting (aided and abetted by some of our members) pull out of the hat next? Tony Clayden

DAVID HUGHES Great British Song Stylist Castle PLSCD738. 20 tracks for around £2.99 from the Fifties "pop" career of this fine artiste who became a celebrated opera singer and died aged 47. Among the songs are I Talk To The Trees, Rags To Riches, With These Hands, Bridge Of Sighs, Wild Horses, and If I Had Wings. But the disc would be worth the modest price if it only featured David’s duets with Jo Stafford, Let Me Hear You Whisper and One Love Forever, one of the first "Records of the Century" [78 rpm, of course] on the then new Philips label. Peter Burt

A NORWEGIAN BANDSTAND: Borg: Den norske Armé og Marines Revelje, Den norske Armé og Marines Tappenstreg, Svendsen: Carnival in Paris, Okkenhaug: Lyric Dance, Thingn Æs: The Clown,Hansson: Valdres March, Grieg: Norwegian Dances, Gudim: Eg ser deg utfor gluggen, Johansson:Holmenkollen March, Halvorsen: Norwegian Rhapsody No. 1, Grøndahl: New Circus. Royal Norwegian Navy Band, Principal conductor: Leif Arne Tangen Pedersen. Specialist Recording Company SRC 122, 67:00 mins. For the latest in their highly imaginative ‘Bandstand’ series the Specialist Recording Company have ventured intrepidly across the expanse of the North Sea to produce a Norwegian version engaging the services of the excellent Royal Norwegian Navy Band established in 1820 and currently comprising some 29 musicians. Grieg’s endearing Norwegian Dances will probably be the most familiar item in this concert for most collectors and is sensitively and idiomatically treated here in a highly effective transcription for wind band. Johann Svendsen is represented by probably his most popular work namely the ebullient Carnival in Paris, the arrangement being made by the ubiquitous Dan Godfrey, whilst Johan Halvorsen chiefly remembered today by his very popular march ‘Entry of the Boyars’ and like Svendsen a composer of symphonies makes his appearance with the first of two Norwegian Rhapsodies. Also here is a somewhat jauntyLyric Dance by Paul Okkenhaug and a short 3 movement suite by Frode Thingn Æs The Clown which features a prominent solo cornet. Hanssen’s Valdres March described by fellow composer Ole Olsen as the finest march he had ever heard was included in an orchestral version as part of a collection of Norwegian Classical Favourites by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bjarte Engeset on NAXOS 8.557017 apart from which the two discs are entirely complementary as to their respective contents. In sum there is much attractive and interesting music here in nicely contrasting styles from orthodox military music to a ‘big band’ effect in the Gudim piece which is based on an old Norwegian Folk song and all rounded off neatly by a particularly engaging march by Oscar Borg Den norske Armé og Marines Tappenstreg which apparently translates as ‘The Reveille and Taps of the Norwegian Army and Navy!’ An unusual but inherently tuneful and thoroughly absorbing release, vividly recorded and anyone looking for something a little ‘off the beaten track’ will be well rewarded by purchasing this CD. Roger Hyslop

MANTOVANI ‘Cascading Strings’ 99 tracks including Charmaine, Diane, Under The Roofs of Paris, La Cumparsita, Lovely Lady, Treasure Waltz, etc… 4-CD Box Set from Jasmine Records, JASBOX 15-4. This compilation by Geoff Milne covers the years 1951-1954, when Mantovani was quickly becoming one of the world’s biggest selling orchestras on LP. Thanks to the clever scoring by Ronald Binge, Monty’s string sound was unique, and adored by millions, and this collection fully embraces those exciting years. The compiler has been responsible for many fine Decca releases over the years, and the sound quality here (presumably taken from the original LPs) is perfectly acceptable. If I have a minor criticism, it is that I would have liked to have seen the original catalogue numbers and recording dates given; also there is no reference to the fact that some of the tracks feature compositions by Mantovani himself under a pseudonym. Because so many Mantovani CDs have been released recently, it is inevitable that there will be some duplication with collections already available. However this set is very reasonably priced, and is great value for the money. If you cannot find it in your local record store, you can order it direct from: Jazmail, Unit 8, Forest Hill Trading Estate, Perry Vale, London, SE23 2LX, England (major credit cards accepted). The set costs £17.99 and UK postage is £1.00; Europe £1.50; rest of the world £2.80. David Ades

Wow! What does one write about an historic issue such as this? Here at bargain-price on four well-filled CDs [the shortest is a tad under 70 minutes] is the music that made the great man’s name throughout the world. This is "tingle factor" music supreme. One can only sit back and luxuriate in these simply glorious string-led arrangements – not overlooking the fine woodwind, brass, percussion and occasional accordion or guitar – with their distinctive sound and alluring lilt, originally conceived by Ronald Binge. There is so much to enjoy, I hardly know where to begin. Some of the choices have already appeared on various other CDs, so especially welcome are the four 7-track segments [split in the same way as on the original LPs] from both the ‘Sigmund Romberg’ and the ‘Victor Herbert’suites, appearing in this format for the first time. There are four numbers, Etude No.3 in E Major[Chopin], Cradle Song [Brahms], Romance [Rubenstein] and On Wings Of Song [Mendelssohn], taken from ‘Mantovani Plays The Immortal Classics’. And Treasure Waltz, Village Swallows [a particular favourite of mine], The Emperor Waltz and Voices Of Spring come from his acclaimed ‘Strauss Waltzes’ album. All the legendary tunes, like Charmaine, Wyoming, The Moulin Rouge Theme,Swedish Rhapsody and Greensleeves, are here. Add to them such gems – some half forgotten – asLovely Lady, Lehar’s Gypsy Love Waltz, Royal Blue Waltz, Tango Delle Rosa, So Madly In Love,Kisses In The Dark, At Dawning, Faith and Friml’s Dear Love, My Love, and you have a definitive mono set that must feature on any Mantovani aficionado’s most wanted list. The compilation and transfers are by Geoff Milne, who was associated with Monty’s recording company, Decca, in the ‘60s; and the digital processing is by Tall Order. The production standards are high throughout with, presumably, all the tracks having been re-mastered from records. The liner notes are also by Mr Milne and, barring a few minor grumbles over these on the Mantovani website – recording dates would have been nice, agreed – he and the people at Jasmine Records are to be saluted for producing a truly treasurable collection. Peter Burt

LEROY ANDERSON The Waltzing Cat The Typewriter, The Waltzing Cat, Fiddle Faddle, A Trumpeters Lullaby, Horse & Buggy, Plink Plank Plunk!, Belle of the Ball, The Irish Washerwoman, The Last Rose of Summer, The Phantom Regiment, Pyramid Dance, Blue Tango, Bugler’s Holiday, Sleigh Ride, The Syncopated Clock, Chicken Reel, Piano Concerto in C Major. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paul Mann, with Simon Tedeschi (piano) ABC Classics 476 1589, 68:00 mins. An unexpected but very welcome release from the Australian Broadcasting Commission on their ABC Classics Label of the music of Leroy Anderson made so more so by the inclusion of the rarely performed or recorded three-movement Piano Concerto in C Major – the composer’s only extended orchestral work, playing for about 20 minutes. The music is inimitably and recognisable in his own idiom and style but with occasional hints of Rachmaninov. The concerto was written in 1953 and the composer conducted the first performance with Eugene List as soloist but according to James Koehne in his informative notes was withdrawn immediately afterwards for revision which in the event Anderson never got round to. It only surfaced again in 1989 when his executors allowed the concerto to be finally published in its original unrevised form. There is a rival recording on a difficult to obtain Telarc CD-CD-80112 with Stewart Goodyear as pianist with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel and coupled with music by fellow Americans George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Morton Gould etc. On the present disc you get more music by Leroy Anderson including many old favourites but one or two novelties such as Chicken Reel and Pyramid Dance which currently lack modern recordings. Good committed playing from the Melbourne Orchestra and exemplary well detailed recording. Perhaps one or two individual items are played with a little more restrain than we are used to from American recordings but this is still a very worthwhile addition to the Anderson discography and I imagine the inclusion of the rare Piano Concerto will enhance the disc’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Well worth seeking out! Roger Hyslop

"TILL THE END OF TIME" 5-CD Box Set from Reader’s Digest featuring a collection of melodies performed by some of the world's finest beautiful music/light music/classical orchestras eg Franck Pourcel, Henry Mancini, Johnny Pearson, The Romantic Strings and Orchestra, Robert Farnon Orchestra, Robert Mandell and the London 'Pops' Orchestra, London Promenade Orchestra conducted by Eric Hammerstein, Malcolm Lockyer Orchestra, Douglas Gamley and his Orchestra, Charles Gerhardt conducting the RPO and also the NPO, Wally Stott Orchestra, Nick Ingman Orchestra and many, many others. Reader’s Digest (UK) RDCD3731-5. This is basically a superb all orchestral collection of light classical music from the extensive Reader’s Digest archives. There is some duplication with Reader's Digest 'Classical Reflections' 3-CD box set that came out a few years ago in the excellent ‘The Wonderful World of Music' series of 3-CD box sets which, sadly, are now all deleted. However the new ‘Till The End of Time’ CD box set has some Pourcel tracks that were not on the previous 3-CD box set and all seven of the Mancini tracks are appearing for the first time on the new box set. There are also many, many other differences in content between the two box sets. I have to say that this is a superb collection with beautifully clear remastered sound. It will appeal to all who like light classical beautiful melodic music done in an easy relaxing orchestral style 'with plenty of strings'. There is the usual one hours’ worth of music on each CD. Reader's Digest say that all the instrumental music in this collection is exclusive to them - you will not find these particular recordings in the shops. ‘Till The End of Time’ also comes complete with Reader's Digest usual excellent full colour 42-page booklet featuring photos and background information on the music. Some of the titles include Stranger in Paradise; Nessun Dorma, My Funny Valentine, Air on the G String, Moonlight Sonata, The Blue Danube Waltz, Summertime, ‘The Onedin Line’ Theme, Fur Elise, One Fine Day, Clair De Lune, Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Could It Be Magic, Greensleeves, Danny Boy (Londonderry Air), Plaisir D'Amour....etc. Disc 1 is titled "The World's Most Beautiful Melodies"; Disc 2 is titled "Candlelight Moods"; Disc 3 is titled "Romantic Melodies That Will Live Forever"; Disc 4 is titled "Classics by Starlight"; Disc 5 is titled "Timeless Favourites". The Franck Pourcel tracks are:Acceleration Waltz, Blue Danube Waltz, None But The Lonely Heart, Song of India, Tales from The Vienna Woods, Waltz of the Flowers. The Robert Farnon Orchestra track is One Night of Love. The Henry Mancini tracks are: A Lover's Concerto, A Time For Us (Love Theme From 'Romeo and Juliet'), I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, 'Moonlight' Sonata, No Other Love, Rhapsody In Blue. The Johnny Pearson track is Friendly Persuasion. The Wally Stott track is The Legend of Glass Mountain. This 5-CD box set collection will cost you £39.99 + £2.99 for packing and delivery within the British Isles. The catalogue number is RDCD3731-5 and can be purchased by telephoning Reader's Digest Customer Services on 08705 113366 (8am to 6pm GMT Monday to Friday and Saturday from 8am to 1pm). If interested, I recommend not delaying in getting this music collection as it may well sell out fast as happened with the 15 (3-CD box sets) in Reader's Digest excellent 'The Wonderful World of Music' series. Chris Landor

PASSING IN A Life on the Ocean Wave (Russell), Markers Call/Divisons Call (Trad.), Sea Shanties (Trad.), Auld Lang Syne (Trad.), On the Quaterdeck (Alford), By Land and Sea (Alford), Heart of Oak (Boyce), The Thunderbirds (Gray), Rule Britannia (Arne), Scipio (Handel), Defence of the Realm (Weston), The Captain General (Dunn), Soldiers of the Sea (Dunn), Washington Greys (Grafulle), The New Colonial (Hall), Barnum and Bailey Favourite (King), On Parade (Elms), Shrewsbury Fair (Neville), Wellington (Zehle), The Invincible Eagle (Sousa). Band of H.M. Royal Marines, Plymouth. D.O.M. Major P. Weston M.Mus., A.R.C.M., L.R.S.M., R.M. Introduced and Narrated by Commodore D.W. Pond R.N. CLOVELLY CLCD13604, 61:00 mins. A fascinating and imaginatively conceived disc giving an excellent insight into the ‘Passing In’ parade at H.M.S. Raleigh, Torpoint, Cornwall in which new entrants after 8 weeks initial basic training make the formal and somewhat dramatic transition from ‘civvies’ to sailors as the ‘Pass In’ to the Royal Navy. There is an interesting, informative and succinct commentary interpolated at several points by Commodore D.W. Pond R.N. Playing through this CD with one or two occasional shouted orders setting the scene gives one the distinct feeling of being transported to the parade ground of this naval establishment hopefully perhaps as a passive observer rather than an actual participant doubtless under the gimlet eye of a seasoned C.P.O.! The programme which was recorded in the band complex rather than the parade ground includes a fine selection of marches by some of the giants of the genre – Alfrod, Dunn, Sousa and even a certain Mr. Handel! There’s also a recent piece – Defence of the Realm – by the current D.O.M. of the Plymouth Band, Major P.A. Weston. All credit to Clovelly for releasing this disc with all dispatch since the recording sessions took place in late September 2004 and the disc was in my hands by mid November 2004! Recording quality is full and brilliant and it’s difficult to imagine finer playing than we get here from the Plymouth Band. So full marks to Clovelly and the Senior Service for such an unusual, enterprising, and engrossing disc. Despite the armchair ‘square bashing’ this CD has given me great and stimulating pleasure – there is absolutely no danger of ‘nodding off’ and is cordially commended not least for the great musical experience. Roger Hyslop

THE ROYAL MARINES PLAY BRITISH MUSIC Salute to the Colours (Dunn), Cockleshell Heroes (Dunn), The Globe and Laurel (Dunn), Jupiter – The Planets (Holst), March – Suite No.2 in F Major (Holst), I Vow to Thee My Country (Holst), Country Gardens (Grainger), Drakes Drum (Stanford), The Old Superb (Stanford), The Little Admiral (Stanford), The Contemptibles (Stanley), Sea Songs (Vaughan Williams), Scherzo – Music for a Festival (Jacob), Welcome the Queen (Bliss), Call to Adventure (Bliss), The Churchill March (Grainer), Orb and Sceptre (Walton), Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 in D Major Op.39 (Elgar). Band and Fanfare Trumpets of H.M. Royal Marines School of Music, conducted by Lieutenant Colonal F. Vivian Dunn C.V.O., O.B.E., F.R.A.M., R.M., with Frederick Harvey (baritone), David Bell and Barry Rose (organ). EASTNEY COLLECTION RMHSEC009, 66:00 mins. The latest release from the Eastney Collection is to be the more warmly welcomed since it gives us the all too rare opportunity to hear again the fine baritone voice of Frederick Harvey whose career was abruptly terminated by and early death at the age of 59 in 1967. He was a Devon man born in Plymouth and served throughout the Second World War in the R.N.V.R. undertaking a number of recording sessions with the Royal Marines Orchestra, Portsmouth Division under a certain young Captain F. Vivian Dunn so was perhaps uniquely qualified for performing some of Stanford’s Songs of the Sea and Fleet. Never was this considerable talent more challenged than in the tongue twisting ‘Little Admiral’ which required crystal clear articulation for its full effect and in which this gifted singer negotiates through tricky waters with consummate ease. Several of the tracks originally appeared on an HMV LP ‘Music of the Sea’ released in the early 1960’s the cover of which was graced by and illustration of a painting of HMS Victory and a fine official photograph of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. Despite the claim that the recordings range in date from 1953 to 1968 which would imply a mix of both mono and stereo tracts careful listening on headphones would appear to reveal that all have two dimensioned sound imaging. Notwithstanding there is little variation in the more than acceptable sound quality throughout this disc which is brought to a resounding conclusion by a splendid and frisson inducing Pomp and Circumstance No.1 complete with the full blooded panoply of organ joining the band in the final reprise of the famous trio tune. This latter recording made in Guildford Cathedral in 1968 is historically significant as Brian Culverhouse in his introductory notes to this release states that this was the final recording Sir. Vivian made for EMI under whom he was contracted with the Royal Marines Band Service although of course he went on to make a number of commercial recordings with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Light Music Society Orchestra. A self recommended disc, a valuable addition to the steadily expanding Eastney Collection and a superb reminder of Sir Vivian’s outstanding musicianship. Roger Hyslop

FRANKIE LAINE "I Believe" I’m Gonna Live Till I Die, Shine, That’s My Desire, We’ll Be Together Again, I May Be Wrong, The Cry of the Wild Goose, Mule Train, Your Cheatin’ Heart, Jezebel, Rose Rose I Love You, etc.. 27 tracks Memoir CDMOIR586, 75:09 mins. Many of Frankie Laine’s biggest hits are here. It’s incredible to think that all these tracks are over 50 years old!

EDMUND HOCKRIDGE with The PETER KNIGHT Orchestra and Chorale International Songs for International Lovers Games That Lovers Play, Make It Easy On Yourself, I Will Warm Your Heart, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Yesterday, Comes Once In A Lifetime, Senza Fine, Have I The Right, Sand And Sea, Guantanamera, All Alone Am I, You Can’t Keep Me From Loving You.Western Heritage The Dreams, Westwards, Across The Divide, California Or Bust Vocalion CDLK4245, 74:54 minutes. Ted Hockridge really needs no introduction to readers of this magazine. He is on top form in this collection from two fine Decca albums.

The Ultimate MATT MONRO Portrait Of My Love, My Kind Of Girl, Walk Away, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Softly As I Leave You, Gonna Build A Mountain, And We Were Lovers, From Russia With Love, etc… 24 tracks EMI 560 9392. Matt Monro died on 7 February 1985, so EMI have brought out a 20^thAnniversary selection of his greatest hits. If you are a Matt Monro fan, you’ll probably have most of this music already, although five tracks are stated to be the first time on CD. There is no doubt that he was one of the best singers in Britain during the peak of his popularity, and it was a tragedy that he died at the young age of 52. I can remember meeting him at London’s "Talk Of The Town" when Matt was a guest on one of the Tony Bennett TV shows which also featured the Robert Farnon Orchestra. He was very modest and friendly, especially when I ‘lent’ him 4p to make a telephone call! Full marks for the CD booklet, with some fine photos that will delight Matt’s fans. David Ades

HYDE PARK SHUFFLE - Australian Light Music Jamaican Rumba, Serenata Piccola, Ocean Road, Down Longford Way, Argentina, Romanze, From San Domingo, Bobsleigh, Waiata Poi, Blue Mountains, Rebecca's Dream, Legend, Lifesavers' March from Sydney Suite, Serenade for Small Orchestra, Hyde Park Shuffle, Caribbean Dance: A New Jamaican Rumba. (Australia) ABC Classics.476272-2. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra conducted by Guy Noble plays a selection of light music composed by Australians and others who have called Australia home for many years. The composers include Arthur Benjamin, Henry Krips, Eric Jupp, Alfred Hill, William Lovelock, George Dreyfus, Mike Kenny, Katherine Parker, Frederick Whaite, Tommy Tycho and Jack Grimsley. This is the first recording of light music by Australians to be released in many years and provides over an hour of musical delights. It is to be hoped that more CDs of this type of music by Australian composers will be produced in time to come. Barry Freeman

Here is a real surprise – a new (2004) CD of genuine Light Music from Down Under! Curiously, there are none of Percy Grainger’s originals – although he did arrange the Katharine Parker piece – but three by Arthur Benjamin and four excellent compositions (plus an arrangement of Alfred Hill’sWaiata Poi) by Viennese émigré Henry Krips. The latter was the brother of Josef, who was well known in Britain as a conductor after WWII. London ex-pat Eric Jupp makes an appearance with the familiar Bobsleigh whilst Jack Grimsley’s Rebecca’s Dream has more than a slight hint of the Farnon sound about it. There are fine performances throughout from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under Guy Noble and a recording quality to match. It’s rather unfortunate that there is only just an hour’s worth of music, which is not particularly generous, considering the full price of this most enjoyable disc. Tony Clayden

THE BEST OF VIKKI CARR. Can't Take My Eyes Off You; It Must Be Him; With Pen In Hand; You Don't Have To Say You Love Me; He's A Rebel; For Once In My Life; Plus 14 Other Songs. EMI GOLD 7243 8 75328 2 3. 53:16 mins. Vikki Carr is the kind of singer for whom compilers must have a difficult if not impossible task of finding songs outside of her hits. The reason is simple: Carr's albums always seem to build naturally to a conclusion in a graceful, subtle way. That said, this CD succeeds where no others have: it showcases her abilities in different music forms so well as to be an album in itself. Standards such as "I Only Have Eyes For You" stand side by side with then current hits such as "For All We Know" (the only non-EMI recording) and a meltingly beautiful "Alfie" which is absolutely the most perfect rendition of this song. The CD remastering is breathtakingly alive. The booklet is everything one could ask for with an accurate biography of Carr by Ossie Dales of "In Tune" magazine. There are also adorable photos of Vikki Carr taken at the time of these great recordings. The CD label and the back tray have images of Ms. Carr's beautiful eyes. So take out your check book and, with pen in hand, buy this fabulous album by one of America's greatest natural treasures: VIKKI CARR! And remember, with Vikki Carr, the best is always yet to come! Richard Jessen

SIGMUND GROVEN, Harmonica with Norwegian Radio Orchestra conducted by Christian Eggen "Philharmonica": Sailor’s Song (Milhaud), Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra (Villa-Lobos), Modulations for Harmonica and Orchestra (Rypdal), Legends for Harmonica and Strings (Sigmund Groven), Seeking your Face (Sivertsen). (Norway) Grappa PPC 9050. This latest CD from RFS member Sigmund Groven illustrates just how far the harmonica has advanced as an instrument which deserves to be taken seriously. Sigmund worked closely with the late, great Tommy Reilly who is still regarded as being the finest performer on the instrument during the last century. If you have problems in finding this CD, you can write direct to Sigmund Groven at: PO Box 5167, Majorstua, N0302, Oslo, Norway.

DIANA KRALL: THE GIRL IN THE OTHER ROOM. Stop This World; The Girl In The Other Room; I'm Coming Through; Temptation; Plus 8 Other Tracks. Verve B0001826-12. 55:36. This is a prime example of an extraordinarily gifted artist bending differently difficult songs and molding them into their own distinct styles. Thus it is with this CD containing songs by such diverse creators as Elvis Costello, Mose Allison, Tom Wait and Joni Mitchell. The set opens with Mose Allison's "Stop This World," an appropriately angry song about the underside of the music and celebrity business. Of the five songs by the husband and wife team of Elvis Costello and Diana Krall, the final four are among the very best, especially "Narrow Daylight" with its prayerful thoughts for personal strength in times of anxiety. The gloves come off again for a rousing blues number "Love Me Like A Man" with Krall's hard swinging vocal urging onward Anthony Wilson's blazing guitar solo. This is an extremely moody departure for Diana Krall but it should be mentioned that this is a very rewarding experience of hearing this still fresh voice in new material worth her enormous talents. Richard Jessen

JOHN WILSON & HIS ORCHESTRA: DANCE DATE Medley: Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Best Things In Life Are Free, Shall We Dance, A Fine Romance, You’re The Cream In My Coffee (Arr: Pete Moore) - Medley: Just In Time, Get Out Of Town, I Thought About You (Arr: Andrew Cottee) - Invitation (Arr: Andrew Cottee) - Medley: Easy To Love, S’Wonderful, Our Love Affair, In The MiddleOf A Kiss, Chicago (Arr: Colin Skinner) - The Boy Next Door (Arr: Andrew Cottee) - Lady In Red (Arr: Alan Roper) - Medley: The Shadow Of Your Smile, You Must Believe In Spring, I’ll Close My Eyes (Arr: Mark Nightingale) - Medley: Who’s Sorry Now, Whispering, Three Little Words (Arr: Roland Shaw) -One Night Of Love (Arr: Andrew Cottee) - Blue Tango (Arr: Alan Roper) - Medley: The Carioca, Cherry Blossom Pink & Apple White, April In Portugal, My Heart Belongs to Daddy (Arr: Pete Moore) - I Only Have Eyes For You (Arr: Roland Shaw) - Medley: How About You, I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Thou Swell (Arr: Andrew Cottee) - Mambo No.5 (Arr: Roland Shaw) - Medley: Hello Young Lovers, I Whistle A Happy Tune, Shall We Dance? (Arr: Pete Moore.) Vocalion CDSA 6812. Mike Dutton at Vocalion kindly supplied a ‘test’ CD so that we could hear some of this new collection at our April RFS meeting, but the CD itself was not due to be released until the end of May. The versatility of John Wilson seems to know no bounds! He appears willing to tackle all kinds of music, from the classics to jazz, and this latest CD contains some very fine playing indeed (hopefully the booklet will identify the musicians). The arrangers are some of the very best in the business, and if you fancy adding some high quality dance music to your music library you need look no further. David Ades

ELGAR/WALKER – PIANO CONCERTO, etc. David Owen Norris – Piano, BBC Concert Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Dutton Epoch CDLX 7148. Some years ago, the British composer Anthony Payne realised the sketches for Elgar’s third symphony, which had remained unfinished at the composer’s death. Concurrently, Sir Edward had also been working on a piano concerto which he had started 21 years earlier, and which was in a similarly incomplete state. Now, another British composer – Robert Walker – (no doubt influenced and encouraged by the universal acclaim received by the Payne work), has pieced together the composer’s pile of sketches and realised a performing version of the concerto. The World Premiere recording of the completed work is a joint enterprise between BBC Radio 3, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Elgar Society. Lack of space precludes more than the briefest of comment. The work is certainly impressive, although hearing Elgarian themes performed on a keyboard will take more than a little getting-used-to; (the slow movement only has appeared on a previous recording in a performing version by Dr Percy Young, although Walker’s musical treatment is quite different). Only time will tell whether this work will become universally accepted and take its place as a standard item in the orchestral repertoire, as has the Elgar/Payne Third Symphony. The opportunity has been taken to include a number of other previously unrecorded works and amongst these, of particular interest to JIM readers, is a suite based on four of Elgar’s songs, orchestrated by none other than Haydn Wood, together with a further song in an orchestration by Henry Geehl. Mike Dutton is to be congratulated on this initiative, which deserves every success. Tony Clayden

FRANK SINATRA: SINATRA AND SWINGIN' BRASS. Goody, Goody; They Can't Take That away From Me; I Get A Kick Out Of You; Pick Yourself Up; Plus 8 Other Songs. FRANK SINATRA WITH NEAL HEFTI AND HIS ORCHESTRA. Reprise 9 46971-1. 30:32. This brightly swinging recording is one of Frank Sinatra's best from the early 1960's, pairing Sinatra for the first time with the great Neal Hefti. Recorded and released in 1962, the songs are selected from the great American songbook. Gleefully we start off with an exuberant take on "Goody, Goody" leading up to a slyly witty "I'm Beginning To See The Light" and a naughty "Don'cha Go 'Way Mad" with its over population of "babies." "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is the standout track, so propulsively fast that it leaves the listener panting from exhaustion. Even ballads such as "Serenade in Blue" swing lightly. The charts by Neal Hefti are masterpieces of the arranger's art, dovetailing the rhythmic verve of Sinatra's always superb vocals. The band is overwhelmingly great, playing Hefti's charts with heartfelt enthusiasm. The remastering onto CD is very lifelike which makes this short CD well worth owning just for the arrangements, singing and performances. Richard Jessen

FILM MUSIC OF STANLEY BLACK Battle of the Sexes, Sands of the Desert, Stormy Crossing, Blood of the Vampire, Jack the Ripper, Three Steps to the Gallows, The Young Ones BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth Chandos CHAN 10306, 70:20 mins. Late arrival - review to follow in our next issue.

Vocalion has issued an impressive list of new CDs for April and May. Details of some are given below, but we had to close for press before review copies were received for them.

FRANK CHACKSFIELD EVENING IN LONDON: A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square (Sherwin; Maschwitz), Hometown (Carr; Kennedy), The touch of your lips (Noble), There’s a lovely lake in London (Evans; Damerell; Butler), Drink to me only with thine eyes (trad; arr. Young), You’re blasé (Hamilton), The bells of St. Mary’s (Adams), I’ll close my eyes (Reid), Lambeth Walk (Gay), The very thought of you (Noble), Cruising down the river (Beadell; Tallerton), The London I love (Purcell; Posford) Oranges and lemons (trad; arr. Young), Goodnight, sweetheart (Noble; Campbell; Connelly). LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND: April love (Fain; Webster), Fascination (Manning; Marchetti)Please (Rainger; Robin), Your love is my love (Edwards), The banks of the Seine (Richards; Hirsch)They didn’t believe me (Kern), So rare (Sharpe; Herst), Love letters in the sand (Coots; Kenny; Kenny), East of the sun (Brooks; Bowman), Catalan sunshine (Patacano; Martino), You are too beautiful (Rodgers), The breeze and I (Lecuona; Camarata; Stillman). Vocalion CDLK 4279.

EDMUNDO ROS & HIS ORCHESTRA DANCE AGAIN Patricia – mambo (Prado; Marcus; Delanoe; Salvet), Tropical merengue (Munoz; Elow; Marsh), Tea for two – cha cha (Caesar; Youmans), Miami Beach rumba (Fields; Gamse; Camacho), Cocktails for two (Johnston; Coslow), I came, I saw, I conga’d – conga (Cavanaugh; Redmond; Weldon), Cherry pink and apple blossom white (Louiguy; David; Larue), The wedding samba (Ellestein; Small; Liebowitz), Mambo number fi ve (Prado), Blue tango (Anderson; Parish), When the moon comes over the mountain (Woods; Johnson; Smith), Colonel Bogey – marengue (Alford) PERFECT FOR DANCING The nearness of you – cha cha (Carmichael; Washington) La vie en rose – baião (Louiguy) The rose in her hair – waltz (Dublin; Warren) Orchids in the moonlight – tango (Youmans; Kahn; Eliscu) Dolores – quick-step (Loesser; Alter) April in Portugal – cha cha (Ferrao; Kennedy) National emblem – samba (arr. Ros) Under the bridges of Paris – mambo (Scotto; Roda) Ramona – waltz (Wayne; Gilbert) Jealousy – quick-step (Gade) La rosita – tango (Dupont; Stuart) Estrellita – cha cha (Ponce). Vocalion CDLK 4280.

RONNIE ALDRICH TOGETHERNESS Airport Love theme, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,Arizona, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Sugar, Sugar, Daydream, Venus, Because, United We Stand, Girl On The Via Veneto, Let It Be, My Mind Reminds Me (Autumn Concerto), Something, Don’t Play That Song (You Lied), The Long And Winding Road, Paper Mache, Make It With You, Snowbird, Cecilia, They Long To Be Closer To You, Riders On The Rain, My Baby Loves Lovin’, The Sound Of Silence, Sun-Dance. Vocalion CDLK 4283.

STANLEY BLACK SPAIN - VOLUME 2: Spanish Gypsy Dance (Marquina), La Paloma (Yradier; arr.Black), El Gato Montez (Penella), Andalucia (Lecuona), Rumba (Trad; arr. El Sali; Pena; de Cordoba), March from ‘The Captain from Castille’ (Newman), Prelude to Act IV from ‘Carmen’ (Bizet) Solamente una vez (You belong to my heart) (Lara; Gilbert), Concierto de Aranjuez (Rodrigo; Vidre), España (Chabrier) Stanley Black conducting The London Festival Orchestra. MORE TOP TANGOS: The Pearl Fishers (Bizet; arr. Black; Cormon; Carre), Poema (Melfi ; Bianco), Violetta (Richter; Mohr), Blaue Himmel (Nightfall) (Rixna), Tango delle rose (Schrier; Bottero), Tango notturno (Beckman; Borgmann), Dark eyes (Trad; arr. Black), Serenade in the night (Bixio; Cherubini; Kennedy), El Amanecer (Firpo) Caminito (Filiberto), Yira! Yira! (Discepolo), La Cumparsita (Rodriguez; arr. Black) Stanley Black and his Orchestra Vocalion CDLK 4286.

MANTOVANI ALL TIME ROMANTIC HITS: Together (DeSylva; Brown; Henderson), Deep purple (DeRose; Parish), The very thought of you (Noble), Tribute to Maurice Chevalier: Gigi (Lerner; Loewe) – Louise (Robin; Whiting) – Thank heaven for little girls (Lerner; Loewe), Valentine (Christine; Willemetz; Valentine), Isn’t it romantic (Rodgers; Hart), Dearly beloved (Kern; Mercer), You were meant for me (Brown; Freed) Tribute to Noel Coward: London Pride – Someday I’ll fi nd you – Zigeuner – Mad dogs and Englishmen – I’ll see you again (Coward). MANTOVANI BY MANTOVANI: Cara mia (Trapani; Lange), Manhattan lullaby (A. P. Mantovani), Piccolo Bolero (A. P. Mantovani), Serenata d’amore (A. P. Mantovani), Italia mia (A. P. Mantovani), Midnight waltz (Lambrecht), Last summer (A. P. Mantovani), Deserted shore (A. P. Mantovani), Our last affair (A. P. Mantovani), Theme for a Western (A. P. Mantovani). Vocalion CDLK 4287.

RONNIE ALDRICH his Two Pianos & Orchestra with The Ladybirds REFLECTIONS: Summer’s end (Aldrich), Never gonna fall in love again (Carmen), Times of your life (Nichols; Lane), Spanish eyes (Snyder; Kaempfert; Singleton), Save your kisses for me (Hiller; Sheriden; Lee), How insensitive (Jobim; Gimbel; De Moraes), Adagio (Trad; arr. Aldrich), On days like these (Black; Jones), Scarlet ribbons (Danzig; Segal), Love is a many splendoured thing (Webster; Fain), All by myself (Carmen). WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING: A little love and understanding, Evergreen from ‘A Star is Born’, For ever and ever (and ever), Feelings, Dancing Queen, When a child is born, When forever has gone, Nadia’s theme, Theme from ‘King Kong’, Summer of my life, Aria, Gabriella.Vocalion CDLK 4288.

MANTOVANI HOLLYWOOD: ‘Born Free’ (Barry; Black), Lara’s Theme from ‘Doctor Zhivago’ (Jarre), ‘Goldfinger’ (Barry; Bricusse; Newley), ‘Ben Hur’ (Rozsa) ‘A Taste of Honey’ (Scott; Marlow), This is My Song from ‘The Countess from Hong Kong’ (Chaplin), ‘You Only Live Twice’ (Barry; Bricusse), ‘The Magnifi cent Seven’ (Bernstein), Tara’s Theme from ‘Gone with the Wind’ (Steiner), ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (Jarre), ‘Zorba the Greek’ (Theodorakis), ‘The Bible’ (Mayuzumi). THE WORLD OF MANTOVANI: Where is love (Bart), The Windmills of your mind (Legrand; Bergman; Bergman), My way (Francois; Revaux; Anka), Theme from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (Rota), My Cherie amour (Cosby; Wonder; Moy), Theme from ‘The Virginian’ (Faith) Where did our summers go (Lai; Black), Theme from ‘Elvira Madigan’ (Mozart; arr. Milner), I’m a better man (Bacharach; David), Aquarius (Rado; Ragni; MacDermot), Quentin’s Theme (Cobert), Love me tonight (Pilat; Panzeri; Pace; Mason).Vocalion CDLK 4289.

THE TED HEATH ORCHESTRA A SALUTE TO GLENN MILLER & TED HEATH SALUTES THE DUKEVocalion CDLK 4290.

ERIC JUPP & HIS ORCHESTRA THE ROCKIN’ STRINGS Try A Little Tenderness, Tree In The Meadow, The Very Thought Of You,The Two Of Us, If You Change Your Mind, We’ll Meet Again, I’m In A Dancing Mood, Georgia On My Mind, Garden In The Rain, The Touch Of Your Lips, If I Had You, Goodnight Sweetheart. MUSIC FOR SWEETHEARTS: Let Me Call You Sweetheart, How Deep Is The Ocean, The Very Thought Of You, 'Deed I Do, The Kiss In Your Eyes, If You Were The Only Girl In The World, Moonglow, It’s Magic, Love Walked In, If I Had A Talking Picture Of You, You Are My Heart’s Delight, I Love You Truly. Vocalion CDLK 4294.

GUY LOMBARDO & HIS ROYAL CANADIANS DRIFTING AND DREAMING & DANCING ROOM ONLYVocalion CDLK 4295.

RAY MARTIN MILLION DOLLAR MELODIES: Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing, Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, True Love, High Noon, The High And The Mighty, Colonel Bogey and The River Kwai March, Three Coins In The Fountain, The Man That Got Away, Around The World, Ballad Of Davy Crockett, Unchained Melody, (Love Is) The Tender Trap. VIBRATIONS: To Elizabeth, To Grace, To Rita, To Jean, To Zsa Zsa, To Gina, To Marilyn, To Cyd, To Kim, To Diana, To Audrey, To Debra.Vocalion CDLK 4296.

VICTOR SILVESTER & HIS SILVER STRINGS BEWITCHED • THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS Shall We Dance?, Mountain Greenery, Some Enchanted Evening, If I Loved You, The Lady Is A Tramp, People Will Say We’re In Love, No Other Love, Manhattan, Bewitched, Isn’t It Romantic?, This Can’t Be Love, Dancing On The Ceiling, Blue Moon, I Didn’t Know What Time It Was, I Could Write A Book, My Heart Stood Still. YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME • THE MUSIC OF COLE PORTER You Do Something To Me, Just One Of Those Things, Love For Sale, In The Still Of The Night, Rosalie, Begin The Beguine, I’ve Got My Eyes On You, Allez-vous en, Go Away, Easy To Love, So In Love, I Love You Samantha, It’s Alright With Me, I Get A Kick Out Of You, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, After You, True Love. Vocalion CDLK 4297.

MORTON GOULD SHOWCASE, INTERPLAY & OTHER WORKS INTERPLAY The original set MX 289 (1948) ROBIN HOOD DELL ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA Interplay for Piano and Orchestra (American Concertette) Morton Gould (piano) MORTON GOULD SHOWCASE The original set MM 706 (1947) MORTON GOULD & HIS ORCHESTRA Two Guitars (Russian folksong), Through Your Eyes to Your Heart, The Birth of the Blues, The Peanut Vendor, Georgia on My Mind, Begin the Beguine, Blues in the Night Limehouse Blues, Time on my Hands, Masquerade MORTON GOULD IN CONCERT The original set C 96 MORTON GOULD & HIS ORCHESTRA The Donkey Serenade, Pavanne, Ay, Ay, Ay, Dark Eyes MORTON GOULD & HIS SYMPHONIC BAND The original set MM 743 (1948) Fourth of July, Home for Christmas, Yankee Doodle Vocalion CDUS 3030, total timing 76:02 mins.

STANLEY BLACK conducting The London Festival Orchestra & Chorus A TRIBUTE TO CHAPLIN: Smile from ‘Modern Times’ (Chaplin), Texas from ‘Chaplin Revue’ (Chaplin), Who’ll buy my violets (La Violetera) from ‘City Lights’ (Padilla), Morning promenade from ‘The Kid’ (Donaldson;Kahn), Medley from ‘The Great Dictator’ (Chaplin; Willson) Napoli March – Falling Star – Ze Boulevardier Theme from ‘Limelight’ (Chaplin), Titina from ‘Modern Times’(Daniderff), Mandolin Serenade from ‘A King in New York’(Chaplin), Green lantern rag from ‘Chaplin Revue’ (Chaplin) This is my song from ‘A Countess from Hong Kong’ (Chaplin.) DIMENSIONS IN SOUND: Fantasy Impromptu (Chopin; arr. Black), Take the ‘A’ train (Strayhorn), Alfie (Bacharach; David), These boots are made for walking (Hazelwood), ‘Exodus’ – main theme (Gold), La bamba (Trad. arr. Black), Michelle (Lennon; McCartney), Money to burn (Heneker), A taste of honey (Scott; Marlow), Three blind mice (arr. Black) Vocalion CDLK 4278.

ARTIE SHAW "featuring his inspired clarinet" Serenade to a savage (Garland, Battle), Softly, as in a morning sunrise (Romberg), Rosalie (Porter) with Tony Pastor (vocal), What is this thingcalled love? (Porter), Begin the beguine (Porter), Copenhagen (Melrose, Davis), Zigeuner (Coward), I surrender dear (Clifford, Barris), Hop, skip and jump (Carleton, Shaw), These foolish things (Marvell, Strachey, Link), Time on my hands (Adamson, Gordon, Yeomans), Doctor Livingstone I presume(Shaw) with Gramercy Five, Frenesi (Dominguez), Easy to love (Porter), Back bay shuffl e (McRae, Shaw), Stardust (Parish, Carmichael), Moonglow (DeLange, Mills, Hudson), Traffic jam (McRae, Shaw), Dancing in the dark (Dietz, Schwartz), Oh, lady be good (I & G Gershwin), Don’t take your love from me (Nemo) with Helen Forrest, Blues Part 1 (Shaw), Blues Part 2 (Shaw), The Grabtown grapple (Shaw, Harding) with Gramercy Five) Vocalion CDVS 1943, total time 75:08 mins.

ANTONIN DVORAK – American Suite – Prague Waltzes etc. Naxos 8.557352.

PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY – Souvenir de Florence – Andante Cantabile - Anton Arensky – Variations of a theme of Tchaikovsky. Forum FRC9104

The young Dvorak, having served an apprenticeship, became duly qualified to practice as a pork butcher. However, it is our good fortune that the music profession had more appeal than the lure of a career in the meat trade! He rose to become a musical giant, on a par with his mentor Johannes Brahms; internationally acclaimed, he achieved great success in the USA and particularly in Britain, where his popularity has remained constant to the present day. It is absolutely true to say that he had a significant influence on a succeeding generation of British composers, notably Charles Villiers Stanford, and in turn the likes of Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Haydn Wood and Montague Phillips; with this new Naxos release it is easy to see why. Here is a collection of orchestral miniatures, although some of these were originally conceived for smaller forces. It must be stressed that this is not what would generally be classed as Light Music, although some of the material certainly has a light character. Whilst not all the items will be familiar, in common with most of Dvorak’s work, they are immediately accessible. I would especially mention the Seven Interludes for Small Orchestra, a relatively early work from the time when he was making a living as a viola player in the Prague Opera Orchestra. If, like me, you are charmed by this ever-tuneful composer, you will need little persuasion to part with just under a fiver for a generous 78 minutes of music.

The other CD, published in 2004 on the Forum label, presents Tchaikovsky in a rather different light from the ‘crash-bang-wallop’ of some of his large-scale orchestral works. Souvenir de Florence was originally written for string sextet and the Andante Cantabile is taken from the String Quartet Number 1; both pieces work very well performed by the Chamber String Ensemble here. The imaginative variations by Arensky are based on Legend, one of sixteen children’s songs which make up Tchaikovsky’s Opus 35. The London Primavera under Paul Manley gives a fine performance in the warm acoustic of Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, North London. For those who enjoy music for strings, this is well worth just under another fiver! Both these bargains are highly recommended.Tony Clayden

THE COMMODORE GRAND ORCHESTRA conducted by Joseph Muscant FBCD 134 Around the Volga; A Sailor’s Adventure; Black Eyes; Blossom Time; By the Swanee River; Cavalcade; Chu Chin Chow; The Desert Song; Gold and Silver Waltz; Gypsy Moon; Knave of Diamonds; Lazy Pete; Lilac Time; Linke Winke Pot Pourri; Maid of the Mountains; One Hour With You; Pan and the Wood Goblins.You may not have known many tracks from Volume One but you are sure to know much of Volume Two in this terrific collection of tunes by the outstanding Commodore Orchestra with Harry Davidson adding to the fun by occasionally popping up on the organ. With Frank Bristow’s knowledge and Alan Bunting’s amazing restorative powers we have another delectable light music winner to please the ear. The Commodore was a large pre-war cinema in Hammersmith which later ended up as a Mecca bingo hall but in its heyday was used for broadcasting as well as showing films. The resident orchestra was conducted in turn by Joseph Muscant and Harry Davidson and was up there among the best, as this splendid new CD will testify. Hum along to Noel Coward, Sigmund Romberg, Harold Fraser-Simon, Frederic Norton, Franz Lehar, Paul Lincke and many others. Order direct from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton 3186, Victoria, Australia or e-mail  Your CD will arrive together with an invoice to be paid direct to a stated British address or you can donate £13.50 to Paypal or send an international money order for 29.30 Australian dollars. No cheques accepted because of high bank charges. Edmund Whitehouse

THE FOUR FRESHMEN "In session" It's all right with me, My one and only love, Skylark, If I only had a brain, Early Autumn, Something's gotta give, How do you keep the music playing, That old feeling, September song, If I had you, You've changed TFF7248, total timing 42:15 mins. "Live in Holland" Young and foolish, Invitation, I'm gonna go fishin¹, Indian summer, Every time we say good-bye, Angel eyes, You call it madness, I call it love, After you've gone, Day in day out, Poinciana, There never will be another you, Day by day, It's a blue world, Route 66 TFF7656, 45:22 mins. This Group has been making wonderful music for fifty years, during that time over twenty singers have kept their sound alive. The latest line-up is as good as any previous outing. They have a fan club of close to 3000 world-wide and keep their members happy by recording CD's such as these two. (). "In session" contains songs the group has not previously recorded. The second CD revisits songs tackled before, this time augmented with Dutch players led by Henk Meutgeert, a stalwart of the Dutch jazz scene, perhaps most notably with The Metropole Orchestra. Information on who plays what and where is not given but the musicianship could not be finer! The first named CD has been over dubbed by the Four Freshmen themselves. You may have the original Capitol and Creative world issues but you will thoroughly enjoy the input by the Dutch players on the live album and the other CD has new titles given the unique Four Freshmen vocalising and playing. When the "Freshmen" first formed they more than held their own in competition with such groups as "The Hi-Los" and The John Lasalle Quartet; with those groups no longer recording, the "Freshmen" are an oasis in a vast selection of mediocre sound alike "Rap" groups. Paul Clatworthy

TRAFALGAR 200 – Zehle: Viscount Nelson, Elms: The Battle of Trafalgar, Siebert: Three Jolly Sailormen, Haydn Wood: The Seafarer, Nestico: All Through the Night, Grainger: Molly on the Shore, Trad arr. Hines: Amazing Grace, Farnon: Rhapsody on A Minstrel Boy, Knox: Sea Songs, Dunn: The Admiral’s Regiment, arr. Henry Wood: Fantasia on British Sea Songs The Band of HM Royal Marines, Plymouth. DOM Major P A Weston MMus ARCM LRSM MinstLM RM Narration: Admiral the Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL. Clovelly CLCD13705 75:00mins. If you have ever wondered, as I have, about the significance and relevance of the extended clarinet cadenza in Sir Henry Wood’sFantasia on British Sea Songs you will find a suggested rationale contained in the notes accompanying this latest release from Clovelly – a splendid and handsome tribute to Britain’s greatest naval hero Admiral Lord Nelson. This popular feature from the Last Night of the Proms was created by Sir Henry in 1905 to mark the century of the Battle of Trafalgar. As it includes a full panoply of traditional naval bugle calls plus an additional sea song proceeding The Saucy Arethusethe playing time is 17:20 compared with Paul Daniel’s version with the English Northern Philharmonic on Naxos 8.553981 which runs to 14:34. There’s a fine sensitive oboe solo featured in Tom Bowling in Lieu of the usual cello and a deft and beautifully controlled Sailors Hornpipe. Haydn Wood’s finely wrought The Seafarer will be familiar to most light music enthusiasts but no less welcome here for that but Thomas Powell Knox’s arrangement of traditional nautical melodies will be new to many. He was for 16 years until retirement in 1985 chief composer and arranger for the US Marine Band. His treatment of these familiar tunes is in a more modern idiom and its distinctly more flamboyant and brasher style contrasts somewhat to the more restrained and less arranged treatment by his two British counterparts. Albert Elms was a former Royal Marines musician and his best known piece became the musical description The Battle of Trafalgar which was premiered at a Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children Concert held at the Royal Albert Hall in 1975 with a narration written by Richard Baker and spoken by both him and the popular film actor Kenneth More. On this recording this same simple and eloquent narration is effectively enunciated by Admiral the Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL, a former first sea Lord, Chief of Defence Staff and currently holding the appointment of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Of the shorter pieces on this disc a particularly warm welcome to one of Robert Farnon’s many fine arrangements in the form of a Rhapsody based upon ‘The Minstrel Boy’. There’s also an exhilarating and sprightly Molly on the Shore and the whole programme is complimented by two fine marches by maestros of their craft – Wilhelm Zehle’s ‘Viscount Nelson’ and Vivian Dunn’s ‘The Admirals Regiment’. The recording, full and vivid, was made in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at HMS Raleigh Torpaint, Cornwall as recently as mid-January 2005 and its been possible to write this review barely four weeks later – a remarkable and commendably fast process from recording to release! The Royal Marines Band play to the manor born so even if you have perhaps only a hint of the sea in your blood I would urge you to consider this impressive disc particularly in the year in which we celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar! Roger Hyslop

AARON COPLAND Suites from "Rodeo" and "Billy The Kid" ; GERSHWIN "Porgy & Bess" (arr. Robert Russell Bennett) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Farrer Sanctuary CD RSN 3042. If these classic American works are missing from your collection, here’s your opportunity to fill the gap. This is a welcome reissue of recordings from 1993.

VINTAGE TANGO TONIGHT 25 tracks featuring Alfred Hause,, Hans Carste, Tito Schipa, Louis Ferrari, Francisoc Canaro, Robert Renard and other legendary names mainly from the 1930s – plus Sidney Torch ("Jealousy"). Sanctuary Living Era CD AJA 5561. Ralph Harvey had a hand in the compilation, and Alan Bunting did the sound restoration, so you know that this is a quality product. If this kind of light/dance music is your cup of tea, you’ll be delighted!

KYLE EASTWOOD "Paris blues" Big noise from Winnetka, Marrakech, Muse, Le point royal, Solferino, Cosmo, Paris blue, Big noise (remix) Marrakech (remix) (USA) CANDID CCD79789, 55:32 mins. available in UK from Compact Disc Club. Probably hoping for greater sales, Kyle waters down the jazz of his previous CD and dips his toe into near "Pop"; I hope this is just an experiment, I like it but purists from either camp may be wary! His six self composed titles explore sounds that Herbie Hancock and Stanley Clarke visited during their electronic recordings. "Muse" and the title track are outstanding and the synthesised string fade on "Marrakech" total magic. It's not synthesiser dominated, brass, horn and piano also get space to improvise, Kyle's bass playing is outstanding and Clint (Kyle's Dad) does a bit of whistling! Gimmicky but tremendous fun. "Big noise" doing its best to outdo the Henry Mancini version. I doubt he needs the money but if sales sponsor more out and out jazz next time around more power to his elbow! Paul Clatworthy

Among the many new releases sent to us by EMI, the following may be of interest to readers:

THE VERY BEST OF SANDIE SHAW 26 nostalgic tracks for pop fans of the 1960s EMI 8661102.

SOHO LOUNGE HEAT 2 Loose Collar Man, Down a Dark Street, Baggage Boy, Hop Skip and Jump, Leagueliner (Ray Davies); Disco Tek, Rhythmic Action (Syd Dale); Fat Man, Time Out (Dick Walter); Lady in White (Dennis Farnon); Mad Mendoza (Trevor Duncan); plus works by Steve Gray, Bill Geldard, Tony Kinsey, Bill Loose, Vic Flick, Alan Hawkshaw, Sam Fonteyn and Dominic Sands. EMI 560 6312. You can call it ‘Test Card’ or ‘Lounge’ music, but the composers’ names will let you know what to expect! All the tracks come from either the Amophonic or Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music Libraries of the 1970s.

THE ULTIMATE AL MARTINO 24 tracks EMI 563 8922.

THE ORIGINAL 60s LOVE ALBUM 25 tracks by The Animals, Bobby Vee, Beach Boys, Manfred Mann, The Hollies, Adam Faith and many more. EMI 873 4882.

FRANK SINATRA "Live from the Golden Nugget" This is one of a Las Vegas Centennial series (see below) recently available from EMI associated with great performances at Las Vegas by the finest vocalists of the period. They are all so well-known and admired, that further comments seem superfluous! EMI 5601 452.

DEAN MARTIN "Live from The Sands" 5602 292.

WAYNE NEWTON "Mr. Las Vegas!" 5601 442.
NANCY WILSON "Live at The Sands" 8759 382.
BOBBY DARIN "Live at The Flamingo" 8759 392.
LOUIS PRIMA & KEELY SMITH "Live at The Sahara" 8759 372.
Various Artists "High Rollers!" 8759 372.
Various Artists "Live from Las Vegas" 5601 472.

THE BEACH BOYS "The Platinum Collection" 3-CD set by the famous US group who managed to create a distinct style that made them instantly recognizable. This was largely due to the talented Brian Wilson, and it is good to see that his work is still receiving praise today. EMI 571 3452.

The Very Best of JULIE LONDON 2-CD collection containing 50 of her best-known numbers. EMI 312 1292.

"The ultimate DAKOTA STATON" The folks who live on the hill, Misty, Too close for comfort, The very thought of you, Angel eyes, God bless the child, They all laughed, Whispering grass, Anything goes, I hear music, The thrill is gone, Give me the simple life, Travelin¹ light, How high the moon, My heart beats like a hammer, On green dolphin street, The late late show, September in the rain, Avalon, Round midnight, Body and soul, Love walked in, My funny valentine, Willow weep for me.EMI 860 3542, 64:23 mins. ‘Who arranged it?’ has been my main draw when collecting vocal records. Dakota Staton has worked with some of the best, Nelson Riddle, Sid Feller, Manny Alban and Benny Carter naming a few. "Billboard" said of her "She can belt, she can whisper, she can be cute and she knows what to do with a lyric. Capitol records launched her in 1954 and she made several LP's getting in to the charts with "The late late show". This fine collection only repeats three tracks contained on the "Two for one" CD previously released thanks to Ray Purslow at The Record Centre in Birmingham. No arranger credits are present on the "promo" sent to me but I know from LP's I have that at least three tracks are the work of Sid Feller who often used the muted trumpet of Jonah Jones with great effect. There is some nice string work on "Whispering grass" The printed titles are not in the same order as the CD which may be corrected when finally released. A great opportunity for Dakota's fans to replace aged LP's! Paul Clatworthy

DVD: CHARLES AZNAVOUR and LIZA MINELLI in Concert at the Palais des Congrès, Paris in 1992. EMI 544 5149, 137 mins. Music DVDs are now growing very fast in popularity, but I have to confess that this is the first one I have studied closely. A promotional copy arrived from EMI, and I must admit that I found most of it highly entertaining. The picture quality and sound are both fine, and the little extras that we expect with DVDs seem to be there, although I find that the main hurdle is to ensure that things such as unwanted subtitles are switched off, otherwise they can become tiresome! If either of these famous singers appeal to you, I think you are unlikely to be disappointed with this souvenir of a memorable ‘live’ concert. David Ades

ALICE MARY SMITH: Symphony in A minor; Symphony in C minor; Andante for Clarinet and Orchestra Angela Malsbury (clarinet) London Mozart Players conducted by Howard ShelleyChandos CHAN 10283 66.00 mins. We don’t often stray into the realms of purely symphonic music but I think this latest release from Chandos fully deserves our attention. Alice Mary Smith was a Victorian composer born in 1839 and, as Ian Graham-Jones mentions in his informative notes, she was notable in being the first British woman to have composed and performed a symphony – indeed she wrote by far the greatest number of orchestral works of any 19^th century British female composer. Sadly her life was cut short by typhoid fever and she died at the early age of 45 in 1884.The two symphonies included on this disc are certainly a revelation being exceedingly well crafted and structured examples, rich in melodic invention which both beguiles and stimulates the ear. There are occasional hints of Mendelssohn as one would expect, as there are indeed in some of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s orchestral music, but these are strong confident symphonies which certainly make a positive and lasting impression. Chandos deserve our gratitude for rediscovering the music of a long lost composer who certainly never warranted such neglect, but sadly we seem very dependent on commercial recording companies to perform this vital and important role of disinterring musical treasures such as this since the BBC with five ‘in house orchestras’ in tow seem to display little interest or make any great effort in this important field. To return to this new release the recording, full and vivid, was made at St. Silas Kentish Town and the London Mozart Players under Howard Shelley play immaculately so this enterprising and rewarding disc earns a strong commendation. Alice Mary Smith could not possibly have stronger advocates than she receives here and I do urge you to give her a try! Roger Hyslop

STEVE TYRELL: THIS GUY'S IN LOVE. Isn't It Romantic; This Guy's In Love With You; The Nearness Of You; Just In Time; Plus 10 Other Songs. Columbia CK-89238. 49:16. Steve Tyrell has carved out a comfortable niche for himself as this generation's ballas singer of the classic American songbook. Things get intothe lightly swinging vein with "Isn't It Romantic" with the big band and strings backing heard throughout this CD. A lot of pros in the jazz field show up including Clark Terry, Dave Grusin, Randy Brecker and Plas Johnson. Clark Terry plays on four tracks playing both muted trumpet and flugelhorn. He brings a lifetime's experiences with Ellington's music in "Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me" and then joins Plas Johnson on "Nevertheless" where he adds to Johnson's honeyed tenor sax with some musically fluid playing on flugelhorn. Burt Bacharach is heard playing piano on two of his songs, the most effective being on the title track "This Guy's In Love With You" sung with more warmth and sensitivity by Tyrell than on any other recording of this beautiful song. Tyrell deserves applause for following the late Ray Charles' lead on "Georgia," sung with a softer and more sensitive approach. Dave Grusin wrote and plays piano on "Love Like Ours" which had to be the most difficult song to record as it was dedicated to Tyrell's wife Stephanie who had died shortly before these sessions. The fantastic arrangements are by Bob Mann, Dave Grusin and Burt Bacharach. This is definitely a rewarding evening's entertainment, to be savoured with one's favourite drink after a tough day! Richard Jessen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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