BRITISH LIGHT CLASSICS The Merrymakers, Knightsbridge, By the Sleepy Lagoon, Calling All Workers, Oxford Street (Coates); Elizabethan Serenade, The Watermill (Binge);In a Persian Market, In a Monastery Garden (Ketèlbey); Country Gardens, Irish Tune from County Derry, Mock Morris, Shepherd’s Hey (Grainger); Dusk (Armstrong Gibbs); Devil’s Galop (Williams); Barwick Green (Arthur Wood); Marching Strings (Ray Martin); Sailing By (Binge); Portrait of a Flirt (Farnon). HMV 5 867952. The last five tracks are labelled ‘bonus tracks’, since they are taken from famous singles. The other works all first appeared on various EMI LPs from the 1950s onwards, and it has to be said that all self-respecting light music collectors will have them already – in some cases, probably more than once! But if you missed out before, or you are searching for the perfect Christmas present, then this could be just for you. The quality of the music – and the performances – is of the highest order.
David Ades This CD is available from HMV Shops and from the HMV website on the internet.
FRANCK POURCEL 4-CD box set – Golds of the 20th century Angie, My Way (Comme d'habitude), Imagine, Lay all your love on me, Aranjuez mon amour, I've Got You Under My Skin, Love Me Tender, Chariot (I will follow him), Yesterday, Les Feuilles mortes, Cielito, lindo, Concorde, Le Premier Pas, Yesterday Once more, Bahia, Let it be, Georgia, Hymne D'amour, Saint-Nicolas, Without You, Isn't she lovely, Misty, Blue tango, Song for guy. De Cannes Hollywood Star Wars, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Moon River), Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (Raindrops keep fallin' on my head), Born Free, La Dolce Vita, Live and let die, The Godfather 1 (Speak softly love), Dr Zhivago, Love Story (Une histoire d'amour), Orfeu Negro (Manha de carnival), The Third Man, Midnight Cowboy, Mona Lisa, Les Parapluies De Cherbourg, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, (La colline de l'adieu), All That Jazz (On Broadway), Un Homme Et Une Femme, The Graduate (Mrs Robinson), Porgy and Bess (Summertime), The Sandpiper(The Shadow Of Your Smile), West Side Story (Somewhere), Hello Dolly, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Marty (Hey Marty). French Fiddlers / Super Lounge Only You, Graves, Image, Casino blues, Cry Me A River, Anjou, When I fall in Love, Ilona, Ebb Tide, Too beautiful to last, My prayer, If, Les hanches, Laura, Les levres, Promises, In a nostalgia mood, Night and Day, Parchemin, My Special Angel, Anytime, I'm getting sentimental over you, A Top the Sacre Coeur, Stormy Weather, So many violins. Classics forever Danse hongroise #5, Le Lac De Come, Carmen: Chanson Boheme, Jesus Que Ma Joie Demeure, Nabucco:Va pensiero - Choeur Des Esclaves, Czardas, Tosca: Vissi d'arte, Acceleration, Allegro en re Mineur, La Danza, La Traviata: Sempre libera, Aida:Marche Triomphale des Trompettes, Les Mille et une nuits, Mouvement Perpetuel, Turandot: Nessum Dorma, Grande Valse "Les Patineurs", Golliwog's Cake-Walk, Plaisir d'amour, Valse de la Belle au Bois dormant, La Moldau. EMI W3362462. There are very few Pourcel CDs released these days, and here are a number of rare tracks appearing on CD for the first time. Pourcel's daughter Francoise has been instrumental in getting EMI France to release this special collectors' edition 4-CD boxset. The CD booklet includes a biography in French and English, and this set has already been called the best Pourcel collection ever released!
Chris Landor
JOHNNY DOUGLAS "The Railway Children" Dulcima DLCD 120 [2 CDs]. Johnny Douglas was truly inspired when he composed the music for this magical film in 1970. Everything about the movie was just right – the cast, the scenery and, of course, the music. This new release offers again two LPs: firstly the Johnny Douglas Orchestra playing his themes from the film (on EMI’s Columbia label), and secondly Lionel Jeffries introducing soundtrack excerpts (originally on Music for Pleasure). Johnny’s memorable main theme will be familiar to many, but this CD reveals that this was only one of several pleasing melodies created for the various characters. As a bonus the final track on CD1 is the vocal version of the main theme, retitled More Than Ever Now and sung by Vince Hill. Hugely enjoyable! David Ades This 2-CD set is available from good record shops; it can also be ordered direct from Dulcima Records, 39 Tadorne Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5TF, England – price £13.00 plus £2 p&p.
STEFANIE POWERS – On The Same Page They All Laughed, Where Are You?, Last Night When We Were Young, Autumn In New York plus 8 other songs (37:00) Jambo Music JM-100. With a growing volume of CDs recorded by people outside of the orbit of the classic American songbook, this one by actress Stefanie Powers is simply the best. Ably accompanied by veteran pianist and singer Page Cavanaugh and his quartet, Powers proves to be a surprisingly accomplished vocalist. All of her performances on this CD are full of the charm she always exhibited in her television, stage and screen appearances to millions around the world. Where Are You? is very poignant, as is her rendition of Autumn In New York. I’ve Got A Feelin’ You’re Foolin’ is a really funny, mischievous duet with pianist Page Cavanaugh. This is a winning album by a well-loved personality, bringing to we lucky listeners another wonderful facet of Stefanie Powers’ artistry. Richard Jessen
MANNY ALBAM, BILL RUSSO, TEO MACERO, TEDDY CHARLES – Something New, Something Blue (30:40) Freshsound Records FSR-CD381. Short on playing-time made worse by the fact that the two tracks by Manny Albam (Night Crawlers and Tin Roof blues are on Manny's own album (see Big Band roundup). Teo arranges Blues for Amy and St Louis blues, Bill Russo East Hampton bluesand Davenport blues, Teddy Charles Swinging Goatsherd blues and Blues in the night. Each contributor was given the brief: arrange one standard and write one original. The two that grasp this task to my liking are Teo having fun with some tempo changes on St Louis blues where pianist Bill Evans excels and Bill Russo on East Hampton blues; a mournful start but soon chugging along at a nice pace. As a blues album this one really hits the spot.
Paul Clatworthy
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.Georgina Colwell (soprano) and Nigel Foster (piano). Durelm Records DRD 0237 from Dunelow, 2 Park Close, Glossop, SK13 9RQ (email: , website www.dunelm-records.co.uk at £10.95 incl. P&P) This CD, devoted to settings of poems by women (though one exception, all the composers are, or were, male) ranges over 20th Century English song including iconic figures like Gurney, Ireland and Frank Bridge, but does include several we may classify as ballads: Quitter’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 (he was married to a professional singer) that they were too good as ballads, not good enough as art songs. However that may be, 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 diction hardly needs them. Philip L Scowcroft
HELEN O’CONNELL – The Sweetest Sounds Taking A Chance On Love, Fly Me To The Moon, Tangerine plus 12 other great songs (35:05) Hindsight HCD-251. Sweet sounds, indeed, emanate from this charming collection of songs performed by vocalist Helen O’Connell for the United States Marines in 1953 and The Navy Swings shows from 1961 and 1963. O’Connell here shows her innate jazzy side, especially on the opening Sweetest Sounds and Fly Me To The Moon where she shows total enjoyment of singing. Although the songs are, unfortunately, brief to accommodate the time restrictions of 15 minute shows, there are some startlingly long versions such as achingly beautiful renditions of A Beautiful Friendship and Embraceable You. The groups are all small with multi-instrumentalist Murray McEachern playing trombone and saxes with his septet in 1963. A surprisingly great but unknown group adds to the tasty backgrounds: the Red Blount Quartet of 1961 plus the familiar settings by Page Cavanaugh in 1953. The booklet notes by Eliot Tiegel cover every aspect of Helen O’Connell’s career accompanied by two photos supplied by Frank DeVol. Although a brief CD, it more than qualifies as another fine example of the artistry of the fondly remembered personality of Helen O’Connell, the sweetest sound we have ever heard. Richard Jessen
Modern sounds from California Freshsound Records FSR2202. Two and a half hours of West Coast jazz at its finest, recorded 1954 to 1957, with so many tracks I for one have never seen elsewhere! Freshsound deserve plaudits for this release which gathers together compositions by almost everyone of note on the West Coast: Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, John Grass, Marty Paich, Jack Montrose, Al Cohn, Pete Rugolo, Leonard Feather, Howard Lucraft and one from Dave Brubeck – Shorty and Marty getting the lion’s share! Almost all the soloists active at the time are on board making this set a must-buy!
Paul Clatworthy
BMG Zomba Production Music – Italian Life BPM 3019 , Horror & Sci-Fi BPM 3020 , Jazz & Big Band BPM 3021, Historical BPM 3022 , Tension & Suspense BPM 3023, Holiday TravelsBPM 3024, Big Screen BPM 3025 , Classical Heritage BPM 3026 , Tango & Ballroom BPM 3027 .Composers include Ennio Morricone, Stelvio Cipriani, Gian Piero Reverberi. Gian Franco Reverberi, Armando Trovaioli, Angelo Francesco Lavagnino, Manuel De Sica, Pino Donaggio, Luis Bacalov, Carlo Rustichelli, Piero Piccioni, Alessandro Alessandroni etc... These CDs are available from the RFS Record Service, price £9 [US $18] each, plus p+p. Atmosphere (part of BMG Zomba Production Music) have released a further nine CDs in their BMG Score Music series. This music is taken from RCA Italy's famous film music archives, most appearing on CD for the first time. There is approximately an hour of music on each CD and the sound quality is superb. I should mention that although generally the music on these CDs is melodic, there is some that may be described as harsh or atonal, mainly on the Horror & Sc-Fi CD. This series will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the previous CDs in this series and anyone who enjoys film music (especially Italian film music). It features some wonderful original compositions; in my opinion the BMG Score Music series has to be one of the most exciting ranges of discs currently released by any production music company. I have already heard some of the music being used by both BBC and ITV. There are now 27 CDs in this series and I am sure more will follow.
Chris Landor These CDs are only available through the RFS Record Service, price £9 each (plus postage and packing)
DORIS DAY sings – 22 original recordings (1952-53) I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Sentimental Journey, Just You Just Me, I’m In The Mood For Love plus 18 other great songs (48:47) Hindsight HCD-411. Not much need be said about Doris Day except that she is one of those vocalists whose records never fail to amaze one in their superb choice of songs. This CD release emphasises the years 1952-3 in small jazz group settings by Page Cavanaugh and octet, and also as big orchestral recordings arranged by the ever reliable Van Alexander. The perkiness of the Page Cavanaugh group inspires Day to her best efforts, particularly in Just You, Just Me, Singin’ In The Rain and Light Your Lamp. The booklet notes by David Dexter Jr. include interviews with Doris Day and Van Alexander. The sound of these recordings is as beautiful as the inner booklet photo of Doris Day with one of her adorable four legged friends. A wonderful souvenir of a great singer. Richard Jessen
JUNE CHRISTY – Something Cool (1955 and 1962 versions). It Could Happen To You, Lonely House, This Time The Dream’s On Me plus 18 other great songs (68:39). June Christy was always a musician’s singer. Her phrasing and shading resembled the way a horn player would phrase and bend a note. This particular issue proves that Christy became a much greater artist after the seven intervening years. The arrangements are virtually the same with nearly the same players. Arrangements are by Pete Rugolo who first worked with June when both were employed by Stan Kenton. Something Cool was Christy’s signature tune, becoming a necessary inclusion in all her solo concerts. The 1955 version is startlingly good but the 1962 version measures up well with much added expressiveness and depth in Christy’s reading. The melancholy mood established at the beginning pervades both the mono and stereo versions although there are up tempo songs to vary the mood such as I Should Care and Softly As In A Morning Sunrise which is swung more like an Artie Shaw chart. The remastering is a dream; the mono has not been reprocessed into fake stereo and the succeeding stereo version has absolute quiet surfaces. This is a highly recommended introduction for those who have never heard June Christy. Paul Clatworthy
STANDBY FOR SWING – The Oscar Brandenburg Orchestra, The Gentle Giants Like Cute, Moonglow, Charmaine, Hometown, Organ Grinders Swing, Leagueliner, Wot Cher, Stay With It, Colonel Bogey, I Dream Of You, Black Satin Ribbons, 9.20 Special, Blue Lou, Puppet On A String, My Prayer, I’ll Be Around, These Foolish Things, High Flyer, A Handful Of Songs, Fools Rush In, Tuxedo Junction, Lady Of Spain, Bedtime For Drums, Delicado, Big Noise From Winnetka, Harbour Lights, Come Swing With Me. Codename Music (Winchester Hospital Radio Label) WHRCD 502. This album is colourful. It combines the talents of Ray Davies, Neil Richardson, Alan Moorhouse and others in a mix of popular standards played in big band fashion. Colourful for the way these excellent musicians transform the standards into a classy swing format. Like a rainbow, one colourful tune is followed by another reflecting a cathode of melodic rays. Who would have believed in this day and age that many of these actual versions were played day-in, day-out on BBC-television in the mornings and afternoons when people were at home testing their new colour sets during the late sixties and early seventies. Yes, you would hardly call this testcard music nowadays. It proves there were some superb pieces being aired then. If you hadn’t known they were on then you would probably have bought a ticket for this sort of fayre and sat down at the Local Civic Hall to enjoy it. Fans of traditional big band music here will love these renditions. Fresh, sharp colourful playing. Music to savour and enjoy; not music to twiddle your knobs to!
Malcolm Batchelor For details of how to obtain this CD please see the advertisement on page 87 of this issue.
HITS OF 1954 – The Crew Cuts, Les Paul & Mary Ford, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Frankie Laine, Perry Como etc.. (52 tracks, 2 CDs) Memoir CDMOIR 590. 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 tracks here are now over 50 years old – especially when some 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 Memoir CDs are available from the RFS Record Service, price £10 each plus postage and packing.
THE SHADOWS Platinum Collection (48 tracks, 2 CDs) EMI 334 9382. Perhaps not of interest to all readers, but with Christmas approaching this could be a present for an ageing Shadows fan. The set comes with a DVD featuring a live performance from the NEC, Birmingham, in 1986.
DON’T FORGET: Other new CDs are mentioned on our Light Music CDs page.
ROGER ROGER – The Magic of Roger Roger (4 CD box-set, CDs also available individually) Just A Smile GAL066, Pour vous madame GAL 067, Cityrama Galerie GAL 068, Newsreel / Actualites GAL 069. These CDs are available from the RFS Record Service, price £9 each plus p+p.A recent release earlier this year by French production music company Koka Media (part of BMG Zomba) on their Galerie label. The discs were released to mark the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the death of Roger Roger. If you buy all four CDs they come in an attractive CD box with an informative 14 page colour booklet. There are far too many tracks to list them all, with over an hour of music on each CD. Almost all the music was composed by Roger Roger apart from six tracks which were composed by Roger's son-in-law and childhood friend Nino Nardini. The recordings are taken from the Chappell archives. Unlike other production music CDs there are no 30 or 60 seconds cuts; all the tracks are full-length. Just A Smile - this is the definitive collection of Roger Roger's fun and light-hearted compositions: covering jaunty TV comedy themes, hilarious vaudeville and silent movie pastiche, kid's music, circus, music-hall, fairground, puppets and teddy bears! Pour Vous Madame - classic 50's latino, Hollwood glamour, romantic liaisons and seduction. Cityrama- swinging big band and full orchestral to beat combos; themes including ‘promenade’, ‘by night’ and ‘the city in motion’. These classic tracks remind the listener of how timeless the music of Roger Roger is. Much more than an historical snapshot of an era gone by, this collection portrays the talent of a fine composer whose work is as relevant and fresh today as it was on its first release. Newsreel / Actualites - These classic recordings come from the era of cinematic newsreel and early TV broadcasts. From serious political affairs to fun on the piste, and from heavy industry to exotic holidays. These Roger Roger compositions display his love of combining old and new instruments and styles to create unique soundscapes. Themes include sports, industry, history and conflicts. All these recordings were produced between 1954 and 1975. All the tracks have been digitally remastered, and the sound quality is superb. Each CD comes in an attractive fold out CD sleeve. A fine box-set for connoisseurs of Roger Roger's music; highly recommended.
Chris Landor These CDs are available from the RFS Record Service price £9 each plus postage and packing.
KATHY KIRBY – The Complete Collection Let Me Sing And I’m Happy, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Someone To Watch Over Me, I’ll Get By, Acapulco 1922, Following In Father’s Footsteps, Waiting For Robert E Lee, Bill, Happy Days And Lonely Nights, Who’s Sorry Now?, Can’t Help Loving That Man, If You Were The Only Boy In The World, The Man I Love, Miss Dynamite etc… (2 CDs, 38 tracks) Spectrum 9824795. I had forgotten how good a singer Kathy Kirby was. What a pity this Ambrose protégé’s personal problems brought her recording career to a premature end. Hearing these tracks in stereo for the first time I have been struck, too, by how terrific the arrangements are, particularly on the second disc. Although unaccredited in the liner notes, I understand the majority of them are likely to be either by Charles Blackwell or Ivor Raymonde, who were her musical directors. Most of Kathy’s best known tracks are here such as her first Top 20 smash Dance On and Secret Love that took her to the Top 5, both in 1963 ─ the year she won the title of Top British Female Singer in the NME reader’s poll. Then there is her Top 10 cover version of Theresa Brewer’s Let Me Go Lover, You’re The One, I Want To Be Happy, [All Of A Sudden] My Heart Sings, and the 1965 British Eurovision Song contest entry, I Belong. A number of great standards composed by the likes of Arlen, Rodgers and Youmans are also included. Both issues are budget priced [I found them at £3.49 a disc online] and both are rather special. Ideal stocking fillers, maybe?
Peter Burt
SOUND OFF DIVISIONS – Band of HM Royal Marines / Captain R.P. Long Fanfare for a Festival (Arnold), The Middy, Army of the Nile, HM Jollies (Alford), Heart of Oak (Boyce), March and Air (Handel), Golden Spurs (Rhodes), Chimes of Liberty (Goldman), War on the Big Screen (arr Brown & Cunningham), Duke of York (arr Balfour), Cavalry of the Steppes (Knipper), Navy Blue (Brown), Sailing (Sutherland), The Melody Shop (King), Trafalgar (Zehle), Glorious Victory (Kendell), Will ye No Come Back Again, Auld Lang Syne (Trad), A Life on the Ocean Waves (Russell) (72:00) Chevron CHVCD 20. Several months ago BBC 2 screened the 1939 British film Sons of the Sea, made in colour and starring Leslie Banks, Kay Walsh and Cecil Parker. It deals with life at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth just before the Second World War, with a dangerous spy on the loose to boot! Much of the film appeared to have been made on location at and around the College and affords a fascinating insight into the style and presentation of Ceremonial Divisions held at this establishment in the late 1930s. The title of the film borrows from a popular song of the time which makes a number of appearances during ‘The Divisions’ sequences but alas sadly does not appear on this new release Sound off Divisions from Chevron. To compensate however we have Richard Baker, a former navy man himself, who gives a brief and succinct history of the Naval College and interjects from time to time to set the scene during the various key moments of the complete Naval Officers Passing In / Passing Out Parade. The musical compensations are considerable too, notably a trio of fine marches by English ‘March King’ Kenneth Alford and a particularly imposing slow march Golden Spurs by Sarah Rhodes, a distinguished DOM 1111 of the Scots Guards. War on the Big Screen takes its inspiration from such film classics as The Great Escape, 633 Squadron, Battle of Britain and The Dambusters. The rather unusual title of The Melody Shop is explained by the fact that the youthful composer Karl King dedicated the piece to the owners of the Powell Music Company. He went on to write many more marches with possibly Barnum and Bailey Favourite among the best known. Sailing - and this I hope will not raise too many hackles from his fans - is, I think, better played here by the Royal Marines than when sung by Rod Stewart! There are a number of intermittent shouted orders at various points in the ceremony, apparently recorded on the parade ground itself as there is a hint of an ambient background which helps foster a great sense of atmosphere and occasion. The specialist collector with a particular interest in the Royal Navy and its traditions and ceremonials will be readily attracted to this disc, whilst for the more general listener there is a veritable feast of great music simply to sit back and enjoy. In many ways this disc is a companion one to Passing In available on Clovelly CLCD 13604 - reviewed in JIM no. 164 p 83 - which focused on the various ceremonies relating to junior entrant rates. The recording as usual from this source is vivid and immediate and this is another home grown product for which the Royal Marines Band Service can feel justly proud.Roger Hyslop This CD is available at www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk or from Discurio, Unit 3, Faraday Way, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3QW. Tel/Fax: 01689 879101.
ENNIO MORRICONE – Soundtrack from La Casa Bruciata RAI Trade FRT 410. This terrific score for a 1998 TV thriller set in Brazil tells the story of a fearless priest who protects a child who has witnessed a murder. If you enjoyed Morricone's beautiful music to The Mission, you will love the score to La Casa Bruciata. This is one film music CD I can happily recommend to all RFS members. The CD runs for just over 46 minutes and features 14 tracks including the wonderful, powerful main theme. There are many other exciting melodic themes on this CD. The music on this CD is beautiful, melodic, uptempo and exciting. I’ve been enjoying it so much I just can't stop playing the CD at every opportunity! Highly recommended. Unlike other soundtrack CDs where you frequently get just one main theme and endless variations La Casa Bruciata features many different melodic themes.
Chris Landor This CD is available at £10.95 from First Contact Records, 31 Veronica Road, London SW17 8QL. Tel 020 8675 4733 and online at www.firstcontactrecords.com.
THE PALM COURT ORCHESTRA / Charles Job – Grand Hotel Secrets, The Lost Chord, Silverheels, Idylle, Fascination, Folies Bergeres, Kashmiri Song, Narcissus, Wedgewood Blue, Hetty Wainthropp Theme, Serenade Pasionnee, etc… 19 tracks (71:36) Canada CD003. In British Columbia Charles Job and his talented musicians are fast becoming something of a musical institution, and the fact that their CDs are reaching a wider audience is certainly doing no harm to their hard-earned reputation. Their latest offering boasts several top composers who will need no introduction to admirers of the kind of music associated with the ‘Palm Court’ style – among them Charles Ancliffe, Arthur Sullivan, Edward Elgar, Paul Lincke, Albert Ketèlbey, Rudolf Friml and Percy Fletcher. There is much to admire in this recent release, and the playing is well up to this ensemble’s usual high standards, which is praise indeed. Nodding towards more recent offerings is Nigel Hess’s theme music for the Hetty Wainthropp TV series, which I gather has received the composer’s own seal of approval. But the balance is firmly in favour of the kind of genteel music favoured during the early years of the last century, and it would be hard to find a more satisfying release than this among recent CD offerings.
David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £9 [US $18] plus p+p.
TUBBY HAYES – On the air 13 tracks (50:36) Harkit Records HRKCD8156. Tubby would have been seventy this year. He was a leading light on the jazz scene in the sixties (I fondly remember him from the smoke-filled atmosphere of Ronnie Scott's first jazz club) These thirteen tracks are picked from broadcasts never before released. Tubby plays tenor, flute and vibraphone. Gordon Beck plays piano, Jeff Clyne is on Bass and Johnny Butts plays drums. Tubby's blues and In the night are originals composed by Tubby. Elsewhere a well-produced selection of popular songs including A taste of honey, Speak low, The more I see you, Bye bye blackbird and Time after time. Tubby's vibes playing is well featured on this CD. He joked "I sometimes wish I had never started playing vibes! I lug the bloody thing around, set up and then play sax all night! Hearing his vibe playing you would never know he was self taught; excellent! On most of Tubby's recordings he blew the competition away; here he is in a more relaxed mood but he still enthralls.
Paul Clatworthy
Royal Scottish National Orchestra / David Lloyd-Jones – SIR ARNOLD BAX Tintagel, Garden of Fand, Happy Forest, The Tale the Pine Trees Knew, November Woods (74:11) Naxos 8557599. Naxos appear to be repackaging a number of performances that have previously appeared on the Naxos and/or Marco Polo labels, but to be fair to them the fact is usually stated in the notes. Of course, if you have already purchased ‘on spec’ you could get caught out, but hopefully keen collectors of a particular artist or composer will always check first before adding fresh releases on the same label. In this particular case, these symphonic or ‘tone’ poems were recorded between 1995 and 2002, and together they form an attractive package of some of the composer’s most popular works. If you have yet to discover the beauty of Bax’s writing, this could be the ideal introduction for you.
David Ades Please note that Naxos have recently increased the price of their CDs by 20%.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Alan Barlow – THIS ENGLAND Elgar – Serenade for Strings; Delius – Irmelin prelude, Two Pieces for Small Orchestra; Holst – St Paul’s Suite, Brook Green Suite; Warlock – Capriol suite (64:02) Sanctuary Resonance CD RSN 3049. There are times when I envy young people; they still have their lifetimes ahead of them, and one of the glories they will discover (should they choose) will be a whole world of marvellous music. Many of us can remember the excitement we felt the first time that we heard some of the works in this collection. Perhaps some readers may still be unfamiliar with a few of them. Incredibly there are people who are completely unmoved by music … how sad I feel for them! Like the Bax CD mentioned previously, these recordings have been around for some while; it’s good to know that they are available once again.
David Ades
LALO SCHIFRIN – Les Felins (34:50) Aleph Records 031. Lalo's sound track for Rene Clements’ film contained the seeds of Dirty Harry, Bullitt and Enter the Dragon (his words). The main title music illustrates this description with some force; an underlying sense of foreboding and menace in its makeup. Sweeter sounds are used on Searching and Detecting but still mixed with suspense. Lalo was handed the completed film before writing, which took him two months, time well spent! I never saw the film but the music is so descriptive I feel I have! The pizzicato opening of Mediterranean chase is light music at its finest. The production is tasty and highly varied.
Paul Clatworthy
PERCY FAITH - The Oscar Soundtrack Collectables COL-CD-7815. Thirteen mostly up-beat tracks composed and conducted by the man himself that stand up well away from the action of the movie. Titles include Swingin’ Village, Mexican Hoedown, Tijuana Tourists, and Posh Party. A bonus is a version of Song from The Oscar [Maybe September] by Tony Bennett. The Maestro’s music was generally regarded as more memorable than the movie which was described by one critic as "a picture that attains a perfection of ineptitude quite beyond the power of words to describe". But at just under 34 minutes the CD is disgracefully short measure – not the usual 2-on-1 from this label; more like ½-on-1. It will have to do, though, for Faith aficionados who are still awaiting Columbia Singles Volume 3. Now that is worth getting excited about.
Peter Burt
ASPIDISTRA DRAWING ROOM ORCHESTRA – The Best of Palm Court Softly, Unawares!, El Saludo, Czardas, Melodie d’Amour, Nights of Gladness, Whispering, Indianola etc... Too Beautiful for Words Down South, The Billy Pssum’s Frolic, Ragamuffin, The Valley of Poppies, Silverheels, In a Persian Market, Bal Masqué etc... Both CDs available direct from The Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra, Cardinal’s Wharf, 49 Bankside, London SE1 9JE, email . Price £10 for one CD, £15 for both, plus £1.20 p+p. Cheques payable to the Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra.Two splendid discs from one of the few remaining ‘Palm Court’ ensembles, including a selection of light-classical and lighter music in finely balanced chamber arrangements. The orchestra consists of piano, three violins, viola, cello, flute and oboe/cor anglais, producing an ambience perfect for the atmosphere of Imperial tea-time elegance. Personally I miss a little brass, percussion and a bass (the piano struggles on its own), and yet this is part of the ensemble’s unobtrusive quality. The playing is sensitive and the melodies beautiful. I think this kind of music should be experienced live and in context rather than on disc.
Peter Edwards
STANLEY BLACK, His Piano and Orchestra – Digital Magic Chiquitita, California Suite, Theme from ‘Bilitis’, Tomorrow from ‘Annie’, Just when I Need You Most, Rise, Here’s that Rainy Day, Theme from ‘The Deerhunter’, Theme from ‘The Way we Were’, I Will Survive. Vocalion CDLF 8119. Although the title is perhaps a little misleading, this is a good mix of music highlighting Stanley Black’s intensely colourful arrangements and individual mastery of the piano.
Alec Hellyer
CHERYL BENTYNE – Let me off uptown (48:34) Telarc Jazz CD-83606. Cheryl used to be part of the supergroup Manhattan Transfer. Here she goes solo on songs made famous by Anita O'Day. She gets wonderful arrangements from Bill Holman on three tracks, using his Mighty little Big Hornscomprising of Bob Summers, Carl Saunders, Chris Tedesco and Jack Sheldon (trumpets), Bob McChesney (trombone), and Lanny Morgan, Pete Christlieb and Bob Efford (saxes). Jack Sheldon duets on the title track taking on Roy Eldridge’s original part with Anita. Corey Alien (who arranged the remaining tracks) and Cheryl and Bill Holman listened to almost every O'Day record before choosing the songs, so no duds here! Let’s face the music and dance has Larry Koonse on guitar joining in on the fun. Man with a horn displays Jack Sheldon's virtuosity on a ballad. Boogie blues is a joyous romp and a real mover scored by Bill Holman. If you have the original Anita O'Day recordings there are some interesting comparisons to be made; these are very effective remakes.
Paul Clatworthy
EDMUNDO ROS in Concert Brazil, I Adore You, El Gallo, Night of Adventure, Co Co Seco, London is the Place for Me, El Gato Montes, How Insensitive, Pancho de Bull, Yes Teacher, Alma Llanera, The Coffee Song. Vocalion CDLF 8121. If anyone is looking for a first Ros album to buy, this would be a splendid start. A good mix of the classics and the less-familiar, this was recorded live in Monaco in 1972. The recording quality is intimate and there is no obtrusive audience noise.
Alec Hellyer
There are some splendid new CDs among the October releases from Mike Dutton’s labels:
EDWARD GERMAN Symphony no.1 in E minor; Overture – The Tempter; Prelude – Romeo and Juliet; Hamlet – Symphonic Poem; The Willow Song BBC Concert Orchestra (John Wilson), Cynthia Fleming (leader) Recorded at The Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford, 24-25 May 2005, Epoch CDLX 7156
MONTAGUE PHILLIPS VOLUME 2 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 BBC Concert Orchestra (Gavin Sutherland), Matthew Trusler (violin), World premiere recordings, except* Recorded at The Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford, 3-4 August 2005, Epoch CDLX 7158
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 CDVS 1910
LEONARD BERNSTEIN CONDUCTS BERNSTEIN Facsimile A Choreographic Essay RCA Victor Orchestra (Leonard Bernstein); On the Town Ballet Music "On the Town" Orchestra (Leonard Bernstein); Jeremiah Symphony with Nan Merriman (mezzo-soprano) St Louis Symphony Orchestra (Leonard Bernstein); Ravel Concerto for Piano & Orchestra Philharmonia Orchestra (Leonard Bernstein). Recorded in the 1940s CDBP 9758
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 (Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari); Straus From Strauss to Straus: Selection, The Waltz Dream: Overture, The Chocolate Soldier Recorded in 1947 The New Symphony Orchestra (Oscar Straus); Scott-Wood Serenade to Evening Arthur Dulay (piano), London Caprice Recorded 1949 The New Promenade Orchestra (George Scott-Wood); Wildman Vienna Concerto Jacqueline Blanchard (piano) Recorded 1949 L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (Charles Wildman) CDBP 9760
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; Constant Lambert Ensemble (William Walton) CDBP 9761
CHRISTMAS WITH RONNIE ALDRICH White Christmas, Let It Snow, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells, Toyland, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, By the Fireside, Count Your Blessings, The Christmas Waltz. Ronnie Aldrich, piano with the Strings of the London festival Orchestra Vocalion CDLF 8126.
HERE COME THE CLASSICS VOL. 8 – LIGHT MUSIC LEGENDS. MALCOLM ARNOLD English Dances : Set 2 Op. 33, No.1); ERIC COATES By the Sleepy Lagoon, Calling all Workers, Dambusters March; ARTHUR WOOD Barwick Green; VIVIAN ELLIS Coronation Scot; HAYDN WOOD The Bandstand, Hyde Park (Frescoes Suite); HUBERT BATH Cornish Rhapsody; ROBERT FARNON Westminster Waltz, Portrait of a Flirt; TREVOR DUNCAN March (Little Suite); CHARLES WILLIAMS Rhythm on Rails, Devils Galop, Heart o’ London; ARTHUR BENJAMIN Jamaican Rumba , EDWARD WHITE Puffin’ Billy; ANTHONY COLLINS Vanity Fair; EDWARD ELGAR Chanson de Nuit. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth with Roderick Elms (piano). RPO 008CD, total timing 59:28 mins. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are in the midst of producing ‘in house’ a series of CD’s under the generic title of ‘Here comes the Classics’ and Volume eight which has just appeared focuses on ‘Light Music Legends’. Many of the pieces included here will be perhaps overly familiar to the seasoned collector who will almost certainly have already various other alternative modern recordings in his collection, but the present disc is nonetheless worth considering on several counts. The novelty here is Charles Williams’ Heart o’ Londonconsisting of a medley of popular tunes ranging from Cherry Ripe to Noel Coward’s London Pride.Also included here and having a comparatively rare outing is Haydn Wood’s ‘The Bandstand, Hyde Park’ from ‘Frescoes’ – a splendid piece and played here with a marvellous sense of style and panache. This disc has the added advantage of featuring one of London’s premier symphony orchestras, a conductor with an innate sense of how this music should be played and an excellent recording made in the Henry Wood Hall, London. So no matter how many versions of The Dambusters March you have already lurking on your shelves, this CD is more than worth seeking out! Available from : Recordings Dept. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 16 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1 0GT. Phone ; 020 7608 8800 www.rpo.co.uk Roger Hyslop
GUILD LIGHT MUSIC The Golden Age of Light Music A new series of CDs compiled by David Ades, with digital sound restoration by Alan Bunting. The first three CDs were released in April, with two more at the end of May. For full tracklistings please refer to pages 20, 21 & 22 of JIM 158 [March 2004] and pages 26 & 27 in this issue.
GLCD5101 An Introduction
GLCD5102 The 1940s
GLCD5103 The 1950s
GLCD5104 Great British Light Orchestras
GLCD5105 Great American Light Orchestras
A comprehensive description of this important new series, plus full tracklistings, appeared in JIM 158, to which readers are referred. This has obviously been a major undertaking, and it is evident that a great deal of care has been taken, both in the choice of programmes, and the quality of the sound restoration. Inevitably there are a fair number of tracks which have already appeared on other recent CD reissue compilations, but these are balanced by the inclusion of either [a] different versions of familiar pieces, or [b] compositions which have made it on to CD for the first time. There is a good mix of commercial and publishers’ recordings, and the great attraction lies in the actual sequencing of the items; play any of these CDs and you will immediately be transported back to the ‘good old days’ of the BBC Light Programme. Whilst writing this I am listening to Volume 2 (being reproduced through a superb 1950s restored Grundig table radio) and it is difficult to believe that it is really 2004 – it is as if David Ades and Alan Bunting have indeed created the proverbial time machine! We are promised more to come, but in the meantime these three new CDs cannot be too highly recommended. Tony Clayden Guild Light Music CDs can be purchased from the RFS Record Service for £7 each [US $14]; the first three are offered at a special price of £18 [$36] for all three (plus postage and packing), if ordered before 30 June 2004.
PERCY FAITH AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Delicado’ 2-CD collection of early recordings for full tracklisting please refer to page 11 of JIM 158 [March 2004]. Sanctuary Group Living Era CD AJS 278. A word of warning to the reader: this is a biased review. Percy Faith is my favourite composer/ arranger/ conductor, and Alan Bunting is a personal friend, so any time Alan turns his attention to Faith the results are likely to be pleasing. In the present instance, they are spectacular. Alan has filled a great void by collecting the scattered early commercial recordings of Percy Faith, from roughly 1944 to the early 1950s, from four different record companies, and most are appearing on CD for the first time -- an event that ten years ago would have seemed impossible. If you are a dedicated fan, you have possibly managed to round up many of these selections on ancient, hissy vinyl (or perhaps even 78) but you have never heard them like this. With the touch of the magic Bunting wand, these 60 year old recordings glow with a warmth and detail never before heard. Faith did not make concessions to the limitations of the recording technology of the period, and frankly in the past I have never been able to even hear much of what was really going on in these arrangements. It is a revelation to hear the 1944 Decca recordings in particular. A fan of Faith's Latin American arrangements has to love these; although a couple (Bim, Bam, Boom! and Tico-Tico) were later heard on stereo albums, most are unique. (Negra Consentida remains one of my favourite arrangements.) The cello solo in If There Is Someone Lovlier Than You is by itself worth the price of the entire set. In some respects, the older versions seem superior to the later stereo recordings; for all the technical limitations, I think I prefer the 1940s version of Tia Juana to the 1960s recording. But this is far from a collection which would be of interest only to hardcore fans; it also contains some gems that were only out as singles at the time, and have been neglected because they are out of the mainstream. Most notably, there are two selections with then-famous cabaret singer Hildegarde (no surname needed, evidently). Not only does Hildegarde have one of those "warm, down-around-the-ankles" voices (in Raymond Chandler's phrase) – it’s easy to see why she was so popular - the arrangements are a complete delight, as Faith sends the orchestra nipping and tucking at her heels like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. Another surprise is a vocal version of the Alec Wilder melodyGoodbye, John, which Faith memorably recorded with Mitch Miller on the oboe; undoubtedly the right choice, since the lyrics are pedestrian, but who knew there were any? The second CD ends with a rather playful trick. Faith recorded an extended instrumental variant of the Song From 'Moulin Rouge' for the album "Music From Hollywood", and Alan has combined this with the familiar, frequently-anthologized Felicia Sanders vocal version which will no doubt become the standard we all will listen to from now on! The only negative thing you should know is this: if you buy this collection, you may have a hard time getting it out of your CD player. It's that good. If only there could be more... but we're lucky to have what we do. Congratulations to all of the people involved in making it possible. John Cutcher
Complementary to the five new Collectables issues is ‘Delicado’, Percy Faith’s double album on the Living Era label [CD AJS 278]. Here we have all of his earliest commercial recordings, made for the Majestic, Decca and RCA Victor labels, plus a selection of those he made after joining Columbia – a total of 50 original mono recordings spanning the years 1944 to 1953. Alan Bunting has done all the compilation, transfers, audio restoration and re-mastering, and the booklet notes, and it was obviously a labour of love. This is my kind of Percy Faith and these 2 CDs have given me more pleasure than many of the other re-issued examples of his work from the later years of his wonderful career. Peter Burt
This 2-CD set is available from the RFS Record Service for £11 [US $22] plus postage and packing.
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA : MUSIC FOR WIND BAND – Vol. 4 Marches: Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Sesqui-Centennial Exposition, Riders for the Flag, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co., Pathfinder of Panama, The Glory of the Yankee Navy, The Aviators, The Stars and Stripes Forever, Selection Bride Elect, Suite: Tales of a Traveller, Waltz: Co-eds of Michigan. Band of the Royal Artillery conducted by Keith Brion. Naxos 8.559093 59mins. Volume 4 in the Naxos American Classics series of the complete Wind Band music of John Philip Sousa which incidentally includes a staggering 136 marches (!) fully upholds the superb production values of this series with regard to both performance and recording, aided no doubt by the splendidly spacious acoustic of Woolwich Town Hall. Indeed under the experienced and highly skilled tutelage of Mike Parton of the Specialist Recording Company, this disc is a model of how good a military band recording should sound – the results are deeply impressive. Much of the contents of this latest instalment consists mainly of notable rarities although decidedly not of course ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ – probably the most famous military march ever written, which here receives a suitably resplendent performance to bring this CD to an excellent conclusion. One of the joys of Sousa marches is their sometimes gloriously over the top titles and included here we have ‘Nobles of the Mystic Shrine’ and ‘‘The Glory of the Yankee Navy’- it’s difficult not to raise a wry smile at such appellations! The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. of Boston is apparently the oldest military organisation in the USA and the resultant march composed at their request includes their marching song ‘Auld Lange Syne’. ‘The Aviators’ a late piece composed a year before Sousa’s death in 1931 is dedicated to William J. Moffett who Keith Brion tells us in his informative notes is considered to be the father of the aircraft carrier. During the performance of this piece, you are well advised to duck down since it comes complete with low flying aircraft. The most substantial work in this collection is the 1911 Suite, ‘Tales of a Traveller’which will certainly be of some interest to those of us on this side of the pond, since the final movement is an imposing and fairly lengthy coronation march apparently intended to be used at the coronation of King George V. Its subsequent non-appearance within the hallowed walls of Westminster Abbey may have been due to the fact that the rather staid British Establishment considered it lacked a degree of dignity and gravitas appropriate for such a solemn ceremony. If you haven’t been tempted to invest in this outstanding series, I can only suggest in suitable military parlance that you now get ‘fell in at the double’ behind the Royal Artillery Band – surely one of the brightest jewels in the crown of British Army music - for an exhilarating , often exciting and hugely enjoyable musical adventure! A brilliant disc and superb value! Already issued in this Naxos series are : Vol.1 8.559058, Vol.2 8.559059, Vol.3 8.559092 (reviewed in JIM No.155 06/03). Roger Hyslop
(1)THE BEST OF PALM COURT, LINKE: Gavotte; Softly Unawares! ANCLIFFE : El Saludo; Fragrance; Nights of Gladness; P.CASSANO : Czardas , P.FAHRBACH: Comedy Gallop, J.HURST : Melodie d’Amour, J.S.SCHONBERGER: Whispering Foxtrot, M. EWING : Woodland Shadows, S.R.HENRY/D.ONIVAS: Indianola, M.BILTON: Anita (2) TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR WORDS, W.H.MYDDLETON: Down South, M.LENNARD: Billy Possum’s Frolic, ALETTER: Rendezvous, J.RIXNER: Ragamuffin, R. COLUMBO et al: Too Beautiful for Words ANCLIFFE: The Valley of Poppies, N. MORET:Silverheels, KETELBY: In a Persian Market ,VERDI arr. Bell:Quartet from Rigoletto, Y.KREIN: Glory of Russia, A.MALANDO: Ole Guapa, A. GRUNFELD: Romance, P.FLETCHER: Bal Masque. THE ASPIDISTRA DRAWING ROOM ORCHESTRA. £10.00 per disc, £15.00 if both ordered together plus £1.00 p&p from Adam Bakker, Cardinals Wharf, 49 Bankside, London SE1 9JE tel. 020 7633 9313, E-mail – . The Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra (comprising 7 to 8 players: flute, oboe, piano and strings) are helping to keep alive the "light music salon orchestra" tradition by concerts and CD’s. These latter, recorded in 1998 and 2003 respectively, each contain an enjoyably varied selection of light orchestral repertoire. The later one includes popular numbers like the Ketelby and Fletcher pieces, perhaps also Aletter’sRendezvous (a trifle heavy in touch here for my taste), the Myddleton ‘sketch’ and Joe Rixners livelyRagamuffin polka. But less well known are the foottapping Billy Possum’s Frolic, (an "irresistible twostep" !), Ancliffe’s delicious Valley of Poppies and Grunfeld’s shapely Romance, Roy Bell who arranges the Rigoletto Quartet, is the orchestra flautist. The earlier disc features three more Ancliffe’s including the popular Nights of Gladness, ebuilliently done.; also of much charm are the items by Jan Hurst (who once conducted so many resort orchestras either side of 1939-45) Montague Ewing and from the continent Fahrbach and Paul Linke. Playing time is scarcely generous but all lovers of this repertoire should be delighted with the varied programmes and stylish execution. Philip L. Scowcroft
SOUSA MARCHES Band of HM Royal Marines [Royal Marines School of Music] conducted by Lt Col G A C Hoskins, MVO, ARAM, RM EMI 5855352 [65’07" & 64’49" mins] Having only bought this budget-priced 2-CD set because I’d heard the conductor give a talk about serving on the Royal yacht ‘Britannia’, and just expecting to dip in and out of it, I found myself playing each CD at a sitting and my attention was retained throughout. There are a total of 43 tracks [too numerous to list here] but even this is less than a third of the March King’s output. His big popular successes are here, likeThe Gladiator, Semper fidelis, The Washington Post, The Liberty Bell, The Stars and Stripes Forever and Hands Across the Sea. In addition there are exotically entitled works such as Kansas Wildcats, Solid Men to the Front, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, The Gridiron Club, The Charlatan andLa Flor de Sevilla. I particularly enjoyed Jack Tar, premiered at London’s Albert Hall in 1903 in the presence of Royalty. The playing is of a high standard and the 20-year-old recording sounds fine. If you are not "into" military bands, let me encourage you to try this one – you may be pleasantly surprised.
Peter Burt
THE MUSICAL WORLDS OF LAURIE JOHNSON Concerto for Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra The London Big Band and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Laurie Johnson Soloists: Guy Barker, Trumpet, Tommy Whittle, Tenor Saxophone; The Wind in the Willows (Tone Poem for Small Orchestra after Kenneth Grahame) London Studio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Parnell; Irma La Goose Overture Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Laurie Johnson; Symphony (Synthesis) London Jazz Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Laurie Johnson, leader, Rodney Friend. Soloists, Stan Roderick, Kenny Wheeler, Trumpets, Don Lusher, Trombone, Joe Harriott, Alto Sax, Tony Coe, Tubby Hayes, Tenor Sax. AVID CD AVHN 102 72:26 mins. The title of this CD is slightly confusing, because it's the same as another album issued by the Polygram REDIAL label in 1998. Two of the above items were included in that issue: Laurie's spectacular jazz Symphony, recorded in 1970 , and The Wind in the Willows from 1971. But the Suite from the movie "Hedda" has been discarded to make way for two new compositions. Laurie presented his Concerto at a Royal Albert Hall Concert in 1999, and, until the issue of this CD, it has been available only on the Videotape of that concert (Golden Times GOL 11134). The version here is a new studio recording. Also appearing for the first time on CD is the delightful Irma La Goose Overture. Any new album by Laurie is a must for the collection, and this one includes useful sleeve notes by Laurie himself, plus some by the late Christopher Palmer reproduced from the original CD. Don't let the inadequate numbering of the tracks printed on the back cover prevent you from enjoying an exploration of these new musical worlds.Richard Hindley
SEVEN A SUITE FOR ORCHESTRA by Tony Banks, LPO conducted by Mike Dixon, Naxos 8.557466. No, it’s not the British Labour MP but yes, it is the former member of Genesis pop group. No, it’s not pop music but yes, it is light classical, somewhere in between Vaughan Williams and Stanley Black! Eminently pleasurable and soothing this is something new to the repertoire. Based on four modern themes and three others he had mused over in previous decades, Banks asked Simon Hale to orchestrate them into a whole suite. The result is most satisfactory and with the London Philharmonic doing the honours Naxos can congratulate themselves. In order, the seven movements are Spring Tide, Black Down, The Gateway, The Ram, Earthlight, Neap Tide and The Spirit of Gravity. If you are looking for music which is easy on the ear you will not be disappointed. Edmund Whitehouse
LOUIS LEVY The musical giant of Gaumont British films March of the Movies; Sing as we go; Who’s been polishing the sun?; Where there’s you there’s me; What a little moonlight can do; Without rhythm; This’ll make you whistle; Things are looking up; The eyes of the world are on you; Aunt Sally medley; Meet the sun halfway; Jingle of the jungle; Turning the world upside down; From one minute to another; Empire builders; Don’t you cry when we say goodbye; Cole Porter medley.Evergreen Melodies C92. At one time you were lucky to find the occasional Louis Levy track on a compilation CD, despite the fact that the late Alan Dell often featured him in his ‘Dance Band Days’ programme on BBC Radio-2. Then a few CDs started to appear, including the comprehensive set by Frank Bristow in Australia. More recently has been the Living Era CD, and now our friends at This England/Evergreen magazine have come up with an entertaining collection to accompany the article on Louis Levy in the Spring 2004 issue of Evergreen. All the tracks are listed above, so you can quickly see if there are any you need to complete your Levy collection. David Ades This CD is only available direct from Evergreen – telephone 01242 515156 – major credit cards accepted. A cassette version is also available.
Boosey & Hawkes Volume 1 The New Concert Orchestra for full tracklisting please see page 16 of JIM 156 – September 2003 Vocalion CDLK 4192 74:34 mins. Seldom can such a mundane titled CD have yielded so much treasure. If it has passed you by, I urge you to get a copy. Apart from Monia Liter, also on Vocalion, you will not better spend a tenner all year. And, singularly, a Monia Liter composition, The Bullfighter, is for me the standout track. But the whole CD of background music specially recorded for film, radio and television crackles with "joie de vivre". Twelve of the 26 numbers are by Trevor Duncan, including his Four Old Fusspots and Little Suite: Folk Tune, the first time this has been given a commercial release. Our friend Ernest Tomlinson has contributedRomantic Journey and Exuberant Youth. The other composers represented are Vivian Ellis, Frederic Curzon, Cyril Watters and Sam Fonteyn. Many of the numbers will be new to quite a few of us and David Ades is to be congratulated on his selection. The recording quality is superb. If future volumes [and there will be if enough of us buy Volume 1] maintain this standard we are going to be delighted over and over again. Peter Burt
ERIC PARKIN The Piano Music of William Blezard Vol. 2 A Miscellany of Miniatures, Two Promenades for Eric Parkin, Tow Fantastic Dances, Three European Dances, etc… Shellwood SWCD27, 70:33 mins. In his later years, William Blezard (1921-2003) became known to the British public as the accompanist to Joyce Grenfell, and he was also associated in the same acapacity with Marlene Dietrich. Eric Parkin treats his music with the respect and charm that one would expect from a fellow pianist who is in a class of his own. It is nice to see that two tunes were specially composed by William for Eric, which adds a certain poignancy to this delightful collection. Apparently William approved the master of this CD the day before he died last year. David Ades
DORIS DAY / ANDRE PREVIN: DUET. Close Your Eyes; Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread); Yes; PLUS 3 Alternate Takes and 2 Bonus Tracks. (US Issue) Collectables COL-CD-6874. 55:37. Although this recording was mentioned in Richard Hindley’s great article in the last issue, Collectables has added 5 bonus tracks. This recording is a definite reminder of how great of a singer Doris Day was in music usually not associated with her name. Not only this, but we also get the rare opportunity to hear how hard Day and her accompanist Andre Previn worked on these songs. The released take (16 December, 1961) of "Close Your Eyes" sets the intimate nature of this album with a sexy, inviting quality in Doris Day’s interpretation. A perfect meeting of the minds. The alternate take of 30 November, 1961 shows both artists struggling with the music. Previn especially seems to be having very real problems with keeping things together as this take gradually disintegrates before our ears. The same isn’t true of "Fools Rush In" where the alternate take is actually far superior to the released version. The same goes for "Nobody’s Heart" where Doris Day sings with a heart breaking intensity. The other songs are sung with great warmth and excellent phrasing by Doris Day. There are three songs by Andre Previn and his then-wife Dory of which "Daydreaming" elicits a wistful performance from Day while she displays her jazzy feel for the saucy "Control Yourself" in a performance that’s right in the pocket and which ends with a playful "Whew!" Day adds to the jewels in her crown with a meltingly beautiful performance of Alec Wilder’s autumnal song "Give Me Time." Andre Previn is ably assisted on a few numbers by Red Mitchell on bass and master drummer Shelly Manne. This recording remains a wonderful document of timeless masterpieces from two master performers. Richard Jessen
DORIS DAY: SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY / LATIN FOR LOVERS. Come To Baby, Do!; It Could Happen To You; Sentimental Journey; Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars; 19 Others. (US issue) Collectables COL-CD-6867. 69:50. Both of these albums come late in Doris Day’s career (1964), yet they contain proof that Day was one of the best singers of all time. "Sentimental Journey" is a tribute to songs popular during the big band era updated for a new, fresh look. The Glenn Miller influence is present on two songs, "Serenade In Blue," and "At Last," both sung with crushing beauty by Day against a lush background of strings, woodwinds and voices provided by Mort Garson. There are two fine examples of Doris Day the jazz artist in effervescently bubbly performances of "Come To Baby, Do!" and "I’m Beginning To See The Light." There are three visits to songs recorded by Doris Day when she was singing with Les Brown’s band, the standout performance being a steamier rendition by Day of "Sentimental Journey" which is more a journey of the heart than of a train ride! Two months after this album was finished came "Latin For Lovers," a wonderfully smooth journey through the chacha, tango and the ever popular Bossa Nova. Mort Garson provides delicately romantic scores for this LP which covers four of Jobim’s songs on which Day lavishes great warmth and emotionally sensitive care to every twist and turn of the lyrics. "Summer Night" is the sleeper of this set for it was co-written by Bill Comstock (the tenor/guitarist with The Four Freshmen from 1960 - 1973) and noted jazz pianist Eugene DiNovi. Day successfully suggests the forlorn feeling of the lyrics. "Be True To Me" is another great song with another great performance by Doris Day who tries out her Spanish in a playful mood. And we must not forget "Por Favor," an overwhelming favourite of mine endearingly sung by Doris Day. With her immaculate, well-timed phrasing and her experience as an actor, these performances stand out as more than welcome reminders of a great vocalist - Doris Day. Richard Jessen
AN IRISH GUARDS BANDSTAND : WILLCOCKS : March : Sarafand, STANFORD : Overture: Shamus O’Brien, ANDERSON: Irish Suite – The Girl I Left Behind Me, The Minstrel Boy, B.W.O’DONNELL: Two Irish Tone Sketches, GRAHAM : Quick March : The Champion, ANSELL: Three Irish Dances, SULLIVAN: Quick March: Iolanthe, BRIGDEN: Celtic Dances, GRAINGER: Irish Tune from County Derry, BRASE: Irish Fantasia: Let Erin Remember. The Band of the Irish Guards D.O.M. Major Andrew Chatburn BA. ARCM psm. Specialist Recording Company SRC121, 70:50. Production values are as ever exceedingly high here and make no mistake, SRC’s claim that they record premier military bands with hitherto unheard of care and attention using the state of the art equipment in fine locations to produce the world’s best military band recordings is no idle boast. That they succeed spectacularly in their endeavours cannot be in doubt. The results are certainly deeply impressive and reflect great credit on the company’s commitment to this specialist niche in the music industry. An ‘Irish Guards Bandstand’ is to be the more warmly welcomed not least because after several recordings of John Ansell’s fine concert overture ‘Plymouth Hoe’ this collection commits more of this undervalued composer’s music to disc with the engaging ‘Three Irish Dances’. One might have thought this a worthy contender for Sanctuary Classics British Light Music Discoveries. Never mind, the Irish Guards Band more than make ample amends for such an omission. There’s a rollicking overture to Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s comic opera Shamus O’Brien,contrasting nicely with the more reflective and atmospheric Two Irish Tone Sketches by Bertram Walton O’Donnell who held appointments as Musical Director of Royal Marine Bands at Portsmouth and Deal before subsequently moving to the BBC Military Band. Leroy Anderson’s Irish Suite is represented by three movements in an arrangement he himself made of the whole suite for military band. In J.D. Brigden’s Celtic Dances the band is joined surprisingly by the appearance of a solo violin played more than capably by Musician Victoria Evans who fully deserves her credit. The disc ends with an extended Irish Fantasia Let Erin Remember by Wilhelm Fritz Brase who despite the name was a colonel in the Irish Army! Many of the melodies in this pot-pourri may be unfamiliar to many of us but nonetheless brings the concert to a highly satisfying conclusion. In summary, an imaginative and refreshingly unhackneyed collection of music associated with the Emerald Isle and given the assured and skilful playing of the Irish Guards, should have deservedly wide appeal and not only to military band enthusiasts. The good news is that this is merely the first instalment in a series featuring a programme format much associated in the past with park and seaside bandstands. Oh! I nearly forgot. In case you are still wondering about the relevance of the inclusion of the Iolanthe quick march, well that has a somewhat tenuous Irish connection; it appears that Sir Arthur Sullivan’s father, professor of euphonium at Kneller Hall came originally from Tralee, County Cork! Roger Hyslop
NAT KING COLE SINGS / GEORGE SHEARING QUINTET PLAYS. September Song; Pick Yourself Up; I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good; Let There Be Love; Plus 8 other songs and 3 bonus tracks. String Choir arranged and conducted by Ralph Carmichael. 46:47. (US issue) Capitol Jazz 7243 5 25250 2 7. If ever there was a meeting of minds on a recording date, it would have be Nat King Cole and George Shearing. This lovely album was recorded December 19-22, 1961 and quickly became one of the classics in everyone’s record collection. Cole had originally recorded "Pick Yourself Up" at a break-neck tempo. Here, Shearing and Cole take things at a slow middle tempo which brings the full meaning of the lyrics into the light. "Let There Be Love" receives a rendition full of light optimism from both Cole and Shearing with drummer Shelly Manne’s softly driving support. The most challenging song must surely be "Azure-Te" with a highly inventive angularity. Praises go to Cole and Shearing for bravely going through this song. And there is surely nothing more heartbreaking than to listen to Cole’s poignant performance on "I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good" and "Lost April." The Latin rhythms influence Ralph Carmichael’s chart for Anderson’s "Serenata," scored for woodwinds and percussion added to the strings cushioned by Shearing’s Quintet and Cole’s involving vocal. The added 3 tracks are welcome additions to this marvellous album of which "The Game Of Love" and "Everything Happens To Me" receive Latin influenced performances of great verve from both Cole and Shearing. The CD ends in a lovely way with a haunting ballad "Guess I’ll Go Home." The remastering of the original stereo masters is superbly lifelike. Nothing could be a better tribute to two supreme masters than this wonderful recording.Richard Jessen
NELSON RIDDLE Sea of Dreams Out of the Night, My Isle of Golden Dreams, Tangi Tahiti, Dream, There’s No You, Drifting and Dreaming, Easter Isle, Let’s Fall in Love, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, Put Your Dreams Away, Autumn Leaves, Sea of Dreams Love Tide Bali Ha’I, Ill Wind, East of the Sun, Till the End of Time, Caravan, Sweet Leilani, Take Me in your Arms, Solitude, Santana, Honeysuckle Rose, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me, Love Tide EMI 7243 5970532, 67:41 mins. Nelson Riddle fans will give this new CD a warm welcome, since it makes available again two of his great Capitol orchestral albums. Our friend Ray Purslow (of The Record Centre, Birmingham) suggested this release to EMI, so you can be sure that it is one which has been on many collectors’ ‘wants’ lists. The booklet reprints the original LP sleeves, both front and back, but you’ll probably need a magnifying glass to read the notes! Therefore it would have been nice to have a few paragraphs with some biographical details praising Nelson’s work in popular music, otherwise how will people coming across this CD in 20 or even 50 years hence realise just how great he was? David Ades
VIKKI CARR; DISCOVERY! / DISCOVERY II. Surrey With The Fringe On Top; How Insensitive (Insensatez); Cuando Calienta El Sol Plus 21 Other Songs. EMI Two On One 7243 5 92653 2 2. The hallmarks of Vikki Carr’s recording career of forever searching for the best in music are ever present in this very welcome pairing of her second and third albums, originally released in April and October 1964 respectively. Things begin with a seductively swinging performance by Vikki Carr of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top," followed by a Burt Bacharach song "Cry Alone," performed with an appropriate torchiness by Carr. She really sparkles with bubbly performances of "Bluesette" (singing with the band in a beautiful if off mike vocalise) and "Goodbye, Charlie." Her poise and control are heard to great advantage in the medley of two songs separated by 50 years: "Poor Butterfly" and "Stay." Carr adds to her Bossa Nova songbook by singing a beautifully polished version of "Insensitive" by Jobim. A welcome addition is her second recording of a song in Spanish, a marvelously elegant "Cuando Calienta El Sol." A nod to Frank Sinatra comes with "My Melancholy Baby" on which Carr sings only the opening verse much as Sinatra did with "Stardust." Among the standout selections is a version of "Invitation" on which Carr meets the vocal challenges bravely and successfully. Bob Florence writes brilliantly timeless arrangements which gracefully support Vikki Carr’s efforts with intelligence and understanding as well as imagination. The remastering onto CD is simply fabulous. The accompanying booklet reproduces both album covers and their liner notes, giving an endearing charm to what is essentially a wonderfully reminder of not only how great of singer Vikki Carr was at this time but also just how this greatness is still there in abundance galore!Richard Jessen
GLENN MILLER Masterpieces String of Pearls, Johnson Rag, Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Perfidia, At Last, American Patrol, Little Brown Jug, Moonlight Serenade, etc… 24 tracks Vocalion CDVS 1941, 77:19 mins. This attractive collection is superb value for money. Costing around £3, it includes booklet notes plus – of course – sound restoration by Mike Dutton to the standards we have all become accustomed to expect from him. The cheap price probably recognises that many collectors will already possess all the music, but at such a bargain price (and sounding so fresh) it should happily sell in its thousands. David Ades
And still they come! When I first joined the Robert Farnon Society in 1997 a new Percy Faith CD was a real "event" trumpeted in these pages by the estimable Alan Bunting. Now with these five new releases the number of CDs available on the Collectables label alone amounts to 34.
I know that several RFS members were eagerly looking forward to Music For Her [COL-CD-7562] and I can understand why. This is an archetypal Faith mid-50s issue featuring radiant string dominated arrangements of such marvellous melodies, mostly slow and romantic, as You’re My Everything, I’ll Be Seeing You, Take Me In Your Arms, The Nearness Of You, my favourite You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To, I’ll see You In My Dreams, I Concentrate On You, Everything I Have Is Yours and The Way You Look Tonight. No need to ask why the album is so called. The sound strikes me as being very rich for a mono recording. As this is the longest LP Percy ever recorded it could not be paired with any other to form the customary 2-on-1, so we are given "bonus tracks" of five singles – True Or False and Song For Sweethearts [Come Close], both written by Faith, Blue Mirage [Don’t Go], Not As A Stranger, The World Is Mine and We Won’t Say Goodbye – to make the playing time up to a tad under 67 minutes.
Of the same vintage is Swing Low In Hi Fi [Col-CD-7611]. This is subtitled Spirituals For Orchestra and bears some comparison with Percy’s first two classic Christmas albums. The orchestra without vocals captures the deep emotions of the originals. I especially liked It’s Me Oh Lord ["standing in the need of prayer"] and you can almost smell the steam in Get On Board. There are 12 other equally well-known pieces here including Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Deep River, Steal Away and Go Down Moses; all are enhanced by Percy’s panoply of sound. For the first time with a Faith issue, Collectables have taken a leaf out of Vocalion’s book and given us a second CD for the price of one. It is something of a curiosity: A Look At Monaco, the soundtrack of a 1962 CBS television special with Percy conducting the Orchestra National De L’Opera De Monte Carlo playing his own music. Another attraction is the narration by none other than Princess Grace herself, although this may inhibit repeated listening. But I wouldn’t mind how many times I heard Percy’s impression of an Elephant inThe Zoo segment.
Moving on to the 60s and stereo, we have our first 2-on-1: Held Over! Today’s Great Movie Themes / Leaving On A Jet Plane [COL-CD-7607] 68’20". The first album was the final Faith foray into film [specifically Hollywood] music. It is a fairly lush affair with the strings, possibly, sounding a bit thinner than usual. Standout track for me is Come Saturday Morning, music by Fred Carlin [words written by Dory Previn for ‘The Sterile Cuckoo’]. Also enjoyable are Jerry Goldsmith’s Patton Theme,The Theme From "Z" [To Yelesto Pedi] by Mikis Theodorakis, Alfred Newman’s Airport Love Themeand George Delarue’s atmospheric closing number Theme From Anne Of The Thousand Days. Interestingly, in his original liner notes Gene Lees likens Faith to Robert Farnon, "hearing his inner melodic lines, hearing how perfectly he ties up every loose end". The album is purely orchestral but its pairing has the Percy Faith Chorus on every track. It is fascinating to compare the two versions ofRaindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and Ballad Of Easy Rider that feature on both albums. Other tracks on the second album include Everybody’s Talkin’, Wedding Bell Blues, George Harrison’sSomething, and Colours – all very pleasant.
Two more albums with, this time, female only chorus throughout - maybe too much for some of us - are Those Were The Days / Love Theme From "Romeo And Juliet" [COL-CD-7608]. As well as the title tracks we get 20 numbers including a wordless choral version of Theme From "A Summer Place", Bacharach’s Promises, promises, Zorba, For Once In My Life, Little Green Apples, a bouncyAquarius and Good Morning Starshine, Fool On The Hill, and Joni Mitchell’s lovely Both Sides Now.
Country Bouquet [COL-CD-7606] is a classic featuring the Percy Faith Strings first issued in 1974, nine years after its illustrious predecessor, ‘Broadway Bouquet’, with which it was coupled on a UK reissue [Sony 4930472] in 1998. Here it is paired, less appropriately, with Disco Party, which includes Cherry Cherry, El Bimbo, The King Is Dead, 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 [Blow your Whistle], Mongonucleosis, Coldwater Morning, Hava Nagilah, and a previously unreleased Sabre Dance. Mercifully, ‘though, no vocals. The first album is gorgeous with such titles as The Most Beautiful Girl, El Paso, a dreamy Songbird, quite unlike its usual treatment, Annie’s Song, Behind Closed Doors, Sundown, For The Good Times and to end, Orange Blossom Special, a "tour de force" for strings almost worth the price of the disc.
Altogether, then, a quality quintet with something for everybody.
Collectables CDs are issued in the USA and are available from the Robert Farnon Society Record Service. Full track listings may be seen at htttp:/homepages.tesco.net/~alan.bunting/
Peter Burt
Some Vintage Sounds from Living Era
Readers will know that the Sanctuary Group Living Era catalogue contains a large number of CDs featuring music from the 1920s to the 1960s, and most of them fall outside the normal scope covered by this magazine. However we know that some of you like to know what is new in this department, so we draw the following to your attention. We should add that they are all supported by comprehensive (and intelligent) booklet notes with detailed documentation, and an added bonus is the superb sound restoration by Alan Bunting.
JAN GARBER AND HIS ORCHESTRA A Melody from the Sky recordings from 1924 to 1949 Living Era CDAJA5326, 73:30 mins.
AL JOLSON Let Me Sing and I’m Happy 58 tracks recored between 1945 and 1950 Living Era CDAJS272 [2 CDs] 149 mins.
BILLIE HOLIDAY Moanin’ Low new 2-CD set comprising CDs first issued in 1996 & 1999 (not featuring Alan Bunting’s sound restoration) CDAJS282, 151 mins.
GUY MITCHELL My Truly Truly Fair 27 tracks from 1950-1953 also featuring Mindy Carson, Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney CDAJA5532
All Living Era CDs are available through the RFS Record Service.
New from Memoir
Another company which produces high quality compilations is Memoir. Like Sanctuary Living Era (above), not all their releases contain the kind of music usually featured in this magazine, but many of you like to know what is new.
HITS OF 1953 faces competition from some other companies who have had the same idea, but the inclusion of several orchestral tracks helps to make this particular collection a more accurate reflection of the music scene 50 years ago. Among the usual names (Guy Mitchell, Jo Stafford, Nat King Cole etc.) you’ll find Leroy Anderson, Frank Chacksfield, Mantovani, Les Baxter and Ray Anthony. Memoir CDMOIR 585 [2 CDs], 139 mins. Memoir CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
New Compilations from EMI
It is sometimes difficult to find something new to say about compliations. Usually they contain the ‘greatest hits’ of the artist concerned, and the inevitable question that crops up is: will the fans find anything new that they haven’t already got? To give an authoritative answer a reviewer needs some expert knowledge about what is already in the catalogue, which can cause problems if the CDs received are outside the normal scope of the writer or the magazine concerned. Which is a roundabout way of saying that I cannot be sure if the following CDs contain any gems that keen fans have been seeking for years, or if they are merely an attempt by the record company to make more money out of its back catalogue. However, EMI are one of the few friendly companies who are willing to send out promotional copies that haven’t been requested, and I have to admit that I have enjoyed listening to just about all of the following new releases, which I list in case they happen to be your favourites, too. Sorry – there isn’t space to list the titles, but you’ll probably find most of them in your local record store.
SHIRLEY BASSEY ‘Finest Collection’ 36 tracks on 2 CDs featuring some fine popular and film songs from recent decades, all performed in Shirley’s inimitable and immaculate style EMI Gold 577 5852.
MATT MONRO ‘The Collection’ Like the Shirley Bassey collection above, this is a 2-CD 36 track selection of superior songs, performed by a singer in a class of his own EMI Gold 577 5942
GLEN CAMPBELL ‘Collection’ 34 tracks on 2 CDs, with a selection of songs that are indelibly linked to the 1960s and 1970s. EMI Gold 577 5072.
PEGGY LEE – ‘The Very Best’ This appears to be a reissue of a 1997collection – just one CD, but many of Peggy’s big numbers are here. The music is wonderful, but the booklet contains no notes and does not even mention the names of the backing orchestras or arrangers. Shame on you, EMI!EMI CDMFPE 6342.
GEORGIAN CHANTS ‘The Best Georgian Chant Album in the World … Ever’ featuring The Monks and Choirboys of Downside Abbey, St Dominic’ Priory Choir and Monjes Monasterio Benedictino de Santo Domingo de Silos. 36 tracks on 2 CDs. EMI Gold 576 9042.
HOT CHOCOLATE ‘The Essential Collection’ 36 tracks on 2 CDs EMI Gold 577 4132.
ROCK ‘n’ ROLL JUKEBOX 75 tracks on 3 CDs selling for under £9 – even if some of the tracks are cover versions, there are enough ‘real’ hits here to make this good value for money. EMI Gold 597 7742.
RELAXING CINEMA CLASSICS featuring music by Brian Eno, Michael Nyman, James Horner, John Williams, Samuel Barber, Satie, Debussy, Mozart etc… Some of the tracks are not exactly what one would recognise as classical music, but their association with recent films at least makes them accessible to people who would not normally contemplate buying such a CD. Unfortunately there are no notes, and even the modern composers do not have their first names quoted. EMI Gold 592 6922.
David Ades
SIDNEY TORCH All Strings and Fancy Free Living Era CD AJA5540 74:50 mins. [full track listing in JIM 159 – page 30] Happy recollections of the heyday of ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’ and the first CD appearance of Sydney Norman’s Cornflakes make this a "must have" for your reviewer. I cannot help feeling that Sidney Torch has been overlooked somewhat in the current revival of our kind of music. He is even inexplicably missing from Peter Gammond’s otherwise excellent Oxford Companion to Popular Music. So it is only right that David Ades should have delved into his extensive collection and resurrected these particular original 78s. Nine of the 25 tracks are pieces penned by Torch, including the classic Shooting Star and the title track with its fine sounding pizzicato string sound. This is also evident to a lesser extent in Canadian In Mayfair by Angela Morley and High Heels which David reminds us, in his customary informative booklet notes, was Trevor Duncan’s first success as a composer. Another Torch arrangement is a cracking [if not quite in the Percy Faith league] six-minute, six tune Pan American Fantasy. Sharing the maestro’s love of music in the Latin idiom, I also enjoyed his own Fandango and Philippe Gerard’s Without My Lover. Other composers contributing include Coates, Ellis [an atmospheric Coronation Scot], Lecuona and Porter [arrangements by Morley], Richardson and Ross [a.k.a. Ray Martin]. The playing is robust in true Sidney Torch style and Alan Bunting’s audio restoration and remastering nothing short of wonderful. More of the same, please. Peter Burt
MANTOVANI American Scene My Old Kentucky Home, Camptown Races, I Dream Of Jeannie, The Old Folks At Home, Ring De Banjo, Beautiful Dreamer, Home On The Range, Grandfather’s Clock, Yellow Rose Of Texas, Just A-Wearyin’ For You, Turkey In The Straw, Goodnight Irene Concert Spectacular Stars And Stripes Forever, Estrellita, Theme from ‘A Summer Place’, Granada, Forgotten Dreams, Thunder And Lightning Polka, Zapateado, Londonderry Air, By The Sleepy Lagoon, A Trumpeter’s Lullaby, The Green Leaves Of Summer, The Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers. Vocalion CDLK 4157 [76.33 mins.] To my mind these two albums, now issued on CD in the UK for the first time, are musically and technically among the best Mantovani recorded. Originating from 1959 and 1960 respectively, there is that gorgeous string sound a-plenty but much more besides. The traditional American tunes, in arrangements by Cecil Milner and Monty himself, can only be described as delicious. Stephen Foster wrote the first six melodies – the massed tremolo strings in the opening number are stunning. Henry Clay Work’s Grandfather’s Clock, played on a musical box, is especially charming. The second album captures the excitement and variety of a Mantovani live performance. The well-contrasted items all have good tunes. The purple prose of the original sleeve notes conjures up "the thrilling grandeur of Thunder and Lightning Polka, the fragile, gentle beauty of Londonderry Air, and the jaunty fantasy of The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". This last piece brings back childhood memories of Larry the Lamb, Ernest the Policeman, Mr Growser, et al. Long may Mr Dutton continue to pick the plums out of the Mantovani discography. I am hoping that ‘Folk Songs Around the World’ and ‘Songs to Remember’, two albums I missed on Lp, might be on his list. And also, of course, ‘Continental Encores’, ‘Gypsy’, ‘Songs of Praise’, ‘Old and New Fangled Tangos’ …… Peter Burt
FRANK CHACKSFIELD & HIS ORCHESTRA Beyond The Sea Ebb Tide, How Deep Is The Ocean?, Deep River, Stranger On The Shore, Moonlight On The Ganges, Sea Mist, Shenandoah, The Sea, Moon River, Sleepy Lagoon, Victory At Sea The Victors The Victors – My Special Dream, Cabinet Of Caligari – Sounds Of The Night, Divorce Italian Style – Theme, The VIPs – The Willow, Days Of Wine And Roses – Theme, 8½ – Theme, From Russia With Love – Theme, A New Kind Of Love – Theme, Mondo Cane – More, Toys In The Attic – Theme, David And Lisa – Love song, The Cardinal – Main Theme. Vocalion CDLK 4222 [68:59 mins.] Michael Dutton has brought us some excellent Chacksfield mono CDs; here he turns his attention to two from the stereo years. The first is a 1964 Decca Phase 4 production that begins with a twin-channelled take on what, originally released in 1953, became a second million seller for Chacksfield by 1961 [the first being the Limelight Theme in 1953] and the first-ever British non-vocal disc to reach No.1 in the U.S. charts. It ends with a dramatic 7-minute version of Richard Rodger’s Victory At Sea, complete with sound effects. Thankfully, only Sleepy Lagoon features an ethereal female voice. The maestro himself penned Sea Mist under his Roger Senicourt pseudonym. The second album is a Decca SKL also issued in the same year, with all the arrangements by Roland Shaw. It is nice to be reminded of some attractive themes from films of the 1960s that are, with a few notable exceptions, fairly forgotten. There is some fine trumpet on Nino Rota’s theme for Fellini’s 8½ [I remember a ‘Steptoe’ episode where Albert asks whether this is the director’s hat size] and, characteristically, the French horn [Neil Sanders?] stands out on several tracks, notably Cabinet of Caligari. But there is a lustre about earlier reissued Chacksfield recordings not always obvious here. He is definitely at his best, too, with music in the romantic/lyrical idiom and, although well recorded, quite entertaining and worth buying at the price, I would not put either of these 2-on-1 albums in my all-time Chacksfield top 10. Peter Burt
FERDE GROFE Grand Canyon Suite (Sunrise, Painted Desert, On the Trail, Sunset, Cloudburst), Mississippi Suite (Father of Waters, Huckleberry Finn, Old Creole Days, Mardi Gras), Niagara Falls Suite (Thunder of the Waters, Devil’s Hole Massacre, Honeymooners, Power of Niagara).Naxos 6.110002 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by William T. Stromberg.This companion disc to the earlier set of Grofe suites is simply superb. Has there ever been a more atmospheric piece of light music than the Grand Canyon Suite? One can almost feel the shimmering heat at noon and the hailstones rattling down the gorge during the all-consuming thunderstorm. Grofe was a master of all kinds of music from popular songs, through light classical to expansive arrangements for Paul Whiteman’s original big band but this is perhaps his most memorable. If you like light music then you cannot afford to be without it. Edmund Whitehouse
BRITISH BY ARRANGEMENT 2 Three American Sketches (Peter Hope); Tango in D (Albeniz arr. Malcolm Arnold); Majorcan Fantasy (Peter Hope); Airs & Graces (Eric Wetherell); Mexican Hat Dance (Peter Hope); Fantasia & Fugue on the theme B-A-C-H (Liszt, arr. Christopher Phelps); The Lark in the Clear Air (Peter Hope); Fantasia on Auld Lang Syne (Ernest Tomlinson). Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group Whiteline CD WHL 2155. Yet another masterpiece from producer Philip Lane and conductor Gavin Sutherland with the promise of more to come. It’s all jolly good British stuff with an outstanding final extended offering by our very own Ernest Tomlinson, which includes all the instruments of the orchestra plus a few tinkling pots and pans thrown in for good measure. It is titled Auld Lang Syne but that is just an excuse to enjoy a real Lancashire hotpot of just about every famous classical tune one can think of. Great stuff! Peter Hope is represented with four excellent original pieces while Eric Wetherell, Christopher Phelps and Malcolm Arnold all chip in with handy arrangements. Whatever next? Peter Worsley
GUILD LIGHT MUSIC series - Vol. 4 Great British Light Orchestras; Vol. 5 Great American Light Orchestras. (For details and track listings please see JIM 159) When my review of the Guild Series appeared in JIM 159, it will have been apparent to readers that I had not yet had the opportunity to listen to volumes 4 and 5; this situation has now been remedied. I am delighted to report that the high standard of volumes 1-3 has certainly been maintained, perhaps even surpassed. The format remains the same, with a good mix of established favourites, together with some real gems which have "made it" onto CD for the first time. Once again, David Ades has expertly compiled and sequenced the programmes, whilst Alan Bunting’s digitally restored sound is quite outstanding. Also worthy of mention, and an object lesson to some other record companies, is the first-class graphic design and presentation of the entire series, this being the work of Paul Brooks. Amongst the items on the "English" CD are two pieces which will evoke memories of the early post-WWII "BBC Television Service" - as it was then known; Eric Coates’ "Television March", the service’s signature tune, and "Spring Morning", a George Melachrino composition for the EMI Mood Music Library, which was used from time to time behind the stories on "Television Newsreel". The "American" CD contains some particularly interesting material, including a little-known piece by Terrig Tucci (composer of "Edelma"), entitled "Holiday in Rio" – did he write anything else, I wonder? I understand that yet more CDs are soon to follow; I am sure these will be eagerly awaited by the growing band of Guild collectors. Tony Clayden
BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC DISCOVERIES 6 March Past of the RAF (Walford Davies); Legend of the Lake (Gareth Glyn); Londonderry Air (Hamilton Harty); Rondo in A (John Field); Overture 1912 (Iain Hamilton); Tarka the Otter; Serenata (David Fanshawe); Frank Lloyd Wright Suite (Christopher Slaski). Gavin Sutherland conducting the Royal Ballet Sinfonia ASV WHL 2149. John Field, Walford Davies and Hamilton Harty need no introduction and their splendid music survives them. Iain Hamilton’s Overture 1912 is dedicated to Dan Leno and the music hall genre in which he performed for so many years, while Gareth Glyn’s Legend of the Lake has much to do with mystic Anglesey where he lives. Tarka the Otter still remains popular today but Christopher Slaski is a young composer making a mark in the concert hall, his Frank Lloyd Wright Suite being an evocation of various buildings designed by the famous American architect. How much more British Light Music is out there left to be discovered? We can only surmise what producer Philip Lane and conductor Gavin Sutherland still have stashed up their sleeves. Edmund Whitehouse
PROMISES KEPT Steve Kuhn with strings Lullaby, Life's backward glance, Trance, Morning dew, Promises kept, Adagio, Celtic princess, Nostalgia, Oceans in the sky, Pastorale. Steve Kuhn piano, David Finck Bass, Orchestrated and conducted by Carlos Franzetti. ECM1815, timing 58:26 mins. ECM releases although beautifully recorded and packaged often come across as slightly sterile. There are exceptions and we certainly have one here! This CD is better described melodic, evocative and a treat for the senses. All are original compositions by Steve Kuhn, displaying seductive lushness in both writing and execution. This CD is a showcase for stellar and like minded musicians, completely outclassing similar set-ups. Paul Clatworthy
ELIZABETH JANE BALDRY, Harp Victorian Fairy Harp Music Ballade de la Fée, A Fairy Legend, Ondina, Recollections of the Enchantress, In Twilight Hour, In Fairyland, Conte de Fées, Le Révil des Elfes, Choeur de Nymphes, La Danza degli Spiriti Campion CAMEO 2025, 65:42 mins. The actual title of this charming collection is ‘Harp of wild and dreamlike Strain’, which gives a clue to the delights to be found on this little silver disc. Elizabeth Jane Baldry is fascinated with harp music from the Victorian era, and listening to this collection one can imagine an elegantly dressed young lady gently caressing a harp to the delight of the assembled company in the large lounge of a country house, illuminated by the flickering light of dozens of candles from several glass chandeliers. Such is the power of beautiful music to get one’s fertile imagination wandering! These are all premiere recordings of long-forgotten works (by composers such as Felix Godefroid, Charles Oberthür, Giorgio Lorenzi and John Balsir Chatterton) discovered by Elizabeth Jane in various nineteenth century archives. The recording was made in the ballroom of Buckland Manor in Devon, and the acoustic seems perfectly suited to the harp. If you need some soothing listening to transport you well away from the troubles of the day, you could hardly do better than select several tracks from this magical collection. Pure delight from start to finish! David Ades Campion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service, price £12 [US $24].
BEBEL GILBERTO Simplesmente, Aganju, All around, River song, Every day you've been away, Cada beijo, O Caminho, Baby, Ce'u distante, Winter, Jabuticaba, Next to you. Warner East West 5050467 3266 20, 47:56 mins. Don't be put off by the titles, the bulk of lyrics are in English and her voice is made in heaven. When you absorb the sound you will think you are listening to Astrud Gilberto all over again! Nine of the delectable songs are written by Bebel, sometimes collaborating, all twelve tracks imbibed with pure hands in the air pleasure. The accompaniment is sometimes sparse sometimes full bloodied but always gorgeous and aurally stunning. It should sell by the bucket load. Paul Clatworthy
CYRIL STAPLETON Come ‘N’ Get It 12 original compositions by Reg Owen Songs You Won’t Easily Forget Stranger on the Shore, English Country Garden, Catch a Falling Star, Romantica, Sway, Moon River, I Can’t Stop Loving You, etc..Vocalion CDLK4232, 70:44 mins. If anyone needs an example of the great versatility of the Cyril Stapleton Orchestra, it can certainly be found on this CD. The first LP features 12 Reg Owen big band numbers that will have found favour at the time, because thousands of British young men were still being conscripted into National Service when the LP first came out in 1959. The second LP (from 1962) contains some lovely light orchestral arrangements by Len Stevens, that fine composer of so many works for the mood music libraries. David Ades
THE MANY MOODS OF ANN RICHARDS By myself, Be easy, be tender, Where do you go, I'm gonna laugh, I gotta have you, Lazy afternoon, Something's coming, Every time, When the sun comes out, Poor little extra girl, Seasons Reasons, I'm late. Arrangements by Ralph Carmichael, Bill Holman and Tak Shindo. TOO MUCH! accompanied by Stan Kenton's Orchestra. It's a wonderful world, The morning after, I was the last to know, My kinda love, I got rhythm, No moon at all, Don't be that way, Suddenly I'm sad, Nobody like my baby, All or nothing at all. Arrangements by Gene Roland, Johnny Richards, Bill Holman, Stan Kenton and Wayne Dunstan, Capitol 7243 5 97055 2, 2-CD, 78:33 mins. I've always treasured Ann's album made with Brian Farnon, I was not in to vocals so much then, the Farnon name was the draw! There are plenty of songs on the first album that unfathomably got lost along the way. Nice strings on "I'm gonna laugh" and the writing on "Something's coming" is the best I have heard since Frank Comstock's version for The Hi Lo's. The second half gets off to a bad start with a scat reading of "It's' a wonderful world" which sounds more like Ann forgot the lyrics! Give me Peggy Lee any day! Kenton's score featuring trombones on "I was the last one to know" provides one of the highlights of the CD. Bill Holman's slow inventive start of "I got rhythm" rings the changes more than a little, Ann goes over the top at the close spoiling it! Despite my few gripes a good package. Paul Clatworthy
WERNER MULLER Wild Strings The Breeze and I, Dance Ballerina Dance, Hora Staccato, Moonglow, Ritual Fire Dance, El Rancho Grande, TD’s boogie woogie, Granada, Vilia, How Hight the Moon, Lady of Spain, The World is Waiting for the Sunrise Percussion in the Sky You Are my Lucky Star, The High and Mighty, Don’t Let the Stars Get in your Eyes, I Got the Sun in the Morning, Blue Moon, Look for a Star, Moonlight Becomes You, Over the Rainbow, I’m Sitting on top of the World, The Moon Was Yellow, Stairway to the Stars, When You Wish Upon a Star Vocalion CDLK4235, 64:22. In my early teens I became aware of the exciting sound of the Werner Müller Orchestra, and it used to be a cause of great frustration at the time to discover that his Polydor LPs were only available in Germany, and currency restrictions made it virtually impossible to import them into Britain. Eventually things changed for the better, and "Wild Strings" was eagerly snapped up as soon as it appeared on Decca’s ‘new release’ lists in 1963 (not 1969 as the CD states). "Percussion in the Sky" is perhaps a bit over the top with its stereo gimmicks, but both albums were fine examples of their kind. I’m glad to have them available again on CD. David Ades
BOUND FOR GLORY Songs and Piano Pieces on a Railway Theme From a Railway Carriage(Francis Jackson, Alec Rowley, Henry Ley, Carol Barratt); Adlestrop (Gordon Jacob, Ivor Gurney, Peter Duffy, John Mc Lain); Traveller’s Song (Glinka); Ambulance Train (John Jeffreys); Midnight on the Great Western, Calypso (Britten); Coronation Scott (Vivian Ellis); The Railroad (Geoffrey Kimpton); Metropolitan Railway (Leslie East); Diss (Geoffrey Wright), Skimbleshanks (Cats) (A.L. Webber); The Old Railway Line, I Came To Oxford, The Demise of Harpenden Junction Box (John Mc Lain); Railroad Rhythm (Billy Mayerl); Slow Train (Flanders/Swan); British Rail (Mervyn Horder);Canon Gloy (Hely-Hutchinson), This Train (Maw) Gordon Pullin (tenor), John Gough (piano) SOSSCD 369, can be obtained from Gordon Pullen at Treakles, Kettlebaston, Suffolk, 1P7 7QA, £10 inc. p&p 70:03 mins. Railways have inspired much music; most of it lightish, and this nicely recorded disc largely exemplifies that. Some items, like the Britten Midnight on the Great Western, Jeffry’sAmbulance Train and possibly the four settings of that charming poem Adlestrop, are relatively serious, but most of the others, including the two Betjeman ones (Metropolitan Railway and Diss),Skimbleshanks, Calypso and British Rail, even Slow Train, despite its underlying sadness, are light-hearted. Mr. Pullin’s light tenor, with outstandingly good diction, makes the most of them. Four songs are by RFS member John Mc Lain: rounded, lyrical and grateful to the voice, they are in the ballad tradition. This Train is a Negro spiritual, brilliantly set by Nicholas Maw. John Gough’s lively accompaniments contribute much; of his two solos, Railroad Rhythm is admirably done and, although it obviously lacks the colour of the familiar orchestral version, it is interesting to hear Coronation Scot’s piano version. Philip L. Scowcroft
JANE FROMAN The Memorable Radio Years. At The Candlelight Cafe, Stormy Weather, Lover, Just For Now, You Walk By, Rhode Island Is Famous For You, My Darling My Darling, Where Or When, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Again, But Where Are You, Buttons And Bows, Coffee In The Morning, Speak Your Heart, When I See An Elephant Fly, April In Paris, Speak Low, Orchids In The Moonlight, What’s The Use of Wonderin’, Papa Won’t You Dance With Me, They Can’t Take That Away From Me. Frank Bristow FBCDll3, 77:30 mins. Miss Froman will be best remembered for the 1952 film of her life, With A Song In My Heart starring Susan Hayward in the role of Froman, who sound tracked all her own songs with Hayward doing a marvellous job of lip-synching. This CD doesn’t include those songs, covering earlier radio years (1934-1949), and it is obvious that at the age of 27 the soprano wasn’t yet into popular music. This is more apparent in her duet with her then husband Don Ross (played by David Wayne in the movie), with whom Jane Froman had appeared in Ziegfeld Follies Of l934, onCoffee In The Morning (And Kisses In The Night). But her voice and style developed over the years, and by the time she did a duet with James Melton on Speak Low ten years later Jane Froman was in every way an ideal popular singer. What gives this collection a possible appeal to RFS readers is, firstly, the presence of Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra on What’s The Use Of Wonderin’ and, secondly, the fact that the first half of the CD is from a. 1948 radio series with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. It’s all good standard material with vocal and instrumental performances of equal quality, my only possible complaint being the incessant announcements and long-winded introduction that American comperes seem to delight in. Arthur Jackson
Frank Bristow’s CDs are only available direct from him in Australia: Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA – e-mail
RONNIE ALDRICH and his two pianos Liebestraum, The Story of a Starry Night, Till the End of Time, Story of Three Loves, etc.. Melodies from the Classics Pavane, Rondo alla Turca, Cavatina, Moment Musical 3, Gymnopedie 1, Badinerie, etc.Vocalion CDLK4230, 75:41 mins. Vocalion is doing Ronnie Aldrich fans proud, with a continuing flow of new reissues of his Decca albums. These two concentrate on light classics, and they fit nicely together on one CD. Aldrich fans (and there are many of them around the world) will eagerly snap this one up. David Ades
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Violin Concerto in G minor Op 80; Antonin Dvorak: Violin Concerto in A minor Op 53 Phillipe Graffin, violin. Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra/Michael Hankinson AVID AV0044 (obtainable through record dealers in the UK).Although Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (b. London 1875) is generally regarded as a quintessential Light Music composer, he belongs to a select group which includes Edward German, Haydn Wood and – as discussed in JIM 159 – Montague Phillips, all of whom embraced both ‘light’ and ‘serious’ works. A student of the RCM, where he was highly regarded by his composition teacher Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, and encouraged in his early career by Sir Edward Elgar – no less, he wrote a symphony, a good deal of chamber music and several cantatas. Amongst the latter, "Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast", first performed in 1898 under Stanford’s direction, enjoyed enormous popularity in its day, on a par with Handel’s "Messiah". The Violin Concerto dates from the last year of his tragically foreshortened life. It was written for the American violinist Maud Powell, who gave its first performance in June 1912; however, that event was very nearly scuppered when the orchestral parts were lost on the Titanic. Happily, Coleridge-Taylor managed to produce another set at the last minute, but failing health prevented him from journeying to the US for the premiere; he died from pneumonia brought on by overwork, having just achieved his 38th birthday in September 1912. The Concerto was subsequently given in London in the same year at the Queen’s Hall under Sir Henry Wood, but has only received a few performances since, and is here making its recording debut. Musically, it recalls the composer’s great hero, Antonin Dvorak; also at times Edvard Grieg, and in the rich use of the brass section, Coleridge-Taylor’s erstwhile mentor, Elgar. Those familiar with any of C-T’s compositions will immediately recognise the composer’s own distinctive ‘fingerprints’. It is our good fortune that more and more works of this kind are being rediscovered and recorded, and congratulations are due to the South African production team for making such an attractive piece available with this new release. Very appropriately, its coupling is the Dvorak Concerto, which was also given its first performance in the States by Maud Powell. Undoubtedly it never became as popular as some other contemporary violin concertos, eg those of Johannes Brahms or Max Bruch; perforce it has always had to play ‘second fiddle’ to its famous sibling – the Cello Concerto. A thoroughly enjoyable CD, warmly recommended. Tony Clayden
INTERMISSION IMPOSSIBLE 31 tracks featuring "Two-Way Stretch", "Cheyne Walk", "Let’s Skip", "See You Soon", "Traveller’s Joy", "Waltz In Jazztime", "These Foolish Things" amongst others (for full tracklisting please see the advertisement on page 23 of this issue). Here’s another CD living up to the excellence in sound quality we now come to expect from the compilations of Steven Wills, remastered by Lucy Reeve. This 31-track compilation from the Cavendish Library features the Big Band Sound of Ray Davies of "Button Down Brass" fame. Your mission is to play this CD and experience a variety of different tempos and styles covering Latin, Mexican, Dance Band, Big Band and Jazz. Each track has been carefully chosen to give a taste of this library which sounds as fresh today as it did way back in the late 1960’s. These tunes would fit into any of the daytime output of the late BBC Light Programme or the early BBC Radio 2 fayre of the 1970’s. Remember Track 8? This was used as one of the themes from BBC Radio 2’s popular music quiz "Beat The Record" with Don Davis and Track 22 is a most endearing version of Jack Strachey’s "These Foolish Things" you ever did hear. If your mission is to listen to a quality big band CD, then this intermission is definitely not impossible! Malcolm Batchelor
FRANK D’RONE: Dear Frank – The Song Is You. I’ve Got The World on a String, The Song Is You, You Go To My Head, You Make Me Feel So Young, They Say It’s Wonderful, It Might As Well Be Spring, Moonlight Becomes You, I Only Have Eyes For You, It Happened In Monterey, I Concentrate On You, Lonesome Road, What’s New, The Girl Next Door, In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning (see below re availability). Frank Sinatra was godfather to Frank D’Rone’s son, but it was only recently that this tribute album was recorded, and what joy to find that not only has the singer’s voice lost none of its richness and accuracy of pitch, but that he still swings like the complete musician he is. Frank D’Rone came along just as the world of singers was giving way to the world of rock, and perhaps missed the big hits he deserved. However, those who, like me, remember and cherish his great recordings of the sixties and seventies, will be more than happy with this untypical collection of songs which Sinatra recorded – so untypical, in fact, that the list of titles alone doesn’t automatically make one think of him. D’Rone’s distinctive and impeccable phrasing brings something new to each track, yet, as in I Concentrate On You, in a way that I’m sure even Cole Porter would have approved, while arranger/ trumpeter/ fluegelhorn player Bob Perna’s driving group provides a backing that’s a constant treat to the ear. And those who remember Frank’s exceptional guitar skills will get a special kick from hearing him accompany himself on Wee Small Hours. Those who take the trouble to get a copy of this gem will not be disappointed. (This CD is available from Frank D’Rone at, or by mail to 1002 Briarcliffe Boulevard, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187, USA., for $15 plus postage). Pip Wedge
The Latest Releases from PERCY FAITH: The Columbia Singles – Volume 1 (1950-1951)Tzin-Tzun-Tzan; I Cross My Fingers (with Russ Emery); Violins From Nowhere (with Toni Arden); They Can't Take That Away from Me; I Was Dancing With Someone (with Toni Arden); Friendly Star; Goodbye John; If I Had A Magic Carpet; The Loveliest Girl I Know (previously unissued); This Is The Time; Green Grass And Peaceful Pastures (with Andy Roberts); I'm In The Middle Of A Riddle; Norah (with the Shillelagh Singers); A Kiss And A Promise; No One But You (with Johnny Thompson); You Are The One; Zing Zing Zoom Zoom; Come Home (previously unissued); The Circus Day Parade; The Happy Calliope Song; Black Ball Ferry Line; (with the Skylarks); The Wondrous Word Of The Lord (with the Skylarks featuring Les Scott); Always, Always (vocal by Peter Hanley); I Want To Be Near You (vocal by Peter Hanley); When The Saints Go Marching In (featuring the All Star Dixielanders); There She Goes; I Talk To The Trees (vocal by Peter Hanley & The Magic Voices); Would You (vocal by Peter Hanley & The Magic Voices). All tracks not credited with a vocalist feature a chorus. The observant will notice that two of the tracks have never been issued before. (USA) Collectables COL7635.
THE COLUMBIA SINGLES - Volume 2 (1952 - 1958) Festival (with chorus); Da-Du (with chorus); Over The Mountain (with chorus); Rap-A-Tat-Tat (The Dancing Cat) (with chorus); Funny Fellow (with chorus); Little Jumping Jack (with chorus); The Mosquitoes' Parade (with chorus); Everybody Loves Saturday Night (With The Paulette Sisters & Burt Taylor); Rainfall (with Bernie Leighton, Harpsichord); Land Of The Pharaohs; The Rose Tattoo (with chorus); We All Need Love (with chorus); Valley Valparaiso (with chorus); Baby Doll; The Last Dance; What's It Like In Paree? (Vocal By Barbara Manners); Katsumi Love Theme (From "Sayonara"); Never Till Now (From "Raintree County");: Do I Need You (Previously Unreleased) (with chorus);The Stars (with chorus); Somewhere (From "West Side Story") (Previously Unreleased);Maria (From "West Side Story"); The Impala Theme; Indiscreet (From "Indiscreet");Same Old Moon (From "Marjorie Morningstar"); Isle Of Paradise (Sur La Plage); Pyramid Dance (Heart Of Stone) (From "Goldilocks".) This is a superb compilation and, in my humble opinion, worth buying just to have the amazing full orchestral arrangement of Somewhere - awesome, and far better than the version on BROADWAY BOUQUET. Note also that Maria is not the same arrangement as on HOLLYWOOD'S GREAT THEMES. As well as two previously unreleased tracks, other gems are Rainfall, Land Of The Pharaohs and the excitingPyramid Dance - what a pity the maestro didn't record more of Anderson's wonderful music. (USA) Collectables COL7636.
I THINK I LOVE YOU The original album plus 7 selected singles Theme from "Cactus Flower" (The Time For Love Is Anytime) : Peppermint Hill And Strawberry Lane : Theme For Young Lovers Anytime Of The Year : Theme From "Kotch" : The Godfather Waltz : Emanuelle - The Joys Of A Woman. (USA) Collectables COL7653 – release date 9th November. Alan Bunting
GARY WILLIAMS with The JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRA ‘Alone Together’ Just In Time, Where or When, Why Shouldn’t I, Just One of Those Things, I Remember You, I Get Along Without You Very Well, If I Had You, More Than You Know, You’re Sensational, My Buddy, I’ll Be Around, Time After Time, The End of a Love Affair, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Alone Together Vocalion Digital CDSA6809, 55:10 minutes. This CD arrived just as we were going to press, so it has been slotted in to this feature literally at the last minute. Which means that space is limited, so the following comments should be regarded as a ‘teaser’ to a feature on Gary that will appear in our next issue. RFS members who saw him with the magnificent John Wilson Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall in the Spring of 2003 will know that he certainly understands how to handle a song. Other readers will have seen him in various concerts around Britain, and there is no doubt that he is building a strong following of loyal fans. Although Gary often sings songs that are associated with the great stars of the past half century, he doesn’t try to copy them note for note. Sensibly he is developing his own style, and this new CD must surely be the very best thing that he has done to date. He can handle the ballads and swing numbers with the same gentle ease, and it all seems so effortless. Yet in the background there is the strong impression that you are listening to a fine young singer who has worked hard at his craft, and who has a great future ahead of him. His choice of material includes several titles that are lesser known (full marks for that) and it is so pleasing to hear some unfamiliar verses. The CD booklet informs us that the lush orchestrations are by Andrew Cottee – we must find out some more about him. The John Wilson Orchestra perform as brilliantly as always, and this is a superior quality product from start to finish. It should be in the Christmas stocking of everyone who appreciates the finest popular music that is around in 2004. David Ades
ERIC PARKIN plays PARKIN "Nighthawks" Encounters, Moods, Nighthawks, MovietunesShellwood SWCD19. One of our very finest pianists has made numerous recordings of the music of many great composers, so it is good to be able to hear a new CD entirely devoted to his own creations. In his booklet notes Eric Parkin explains that the paintings of Edward Hopper have fired his inspiration for the eight titles in the ‘Nighthawks’ section. Some of the artist’s atmospheric paintings of American life are reproduced, displaying the boredom and loneliness that can permeate life. ‘Encounters’ was prompted by the sight of passengers coming and going at the Channel Tunnel train terminal at London’s Waterloo station. ‘Movietunes’ recalls the late Christopher Palmer, whose work resulted in the rediscovery of so much fine film music, and introduced Eric Parkin in particular to the works of Miklos Rozsa. Finally ‘Moods’ is affectionately dedicated to Robert Farnon. Eric explains that Bob has always encouraged him to write down his improvisations, and there are plans for all these eight works to be published in due course. There is so much to enjoy in this magical collection, and piano lovers shouldn’t hesitate to acquire it. David Ades Shellwood CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA AND THE MIKE SAMMES SINGERS Kismet Overture, Sands Of Time, Rhymes Have I, Baubles, Bangles And Beads, Not since Nivevah, Stranger In Paradise, He’s In Love, Gesticulate, Night Of My Nights, Was I Wazir?, Rehadlakum, And This Is My Beloved, The Olive Tree, Zubbediya, Samaris Dance, Finale Act II Vocalion Decca Archives CDLF 8104 Back in 1964 this was, apart from original cast theatre recordings, Decca’s first serious excursion into the realms of the musical. The score by George Wright and George Forrest, both of whom attended the Kingsway Hall recording, is based on the splendid music by one of the most naturally gifted of all Russian classical composers, Alexander Borodin. Obviously nothing was spared in production and the cast list is impressive: Robert Merrill, Adele Leigh, Kenneth McKellar, Ian Wallace [how good to hear him again] and Regina Reznik. The first named is very much the singing star of the show. Nevertheless, Mantovani is clearly in charge as he shows in the Overture; his direction bringing plenty of sparkle as well as sumptuousness. The orchestra’s strings contribution to Stranger and Beloved demonstrates that old spine-tingling factor. The sound throughout is as highly spectacular as one might expect from a good Phase 4 recording, with just the occasional touch of over-modulation, and the album is an unexpected and most welcome addition to this label’s growing inventory of the great man’s re-issues.
Peter Burt
GUILD LIGHT MUSIC
full tracklistings in JIM 160 & 161
GLCD 5106 – THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC – 1930s
GLCD 5107 – CHARLES WILLIAMS & THE QUEEN’S HALL LIGHT ORCHESTRA
GLCD 5108 – BRITISH CINEMA AND THEATRE ORCHESTRAS
GLCD 5109 – LIGHT MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN
GLCD 5110 – MANTOVANI – BY SPECIAL REQUEST
Although a substantial number of Light Music CDs have become available in recent years, none have exclusively concentrated on pre-1940 recordings; this in contrast to the many re-issues of Dance Band, Jazz and other music of that era. However, the gap has now been admirably filled by two of these new releases. The 1930s CD combines a good mixture of well-known favourites, eg The Glow Worm Idyll, March of the Bowmen, (a particularly spirited performance), Butterflies in the Rain, etc, with some very interesting – albeit less familiar – pieces by British, American and European composers and orchestras. Good examples of these are the Overture – The Immortals by Reginald King, (a very rare recording which I understand was ‘unearthed’ by an overseas RFS member), and the Overture from the Dance Suite by Kunneke. British Cinema and Theatre Orchestras consists of recordings all made between 1931-39, and features some notable conductors, including Geraldo, Richard Crean, William Pethers, Joseph Muscant, Alfred Van Dam and Hyam Greenbaum; the last mentioned became first musical director of the BBC Television Orchestra in 1936. Much of the music will be immediately familiar and emanates from a distinguished line-up of composers, including Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Vivian Ellis, Albert Ketelbey and Rudolf Friml. With a generous running time of over 78 minutes spread over nineteen tracks, this is a most attractive collection. A further trio of CDs returns us to the 40s and 50s. Charles Williams and the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra contains items from the early Chappell library, and with few exceptions the recordings are appearing commercially for the first time – there is little duplication between this and previous QHLO offerings from other companies. It is good to see and hear the two Charles Shadwell compositions, ditto the Percy Fletcher, Montague Phillips, and John Holliday pieces. In Light Music From the Silver Screen, we have another selection of absolute gems. During WWII, a good many ‘epic’ movies were produced, and these often featured a comprehensive musical score with a big theme – eg the famous "Denham Concertos". After the war this trend continued and the collection here includes music from films which appeared between 1946-1953. The roll-call of composers and conductors includes such luminaries as Robert Farnon, Sidney Torch, Charles Williams, Ron Goodwin, Philip Green, Muir Matheson and George Melachrino. From the pen of the latter, Vision d’Amour(from the film Woman to Woman) subsequently became part of a suite, Sketches from Life, with the alternative title, Loving. The 22 tracks will surely stir many memories and be a great delight to aficionados of film music from a relatively short-lived golden age during the immediate post-war period. And so to the final CD in this group – Mantovani by Special Request. Annunzio Paulo Mantovani was one of the great figures in the 20th century music scene. He was active from the beginning of the 1920s, an era when Radio and Gramophone Records were becoming a major force in home entertainment. By the 30s he had established his Tipica Orchestra, which was destined to become extremely popular. After the war, it evolved into an enlarged concert orchestra, and with the essential help of arranger Ronald Binge, he went on to sell literally millions of records worldwide. This compilation comprises tracks which have not previously appeared on re-issue CDs; these all date from between 1944-53 and in many cases have been included at the suggestion of Mantovani admirers, hence the CD’s title. Some of the pieces have an obvious thirties flavour, whilst others have an interim style, before the definitive ‘Mantovani sound’ which took off in the early/middle fifties. As with most of the GUILD CDs, there is a lot of material here that previously has not been heard in a long time, but once again will certainly jog a lot of memories! Having spoken at length to David Ades and Alan Bunting about the preparation of this series, I am well aware of the dedication and much ‘midnight oil’ which has gone into the realisation of these CDs. The sound quality is mostly of such a high standard that it has me searching around for new superlatives – it is difficult to believe just how old some of the recordings actually are. The results speak for themselves – these five new releases are worthy successors to the previous five, and are unreservedly recommended as definite ‘must haves’ And there are yet more to come…! Tony Clayden
FRANK CHACKSFIELD & HIS ORCHESTRA Beyond The Sea Track listing in JIM 160 The New Limelight Limelight Theme, The Man That Got Away, In The Still Of The Night, Scarlet Ribbons, Smile, Tonight, Theme from "Picnic" introducing Moonglow, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Night And Day, Here I Am, "Warsaw " Concerto Decca 475 614-9 At long last Decca have got around to transferring some of their famed Phase 4 LPs onto CD. And in 2-on-1 packaging, too. Trouble is with the first album here, Mike Dutton has beaten them to it by a matter of weeks [see my review last time]. There are some fine tunes on the second album and a good version of the concerto. The sound is brilliant and reasonably atmospheric, and this coupling may appeal – if you’ve not already bought the Vocalion. A pity about the duplication when there is so much other good stuff from Chacksfield still denied us. Peter Burt
MAURICE LARCANGE Accordion MICHEL LEGRAND – What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, The Summer Knows, Windmills Of Your Mind, etc ; CHARLES AZNAVOUR Dance In The Old Fashioned Way, Yesterday When I Was Young, She, etc… with Roland Shaw Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4268, 76:39 mins. Back in the 1970s Decca recorded at least four Phase-4 LPs featuring the French accordionist Maurice Larcange. I cannot recall having heard them previously, but have to admit that the first two – now available on this new Vocalion CD – have come as a very pleasant surprise. Each LP is a tribute to a leading French composer, and it seems likely that most of the tracks have been arranged by Roland Shaw. For the Legrand LP Decca gave him the London Festival Orchestra and Chorus, and the spectacular sound right at the start of the CD alerts you to the fact that this is certainly not the kind of accordion music that used to be performed by various ensembles back in the 1930s! Here the accordion is used as a feature within the large orchestra, somewhat similar to the sounds which sometimes feature in recordings by Mantovani or Frank Chacksfield. The Aznavour selection has a slightly smaller ensemble (probably around 30 players), which seems to suit the composer’s style better. After a while you tend to forget that this is actually meant to be an ‘Accordion CD’ – in the hands of Maurice Larcange it simply becomes a part of the orchestra, and as far as I am concerned he produces some beautiful sounds. Perhaps this may not appeal to purists who prefer their orchestras in the traditional style, but I suspect that many people who are prepared to buy something a little different for a change may well enjoy it as much as I do. David Ades
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA – MUSIC FOR WIND BAND – Volume 5 Marches: The Minnesota March, The Thunderer, The Pride of the Wolverines, University of Nebraska, The Gallant Seventh, Powhattan’s Daughter, George Washington Bicentennial, The Diplomat, The Directorate, Our Flirtation, Sabre and Spurs, The Atlantic Pageant. Suite: Cubaland. Waltz: The Charlatan Waltzes. Band of the Royal Artillery conducted by Keith Brion NAXOS 8.559131 59.00mins. The sessions for Volume 5 of what is promised as the complete edition of Sousa’s complete works for wind band herald a return to the Blackheath Concert Halls. This is a disc full of rarities as with the almost solitary exception of the 1889 march The Thunderer most of the remaining titles here will be unfamiliar to the general non-specialist collector. However, the innocent ear, listening to the opening item here The Minnesota March, would probably have no great difficulty in guessing the identity of the composer since it is full of his characteristically flamboyant style and mannerisms. Of particular interest is the three movement Cubaland Suite each section of which reflects the changing government of this Caribbean country complete with appropriate national melodies. The Charlatan Waltzes from Sousa’s 1898 operetta are full of charm and would not have disgraced those of Parisian Waltz King Emile Waldteufel. On a somewhat more poignant note Keith Brion mentions in his notes that the George Washington Bicentennial march of 1930 was first played under Sousa’s baton at an impressive ceremony at the Capital Plaza in Washington in February 1932 just a month before the ‘March King’s’ death. Apparently The Diplomat was one of Sousa’s personal favourites but as far as this collection goes the palm for me goes to the 1918 march Sabre and Spurs the trio of which replicates the hoof beats of mounted horseman and makes felicitous use of the xylophone. In sum there’s some wonderfully ebullient, invigorating music here brimming with joie de vivre calculated surely to bring a smile to even the most dour curmudgeon. Recently a CD review magazine described the Royal Artillery Band as ‘a top notch ensemble’ and who would dare to argue with that? Super sonics and super budget price! Incidentally this fifth volume has been released in honour of the sesquicentennial of Sousa’s birth in 1854. Roger Hyslop
DEBBIE WISEMAN: Original soundtrack score for the film "Arsène Lupin" Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by Debbie Wiseman (France) EMI 8636282. In her booklet note, Debbie Wiseman describes this film as "a movie that every film composer dreams of scoring. A film full of action, suspense, mystery, drama, humour and romance." Which just about covers every human emotion, so it would have to be a very special composer that the producers would entrust for such a work. It is a measure of Debbie’s high standing in the film world, that she should have been engaged for a major foreign film such as this, and it hardly needs saying that the end result is simply superb. Whatever she does, she seems to be able to get beneath the surface of the actions and emotions of all concerned. Thank goodness that modern composers like Debbie are maintaining the very highest standards of film composing. David Ades
JULIUS KATCHEN AND MANTOVANI & HIS ORCHESTRA Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/Piano Concerto in F Decca 475 615-9 This album from 1955 is reissued by Decca in a new limited Heritage series celebrating its 75th anniversary. Delighted as I am for the company to be bringing back items from its years of light music pomp, I must admit to being a tad surprised at the choice here. The combination of artists makes the disc something of a collector’s item, and we can hear how Monty handles an 85-strong orchestra, but for the very best versions of these works look elsewhere. Peter Burt
SIGMUND GROVEN, Harmonica Here, There and Everywhere Title tracks, Two Beatles Girls – Eleanor and Michelle, Three American Sketches for Harmonica and Strings, Nordic Night, Midnight in Moscow, Tbliso, Down Under, Theme from ‘The Sundowners’, Yesterday, Gloria, Norwegian Wood, Sentimentango, Adagietto for Harmonica and Strings with The Norwegian Radio Orchestra conducted by John Wilson (Norway) Grappa GRCD4197, total timing 62:00 mins. For many years Sigmund worked closely with the late, great, Tommy Reilly so it is entirely appropriate that he should feature some works closely associated with the maestro in this collection – namely the two tracks from "The Sundowners" arranged by Angela Morley. Some other notable tracks include Sir George Martin’s Three American Sketches and Adagietto for Harmonica and Strings. Sigmund Groven himself is the composer of Nordic Night, Gloria and Sentimentango. This new CD is warmly recommended to everyone who enjoys hearing a harmonica with a full orchestra. David Ades This CD is available from Sigmund Groven, PO Box 5167, Majorstua, N 0302, Oslo, Norway – you can also order by e-mail:
SHIRLEY BASSEY Shirley In the Still of the Night, Let There Be Love, All at Once, For Every Man There’s a Woman, I’m in the Mood for Love, etc… Let’s Face the Music Let’s Fall in Love, Imagination, All the Things you Are, etc… EMI 4 732262, timing 75:32 mins. So many companies are now issuing CDs featuring two LPs, and considering the outcry that always greets any that do not contain the full contents of the original albums, it is surprising that record companies continue to incur the wrath of serious collectors. Two tracks are missing from the second LP, which is all the more disappointing since it features Shirley singing with the great Nelson Riddle. Geoff Love is MD on the first album, and there is plenty of good music to enjoy here. But why, oh why, did EMI have to spoil it? David Ades
RUSS CONWAY Concerto for Lovers Title track, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Love is the Sweetest Thing, I Wish You Love, etc… Pop-a-Conway Hi-Lili Hi-Lo, Elusive Butterfly, Tears, Things, A World of our Own, etc… EMI 4732702, timing 77:20 mins. The first LP in the compilation reveals Russ Conway to be a very pleasant and accomplished pianist, and the superb orchestrations by Tony Osborne (conducting his own orchestra) make this a quality product from start to finish. During his career Russ made several other similar LPs, so what on earth possessed EMI to couple this great LP with ‘Pop-a-Conway’? The publicity describes this as ‘two contrasting albums where Russ proves what a great musician he was’. True, but the transition from the lush music of the first LP, to the brash pop sounds of the second LP, is just too much to take. To be fair, ‘Pop-a-Conway’ is not all bad, but the first track is absolutely dire. By all means, buy the CD just for the first LP with Tony Osborne, but you have been warned about the content from track 13 onwards! To return to the first album, the attractive title track is a Conway composition (under his real name Trevor Stanford), and he also includes a pleasant rendition of David Rose’s Our Waltz. David Ades
VIC DAMONE – The Vic Damone Collection Columbia 5149242. This is a set that I discovered quite by accident, but a quick look at the cover got me interested. The collection includes three CDs, containing 20 tracks each, and boy, are they good! I paid £11.99 which I think is very good value indeed. The tracks feature 1950s recordings with the likes of Percy Faith, Glen Osser, Paul Weston, Camarata and Axel Stordahl – to name but a few. There seem to be very few duplications with the nine other Vic Damone CDs in my collection, except of course for As Time Goes By and the wonderful An Affair to Remember and his superb rendering of On The Street Where You Live which must surely be the bets ever version of this song. I get the feeling that many of the titles were originally ‘B’ sides, but even so they are all very much worth a listed. The tempos vary quite a lot which is good, and Damone’s diction is so good and you are never in any doubt as to what he is singing about. There are no sleeve notes, only listings of all the songs and the dates when they were originally released. What did surprise me on the list, about It Had To Be You, is the comment "contains explicit lyrics"! Really? I never knew – did you? Whilst on the subject of great singers from 50 years ago, I have also bought a new CD called DICK HAYMES in Hollywood on Jasmine JASCD 124. It contains no less than 29 tracks, and they all seem to be the actual soundtracks from his films – thus you also get Vivian Blaine (in "State Fair") and Betty Grable ("The Shocking Miss Pilgrim"). It’s a good CD, even if one has got many of the numbers already, but probably not these soundtrack versions. Alec Hellyer
FRANK SINATRA – The Platinum Collection 3 CDs containing 48 of Sinatra’s greatest Capitol recordings Capitol/EMI 7243 8647602. How good to see a major record company doing full justice to archive recordings by one of its artists. This 3-CD set of vintage Sinatra is attractively packaged, with intelligent (anonymous) booklet notes, plus a good selection of pictures and detailed recording notes – dates, arrangers and conductors. Serious Sinatra fans will already have these tracks on other CDs, but for anyone wanting a representative selection of some of the greatest popular recordings of the last century, this has to be an essential purchase. David Ades
FRANCES DAY (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD122-124. Now this really is something unusual. A three-CD set of almost everything recorded by this amazing artiste who was a household name during the Thirties and the war. Many of the songs are from private collections featuring film soundtracks and live rare ENSA broadcasts. All have been beautifully restored and all 61 tracks are a real pleasure to listen to. Her reception by the troops speaks volumes and when she sings An Englishman Spoke in Grosvenor Square it is easy to see why. Duets occur with, among others, Bud Flanagan and John Mills and among the foot-tapping orchestras are Ray Noble, Percival Mackey, Carroll Gibbons, George Scott-Wood, Ben Frankel, Geraldo, Phil Green, Jay Wilbur, Louis Levy, Henry Hall and Frank Cordell. Price £22.30 (inc. p/p). Frank Bristow's CDs are only available direct from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton 3186, Victoria, Australia. Many other CDs are listed on Frank's WEB pages: http://www.musicfromthepast.com E-mail: Fax: (03) 9528 3167. Credit cards accepted. Arrangements can also be made for UK customers to send payment to a UK address using a British cheque - ask Frank for details. Peter Worsley
THE FILM MUSIC OF RON GOODWIN 633 Squadron, Frenzy, Lancelot and Guinevere, Deadly Strangers, Battle of Britain Suite, Whirlpool, The Trap, Of Human Bondage, Monte Carlo or Bust, Submarine X-1, Miss Marple Theme, Operation Crossbow, Clash of Loyalties, Beauty and the Beast, Force Ten from Navarone, Where Eagles Dare, Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN 10262, 76:24 mins. Chandos kindly supplied us with advance information about this release (due out in the UK on 15 November), but we had not actually heard the recording before we went to press. However the previous film music CDs from Chandos by the BBC Philharmonic and Rumon Gamba have been of such a high standard, that we are unlikely to be disappointed. Understandably many of Ron’s ‘big hits’ are here, but there are sufficient differences between this and last year’s EMI tribute to encourage true Goodwin fans to add this to their collections. David Ades
PHIL KELLY AND THE NW PREVAILING WINDS ‘Convergence Zone’ Damp brown places, Cuzn bubba luvz, Subztatoot shuffle, Sweet Georgia upside down, Bella Luce, You and the night and the music, Yada Yada, 0. T .B.S. Kathy's waltz, The refrigerator. (USA) Origin 82417, 65:11 mins. This CD just missed the Big Band Roundup but after reading about Phil Kelly in the last issue I thought any fans should not have to wait till the New Year before knowing about it! Phil Kelly has had plenty of experience in arranging - Bill Watrous, Doc Severinson's Tonight show band, Si Zentner, Mel Torme, Buddy Greco, music for over 700 commercials, half a dozen Symphony orchestras, lectured in Film scoring and is one of the coaches at Bud Shank's Centrum Jazz Festival in Port Townsend, one hell of a C. V .! A glance at the track listing shows he also has a way with title twist! The band’s twenty one members includes Pete Christlieb, Gary Smulyan and Andy Martin, three players who always gyrate towards the good sounds. The first track rings subtle tempo changes on the traditional "Camptown races" kick starting the album in fine style. Subztatoot shuffle is seriously "hooky" bouncing all the way through it's seven and a half minutes, the riff owing a little to Gil Evans. Joe Labarbera wrote Bella Luce as a tribute to Conte Candoli, Jay Thomas played with and revered Conte, his poignant trumpet solo reflects their liaison, Phil Kelly introduces strings beautifully on this sublime tune. The album’s other ballad Kathy's waltz is dedicated to Phil's late wife, a song like something breathing close to you, jaw droppingly intimate and wide screen in Kelly's writing. Self produced albums such as this show that Big bands have undergone a renaissance due to musicians dedicated to keeping jazz alive despite being neglected by the mainstream labels. Paul ClatworthyAvailable from www.origin-records.com. In Great Britain: John Killoch. 65, Hundredacre Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B74 2LB, England.
GERALDO I Bring To You Sweet Music Hello Again, Lady of Spain, Carioca, Deep Purple, etc… featuring vocals by Eve Becke, Al Bowlly, Len Camber, Dorothy Carless, Carole Carr, Archie Lewis and others Living Era CD AJA5558. Geraldo has been fairly well served with CD reissues in recent years – no doubt a reflection of his importance on the British entertainment scene for so many years. This CD contains tracks from 1933 to 1948, so the music and styles vary quite a bit. Alan Bunting has done some fine restorations, and two tracks are of particular interest to readers of this magazine:Getting Nowhere and Sleepy Serenade were both conducted by Robert Farnon at a session on 4 October 1946 when Geraldo was in the USA. David Ades
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA Conducted by BARRY WORDSWORTH Sir William Walton: "The Wise Virgins" ballet suite; Constant Lambert: "Horoscope" ballet suite. ASV CD DCA1168. Ballet music is often close to light music, and these two celebrated composers have produced fine 20th century examples of the genre. Perhaps the Walton score is rather on the heavy side, but there are some delicious capricious lighter moments from Lambert. Warmly recommended. David Ades
The Subtle Sound of DAVID SNELL My Favourite Things, I’ll Remember April, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Take Five, How Are Things in Glocca Morra, Baubles Bangles and Beads, Girl from Ipanema, Surrey With the Fringe on Top, Tenderly, Wives and Lovers, Laura, Fascinating Rhythm, Waltz Song, Get Happy. Vocalion CDLF8110. For many years David Snell was known and highly respected as one of Britain’s foremost harpists, with his wide-ranging repertoire stretching from the classics to jazz-rock. He has also written extensively for recorded music libraries, but today he is mostly in demand for conducting such prestigious orchestras as the London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic and the Orchestre de Paris. David also conducts scores for film soundtracks, ‘Cider House Rules’, ‘Emma’ and ‘Chocolat’ being recent examples. This CD is taken from his 1966 Decca LP which features David mainly as soloist, but there is some occasional discrete percussion, and a sax and trumpet appear on a few tracks – but no credits appear in the booklet. Here’s some quality playing that will add a touch of class to your collection! David Ades
GENIUS LOVES COMPANY - RAY CHARLES duets Here we go again, RAY CHARLES with NORAH JONES; Sweet potato pie, with JAMES TAYLOR; You don't know me, with DIANA KRALL; Sorry seems to be the hardest word, with ELTON JOHN; Fever, with NATALIE COLE; Do I ever cross your mind? with BONNIE RAITT; It was a very good year, with WILLIE NELSON; Hey girl, with MICHAEL McDONALD; Sinners prayer, with B.B.KING; Heaven help us all, with GLADYS KNIGHT; Over the rainbow, with JOHNNY MATHIS; Crazy love, with VAN MORRISON. EMI 7243 86654021, 51:42 mins. This type of album seems to be all the rage lately but as it is Ray's last recording it deserves attention! Just one look at the songs and his collaborations shows it covers most of his ventures in different styles of music - a mixed bag indeed! A massive host of session men are used, five with a small group, seven with full orchestra. The orchestral tracks have five scored by Victor Vanacore, a writer I will be on the look out for in the future. His arrangement on "Hey girl" is particularly beguiling and his other four come close seconds. A "Motown" veteran David Blumberg adds some delectable strings to Diana Krall's collaboration. Blues and soul fans will love this album and out and out pop and jazz fans will also find much to savour. Paul Clatworthy
CHRISTOPHER GUNNING Concerto for Piano & Orchestra; Storm; Symphony No 1. Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer (USA) Albany TROY 686. If you like atmospheric music then you will enjoy this CD. Gunning is known mainly as a film and TV composer so it is hardly surprising that his concert works are lighter rather than heavy. So much the better for those who enjoy contemporary tuneful sounds rather than unrelated and discordant squeaks, bangs and whistles. Albany has a reputation for championing the former so if you like atmospheric and serious, as well as light music, then this will suit you well. Picture a mixture of Britten and George Lloyd, then stir it up with Charles Williams’s film music and you will not be far off the mark. Peter Worsley
NORTHERN SAXOPHONE QUARTET The Cowles Collection Foxglove Audio FOX088. The invention of the compact disc has made it possible for many composers and performers to issue their own material which, for a variety of reasons, may not have attracted the attention of major record companies. Possibly this CD is a case in point, but that is not to infer any criticism of the music or the talented performers. Indeed the Northern Saxophone Quartet is highly respected, and their members perform the works of Colin Cowles with polish and enthusiasm. Formed in 1980, the quartet often plays overseas, and they are accompanied on harpsichord by Alan Cuckston, who is probably the leading exponent of the instrument. The English composer Colin Cowles (b. 1940) is recognised for his understanding of saxophones in the ‘straight’ style – perhaps not easy to put into words, because his music covers many moods and the CD booklet description ‘homogenous chamber medium’ might confuse some! The repertoire tends to be more ‘serious’ than ‘light’, but any readers who want to explore unfamiliar works for the saxophone could well be pleasantly surprised. David Ades This CD is available for £10.50 (UK postage included) from: Cottage Harmony, Keens Barn Cottage, Keens Lane, Othery, Somerset, TA7 0PU, England.
ALEX HASSAN ‘Taking a Chance on Love’ – the complete 1939-40 Popular Piano Solos of VERNON DUKE We’re Having a Baby, Autumn in New York, Jack and Jill, New York Nocturne, April in Paris, Midnight Lullaby, etc… Shellwood SWCD29. Readers will not need reminding that Shellwood specialise in piano recordings, and they continue to come up with fresh and appealing ideas. Once again it is the turn of Alex Hassan to take centre stage, with an intriguing collection of works by the great American composer Vernon Duke. Although published as piano solos over a two-year period, the songs actually date from 1929 onwards. Not every one will be familiar, but they are all enjoyable.David Ades
‘SECRET ELLINGTON’ previously unrecorded compositions by DUKE ELLINGTON You are beautiful, They say, This man, Only yesterday, I like singing, Full of shadows, New shoes, I am lonely, I get lonely for a plaything, You walk in my dreams, Big white mountain, My home lies quiet.True Life TLE 100002, 65:46 mins. Four different arrangers, twenty musicians but even with such an input you can understand why it never made Broadway! You will not end up humming the tunes and the lyrics are sometimes painfully inept (writer Herb Martin). A lot of hard work, money, talented players all mostly wasted! If Ellington had arranged his songs and used his Orchestra the result might have been different; we will never know. Herb Martin and playwright Henry Miller got together in the early 1990's to revamp the show to fit in with the Harlem of 1920; I hope they end up with a more likely hit! Where the instruments are let loose without the handicap of the words the music has its moments such as the fast tempo used on the first track and the gentle "Bossa" beat of "This man", elsewhere, not so hot! No wonder it has been secret for so long. Paul Clatworthy
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 2: Plymouth Hoe (John Ansell); Overture 125 (David Gow); Farnham Festival Overture (Sir Richard Rodney Bennett); The Moor of Venice (William Alwyn); A Scots Overture (John Gardner); The Lamprey (Michael Gryspeerdt); Scaramouche (Peter Hope); A Cleveland Overture (Anthony Hedges); A Snowdon Overture (Gareth Glyn) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group White Line CDWHL2137, 62:54 mins. While the nautically jolly Plymouth Hoe will be familiar to many, the other splendid overtures on this new CD will not. David Gow’s 125 was written to launch British Rail’s new high speed train in 1976; Richard Rodney Bennett’s offering is self explanatory; William Alwyn’s Moor of Venice began as a brass band piece before Philip Lane orchestrated it; while John Gardner’s original work was in honour of wartime RAF Fighter Command before being rescored for the 1954 Proms. Michael Gryspeerdt was a doctor by profession but played in the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra which often repaired to The Lamprey pub near Gloucester Cathedral while Peter Hope needs no introduction, nor does Anthony Hedges whose Cleveland Overture is related to Hull University where he was domiciled for many years. Welshman, Gareth Glyn lives on Anglesey and looks out to Snowdonia so it is easy to see where he obtained his inspiration. All the music is in the best British Light Music tradition and well worth purchasing. Peter Worsley
I have, alas, one or two serious misgivings about the makeup of this CD, bearing in mind the title British LIGHT Overtures. I can well imagine some impulse purchasers being misled into thinking that they are going to enjoy an hour or so of tuneful undemanding music which, for the most part, this recording doesn’t deliver. William Alwyn’s The Moor of Venice for example, has a particularly grim and doom-laden scenario which is fully realised in the music and could in no way be categorised as ‘light’. Surely a more accurate generic title (if Sanctuary Classics are going to continue with this series) would simply be ‘British Concert Overtures’. Furthermore the age profile, as represented by the compositional dates of these works is heavily tilted towards the modern with only two pre-dating 1950, one of which fortunately is John Ansell’s splendid, stirring and evocative salt-laden nautical overture Plymouth Hoe. Wonderful to have this at last in first-class modern sound, but for this listener at least leaving most of the remainder on this disc obstinately becalmed and (taking the nautical analogy a little further) outgunned and outranged! The best of the remainder for me was Rodney Bennett’s Farnham Festival Overture which includes skilful use of a piano, and Gareth Glyn’s appealing A Snowdon Overture which displays a charm and lyricism lacking in most of the remaining tracks, which I cannot imagine returning to very often. Playing time is somewhat miserly and there would have been ample room at the end for Ansell’s companion nautical overture The Windjammers, referred to in Philip Lane’s notes, and bringing about perhaps a satisfying concluding symmetry to this disc. Recording and performance are first rate, and if you think the contents will appeal to you don’t be put off by the strictures of a curmudgeonly reviewer. Incidentally, isn’t it about time that such significant figures of the past as Percy Fletcher, Montague Phillips, Haydn Wood, etc are represented in this series, assuming the compiler(s) can become a little less obsessed with ‘modern’? It would considerably increase the attractiveness and saleability of this series, and certainly I would have passed by Volume 2 had it not been for Plymouth Hoe! Roger Hyslop
JOHNNY DOUGLAS ORCHESTRA I won’t dance, Yesterdays, A fine romance, The Carioca, They can’t take that away from me, The way you look tonight, I’m putting all my eggs in one basket, etc.. (22 tracks taken from the Decca LPs ‘Cheek to Cheek’ & ‘A Handful of Stars’ Dulcima DLCD118, 73:42 mins. Many of us will recall these two Decca LPs from over 45 years ago with pleasant memories. Johnny Douglas’s own arrangements have a bright, fresh sound that won him many admirers back in the 1950s, and this welcome reissue on his own Dulcima label will please many readers of this magazine. The LPs date from 1955 and 1957, so they were just too early for stereo, but the original tape masters still sound fine. To fit both albums on to one CD, it has been necessary to omit Like Someone in Love and How High the Moon from ‘A Handful of Stars’. Just one slight disappointment: the CD booklet doesn’t say anything about Johnny’s distinguished career. Maybe he was too modest! As you will have read elsewhere in this issue, sadly Johnny died on Easter Sunday, 20 April, so this CD will serve as a lasting tribute to his talent as a superlative arranger of popular songs. David Ades Dulcima CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £13 [US $26] each.
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES Volume 2: Set of Act Tunes and Dances (Henry Purcell); Serenade for the Birthday of Frederic Delius (Peter Warlock); Air and Dance (Delius); Serenade (Matthew Curtis); Suite – The Spanish Lady (Sir Edward Elgar); Serenata Concertante (Philip Lane) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group White Line CDWHL2136. You may not hear this music played regularly on BBC Radio 3 which shows it must be good! It is a delightful light string music CD of the highest calibre, both ancient and modern(ised). Gareth Glyn’s characteristic Anglesey Sketches tell the story of different parts of the island in North Wales where the composer resides. Particularly pleasant are the scherzo Cemaes, reflecting exuberant summer beach activities while the elegy Moelfre, conjures up the hundreds of lost souls down the centuries whose ships foundered on this dangerous rocky coastline. Matthew Curtis and Philip Lane prove that modern serious string music can be thoroughly enjoyable while the rest of the disc can easily be guessed from the style of the well-known composers listed. Peter Worsley The Sanctuary Group White Line series of CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20] each.
CHARLES WILLIAMS ‘Radio and Television Memories No. 2’ Devil’s Galop, Girls in Grey, The Old Clockmaker, Quiet Stroll, Voice of London, High Adventure, Rhythm on Rails, Starlings, Young Ballerina, Pioneer Trail, Trolleybus, Model Railway, Great Day, In a Hurry, Summer Garden, Follow That Car, Sports Galop, Workroom, Full Speed, Ten Days’ Leave, Night Boat to Duiblin (film theme), Alf’s Button Afloat (film music), SOS, Searchlight, Convoy Attack, Barrage, Naval Action, Commandos, Said the Bells, Atlantic Brakers, War in the Jungle, Sons of the Air, March Winds, Storm on the Moors, Seaford Head, Drummer Boy, Speedway Galop and The Falcons Charles Williams and his Concert Orchestra, Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra, etc. THIS ENGLAND CR3. As many readers will know, a new CD of Charles Williams’ compositions was recorded in England earlier this year, and its release is eagerly awaited. But This England magazine has just got in first by issuing the first commercial CD devoted entirely to compositions by this master of Light Music, which will delight his many admirers. The CD (and cassette) coincide with an article on Charles Williams in the spring 2003 issue of Evergreen (the sister magazine of This England). The CD is full of radio and TV themes, such as "Dick Barton – Special Agent", BBC Television Newsreel, "Jennings at School", Farming, "Friday Night is Music Night", "Top of the Bill", "Dan Dare", television interludes and others. There are also two rare film soundtracks – from "Night Boat to Dublin" (1946) and a 1938 Crazy Gang Film "Alf’s Button Afloat"; predictably the sound quality is only average and the extracts are brief, but the second film is notable for chase music which Williams must have used later as the basis for his Devil’s Galop. These two tracks alone make this CD a real collector’s item. Keen Williams fans will probably have many of the other tracks, and the need to choose items that are out of copyright (more than 50 years old) means that the compilers have had to resort to a number of less well-known short mood music pieces from the Chappell Recorded Music Library of the 1940s. Readers who have previously purchased CDs from This England will know that they are lovingly produced by real enthusiasts. The gloss of the major record companies may be missing, and expensive sound restoration is beyond their reach. Having said that, the sound quality here is perfectly acceptable, with only occasional surface noise evident, and it has to be recognised that this may well be a ‘plus’ factor for some collectors who value authenticity. This release is strongly recommended as a slice of English Light Music history. The only thing lacking is precise information of the recording source and the actual orchestra playing on each item. David Ades This CD is only available direct from Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at The CD costs £8.95 including postage; a shorter cassette version is available for £7.50. Overseas members should enquire about extra postage costs.
MUSIC OF LECUONA Siboney, Danza Iucumi, Jungle Drums, Gitanarias, Maria my own, Malaguena, Always in my heart, Andalucia, La comparsa, High in Sierra PLACE PIGALLE Domino, Why do you pass me by, At last at last, Autumn leaves, C’est si bon, La mer, Waltz of Paree, Chez-moi, Boom, Mademoiselle de Paris, When the world was young, Au revoir Stanley Black, his Piano and Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4176. The early stereo sound on the ‘Lecuona’ album is quite amazing. Equally exciting are the arrangements, presumably the work of maestro Stanley Black, although he did not generally make known the musicians who must have worked with him on some of his albums. He was so busy in the recording studios and concert halls, that he surely could not have scored all his music himself. The accompanying LP "Place Pigalle" employs much fewer musicians, mainly piano, accordion, percussion and occasionally electronic organ. The result is an atmospheric portrait of the kind of sounds one would love to hear emanating from a smoky French café or bistro, late into the evening. Sadly things are rather different today, but at least Stanley allows us to wallow in our nostalgia for what should be. These are two very different albums, but somehow they are each very satisfying in their own way. You may not want to play the entire CD through in one go, but I suspect that you will get a lot of enjoyment from selecting various portions from time to time, depending upon your mood. David Ades
EVENING IN PARIS Mademoiselle de Paris, Love’s last word is spoken, My prayer, Vous qui passez sans me voir (Why do you pass me by?), Pigalle, La vie en rose, Boom, Ca c’est Paris, J’attendrai, Valentine, Clopin clopant, La Seine, Parlez moi d’amour, Can-can EVENING IN ROME Santa Lucia, Serenade in the night, Mattinata, Luna rossa, Tell me you’ll not forget, Mamma, Come back to Sorrento, La montanara, O sole mio, The echo told me a lie, Catari catari, Vieni sul mar, Anema e core, Funiculi funicular. Frank Chacksfield and his Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4167. This is really Leon Young’s CD, with his glorious arrangements excelling in these timeless interpretations of delightful melodies that still cannot fail to charm. The Chacksfield Orchestra really was a superb ensemble in the 1950s, strongly supported by the Decca sound technicians who were in a class all their own. First issued in 1954 and 1955, these albums just pre-date stereo, but the mono sound is fine and, after all, it is the music that really matters. As far as I am concerned, these interpretations are exactly how I wish to hear this kind of music performed. Rock ‘N’ Roll hadn’t yet fully embarked on the wrecking spree that killed off so many fine orchestras just a few years later. David Ades
NAT KING COLE Love Songs When I Fall in Love, Unforgettable, Very Thought of You, Too Young, Let’s Fall in Love, The More I See You, Stardust, These Foolish Things, etc… 24 tracks EMI 581 5132. I suppose that the only ‘problem’ with compilations such as this is deciding how many duplications you are prepared to tolerate. I haven’t checked in detail, but I should imagine that keen NKC collectors will already possess many of these tracks. However if your collection is currently devoid of this great singer, you could do far worse than purchase this bargain. David Ades
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC
Hits I Missed & Al Jolson Classics Vocalion CDLK4168
Great Film Hits & Pop Hits Vocalion CDLK4170
It is difficult to find something new to say about Ted Heath and his Music. His great band contained some of the finest soloists that were around in Britain at the time, and all of his Decca LPs were outstanding in their own way. For example, the idea of a big band swinging Al Jolson hits might sound a bit far-fetched, but Heath certainly gets away with it. And how many band leaders would allow their egos to admit that they had actually missed some hits? Ted Heath fans continue to be very fortunate that so many of his albums are now available in superb remasterings such as these. David Ades
MANTOVANI ORCHESTRA Italia Mia & Verzauberter Klang Aus Germany Vocalion CDLK4173. Just recently Vocalion have been treating us to several Decca albums featuring music from the continent of Europe, each being superb examples of the work of the respective orchestras. Frank Chacksfield with his ‘Evening in Rome’ (CDLK4167) has concentrated more on the popular sound of Italian music from the 1950s, whereas this Mantovani collection veers a little closer to the light classics. The sound and the performance are both stunning, and some readers may be reassured to know that the famous Mantovani ‘cascading strings’ sound is only used very sparingly (Decca probably insisted upon a touch of it here and there). The title track Italia Mia is one of Mantovani’s own compositions. This is the first time it has appeared on CD in Britain: it was previously on CD only in Japan – over a dozen years ago. The second LP was made for the continental market in June 1969, and did not appear in the UK, USA or Japan, so its revival should be of great interest to all Mantovani fans. Somewhat surprisingly, it was released in Australia as "Enchanting Sounds from Germany", but has been unavailable for many years. All of the tracks were big German hits, and many will be familiar to British ears. The German album is slightly more popular in style than theItalia Mia, but both fit nicely together, and this new CD is highly recommended. David Ades
SYDNEY LIPTON ORCHESTRA Sweet Harmony Cocktails for Two, Love is the Sweetest Thing, Love Walked In, Isn’t it Romantic, Dance Little Lady etc. Dancing at Grosvenor House Canadian Sunset, It’s Been a Long Long Time, Five Minutes More, Sioux City Sue, My Baby Just Cares for Me, Little White Lies, Scatter-brain, You’re Driving me Crazy etc. Vocalion CDLK4175. I suppose an obvious comment to make is that the melodies on this CD are so well-known that other versions of them must already be in the collections of many readers. So it all really comes down to a question of whether or not this style of music is your cup of tea – and I use the term deliberately, because a lot of tea will have been drunk over the years while Sydney Lipton and his Orchestra were performing music such as this at some of London’s most fashionable establishments. Today’s younger record buyers might find this rather quaint, but for those of us with longer melodies it will be a welcome addition to our collections. David Ades
EDWARD GERMAN Coronation March and Hymn, Henry VIII - Three Dances, Welsh Rhapsody, Much Ado About Nothing, Bourée and Gigue, Nell Gwynn -Three Dances, Gipsy Suite - Four Characteristic Dances, Tom Jones -Three Dances Band of the Welsh Guards directed by Major Philip Shannon MBE. Specialist Recording Company SRC 104 69 mins. This is a further instalment in SRC's continuing series featuring CDs devoted to a single British composer and performed by one of our premier military bands - in this case the Welsh Guards. With the notable exception of Marco Polo who have included him in their British Light Music Series (No. 8.223419) and issued two volumes of his more serious music (Nos. 8.223695 & 8.223726), Sir Edward German has been largely neglected by the recording companies, so this new SRC CD is particularly welcome. Whilst some of these items have already appeared on the aforementioned Marco Polo album - Gipsy Suite, Henry VIII and Nell Gwynn Dances - none are exactly over-represented in the current catalogue. The attractions of this issue are considerably enhanced by the inclusion of several rarities. The Coronation March and Hymn(for George V’s Coronation) is based on themes from Henry VIII, the excerpts from Much Ado About Nothing are quite delightful and well worth a hearing whilst there are no modern recordings extant of the Tom Jones Dances. Nimble and agile woodwind playing are demanded in many of the faster dance movements and the Welsh Guards are fully equal to the challenges made upon them. Like the Sullivan disc the sessions were taped in the spacious acoustics of the Chapel, The Royal Hospital Chelsea. A very good buy! Roger Hyslop
[available from DISCURIO, 46 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD. Tel/Fax 01634 845222,www.discurio.com, or from larger retail outlets such as the HMV Oxford Street stores in London].
BILLY MAYERL Vol. 1 Original Recordings 1925-1936 Marigold; Puppets Suite (Golliwog, Judy, Punch); Desert Song (selection); All-Of-A-Twist; Eskimo Shivers; Nippy (medley); Three Miniatures in Syncopation (Cobweb, Muffin Man, Clockwork); Sennen Cover; Jazzaristrix; Virginia Creeper; Limehouse Blues; Mignonette; Three Dances in Syncopation (English, Cricket, Harmonica); Indispensable You; Honky-Tonk; Honeysuckle; Sporting Love (medley); Have a Heart; Hollyhock.Naxos 8.120653. An excellent selection of early Mayerl masterpieces, including selections from two of his rarely heard musicals from the Thirties, Nippy and Sporting Love. Sennen Cove is the splendid full orchestral version conducted by Billy himself, while Ray Noble and Jack Hylton take the baton forHave a Heart and Indispensable You respectively. All the other tracks are solos played at the height of his fame by Mayerl, whose fantastic skills were described in a slow-motion film of the time as "Lightning Fingers". Peter Dempsey has done a wonderful job of remastering, including possibly the first ever piano recordings made by the new electrical process in Britain, namely All-Of-A-Twist andEskimo Shivers on 24th September, 1925. All in all a very good buy at bargain price. Peter WorsleyNaxos CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £5 [US $10] each.
PAUL MAURIAT AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘The Best of …’ Love is Blue, Puppet on a String, Song for Anna, Les Deux Guitares, Last Summer Day, New York New York, Nocturne, Pearl Fishers, Guantanamera, Jeux Interdits, Those Were The Days, etc… 21 tracks (France) Mercury/ Universal 063 687-2. First of all he wrote the book … now our member Serge Elhaik has penned the booklet notes (in English and French) for this very entertaining and welcome new release. In 1968 Paul Mauriat’s Love Is Blue was top of the charts in the USA for seven weeks, firmly establishing his credentials as a top international conductor. Mauriat is also highly respected as a songwriter and arranger, as his work with the likes of Charles Aznavour and Mireille Mathieu will testify. His later career found him much in demand in Japan, where it is reckoned that he gave at least 1,200 concerts until 1998. The Paul Mauriat Orchestra still continues under Gilles Gambus. This CD presents the maestro in some of his most popular recordings (seven are his own compositions), and it should win him many new admirers. David Ades
THE FILM MUSIC OF RICHARD ADDINSELL Goodbye Mr. Chips; Dangerous Moonlight (Warsaw Concerto); Love on the Dole; Blithe Spirit; The Black Rose; Scrooge; Tom Brown’s Schooldays; The Admirable Crichton; Out of the Clouds (Flame Tango). BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN 10046, 79:50 minutes. A real feast of light music for cinema and non-cinemagoers alike. The vast majority of these orchestral masterpieces have been reconstructed by Philip Lane and what a labour of love was that! By listening to the soundtrack over and over again he has recreated the deliberately destroyed scores and put back into the musical repertoire what would surely have been lost for ever. It seems strange to us now that such musical gems were discarded as worthless once the movie had been made but there was so much good music around at the time that it is understandable, if not forgivable. The recordings are first class with the addition of the choirs of both Chetham’s and Manchester Cathedral, plus the piano playing of Martin Roscoe in The Warsaw Concerto. If you remember the films then you will remember the music but even if you are too young it doesn’t matter because the splendid music stands alone. Peter Worsley
While welcoming this release wholeheartedly, it is only right that I should draw readers’ attention to the previous two CDs of Addinsell’s Film Music (ASV CDWHL2108 & 2115). Philip Lane was also involved with both of these, and it is understandable that Chandos would wish to include many of Addinsell’s best-known works, so it is inevitable that some duplications have occurred. However, on this latest release, the only items that may already be in the hands of keen collectors are Warsaw Concerto, Blithe Spirit, and Scrooge. This not only serves to illustrate the considerable output achieved by Addinsell, but it should also reassure his admirers that they must not hesitate to acquire this latest release. Full marks also for the excellent booklet. David Ades
…Warsaw Concerto – that seemingly indestructible veteran evergreen – receives from Martin Roscow a performance of genuine symphonic breadth imbuing the piece with a surprising verdant freshness which is very appealing. A highlight for me was the music from Love On The Dole which I found particularly poignant and touching. Rumon Gamba deftly steers the highly accomplished and polished BBC Philharmonic through these scores with unerring sensitivity and complete sympathy. Roger Hyslop This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US $24].
MARTIN BÖTTCHER Film Music Unser Haus in Kamerun, Der Fälscher von London, Strasse der Verheissung, Auf Engel Schiesst Man Nicht, Lufthansa-Suite plus 3 bonus tracks (Germany) Peermusic CD 0103. I feel sure that our German members will be familiar with the work of Martin Bőttcher – and rightly so, because his music is inventive and very pleasing. This new CD (conceived by our member Volker Rippe) offers the music from five films, plus three bonus tracks which I suspect were popular singles in the 1960s. The first film Unser Haus in Kamerun has a very pleasant theme, which is attractively arranged in a variety of moods with strings well to the fore. Several of the tracks would stand up very well on their own as fine examples of production music. Der Fälscher von London veers more towards jazz and (presumably!) the seamier side of London night life. A somewhat similar style is evident in Strasse der Verheissung, with nods towards West Coast Jazz and the more blatant pop sounds of the 1960s. Glenn Miller sounds emerge (intentionally) in Auf Engel Schiesst Man Nicht. Then bright holiday sounds take over in the Lufthansa-Suite. This is an interesting collection, with varied styles that prove that the composer can turn his talents towards any kind of mood, as required by the storylines in the films. The CD booklet (in German only) reproduces four film posters – a ‘plus’ point for collectors of film music. Scores such as this deserve to be preserved for posterity. David Ades
TED HEATH & HIS MUSIC Listen To My Music Opus 1; East of the Sun; Bakerloo Non-Stop; Donegal Cradle Song; On Ilkla Moor Baht’at; Baia; London Suite (Chelsea, Whitechapel, Limehouse, Bond Street, Piccadilly, Soho): Deep Forest; Pagan Love Song; You Go To My Head; Dark Eyes; Harlem Nocturne; Song of the Vagabonds; Listen To My Music; Hindustan; Lady Byrd; Sophisticated Lady; Lyonia; Euphoria; Cuban Crescendo; Roumanian Roundabout. Sanctuary Group Living Era CD AJA 5459. Ted Heath lovers will be pleased with this CD which includes Fats Waller’s complete London Suite which was released before the wartime Waller piano solo originals (which were destroyed in the Blitz) were commercially recorded from inferior copies made at the time. All the tracks were mono and made between 1944 and 1950 when Heath was arguably at his peak. The band was initially formed at the behest of the BBC Variety Department for broadcasting purposes only but soon outgrew this role and became Britain’s most famous big band. A fine tribute to a fine set of musicians. Edmund Whitehouse
LEROY ANDERSON – ‘Blue Tango’ Sleigh Ride, Promenade, The Waltzing Cat, The Syncopated Clock, Saraband, Serenata, Jazz Pizzicato … Jazz Legato, A Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Plink Plank Plunk, Horse and Buggy, Belle of the Ball, Blue Tango, China Doll, The Penny-Whistle Song, Fiddle-Faddle, The Phantom Regiment, Irish Suite, Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson and his ‘Pops’ Concert Orchestra Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5481, 75:12 mins. This new CD has been compiled by RFS member David Lennick (who is based in Ontario, Canada), so the recording information given in the booklet refers to North America. Which is why all of the 78s are quoted as having Decca catalogue numbers, but this is the US Decca company, not the familiar British one. (To avoid confusion, I feel that there should have been a note in the CD booklet to explain this). In the UK these tracks were issued on Brunswick with completely different catalogue numbers, although the matrix numbers will have been the same. The recordings date from 11 September 1950 to 5 November 1952, and the running order of the tracks simply reflects the sequence in which they were released in the USA (except for the final item). In 2002 Jasmine issued a CD containing the first 16 titles (JASMCD 2580 – reviewed in JIM 152), but these are not all the same performances. (Jasmine gives no recording information whatsoever, and there was insufficient time available to make further investigations before this review had to be ready for the printers. If any readers can shed more light on this, we’ll be pleased to give the relevant details in a future issue). Clearly this new Living Era release is better value because it also contains Anderson’s six-movement Irish Suite plus the longer eight-minute version of his Christmas Festival. For the sake of completeness, I should remind readers that in 1992 MCA Records/Good Music in the USA released ‘Blue Tango -The Original Hit Recordings of Leroy Anderson’ on MSD 35334. This had 20 tracks, although Jazz Pizzicato and Jazz Legato were put on two different tracks, and incredibly separated by four other numbers – clearly the compiler had little regard for Anderson’s original concept. The remaining three ‘extra’ tracks were later works – Forgotten Dreams, Sandpaper Ballet and Bugler’s Holiday. Surprisingly Horse and Buggy was dropped in favour of The Minstrel Boy. The later stereo recordings by Leroy Anderson are on the 2-CD set ‘The Leroy Anderson Collection’ (MCA MCAD2-9815) so there have already been several opportunities for collectors to obtain the composer’s own performances on CD. If anyone reading this review still lacks Leroy Anderson on their CD shelves, then my advice is to choose this latest release which is the best now available. The sound quality is very good (although the trumpets in The Wearing of the Green sound decidedly tipsy!), and these original performances from the beginning of the 1950s stand as the definitive versions. David Ades
BOB HOPE ‘Thanks for the Memory’ Title track, Two Sleepy People, The Lady’s in Love with You, Penthouse Serenade, Put it There Pal, The Road to Morocco, My Favourite Brunette, Beside You, Buttons and Bows, That’s Not the Knot, Lucky Us, Ain’t we Got Fun, Blind Date, Goodnight Irene, Home on the Range, Wing Ding Tonight, Am I in Love, A Four-Legged Friend, Hoots Mon, Chicago Style, The Road to Bali, Merry-Go-Runaround Living Era CDAJA5493, 76:30 mins. British-born Bob Hope has become an American institution, and he had the rare honour of hearing warm tributes paid to him by the US Congress a few years ago when what might be termed a ‘premature’ announcement of his death was made. Assuming that he doesn’t fall at the last hurdle, by the time you read this he will have celebrated his 100th birthday on 29 May, and this new CD is therefore both a timely and a fitting tribute to his rather sparse recording career. Once again, the compiler credits are in the name of ‘our’ David Lennick, so my previous comments (on the Leroy Anderson CD above) about North American recordings details apply here as well. If Bob wasn’t exactly prolific in the recording studios, at least what he did commit to wax was worthy of preservation, proving that he had an astute regard for quality, rather than quantity. On several tracks he is joined by the likes of Bing Crosby, Shirley Ross, Dorothy Lamour, Margaret Whiting and Jane Russell, and there are extra tracks (not listed above) from radio shows and visits to the troops, for which he became something of a legend in World War 2. Bob’s films are represented with numbers from several Roadfilms, plus The Paleface and Son of Paleface – the latter being a rare example of a sequel being better than the original. The gremlins appear to have made mistakes on two track titles, but apart from that minor niggle this is a splendid production in all respects. David Ades All Sanctuary Group Living Era CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £8 [US $16] each.
BEST OF THE FIFTIES Various Artists 6 CD set, EMI GOLD 582 5542. Selling for around £20 this collection ought to be good value, although the music on the 6 CDs would easily fit on to 4. Also EMI are on decidedly dodgy ground with the assertion that these are "original artists … original hits" when many are cover versions by EMI contract artists. As for the 1950s tag, how can you describe Judy Garland’s Over The Rainbow in this way ("The Wizard of Oz" came out in 1939)? This is a very mixed bag, with hardly any instrumental items. Just treat it as yet another compilation: it certainly isn’t an accurate portrayal of the overall music scene in the 1950s as I remember it. David Ades
NORMAN WISDOM ‘The Very Best of …’ EMI GOLD 582 6522. I haven’t listed the tracks because you’d be hard pressed to associate many of the titles with Sir Norman. Missing is his big number (accompanied by Robert Farnon) from the ice show "London Melody" which first made his name, and it would have been nice to have that catchy tune I’d Like to Put on Record from "Trouble in Store" (of course Don’t Laugh at Me is included). Surprisingly absent also are those two classic sides he did with Joyce Grenfell (remember Narcissus?). Norman has a pleasant voice, and he usually had excellent orchestrations backing him. This collection is quite good, but with a little more thought it could have been so much better. David Ades
HUMPHREY LYTTELTON ‘The Best of …’ EMI GOLD 583 2802. This is a 3-CD box set which you should be able to pick up for around £12. I have to admit that my knowledge of Humph’s recordings is limited, so I cannot say if there are any glaring gaps among the 60 titles. It begins with Bad Penny Blues so perhaps the omens are good! Whether or not your own particular favourites are all here, I suspect that few will disagree that this is very good value. David Ades
ADAM FAITH What Do You Want, Poor Me, Someone Else’s Baby etc. 24 tracks. EMI GOLD 583 1132. Pop singers don’t usually get included in this feature, but we know that a number of our readers are keen fans of John Barry, so they may be interested in this new release. Faith’s early successes were distinguished by the pizzicato and strings effects cleverly achieved by John Barry, with a little help from the Abbey Road echo chamber. Thanks to Hit and Miss, the signature tune of BBC TV’s "Juke Box Jury", John Barry was well known to pop fans around 40 years ago, and he certainly helped young Terence Nelhams (aka AF), who died earlier this year on 8 March aged 62.David Ades
ANNE SHELTON The Best of … Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Bridge of Sighs, If I Give My Heart To You etc. 23 tracks. EMI GOLD 584 0152. Anne Shelton has been quite well served with CD reissues just recently, but mainly they have concentrated on her repertoire from the 1940s. This new collection from EMI comes mainly from the 1950s, and it includes a mixture of hits of the day plus a few well-loved standards. Anne was a very good singer, so we mention this for the benefit of her many admirers. David Ades
NATURAL BORN FILLERS Big Beat, Trippin the Blues, Waltz Cool, The Charmer (John Cacavas); Fancy Flutes, Kiddies Corner, Dancing Harp (Roger Roger); Swing Song, Happy Folk, For Deborah, The Waiting Game, The Winners (Roger Webb); Autumn Love (Paul Lewis); The Gentle Touch (Herbert Chappell); Regency Street (Sam Fonteyn); Dancing Youth Waltz (Douglas Gamley); The Storyteller (Harry Rabinowitz); Horn-a-Plenty (Robert Farnon); Like Spring (Steve Race) etc.. 66 tracks Double CD. Total Time 158 minutes Codename Music CMCD1970. "Diamonds are forever" should capture your mind when you see the cover of this well compiled CD of BBC and ITV Daytime Interlude classics from the late 1960’s and 1970’s. You should be mesmerized by the cover alone. On opening this double CD will unfold one primary disc and one secondary disc from schooldays past containing 64 tracks of catchy little pieces of light musical charm played before schools and children’s programmes on TV. Plus two distinctive bonus tracks featuring the primary school’s diamonds music and the secondary school’s diamonds music. The whole school timetable can be fondly remembered here as you listen to well loved and often aired musical miniatures from the world famous Chappell Recorded Music Library featuring enchanting pieces from the pens and pencils of John Cacavas, Brian Fahey, Roger Webb, Gordon Franks and Robert Farnon to name a few. So rustle up your old school kit and make space in your satchel for this little gem from days gone by. Malcolm Batchelor
The thought of 64 Chappell tracks should be enough to tempt many RFS members to buy this great new collection, especially as so many of the numbers will not already be in your collections. Steven Willis is a true enthusiast who has clearly put his heart into this compilation … and it shows! David Ades For full details of how to order this 2-CD set please go back to the full-page advertisement on page 5 of this issue.
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA – A MISCELLANY. Liza, Laura, Sari Waltz, Vienna City of My Dreams, Falling in Love with Love, Gypsy Love Waltz, Gold and Silver Waltz, Intermezzo, Someone to Watch Over Me, Lady Be Good, Two Hearts in ¾ Time, Empore Waltz, Vilia, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Waltz Dream, Diane, Gypsy Baron Waltz, Love Walked In, You Made Me Love You, Serenade (Pierne ), We Kiss in a Shadow, Bali Ha’i, Moon over Miami, Now is the Hour, Frank Bristow FBCD91 78:30 mins. This is more or less Kosty’s recording career in microcosm, ranging from 12" 78s of anything up to 60 years ago (some of which …the Lehar, Stauss, Kalman, Stolz and Oscar Straus….startes me off as a collector) , on through Rodgers and Gershwin of the mid–forties and on to some early stereo recordings. Those six tracks are hardly typical of the Kostelanetz we admired for something like 30 years, either technically or musically. One, You Made Me Love You is so bad in both respects it’s all one can do to listen to it, but that is only one title out of many. Otherwise this ’Miscellany’ is a typical cross section of Kostelanetz’s’ work in all fields over the years and can be safely recommended. Arthur Jackson
ANDRE PREVIN & DAVID ROSE ORCHESTRA – LIKE BLUE/SONGS FOR YOUNG LOVERS. You and the Blues, Blue Room, Serenade in Blue, Blue Holiday, Blue Again, Like Blue, Black and Blue, Little Girl Blue, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Blue Turning Grey Over You, Blue Subterranean, Born to be Blue, Blame It on My Youth, Young Man’s Lament, You Make Me Feel So Young, Young and Tender, While We’re Young, Too Young to be True, Last Night When We Were Young, Like Young, Younger Than Springtime, Year of Youth, Too Young to go Steady, Love is for the Very Young. Frank Bristow FBCD94 70.30 mins. It must be forty years since I had a Polydor/MGM double LP called " Like Young, Like Blue ", which turned out to be one of those albums one keeps coming back to when all else fails to satisfy. Here is the identical set complete on a very welcome CD from our friend Frank Bristow, with both soloist and orchestra on top form. Previn and Rose are equally adept as interpreters also in no fewer than eight cases, composers of standard music such as we used to know in those happy days of yore. I would imagine most JIM readers will be familiar with these recordings, so if your original copies have been showing signs of wear, now is your chance to replace them. Arthur Jackson
DAVID ROSE & HIS ORCHESTRA – EASY LISTENING Kiss of Fire, In a Sentimental mood, You Stepped out of a Dream, Ebb Tide, Caravan, Blue Prelude, All the Things You Are,Misty, Flamingo, Man with the Golden Arm, Shangri – La, Autumn Leaves, Autumn Waltz, September in the Rain, Blue Autumn, ‘Tis Autumn, Indian Summer, Shine on Harvest Moon, Autumn Serenade, Autumn Nocturne, And This is My Beloved, October Mist, Autumn in New York, Misirlou, What Is There To Say? , It’s a Most Unusual Day, Love Makes the World Go Round. Frank Bristow FBCD95 78:46mins. "Easy Listening" as an album title sounds most inappropriate to me. One thing the musicianly David Rose was not was a mere purveyor of bland mood music, as this collection of familiar and well loved standards proves. The basic material stems from three American MGM LP’s, "21 Channel Sound", "Autumn Leaves" and "Spectacular Strings", none of which as far as I have been able to ascertain, were ever issued in the U.K. Everything is nicely contrasted as far as tempi and styles are concerned, varying between big band sounds and the lush Rose string sound. It’s always perfect and musicianly and in no way can it be classed as "Easy Listening". Arthur Jackson Editor: Sorry to correct Arthur, but to avoid correspondence(!) "21 Channel Sound" was released in Britain – on MGM C901 and MGM CD 6057 (stereo).
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA, Works For Wind Band – Volume 3 The Corocan Cadets, Semper Fidelis, Selections from : The Free Lance, The New York Hiippodrome, La Flor di Sevilla, Waltzes from ‘El Capitan’, A Century of Progress Suite: The Last Days of Pompeii, The White Rose, With Pleasure, Dance Hilarious, The Belle of Chicago, The National Game. Royal Artillery Band conducted by Keith Brion. Naxos 8.559092 54mins. Naxos have ambitiously set their sights on recording Sousa’s Wind Band music in its entirety, so this will be a substantial and significant series with several more instalments apparently already in the can. They have invested very wisely in the Royal Artillery Band, one of the largest and best bands in the British Army and in obtaining the services of Keith Brion, an American conductor who is a specialist in Sousa’s period style. The third volume was recorded in Woolwich Town Hall, a venue where often the Royal Artillery Orchestra have given public concerts. Sousa said a march ‘should make a man with a wooden leg step out‘ and that he succeeded spectacularly in his own philosophy cannot be in doubt. All the marches are played here with quite superb panache and swagger. La Flor de Sevilla composed for the Ibero – American Exposition in 1929 has a particularly attractive and beguiling trio, whilst A Century of Progress written in the year prior to his death showed the ‘March King’ had lost none of his flair for the idiom. The selection from the 1905 operetta The Free Lance, contains some appealing melodies, whilst the early suite The Last Days of Pompeii (which includes harp) has some interesting special effects as does the final piece on the disc The National Game. This is a series to collect and cherish especially at the Naxos price and one waits impatiently for Volume 4. Incidentally, this disc has the rare distinction for a military band CD in being ‘mentioned in despatches‘ during BBC Radio 3’s CD Review on Saturday 15th March, when Semper Fidelis followed on from a particularly unattractive and impenetrable piece by Schnittke!
Roger Hyslop
Production Music CDs
BIG SCREEN LITTLE SCREEN 2-CD collection of Archive tracks classified as Horror, The Westerns, Epics & Adventure and Dark Drama Cavendish CAV CD 155. This interesting collection has been put together by André Leon, from the Boosey & Hawkes archives, some dating back to 78s issued in the 1950s. Many of the tracks are quite short in duration, and the CDs are obviously not intended for leisure listening at home. But there are some interesting tracks that will appeal to enthusiasts, and the list of featured composers illustrates the quality of the writing – Trevor Duncan, Don Banks, John Scott, Eugene Cines, Joseph Cacciola, Dudley Simpson and Monia Liter, among others. Our good friend Heinz Herschmann is represented by his classic 78 The Galleon, and I have to say that it sounds better here than it did on his own Apollo Sound CD APSCD 205. Trevor Duncan’s gems include Revelation, four tracks of Mob Violence and two tracks from The Unwanted – The Boy. Enthusiasts are fortunate to have the opportunity to hear mood music of this calibre. David AdesCavendish CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service.
CLASSIC FILM & TV Vol. 4 ‘Comic Cuts’ Hey Buddy, Quack Track, Camilla, La Tour Eiffel, Allo Paris! (Nino Nardini); Puffing Joe (Harry Rabinowitz); Dolly Flapper (Peter Dennis); Saloon Rag, Adios Amigo, Clown in Town (Philippe Pares); Chase Me Chester, Slap and Tickle, Dandy Andy, The Moke, Caliope Carousel, River Police (Roger Roger); Goon Time (John Scott); Capering Clowns (Max Saunders); Yom Kippur, Irish Spree, Scottish Frolic (Leslie Bridgewater), etc… 54 tracks Bruton BRO21/356. The above details give titles of some of the longer pieces, but others are of a very short duration – often just a few seconds. The comments about leisure listening for the Cavendish CD above, equally apply here. The previous three CDs in this series were listed in JIM 153 – page 87.David Ades Bruton CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service.
A further selection of recent releases from Vocalion. Unfortunately we had to go to press before review copies were received, but we felt sure that you would wish to know that these CDs are being released in the late Spring.
BOB SHARPLES ORCHESTRA Contrasts in Hi-Fi On the Road to Mandalay, Will You Remember, By the Bend of the River, Giannina Mia, A Perfect Day, Donkey Serenade, Sylvia, Sweethearts etc.Dimensions in Sound Tuxedo Junction, Singing the Blues, Mack the Knife, The Whistler and his Dog, Strike Up the Band, Satin Doll, Trolley Song, etc. Vocalion CDLK4169.
WINIFRED ATWELL Hall of Fame Melodies in the style of other famous pianists including Bill Snyder (Bewitched), Eddie Heywood (Soft Summer Breeze), Fats Waller (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Carmen Cavallaro (Manhattan), George Shearing (I’ll Remember April) etc. …plays Gershwin Nice Work if You Can Get It, Love Walked In, Somebody Loves Me etc and Rhapsody in Blue with Ted Heath Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4177.
CATERINA VALENTE Great Continental Hits (with Stanley Black Orchestra) If You Go, Autumn Leaves, Melodie d’Amour, Too Soon, Volare, I Wish You Love, Song of the Sea, Why Do You Pass Me By etc. Valente & Violins (with Roland Shaw Orch) Love Letters, It Might as Well be Spring, This is all I Ask, Ebb Tide, What Now My Love, Somewhere etc. Vocalion CDLK4125 (postponed from last year).
RONALD BINGE Aldershot Brass Ensemble A Variation on Alouette, A Tune a Day, Trombonioso, Rushlake Green, The Jolly Swagman, A Song for all Comets etc. The Romantic Guitar with Gerald Tolan Echoes of a Dream, The Ever-Changing Sea, Summer’s End, Fugal Fancy, Where the Sun Shines etc. The Wimbledon Girl Singers Where the Gentle Avon Flows, Sailing By, Down by the River, String Song, The Watermill, Alas My Love You Do Me Wrong etc. Vocalion CDLK4129.
MANTOVANI Exodus Exodus Main theme & Karen, A Summer Place, The Green Leaves of Summer, Song Without End, 76 Trombones, The Sundowners, Irma la Douce etc. Great Films – Great themes Barabbas, Fanny, Advise and Consent, Goodbye Again, The Apartment, Never on Sunday etc. Vocalion CDLK4179.
SID PHILLIPS Rediffusion Anthology Vol. 3 Chicago, I’ve Found a New Baby, Ja Da, Bugle Call Rag, That’s a Plenty, Dar Town Strutters’ Ball, Sweet Georgia Brown, After You’ve Gone, Nobody’s Sweetheart, Milenberg Joys, Georgia on my Mind etc. Vocalion CDLK4184.
DENNIS LOTIS and BRIAN DEE piano ‘Mr. Dee and Me’ (1999 recordings) Skylark, It’s You or No One, Handful of Keys, I’m So in Love, Day by Day, I See Your Face, My Shining Hour, My Romance etc. Vocalion CDLK4185.
GRETA KELLER Vol. 2 Vocalion CDEA6084.
JOSEPHINE BRADLEY AND HER BALLROOM ORCHESTRA ‘Dancing in the Dark’ Vocalion CDEA6088.
BERTINI and the TOWER BALLROOM DANCE BAND ‘Hello Everybody’ Eclipse Records Vocalion CDEA 6092. Editor: Sadly this doesn’t include his famous number ‘Samum’ which was on Regal Zonophone – not Eclipse.
JACK PAYNE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Vol. 4 ‘Good Morning Mr. Sun’ Imperial Records Vocalion CDEA6093.
SAMMY KAYE Swing and Sway Vocalion CDUS 3024.
EDDIE FISHER The Early Years Vocalion CDUS3026.
DINAH SHORE Volume 2 Double CD for the price of 1 Vocalion CDUS3029.
All Vocalion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service. CDLK series cost £10 [US $20] each; CDEA are £6 [$12]; and CDUS are also £6 [$12] each.
BRITISH FILM COMPOSERS IN CONCERT Clifton Parker – Thieves’ Carnival Overture, Two Choreographic Studies; Leighton Lucas – Ballet de la Reine; Anthony Collins – Eire Suite; Bruce Montgomery – Scottish Aubade, Scottish Lullaby; Eric Rogers – Palladium Symphony Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CD WHL 2145. This new release showcases the concert works of some of the most interesting British cinema composers in a collection of world premiere recordings, featuring the likes of ‘Carry On’ film composers Bruce Montgomery and Eric Rogers, whose Palladium Symphony was inspired by his time conducting and composing for ITV’sSunday Night at the London Palladium. Another featured composer, Leighton Lucas, went from dancing with Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes to working with Ivor Novello, later writing music for Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright and war epics such as The Dam Busters, for which he provided the incidental music to supplement Eric Coates’ famous march.
KETỀLBEY CONDUCTS KETỀLBEY Volume 3 A Cockney Suite, Gallantry, I Call You From The Shadows, Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind, In a Camp of Ancient Britons, A Musical Jigsaw, Danse a la Tarantelle, Mind The Slide, Jungle Drums, Aberfoyle, Fiddle Fun, A Desert Romance, Sunset Glow, With Honour Crowned Various Orchestras Naxos 8110869. This collection of recordings dates from 1909 to 1940. The previous two volumes disappointed some buyers who felt that the sound restoration was patchy; it may be worth waiting to read reviews before deciding to purchase, although the price of around £5 is certainly not excessive.
THE NEW CONCERT ORCHESTRA Volume 1 Boosey & Hawkes recordings Citizens of the World – March, Passage to Windward, Four Old Fusspots, Icicle Ride, Broad Reach, Harvest Supper, The Scent of Sandalwood, Little Suite – Folk Tune, The Spirit of Progress – March (Trevor Duncan); Romantic Journey, Exuberant Youth (Ernest Tomlinson); Music for a Sunday Afternoon (Willis Schaefer); The Bingola, Paris Taxi, Spring (Vivian Ellis); Vin Rosé, Song of the Woodlands, Riverside Idyll (Frederic Curzon); Talking Point, Celtic Melody, Watersmeet (Cyril Watters); Girl Bird (Dennis Farnon); The Bullfighter (Monia Liter); Diary of a Debutante (Sam Fonteyn) VOCALION CDLK4192.
DIMITRI TIOMKIN : "Red River" film score Moscow Symphony Orchestra / William Stromberg Marco Polo 8225217. Starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift, Howard Hawks’ Academy Award-winning Red River ranks among the best of the classic westerns made in the 1940s.
CARL MICHAEL ZIEHRER Selected Dances and Marches – Volume 4 Razumovsky Sinfonia / Christian Pollack Marco Polo 8223817.
New PERCY FAITH albums from Collectables in the USA (due to be released at the end of June):
COL 7561 Clair + New Thing
COL 7563 Lil' Abner + Broadway Bouquet
COL 7564 Bon Voyage! + Carefree - The Music Of Percy Faith
COL 7565 The Columbia Album Of Victor Herbert (Originally a 2-LP set)
…and finally an interesting CD from Derek Boulton’s Horatio Nelson
TUTTI CAMARATA Tutti’s Trumpets (1957 LP) I Can’t Get Started, Boy Meets Horn, What’s New, Trumpet Soliloquy, Trumpet Tango, Stardust, Tenderly etc. Tutti’s Trombones (1966) The Sweetest Sounds, Blueberry Hill, I Feel Pretty, The Pink Panther Theme, The Girl from Ipanema, Mr Lucky theme etc. Horatio Nelson HN04. Available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20].
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 3 Open Road (Matthew Curtis); The Hobbit (Carey Blyton);Hampton Court (Montague Phillips); Summer Overture (John Fox); Overture to a Fairy Tale (Bruce Montgomery); Comedy Overture (Adam Saunders); A Children’s Overture (Roger Quilter);Celebration Overture (Philip Lane); The Ballyraggers (James Langley); The Needles (Matthew Taylor)Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CDWHL 2140. Whilst most people are familiar with Quilter’s A Children’s Overture there can be few who have come across the other overtures on this splendid disc, let alone ever heard them played. In no particular order Hampton Court can be justifiably described as "majestic" in every sense while the rough and tumble of The Needles will put fear into any yachtsman. Matthew Curtis is his usual jolly self in Open Road while Carey Blyton wrote his clever short piece about The Hobbit long before media film hype destroyed the individual mindset created through reading the book. The Ballyraggers is true to the dictionary definition of a word which means "aggressive horseplay" while Philip Lane’s Celebration, John Fox’s Summer and Adam Saunders’ Comedy are overtures to grace the opening of any music festival. Bruce Montgomery’s Fairytale is a lovely wistful item which brings us back to Roger Quilter. This is a great disc. Peter Worsley
BRITISH FILM COMPOSERS IN CONCERT Thieves’ Carnival Overture (Clifton Parker); Two Choreographic Studies (Parker); Ballet de la Reine (Leighton Lucas); Eire Suite (Anthony Collins); Scottish Aubade (Bruce Montgomery); Scottish Lullaby (Montgomery); Palladium Symphony (Eric Rogers)Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CDWHL2145 (71:50). Our habit of "pigeon-holeing" composers and their music often works to our own disadvantage. Frankly, is it really important that music be exclusively "Light" or "Serious"; "Classical" or "Popular"; Traditional or Avant-Garde or Post-Modernist (whatever that means); or written before or after such-and-such a year or period? Anyway, Messrs. Lane and Sutherland, those doughty champions of the long-neglected and the little-known, here explode the possibly still-lurking myth that, because these five composers wrote mainly for the cinema their "other" work can’t be much good. For example: one might easily preconceive a piece bearing the title "Palladium Symphony" as all glitz and superficial showbiz clichés. It isn’t, and if you are familiar with Clive Richardson’s "London Fantasia" and Ralph (not ‘Rafe’ incidentally) Vaughan Williams’ F minor Symphony, listen very attentively – chances are you will be greatly intrigued! Anthony Collins’ "Fluters’ Hooley" was heard from time to time in far-off BBC days, although little if anything else is likely to stir any memories: you are in for some very pleasant surprises! Not, then, for those who "only like what they know"; but real music-lovers go ahead fully confidently. John E. Govier
In their non-pressurised moments several film composers managed to score private light music gems, either for themselves or for their close circle of friends. They would have remained private and eventually been forgotten had not Philip Lane uncovered them and arranged their recording. All the pieces have their own special appeal, the most substantial being the first performance of thePalladium Symphony by Eric Rogers, more usually known for his work with the Carry On films after he succeeded Bruce Montgomery. There was also more to Anthony Collins than Vanity Fair and conducting. Clifton Parker meanwhile scored more than 50 films while Leighton Lucas arranged much of Ivor Novello’s later works. More rich pickings here. Peter Worsley
ALBERT W. KETÈLBEY Volume 3 Cockney Suite (State Procession – Buckingham Palace; Cockney Lover – Lambeth Walk; Palais de Dance; Elegy – Thoughts on Passing the Cenotaph; Bank Holiday – ‘Appy ‘Ampstead); Gallantry; I Call You From the Shadows; Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind; In a Camp of the Ancient Britons; A Musical Jigsaw; Danse à la Tarantelle; Mind the Slide (The Troubled Trombone); Jungle Drums; Aberfoyle; Fiddle Fun; A Desert Romance; Sunset Glow; With Honour Crowned. Orchestras conducted by the composer Naxos 8110869, 70:58 mins. This third volume contains a number of rare recordings which are undoubtedly musically important from an historical standpoint, and the compiler Peter Dempsey is to be congratulated for unearthing them. They cover a period from the early acoustics of 1908 up to the more sophisticated electricals of 1940, so understandably the different studios, ensembles and record companies mean that the sound quality varies considerably. Nevertheless in the hands of a talented sound restoration engineer, using state-of-the-art equipment such as CEDAR, good results could be achieved. Sadly this is not the case here, and I have to say that, because of the obtrusive surface noise, listening to this CD was, for me, a tedious experience that I will not hurry to repeat. David Ades
At long last we can hear exactly how Albert Ketelbey thought some of his rare compositions should sound and the results will surprise many of his fans. Several of the recordings are pre-electric but still play well, especially Norman Allin’s bass voice in the superb Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind andThe Troubled Trombone, a jazzy number which predates the arrival of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band by several months! In a Camp of the Ancient Britons is an exciting piece and most of the others will also delight the ear. If you can identify the 44 different tunes in A Musical Jigsaw then you will be doing well but of special interest is the complete original Cockney Suite, among which ‘Appy ‘Ampstead never disappoints. The sleeve notes are good and this is a bargain CD if you like historic British Light Music – it’s as simple as that! Edmund Whitehouse
CATERINA VALENTE Great Continental Hits (with Stanley Black Orchestra) If You Go, Autumn Leaves, Melodie d’Amour, Too Soon, Volare, I Wish You Love, Song of the Sea, Why Do You Pass Me By etc. Valente & Violins (with Roland Shaw Orch) Love Letters, It Might as Well be Spring, This is all I Ask, Ebb Tide, What Now My Love, Somewhere etc. Vocalion CDLK4125 (postponed from last year). The reissue of these two LPs has been eagerly awaited – not only for Caterina’s distinctive way with a song, but also as an example of Stanley Black’s superlative scores. The second album (with Roland Shaw) is also very good, and together they make an attractive package that should sell very well. David Ades
RONALD BINGE Aldershot Brass Ensemble A Variation on Alouette, A Tune a Day, Trombonioso, Rushlake Green, The Jolly Swagman, A Song for all Comets, etc. The Romantic Guitar with Gerald Tolan Echoes of a Dream, The Ever-Changing Sea, Summer’s End, Fugal Fancy, Where the Sun Shines etc. The Wimbledon Girl Singers Where the Gentle Avon Flows, Sailing By, Down by the River, String Song, The Watermill, Alas My Love You Do Me Wrong etc. Vocalion CDLK4129. These LPs, originally on Refiffusion, are perfect illustrations of Ronald Binge’s versatility. Once he ‘escaped’ from the cascading strings he created for Mantovani, he tried his hand at several different styles, and his many admirers owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Dutton at Vocalion for restoring these fascinating examples of his work to the catalogue. David Ades
MANTOVANI Exodus Exodus Main theme & Karen, A Summer Place, The Green Leaves of Summer, Song Without End, 76 Trombones, The Sundowners, Irma la Douce etc. Great Films – Great themes Barabbas, Fanny, Advise and Consent, Goodbye Again, The Apartment, Never on Sunday etc. Vocalion CDLK4179. Around 40 years ago, some music lovers were getting a little tired of the ‘Mantovani sound’, especially as so many new LPs of his music were constantly being released. Of course, the reason for this abundance was that they all sold well, and hearing them again after several decades it is easy to understand why. For the truth is that the famous ‘sound’ did not overwhelm everything that Mantovani did, and the main thing in his favour was the excellence of the arrangements, the high standards of performance and the top quality recording. If anything, they sound even better today, and this collection of popular film themes (including the unlikely Charles Williams hit theme for The Apartment) will please Mantovani’s many fans. David Ades
HAT BOX : Hat Box(Alan Bullard); Arioso (S.Rak); Greensleeves to a Grand, Brande Yrlandt, Cowarte Monsieur and Fantasia (Anon 17th century); Chadkirk Idyll (E. Tomlinson); Fred’s Blue Ginger Staircase Music (David Ellis); Variations on Dowland’s Comagin (Van Eyck); New World Dances (John Golland) Un Petit Jazz (John Duarte); Bramall Hall Dances (Peter Hope). John Turner (Recorder), Neil Smith (Guitar). CAMPION CAMEO 2020 74.45mins. Apart from the 17th Century Variations and the Stepan Rak piece, all the music on this attractive disc may be described as British light music with at least two great light music composers represented therein. Much of it (though not the Golland and Duarte, both uptempo suites) is also associated with Stockport where David Ellis, producer and composer, lives. Stockport was once famed for hatmaking, so Alan Bullard’s Hat Box, a "thematic suite" in eight brief movements (featuring top hat, beret, Mexican hat, stetson, deerstalker, baseball cap, bonnet and cloth cap) is appropriate. Ernest Tomlinson’s Chadkirk Iydll (Chadkirk is the chapel where the recording was made) was also expressly written for the CD and is the most serious piece here. Ellis’s rhythmic suite (Fred and Ginger are Astaire and Rodgers, of course) and Peter Hope’s Bramall Hall Dances, mixing old and new idioms, both celebrate local buildings. The enterprising John Turner plays brilliantly and Neil Smith partners him well, if a little woodenly in Tomlinson. Philip Scowcroft
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES VOLUME 3 Entertainments (Gilbert Vinter); Sospiri (Sir Edward Elgar); Four Folksong Preludes (Peter Warlock); Countryside Suite (John Fox); Elegy (Haigh Marshall); First Suite for Strings (Cyril Scott); Sinfonia Breve (Gareth Walters). Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group CDWHL 2139. Essentially British in every respect one can just imagine rural folk wending their way along the lanes long before the now ubiquitous motor car invaded what had hitherto been largely alien territory. Nowadays one has to venture a good way off the beaten track to find peace and quiet but this music, especially John Fox’sCountryside Suite (Morning Air, Black clouds over the moors, My village and Country Folk) speaks for itself. Gilbert Vinter is in his usual jaunty vein with Entertainments, while Elgar’s Sospiri is well-known. The other pieces also hark back to a gentler age when music-making was a very different affair. A rural idyll indeed. Time to reflect and ponder? Edmund Whitehouse
A TRIBUTE TO STANLEY BLACK Early Black Magic, 25 original recordings 1931-52. Lullaby; Lady Be Good; Lost in the Fog; Honeysuckle Rose; I ‘ain’t got Nobody; Trouble in Paradise; I Won’t Dance; Porcupine Rag; Someday Sweetheart; Roy Club Rag; Gershwin medley; Caravan; Out of the Ragbag medley; Victory Roll Rag; Oasis; South American Way; I threw a Kiss in the Ocean; At the Crossroads; A Sultan goes to Harlem; Jungle Bird; Andalucia; Sans ton Amour; Sulla Laguna; Pianolo; Estrellita. Sanctuary Group Living Era AJA 5490. With musicians like Coleman Hawkins and the full bands of Howard Jacobs, Lew Stone, Harry Roy, Bert Ambrose and Carl Barriteau one can hardly fail to be impressed with this new disc. Before he switched more to light music Stanley Black was a true jazz and dance band favourite, arranging as well as composing and playing the piano. These 25 tracks are amongst his very finest. Edmund Whitehouse
BOB SHARPLES ORCHESTRA Dimensions in Sound Tuxedo Junction, Singing the Blues, Mack the Knife, The Whistler and his Dog, Strike Up the Band, Rocket, Satin Doll, Trolley Song, etc. Contrasts in Hi-Fi On the Road to Mandalay, Will You Remember, By the Bend of the River, Giannina Mia, A Perfect Day, Donkey Serenade, Sylvia, Sweethearts etc. Vocalion CDLK4169. This is another of Vocalion’s excellent value 2-CD packages, offering 2 CDs for the price of one, simply because the two LPs combined last too long to squeeze on to one CD. Rather than cut some tracks (which less honourable record companies might do), Mike Dutton ensures that these reissues are the genuine article. Dimensions in Sound was released in August 1960, and it sounds like a dry-run for Decca’s Phase 4 Stereo, which was launched with much publicity two years later. The instruments are well separated, and I was amused by the comment about Rocket in the original sleeves notes from the LPs producer Ray Horricks: "The sound is quiet, but a good cartridge will separate the instruments." Today we have learned not to want too many gimmicks, so the question has to be – does the music rise above the sound engineer’s games? Just about, although I have to admit that the sound is spectacular! Contrasts in Hi-Fi (released December 1957) was just too soon for stereo, although the arrangements often sound like it ought to be. ‘Contrasts’ is the operative word, because this LP contains so many different styles that one wonders at times what Bob Sharples is up to. Dennis Brain (French horn) and Bobby Pratt (trumpet) are featured soloists on some tracks, and there are four vocal numbers featuring The Sandmen (who actually include girls!). After the initial shock, I think that this CD is likely to grow on you. It’s worth adding to your Christmas ‘wants’ list. David Ades
FREDDY GARDNER and his Golden Tone Saxophone I Only Have Eyes for You, I’m In the Mood For Love, Roses of Picardy, These Foolish Things, Valse Vanité, Body and Soul, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise – plus 19 more Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5454, 77:12 mins. The seven tracks listed above are the last ones on the CD, and they all feature the magnificent playing of Freddy with the Peter Yorke Orchestra, recorded only a few years before his untimely death on 26 July 1950, aged only 39. The other tracks date from 1935 onwards, and showcase Freddy with various small groups and also his larger swing orchestra. There are also five sides from Decca’s Music While You Work wartime series played by Freddy Gardner and his Messmates. Keen fans may already have some of these 78s on other reissues, but this new attractive collection shouldn’t be ignored. David Ades
RADIO AND TELEVISION MEMORIES No. 3 London Calling (Eric Coates), On a Spring Note (Sidney Torch), Bowin’ and Scrapin’ (Reg Casson), Rippling Waters (Donald Thorne), Muse in Mayfair (Vivian Ellis), Table Talk (Dolf van der Linden), Pastoral Montage (Gideon Fagan), Downland (Cecil Milner), Non-Stop (John Malcolm), Cavalcade of Youth (Jack Beaver) etc… This England (Evergreen Melodies) CR4. Sorry there isn’t room to list the contents in full, but a glance at the list will confirm that this CD is packed with light music favourites. In total there are 36 tracks, and some of them are brief extracts from actual shows such as Have a Go, Journey Into Space and Much Binding in the Marsh. Even if you have some of these titles already (and most of you will), it’s always nice to hear them played in a different order, with the additional surprises squeezed in! David Ades This England CDs cost £8.95 (which includes UK postage). Write to: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at Credit cards accepted.
DAVID ROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Plays Gershwin & Kern Liza, Summertime, Man I Love, Embraceable You, Love Walked In, A Fine Romance, American in Paris, Long Ago and Far Away, Somebody Loves Me, Fascinating Rhythm, Make Believe, In Love In Vain, Song is You, Why Was I Born, etc… (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD92, 79:46 mins.
DAVID ROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA A ‘Mrs Miniver’ Rose Almost Like Being in Love, Don’t Fence Me In, I Got Rhythm, Hot Canary, El Relicario, Academy Award Medley, Pink Champagne, Ain’t Misbehavin, Little House on the Prairie, Rustle of Spring, Alone Again Naturally, King & I Medley, etc..(Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD97, 77:57 mins. Anyone who knows and loves the music of David Rose, George Gershwin and Jerome Kern will know what to expect from the first of these two CDs, an immaculate performance of some of the best standards of all time which needs no further description from me. I have to admit that the "Mrs. Miniver" reference in thre second obscure title is completely lost on me; the record itself is a blend of twelve David Rose originals done for the World and Muzak companies, presumably for background music, including links of less than one and a half minutes. There are also two tracks, Bewitched and Over the Rainbow, from the Standard label and four Rose compositions from his affiliation with Capitol. Not the best CD from the Rose Orchestra by any means, but a well-varied and contrasted programme that should satisfy almost everyone.Arthur Jackson
FROM THE BOSWORTH LIBRARY Isn’t it a Happy Day, Ivory Antics, Petals, Rain or Shine, Doctor’s Orders, Red Poppies, April Day, etc… (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD100, 79:08. The Bosworth Library is believed to have started issuing mood music 78s in 1936, to be quickly followed by Boosey & Hawkes. Frank Bristow has collected together 29 sides which I believe all date from the 1930s. When people like Chappell arrived on the scene most mood music was played by a full light orchestra, but many of these early 78s feature small ensembles (no strings) by groups such as the Ragamuffin Syncopators and the Pall Mall Revellers. It’s rather like the kind of music that accompanied the antics of Laurel and Hardy in their first talkies. Anyone with an interest in the history of mood music will want to add this to their collection. David Ades
THE STORY OF TWO LOVES Manhattan Tower Gordon Jenkins Orchestra & Chorus; Atlantic Crossing Ferde Grofé and New Symphony Orchestra. (Australia) Frank Bristow EXCD37, 76:17 mins. Two narrative stories you may remember from the earliest days of microgroove, one of which at least has developed legendary status over the last 50 years. This is, of course, Gordon Jenkins’Manhattan Tower which, despite criticism, stands alone in its subject matter and musical content as one of the finest ’concept’ albums ever produced. First appearing in 1945 on Brunswick 78s (and later on LP) of only 17 minutes’ duration, Manhattan Tower was recreated and augmented by Jenkins as a 48-minute LP under his new Capitol contract, and it is this ‘Hi-Fi’ version that Frank Bristow has elected to use here (obviously it’s not the sort of thing Capitol itself would ever reissue!). I vaguely remember Ferde Grofé’s Atlantic Crossing being issued on Decca LK4037 circa 1950/51, but I never had it in my collection. It is interesting to have as a fill-up to Manhattan, but even to a long-term Grofé admirer it cannot be more than a footnote in his career. Narrated by Anton Dolin and authoress Ethel Levane, it tells a nostalgic story of two Americans finding love in London and Paris, but one can’t help feeling that the whole thing might have been better without the (mostly incomprehensible) dialogue, and letting the music, such as it is, speak for itself. Arthur Jackson
Frank Bristow’s CDs are only available by writing to him at: 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA or by sending an e-mail to him at: Arrangements can be made for British members to pay with a sterling cheque.
LEROY ANDERSON Classical Juke Box Syncopated Clock, Chicken Reel, Fiddle Faddle, Serenata, Sleigh Ride, Irish Suite, Saraband, Promenade, Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Jazz Legato – Jazz Pizzicato, A Christmas Festival Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Naxos 8120649. In the past few years there have been several fine CDs of Leroy Anderson’s music, which must affect the sale potential of each new entrant on the scene. The emphasis here is on his original compositions and arrangements performed by the Boston Pops between 1947 and 1950. This compilation was in the safe hands of David Lennick and Graham Newton, so you can be reassured that the sound quality is vastly superior to some of the recent ‘vintage’ releases from Naxos. David Ades
New from Apollo Sound:
CAREY BLYTON Film Production Music Volume 2 Capital City, Flying Birds, The Living River, The Goshawk, Revenge of the Cybermen, Death to the Daleks, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD225, 55:49 mins.
TEST CARD MUSIC Vol. 9 Melancholic Rock, Just a Game, David, Disco Girl, It’s Incredible, Dream On, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD 231, 56:16 mins.
THE MOZART LOUNGE Vol. 2 The Swingers, Tampico, My Credentials, Alter Ego, Three Dogs, Curriculum, Street Waltz, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD 232, 50:06 mins.
These three new CDs from Apollo Sound will be warmly received by the many keen collectors who have welcomed the feast of lounge (or whatever you care to call it!) music that has been resurrected from the archives in recent years. Firstly there is the eagerly awaited second volume of original compositions by Carey Blyton, whose death in July 2002 we sadly reported in JIM 153 (page 58). The first half concentrates on Carey’s work on documentary films, many of them covering wildlife subjects for organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Often a small group featuring mainly woodwinds seems best suited to subjects like this – an area in which Carey excels. The second part of the CD visits his music for TV plays, notably Doctor Who (around 17 short tracks) so the fans of this cult series will be delighted. A surprising inclusion is the familiar Associated Rediffusion station ident from 1966, introducing Carey’s score for "Julie’s Gone". Mention must be made of the impressive 20-page booklet which goes into incredible detail regarding both the composer and his music. A most impressive release.
Next we move on to the ninth in Apollo’s best known series – Test Card Music – and this time all the tracks are from Apollo Sounds’ own archive, having originally appeared on their LPs. The vast majority were recorded in European radio studios during Heinz Herschmann’s frequent (and very productive) tours of the continent, often in countries which were then on the other side of the iron curtain. Names such as The Polish Radio Orchestra, the Franz Thon Big Band, the Budapest Radio Orchestra and Joze Privsek, will be familiar to the growing band of collectors who eagerly devour each new issue. Waving the union jack are Simon Gale and Richard Frank. Here are 20 tracks that will rekindle nostalgic memories of the days when television didn’t invade our homes non-stop for 24 hours each day!
Finally, for this time, we have the second volume from the archives of Mozart Edition (GB) Ltd who (like Apollo) often recorded in Europe. The 19 tracks include a variety of sounds from Hans Hammerschmidt, Borgazzi Fabio, Mario Mellier, Maria Augusta Bruni, De Vera, Sapabo etc… These names will be known to aficionados, and such is the cult status of this kind of music that Apollo have bowed to the wishes of their loyal customers by making some of these CDs also available on vinyl. The ensembles range in size from a trio to a big band and chorus. Of course this isn’t light music – it is best described by the CD cover which calls it Groovy and Scat! David Ades
PETER YORKE AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA featuring FREDDY GARDNER and *STEVE CONWAY "Melody of the Stars" Melody of the Stars; "Till The Clouds Roll By" – Look for the Silver Lining, All the Things You Are, I Won’t Dance, Smoke Gets in your Eyes, Who, Old Man River; These Foolish Things; "Carnival in Costa Rica" – Costa Rica, *Another Night Like This, I’ll Know it’s Love, *Mi Vida; Humpty Dumpty, "Blue Skies" – Blue Skies, You Keep Coming Back like a Song, Getting Nowhere, White Christmas; Dawn Fantasy (featuring Arthur Sandford, piano); "The Time The Place And The Girl" – Gal in Calico, Through a Thousand Dreams, A Rainy Night in Rio, Oh But I Do; How Deep is the Ocean; "It’s Magic" - *It’s Magic, Run Run Run, Put ‘em in a Box, *It’s You or No One; I Only Have Eyes for You; "Night and Day" – Night and Day, Begin the Beguine, Let’s Do It, What is this Thing Called Love, My Heart Belongs to Daddy; *No Orchids for my Lady; "Bambi" – Love is a Song, Let’s Sing a Gay Little Spring Song, Looking for Romance Little April Shower, Love is a Song; Gentle Maiden; "Look for the Silver Lining" – Look for the Silver Lining, Kiss in the Dark, Who, Time on my Hands, Sunny. Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5501.
ERNEST GOLD and BERNARD HERRMANN Film Themes of Ernest Gold It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, The Young Philadelphians, Judgement at Nuremberg, The Last Sunset, Inherit the Wind,Pressure Point, A Child is Waiting, On the Beach, Saddle Pals, Exodus, Too Much Too Soon.London Festival Orchestra conducted by Ernest Gold. The Great Movie Thrillers Psycho, Marnie, North by Northwest, Vertigo, A Portrait of Hitch (from The Trouble with Harry). London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bernard Herrmann. Vocalion CDLK4178.
RONNIE ALDRICH Two Pianos – Today You Only Live Twice, A Whiter Shade of Pale, Georgy Girl, Something Stupid, A Man and a Woman, My Cup Runneth Over, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, Release Me, Barefoot in the Park, Alfie, Music to Watch Girls By, This is my Song Soft & Wicked Last Tango in Paris, You’re so Vain, Aubrey, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Clair, Call Me, Goor Time Charlie’s Got the Blues, Oh Babe What Would you Say, Killing me Softly with his Song, Last Song, Theme from ‘The Valachi Papers’, It Never Rains in Southern California with the London Festival OrchestraVocalion CDLK4188.
STANLEY BLACK Some Enchanted Evening Falling in Love with Love, The Man I Love, So in Love, The Desert Song, Why Do I Love You, Body and Soul, Easy to Love, I’ve Got You Under my Skin, The Night is Young and You’re so Beautiful, All the Things you Are, Some Enchanted Evening, Love for Sale, Lover Come Back to Me, You and the Night and the Music Summer Evening SerenadeGaviotta, Serenade to Eileen, Siciliano, From Here to Eternity, Memory, Desire, Starlight Serenade, Carnet de bal, Le Grisbi, Magic Circles, Melody of Love, Estrellita del sur. Vocalion CDLK4186.
JOHNNY DOUGLAS AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA "Just Pure Gold" Catch a Falling Star, The Storry of a Starry Night, A Wonderful Guy, La Vie en Rose, Cherokee, Hello Young Lovers, All in a Golden Afternoon, I Feel Pretty, The Song is You, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Seven Golden Bells, A Summer Place, Allez-vous en Go Away, Green Leaves of Summer, Carousel Waltz, I Still See Elisa, When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love, Lucy’s Theme from ‘Parish’, The Girl That I Marry, Out of my Dreams, This Nearly Was Mine Dulcima DLCD119. 21 tracks arranged by Johnny Douglas taken from his Decca LPs ‘Golden Strings’ and ‘The Broadway Waltzes’.
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 2: Plymouth Hoe (John Ansell); Overture 125 (David Gow); Farnham Festival Overture (Sir Richard Rodney Bennett); The Moor of Venice (William Alwyn); A Scots Overture (John Gardner); The Lamprey (Michael Gryspeerdt); Scaramouche (Peter Hope); A Cleveland Overture (Anthony Hedges); A Snowdon Overture (Gareth Glyn) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group White Line CDWHL2137, 62:54 mins. While the nautically jolly Plymouth Hoe will be familiar to many, the other splendid overtures on this new CD will not. David Gow’s 125 was written to launch British Rail’s new high speed train in 1976; Richard Rodney Bennett’s offering is self explanatory; William Alwyn’s Moor of Venice began as a brass band piece before Philip Lane orchestrated it; while John Gardner’s original work was in honour of wartime RAF Fighter Command before being rescored for the 1954 Proms. Michael Gryspeerdt was a doctor by profession but played in the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra which often repaired to The Lamprey pub near Gloucester Cathedral while Peter Hope needs no introduction, nor does Anthony Hedges whose Cleveland Overture is related to Hull University where he was domiciled for many years. Welshman, Gareth Glyn lives on Anglesey and looks out to Snowdonia so it is easy to see where he obtained his inspiration. All the music is in the best British Light Music tradition and well worth purchasing. Peter Worsley
I have, alas, one or two serious misgivings about the makeup of this CD, bearing in mind the title British LIGHT Overtures. I can well imagine some impulse purchasers being misled into thinking that they are going to enjoy an hour or so of tuneful undemanding music which, for the most part, this recording doesn’t deliver. William Alwyn’s The Moor of Venice for example, has a particularly grim and doom-laden scenario which is fully realised in the music and could in no way be categorised as ‘light’. Surely a more accurate generic title (if Sanctuary Classics are going to continue with this series) would simply be ‘British Concert Overtures’. Furthermore the age profile, as represented by the compositional dates of these works is heavily tilted towards the modern with only two pre-dating 1950, one of which fortunately is John Ansell’s splendid, stirring and evocative salt-laden nautical overture Plymouth Hoe. Wonderful to have this at last in first-class modern sound, but for this listener at least leaving most of the remainder on this disc obstinately becalmed and (taking the nautical analogy a little further) outgunned and outranged! The best of the remainder for me was Rodney Bennett’s Farnham Festival Overture which includes skilful use of a piano, and Gareth Glyn’s appealing A Snowdon Overture which displays a charm and lyricism lacking in most of the remaining tracks, which I cannot imagine returning to very often. Playing time is somewhat miserly and there would have been ample room at the end for Ansell’s companion nautical overture The Windjammers, referred to in Philip Lane’s notes, and bringing about perhaps a satisfying concluding symmetry to this disc. Recording and performance are first rate, and if you think the contents will appeal to you don’t be put off by the strictures of a curmudgeonly reviewer. Incidentally, isn’t it about time that such significant figures of the past as Percy Fletcher, Montague Phillips, Haydn Wood, etc are represented in this series, assuming the compiler(s) can become a little less obsessed with ‘modern’? It would considerably increase the attractiveness and saleability of this series, and certainly I would have passed by Volume 2 had it not been for Plymouth Hoe! Roger Hyslop
JOHNNY DOUGLAS ORCHESTRA I won’t dance, Yesterdays, A fine romance, The Carioca, They can’t take that away from me, The way you look tonight, I’m putting all my eggs in one basket, etc.. (22 tracks taken from the Decca LPs ‘Cheek to Cheek’ & ‘A Handful of Stars’ Dulcima DLCD118, 73:42 mins. Many of us will recall these two Decca LPs from over 45 years ago with pleasant memories. Johnny Douglas’s own arrangements have a bright, fresh sound that won him many admirers back in the 1950s, and this welcome reissue on his own Dulcima label will please many readers of this magazine. The LPs date from 1955 and 1957, so they were just too early for stereo, but the original tape masters still sound fine. To fit both albums on to one CD, it has been necessary to omit Like Someone in Love and How High the Moon from ‘A Handful of Stars’. Just one slight disappointment: the CD booklet doesn’t say anything about Johnny’s distinguished career. Maybe he was too modest! As you will have read elsewhere in this issue, sadly Johnny died on Easter Sunday, 20 April, so this CD will serve as a lasting tribute to his talent as a superlative arranger of popular songs. David Ades Dulcima CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £13 [US $26] each.
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES Volume 2: Set of Act Tunes and Dances (Henry Purcell); Serenade for the Birthday of Frederic Delius (Peter Warlock); Air and Dance (Delius); Serenade (Matthew Curtis); Suite – The Spanish Lady (Sir Edward Elgar); Serenata Concertante (Philip Lane) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group White Line CDWHL2136. You may not hear this music played regularly on BBC Radio 3 which shows it must be good! It is a delightful light string music CD of the highest calibre, both ancient and modern(ised). Gareth Glyn’s characteristic Anglesey Sketches tell the story of different parts of the island in North Wales where the composer resides. Particularly pleasant are the scherzo Cemaes, reflecting exuberant summer beach activities while the elegy Moelfre, conjures up the hundreds of lost souls down the centuries whose ships foundered on this dangerous rocky coastline. Matthew Curtis and Philip Lane prove that modern serious string music can be thoroughly enjoyable while the rest of the disc can easily be guessed from the style of the well-known composers listed. Peter Worsley The Sanctuary Group White Line series of CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20] each.
CHARLES WILLIAMS ‘Radio and Television Memories No. 2’ Devil’s Galop, Girls in Grey, The Old Clockmaker, Quiet Stroll, Voice of London, High Adventure, Rhythm on Rails, Starlings, Young Ballerina, Pioneer Trail, Trolleybus, Model Railway, Great Day, In a Hurry, Summer Garden, Follow That Car, Sports Galop, Workroom, Full Speed, Ten Days’ Leave, Night Boat to Duiblin (film theme), Alf’s Button Afloat (film music), SOS, Searchlight, Convoy Attack, Barrage, Naval Action, Commandos, Said the Bells, Atlantic Brakers, War in the Jungle, Sons of the Air, March Winds, Storm on the Moors, Seaford Head, Drummer Boy, Speedway Galop and The Falcons Charles Williams and his Concert Orchestra, Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra, etc. THIS ENGLAND CR3. As many readers will know, a new CD of Charles Williams’ compositions was recorded in England earlier this year, and its release is eagerly awaited. But This England magazine has just got in first by issuing the first commercial CD devoted entirely to compositions by this master of Light Music, which will delight his many admirers. The CD (and cassette) coincide with an article on Charles Williams in the spring 2003 issue of Evergreen (the sister magazine of This England). The CD is full of radio and TV themes, such as "Dick Barton – Special Agent", BBC Television Newsreel, "Jennings at School", Farming, "Friday Night is Music Night", "Top of the Bill", "Dan Dare", television interludes and others. There are also two rare film soundtracks – from "Night Boat to Dublin" (1946) and a 1938 Crazy Gang Film "Alf’s Button Afloat"; predictably the sound quality is only average and the extracts are brief, but the second film is notable for chase music which Williams must have used later as the basis for his Devil’s Galop. These two tracks alone make this CD a real collector’s item. Keen Williams fans will probably have many of the other tracks, and the need to choose items that are out of copyright (more than 50 years old) means that the compilers have had to resort to a number of less well-known short mood music pieces from the Chappell Recorded Music Library of the 1940s. Readers who have previously purchased CDs from This England will know that they are lovingly produced by real enthusiasts. The gloss of the major record companies may be missing, and expensive sound restoration is beyond their reach. Having said that, the sound quality here is perfectly acceptable, with only occasional surface noise evident, and it has to be recognised that this may well be a ‘plus’ factor for some collectors who value authenticity. This release is strongly recommended as a slice of English Light Music history. The only thing lacking is precise information of the recording source and the actual orchestra playing on each item. David Ades This CD is only available direct from Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at The CD costs £8.95 including postage; a shorter cassette version is available for £7.50. Overseas members should enquire about extra postage costs.
MUSIC OF LECUONA Siboney, Danza Iucumi, Jungle Drums, Gitanarias, Maria my own, Malaguena, Always in my heart, Andalucia, La comparsa, High in Sierra PLACE PIGALLE Domino, Why do you pass me by, At last at last, Autumn leaves, C’est si bon, La mer, Waltz of Paree, Chez-moi, Boom, Mademoiselle de Paris, When the world was young, Au revoir Stanley Black, his Piano and Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4176. The early stereo sound on the ‘Lecuona’ album is quite amazing. Equally exciting are the arrangements, presumably the work of maestro Stanley Black, although he did not generally make known the musicians who must have worked with him on some of his albums. He was so busy in the recording studios and concert halls, that he surely could not have scored all his music himself. The accompanying LP "Place Pigalle" employs much fewer musicians, mainly piano, accordion, percussion and occasionally electronic organ. The result is an atmospheric portrait of the kind of sounds one would love to hear emanating from a smoky French café or bistro, late into the evening. Sadly things are rather different today, but at least Stanley allows us to wallow in our nostalgia for what should be. These are two very different albums, but somehow they are each very satisfying in their own way. You may not want to play the entire CD through in one go, but I suspect that you will get a lot of enjoyment from selecting various portions from time to time, depending upon your mood. David Ades
EVENING IN PARIS Mademoiselle de Paris, Love’s last word is spoken, My prayer, Vous qui passez sans me voir (Why do you pass me by?), Pigalle, La vie en rose, Boom, Ca c’est Paris, J’attendrai, Valentine, Clopin clopant, La Seine, Parlez moi d’amour, Can-can EVENING IN ROME Santa Lucia, Serenade in the night, Mattinata, Luna rossa, Tell me you’ll not forget, Mamma, Come back to Sorrento, La montanara, O sole mio, The echo told me a lie, Catari catari, Vieni sul mar, Anema e core, Funiculi funicular. Frank Chacksfield and his Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4167. This is really Leon Young’s CD, with his glorious arrangements excelling in these timeless interpretations of delightful melodies that still cannot fail to charm. The Chacksfield Orchestra really was a superb ensemble in the 1950s, strongly supported by the Decca sound technicians who were in a class all their own. First issued in 1954 and 1955, these albums just pre-date stereo, but the mono sound is fine and, after all, it is the music that really matters. As far as I am concerned, these interpretations are exactly how I wish to hear this kind of music performed. Rock ‘N’ Roll hadn’t yet fully embarked on the wrecking spree that killed off so many fine orchestras just a few years later. David Ades
NAT KING COLE Love Songs When I Fall in Love, Unforgettable, Very Thought of You, Too Young, Let’s Fall in Love, The More I See You, Stardust, These Foolish Things, etc… 24 tracks EMI 581 5132. I suppose that the only ‘problem’ with compilations such as this is deciding how many duplications you are prepared to tolerate. I haven’t checked in detail, but I should imagine that keen NKC collectors will already possess many of these tracks. However if your collection is currently devoid of this great singer, you could do far worse than purchase this bargain. David Ades
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC
Hits I Missed & Al Jolson Classics Vocalion CDLK4168
Great Film Hits & Pop Hits Vocalion CDLK4170
It is difficult to find something new to say about Ted Heath and his Music. His great band contained some of the finest soloists that were around in Britain at the time, and all of his Decca LPs were outstanding in their own way. For example, the idea of a big band swinging Al Jolson hits might sound a bit far-fetched, but Heath certainly gets away with it. And how many band leaders would allow their egos to admit that they had actually missed some hits? Ted Heath fans continue to be very fortunate that so many of his albums are now available in superb remasterings such as these. David Ades
MANTOVANI ORCHESTRA Italia Mia & Verzauberter Klang Aus Germany Vocalion CDLK4173. Just recently Vocalion have been treating us to several Decca albums featuring music from the continent of Europe, each being superb examples of the work of the respective orchestras. Frank Chacksfield with his ‘Evening in Rome’ (CDLK4167) has concentrated more on the popular sound of Italian music from the 1950s, whereas this Mantovani collection veers a little closer to the light classics. The sound and the performance are both stunning, and some readers may be reassured to know that the famous Mantovani ‘cascading strings’ sound is only used very sparingly (Decca probably insisted upon a touch of it here and there). The title track Italia Mia is one of Mantovani’s own compositions. This is the first time it has appeared on CD in Britain: it was previously on CD only in Japan – over a dozen years ago. The second LP was made for the continental market in June 1969, and did not appear in the UK, USA or Japan, so its revival should be of great interest to all Mantovani fans. Somewhat surprisingly, it was released in Australia as "Enchanting Sounds from Germany", but has been unavailable for many years. All of the tracks were big German hits, and many will be familiar to British ears. The German album is slightly more popular in style than theItalia Mia, but both fit nicely together, and this new CD is highly recommended. David Ades
SYDNEY LIPTON ORCHESTRA Sweet Harmony Cocktails for Two, Love is the Sweetest Thing, Love Walked In, Isn’t it Romantic, Dance Little Lady etc. Dancing at Grosvenor House Canadian Sunset, It’s Been a Long Long Time, Five Minutes More, Sioux City Sue, My Baby Just Cares for Me, Little White Lies, Scatter-brain, You’re Driving me Crazy etc. Vocalion CDLK4175. I suppose an obvious comment to make is that the melodies on this CD are so well-known that other versions of them must already be in the collections of many readers. So it all really comes down to a question of whether or not this style of music is your cup of tea – and I use the term deliberately, because a lot of tea will have been drunk over the years while Sydney Lipton and his Orchestra were performing music such as this at some of London’s most fashionable establishments. Today’s younger record buyers might find this rather quaint, but for those of us with longer melodies it will be a welcome addition to our collections. David Ades
EDWARD GERMAN Coronation March and Hymn, Henry VIII - Three Dances, Welsh Rhapsody, Much Ado About Nothing, Bourée and Gigue, Nell Gwynn -Three Dances, Gipsy Suite - Four Characteristic Dances, Tom Jones -Three Dances Band of the Welsh Guards directed by Major Philip Shannon MBE. Specialist Recording Company SRC 104 69 mins. This is a further instalment in SRC's continuing series featuring CDs devoted to a single British composer and performed by one of our premier military bands - in this case the Welsh Guards. With the notable exception of Marco Polo who have included him in their British Light Music Series (No. 8.223419) and issued two volumes of his more serious music (Nos. 8.223695 & 8.223726), Sir Edward German has been largely neglected by the recording companies, so this new SRC CD is particularly welcome. Whilst some of these items have already appeared on the aforementioned Marco Polo album - Gipsy Suite, Henry VIII and Nell Gwynn Dances - none are exactly over-represented in the current catalogue. The attractions of this issue are considerably enhanced by the inclusion of several rarities. The Coronation March and Hymn(for George V’s Coronation) is based on themes from Henry VIII, the excerpts from Much Ado About Nothing are quite delightful and well worth a hearing whilst there are no modern recordings extant of the Tom Jones Dances. Nimble and agile woodwind playing are demanded in many of the faster dance movements and the Welsh Guards are fully equal to the challenges made upon them. Like the Sullivan disc the sessions were taped in the spacious acoustics of the Chapel, The Royal Hospital Chelsea. A very good buy! Roger Hyslop
[available from DISCURIO, 46 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD. Tel/Fax 01634 845222,www.discurio.com, or from larger retail outlets such as the HMV Oxford Street stores in London].
BILLY MAYERL Vol. 1 Original Recordings 1925-1936 Marigold; Puppets Suite (Golliwog, Judy, Punch); Desert Song (selection); All-Of-A-Twist; Eskimo Shivers; Nippy (medley); Three Miniatures in Syncopation (Cobweb, Muffin Man, Clockwork); Sennen Cover; Jazzaristrix; Virginia Creeper; Limehouse Blues; Mignonette; Three Dances in Syncopation (English, Cricket, Harmonica); Indispensable You; Honky-Tonk; Honeysuckle; Sporting Love (medley); Have a Heart; Hollyhock.Naxos 8.120653. An excellent selection of early Mayerl masterpieces, including selections from two of his rarely heard musicals from the Thirties, Nippy and Sporting Love. Sennen Cove is the splendid full orchestral version conducted by Billy himself, while Ray Noble and Jack Hylton take the baton forHave a Heart and Indispensable You respectively. All the other tracks are solos played at the height of his fame by Mayerl, whose fantastic skills were described in a slow-motion film of the time as "Lightning Fingers". Peter Dempsey has done a wonderful job of remastering, including possibly the first ever piano recordings made by the new electrical process in Britain, namely All-Of-A-Twist andEskimo Shivers on 24th September, 1925. All in all a very good buy at bargain price. Peter WorsleyNaxos CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £5 [US $10] each.
PAUL MAURIAT AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘The Best of …’ Love is Blue, Puppet on a String, Song for Anna, Les Deux Guitares, Last Summer Day, New York New York, Nocturne, Pearl Fishers, Guantanamera, Jeux Interdits, Those Were The Days, etc… 21 tracks (France) Mercury/ Universal 063 687-2. First of all he wrote the book … now our member Serge Elhaik has penned the booklet notes (in English and French) for this very entertaining and welcome new release. In 1968 Paul Mauriat’s Love Is Blue was top of the charts in the USA for seven weeks, firmly establishing his credentials as a top international conductor. Mauriat is also highly respected as a songwriter and arranger, as his work with the likes of Charles Aznavour and Mireille Mathieu will testify. His later career found him much in demand in Japan, where it is reckoned that he gave at least 1,200 concerts until 1998. The Paul Mauriat Orchestra still continues under Gilles Gambus. This CD presents the maestro in some of his most popular recordings (seven are his own compositions), and it should win him many new admirers. David Ades
THE FILM MUSIC OF RICHARD ADDINSELL Goodbye Mr. Chips; Dangerous Moonlight (Warsaw Concerto); Love on the Dole; Blithe Spirit; The Black Rose; Scrooge; Tom Brown’s Schooldays; The Admirable Crichton; Out of the Clouds (Flame Tango). BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN 10046, 79:50 minutes. A real feast of light music for cinema and non-cinemagoers alike. The vast majority of these orchestral masterpieces have been reconstructed by Philip Lane and what a labour of love was that! By listening to the soundtrack over and over again he has recreated the deliberately destroyed scores and put back into the musical repertoire what would surely have been lost for ever. It seems strange to us now that such musical gems were discarded as worthless once the movie had been made but there was so much good music around at the time that it is understandable, if not forgivable. The recordings are first class with the addition of the choirs of both Chetham’s and Manchester Cathedral, plus the piano playing of Martin Roscoe in The Warsaw Concerto. If you remember the films then you will remember the music but even if you are too young it doesn’t matter because the splendid music stands alone. Peter Worsley
While welcoming this release wholeheartedly, it is only right that I should draw readers’ attention to the previous two CDs of Addinsell’s Film Music (ASV CDWHL2108 & 2115). Philip Lane was also involved with both of these, and it is understandable that Chandos would wish to include many of Addinsell’s best-known works, so it is inevitable that some duplications have occurred. However, on this latest release, the only items that may already be in the hands of keen collectors are Warsaw Concerto, Blithe Spirit, and Scrooge. This not only serves to illustrate the considerable output achieved by Addinsell, but it should also reassure his admirers that they must not hesitate to acquire this latest release. Full marks also for the excellent booklet. David Ades
…Warsaw Concerto – that seemingly indestructible veteran evergreen – receives from Martin Roscow a performance of genuine symphonic breadth imbuing the piece with a surprising verdant freshness which is very appealing. A highlight for me was the music from Love On The Dole which I found particularly poignant and touching. Rumon Gamba deftly steers the highly accomplished and polished BBC Philharmonic through these scores with unerring sensitivity and complete sympathy. Roger Hyslop This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US $24].
MARTIN BÖTTCHER Film Music Unser Haus in Kamerun, Der Fälscher von London, Strasse der Verheissung, Auf Engel Schiesst Man Nicht, Lufthansa-Suite plus 3 bonus tracks (Germany) Peermusic CD 0103. I feel sure that our German members will be familiar with the work of Martin Bőttcher – and rightly so, because his music is inventive and very pleasing. This new CD (conceived by our member Volker Rippe) offers the music from five films, plus three bonus tracks which I suspect were popular singles in the 1960s. The first film Unser Haus in Kamerun has a very pleasant theme, which is attractively arranged in a variety of moods with strings well to the fore. Several of the tracks would stand up very well on their own as fine examples of production music. Der Fälscher von London veers more towards jazz and (presumably!) the seamier side of London night life. A somewhat similar style is evident in Strasse der Verheissung, with nods towards West Coast Jazz and the more blatant pop sounds of the 1960s. Glenn Miller sounds emerge (intentionally) in Auf Engel Schiesst Man Nicht. Then bright holiday sounds take over in the Lufthansa-Suite. This is an interesting collection, with varied styles that prove that the composer can turn his talents towards any kind of mood, as required by the storylines in the films. The CD booklet (in German only) reproduces four film posters – a ‘plus’ point for collectors of film music. Scores such as this deserve to be preserved for posterity. David Ades
TED HEATH & HIS MUSIC Listen To My Music Opus 1; East of the Sun; Bakerloo Non-Stop; Donegal Cradle Song; On Ilkla Moor Baht’at; Baia; London Suite (Chelsea, Whitechapel, Limehouse, Bond Street, Piccadilly, Soho): Deep Forest; Pagan Love Song; You Go To My Head; Dark Eyes; Harlem Nocturne; Song of the Vagabonds; Listen To My Music; Hindustan; Lady Byrd; Sophisticated Lady; Lyonia; Euphoria; Cuban Crescendo; Roumanian Roundabout. Sanctuary Group Living Era CD AJA 5459. Ted Heath lovers will be pleased with this CD which includes Fats Waller’s complete London Suite which was released before the wartime Waller piano solo originals (which were destroyed in the Blitz) were commercially recorded from inferior copies made at the time. All the tracks were mono and made between 1944 and 1950 when Heath was arguably at his peak. The band was initially formed at the behest of the BBC Variety Department for broadcasting purposes only but soon outgrew this role and became Britain’s most famous big band. A fine tribute to a fine set of musicians. Edmund Whitehouse
LEROY ANDERSON – ‘Blue Tango’ Sleigh Ride, Promenade, The Waltzing Cat, The Syncopated Clock, Saraband, Serenata, Jazz Pizzicato … Jazz Legato, A Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Plink Plank Plunk, Horse and Buggy, Belle of the Ball, Blue Tango, China Doll, The Penny-Whistle Song, Fiddle-Faddle, The Phantom Regiment, Irish Suite, Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson and his ‘Pops’ Concert Orchestra Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5481, 75:12 mins. This new CD has been compiled by RFS member David Lennick (who is based in Ontario, Canada), so the recording information given in the booklet refers to North America. Which is why all of the 78s are quoted as having Decca catalogue numbers, but this is the US Decca company, not the familiar British one. (To avoid confusion, I feel that there should have been a note in the CD booklet to explain this). In the UK these tracks were issued on Brunswick with completely different catalogue numbers, although the matrix numbers will have been the same. The recordings date from 11 September 1950 to 5 November 1952, and the running order of the tracks simply reflects the sequence in which they were released in the USA (except for the final item). In 2002 Jasmine issued a CD containing the first 16 titles (JASMCD 2580 – reviewed in JIM 152), but these are not all the same performances. (Jasmine gives no recording information whatsoever, and there was insufficient time available to make further investigations before this review had to be ready for the printers. If any readers can shed more light on this, we’ll be pleased to give the relevant details in a future issue). Clearly this new Living Era release is better value because it also contains Anderson’s six-movement Irish Suite plus the longer eight-minute version of his Christmas Festival. For the sake of completeness, I should remind readers that in 1992 MCA Records/Good Music in the USA released ‘Blue Tango -The Original Hit Recordings of Leroy Anderson’ on MSD 35334. This had 20 tracks, although Jazz Pizzicato and Jazz Legato were put on two different tracks, and incredibly separated by four other numbers – clearly the compiler had little regard for Anderson’s original concept. The remaining three ‘extra’ tracks were later works – Forgotten Dreams, Sandpaper Ballet and Bugler’s Holiday. Surprisingly Horse and Buggy was dropped in favour of The Minstrel Boy. The later stereo recordings by Leroy Anderson are on the 2-CD set ‘The Leroy Anderson Collection’ (MCA MCAD2-9815) so there have already been several opportunities for collectors to obtain the composer’s own performances on CD. If anyone reading this review still lacks Leroy Anderson on their CD shelves, then my advice is to choose this latest release which is the best now available. The sound quality is very good (although the trumpets in The Wearing of the Green sound decidedly tipsy!), and these original performances from the beginning of the 1950s stand as the definitive versions. David Ades
BOB HOPE ‘Thanks for the Memory’ Title track, Two Sleepy People, The Lady’s in Love with You, Penthouse Serenade, Put it There Pal, The Road to Morocco, My Favourite Brunette, Beside You, Buttons and Bows, That’s Not the Knot, Lucky Us, Ain’t we Got Fun, Blind Date, Goodnight Irene, Home on the Range, Wing Ding Tonight, Am I in Love, A Four-Legged Friend, Hoots Mon, Chicago Style, The Road to Bali, Merry-Go-Runaround Living Era CDAJA5493, 76:30 mins. British-born Bob Hope has become an American institution, and he had the rare honour of hearing warm tributes paid to him by the US Congress a few years ago when what might be termed a ‘premature’ announcement of his death was made. Assuming that he doesn’t fall at the last hurdle, by the time you read this he will have celebrated his 100th birthday on 29 May, and this new CD is therefore both a timely and a fitting tribute to his rather sparse recording career. Once again, the compiler credits are in the name of ‘our’ David Lennick, so my previous comments (on the Leroy Anderson CD above) about North American recordings details apply here as well. If Bob wasn’t exactly prolific in the recording studios, at least what he did commit to wax was worthy of preservation, proving that he had an astute regard for quality, rather than quantity. On several tracks he is joined by the likes of Bing Crosby, Shirley Ross, Dorothy Lamour, Margaret Whiting and Jane Russell, and there are extra tracks (not listed above) from radio shows and visits to the troops, for which he became something of a legend in World War 2. Bob’s films are represented with numbers from several Roadfilms, plus The Paleface and Son of Paleface – the latter being a rare example of a sequel being better than the original. The gremlins appear to have made mistakes on two track titles, but apart from that minor niggle this is a splendid production in all respects. David Ades All Sanctuary Group Living Era CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £8 [US $16] each.
BEST OF THE FIFTIES Various Artists 6 CD set, EMI GOLD 582 5542. Selling for around £20 this collection ought to be good value, although the music on the 6 CDs would easily fit on to 4. Also EMI are on decidedly dodgy ground with the assertion that these are "original artists … original hits" when many are cover versions by EMI contract artists. As for the 1950s tag, how can you describe Judy Garland’s Over The Rainbow in this way ("The Wizard of Oz" came out in 1939)? This is a very mixed bag, with hardly any instrumental items. Just treat it as yet another compilation: it certainly isn’t an accurate portrayal of the overall music scene in the 1950s as I remember it. David Ades
NORMAN WISDOM ‘The Very Best of …’ EMI GOLD 582 6522. I haven’t listed the tracks because you’d be hard pressed to associate many of the titles with Sir Norman. Missing is his big number (accompanied by Robert Farnon) from the ice show "London Melody" which first made his name, and it would have been nice to have that catchy tune I’d Like to Put on Record from "Trouble in Store" (of course Don’t Laugh at Me is included). Surprisingly absent also are those two classic sides he did with Joyce Grenfell (remember Narcissus?). Norman has a pleasant voice, and he usually had excellent orchestrations backing him. This collection is quite good, but with a little more thought it could have been so much better. David Ades
HUMPHREY LYTTELTON ‘The Best of …’ EMI GOLD 583 2802. This is a 3-CD box set which you should be able to pick up for around £12. I have to admit that my knowledge of Humph’s recordings is limited, so I cannot say if there are any glaring gaps among the 60 titles. It begins with Bad Penny Blues so perhaps the omens are good! Whether or not your own particular favourites are all here, I suspect that few will disagree that this is very good value. David Ades
ADAM FAITH What Do You Want, Poor Me, Someone Else’s Baby etc. 24 tracks. EMI GOLD 583 1132. Pop singers don’t usually get included in this feature, but we know that a number of our readers are keen fans of John Barry, so they may be interested in this new release. Faith’s early successes were distinguished by the pizzicato and strings effects cleverly achieved by John Barry, with a little help from the Abbey Road echo chamber. Thanks to Hit and Miss, the signature tune of BBC TV’s "Juke Box Jury", John Barry was well known to pop fans around 40 years ago, and he certainly helped young Terence Nelhams (aka AF), who died earlier this year on 8 March aged 62.David Ades
ANNE SHELTON The Best of … Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Bridge of Sighs, If I Give My Heart To You etc. 23 tracks. EMI GOLD 584 0152. Anne Shelton has been quite well served with CD reissues just recently, but mainly they have concentrated on her repertoire from the 1940s. This new collection from EMI comes mainly from the 1950s, and it includes a mixture of hits of the day plus a few well-loved standards. Anne was a very good singer, so we mention this for the benefit of her many admirers. David Ades
NATURAL BORN FILLERS Big Beat, Trippin the Blues, Waltz Cool, The Charmer (John Cacavas); Fancy Flutes, Kiddies Corner, Dancing Harp (Roger Roger); Swing Song, Happy Folk, For Deborah, The Waiting Game, The Winners (Roger Webb); Autumn Love (Paul Lewis); The Gentle Touch (Herbert Chappell); Regency Street (Sam Fonteyn); Dancing Youth Waltz (Douglas Gamley); The Storyteller (Harry Rabinowitz); Horn-a-Plenty (Robert Farnon); Like Spring (Steve Race) etc.. 66 tracks Double CD. Total Time 158 minutes Codename Music CMCD1970. "Diamonds are forever" should capture your mind when you see the cover of this well compiled CD of BBC and ITV Daytime Interlude classics from the late 1960’s and 1970’s. You should be mesmerized by the cover alone. On opening this double CD will unfold one primary disc and one secondary disc from schooldays past containing 64 tracks of catchy little pieces of light musical charm played before schools and children’s programmes on TV. Plus two distinctive bonus tracks featuring the primary school’s diamonds music and the secondary school’s diamonds music. The whole school timetable can be fondly remembered here as you listen to well loved and often aired musical miniatures from the world famous Chappell Recorded Music Library featuring enchanting pieces from the pens and pencils of John Cacavas, Brian Fahey, Roger Webb, Gordon Franks and Robert Farnon to name a few. So rustle up your old school kit and make space in your satchel for this little gem from days gone by. Malcolm Batchelor
The thought of 64 Chappell tracks should be enough to tempt many RFS members to buy this great new collection, especially as so many of the numbers will not already be in your collections. Steven Willis is a true enthusiast who has clearly put his heart into this compilation … and it shows! David Ades For full details of how to order this 2-CD set please go back to the full-page advertisement on page 5 of this issue.
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ AND HIS ORCHESTRA – A MISCELLANY. Liza, Laura, Sari Waltz, Vienna City of My Dreams, Falling in Love with Love, Gypsy Love Waltz, Gold and Silver Waltz, Intermezzo, Someone to Watch Over Me, Lady Be Good, Two Hearts in ¾ Time, Empore Waltz, Vilia, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Waltz Dream, Diane, Gypsy Baron Waltz, Love Walked In, You Made Me Love You, Serenade (Pierne ), We Kiss in a Shadow, Bali Ha’i, Moon over Miami, Now is the Hour, Frank Bristow FBCD91 78:30 mins. This is more or less Kosty’s recording career in microcosm, ranging from 12" 78s of anything up to 60 years ago (some of which …the Lehar, Stauss, Kalman, Stolz and Oscar Straus….startes me off as a collector) , on through Rodgers and Gershwin of the mid–forties and on to some early stereo recordings. Those six tracks are hardly typical of the Kostelanetz we admired for something like 30 years, either technically or musically. One, You Made Me Love You is so bad in both respects it’s all one can do to listen to it, but that is only one title out of many. Otherwise this ’Miscellany’ is a typical cross section of Kostelanetz’s’ work in all fields over the years and can be safely recommended. Arthur Jackson
ANDRE PREVIN & DAVID ROSE ORCHESTRA – LIKE BLUE/SONGS FOR YOUNG LOVERS. You and the Blues, Blue Room, Serenade in Blue, Blue Holiday, Blue Again, Like Blue, Black and Blue, Little Girl Blue, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Blue Turning Grey Over You, Blue Subterranean, Born to be Blue, Blame It on My Youth, Young Man’s Lament, You Make Me Feel So Young, Young and Tender, While We’re Young, Too Young to be True, Last Night When We Were Young, Like Young, Younger Than Springtime, Year of Youth, Too Young to go Steady, Love is for the Very Young. Frank Bristow FBCD94 70.30 mins. It must be forty years since I had a Polydor/MGM double LP called " Like Young, Like Blue ", which turned out to be one of those albums one keeps coming back to when all else fails to satisfy. Here is the identical set complete on a very welcome CD from our friend Frank Bristow, with both soloist and orchestra on top form. Previn and Rose are equally adept as interpreters also in no fewer than eight cases, composers of standard music such as we used to know in those happy days of yore. I would imagine most JIM readers will be familiar with these recordings, so if your original copies have been showing signs of wear, now is your chance to replace them. Arthur Jackson
DAVID ROSE & HIS ORCHESTRA – EASY LISTENING Kiss of Fire, In a Sentimental mood, You Stepped out of a Dream, Ebb Tide, Caravan, Blue Prelude, All the Things You Are,Misty, Flamingo, Man with the Golden Arm, Shangri – La, Autumn Leaves, Autumn Waltz, September in the Rain, Blue Autumn, ‘Tis Autumn, Indian Summer, Shine on Harvest Moon, Autumn Serenade, Autumn Nocturne, And This is My Beloved, October Mist, Autumn in New York, Misirlou, What Is There To Say? , It’s a Most Unusual Day, Love Makes the World Go Round. Frank Bristow FBCD95 78:46mins. "Easy Listening" as an album title sounds most inappropriate to me. One thing the musicianly David Rose was not was a mere purveyor of bland mood music, as this collection of familiar and well loved standards proves. The basic material stems from three American MGM LP’s, "21 Channel Sound", "Autumn Leaves" and "Spectacular Strings", none of which as far as I have been able to ascertain, were ever issued in the U.K. Everything is nicely contrasted as far as tempi and styles are concerned, varying between big band sounds and the lush Rose string sound. It’s always perfect and musicianly and in no way can it be classed as "Easy Listening". Arthur Jackson Editor: Sorry to correct Arthur, but to avoid correspondence(!) "21 Channel Sound" was released in Britain – on MGM C901 and MGM CD 6057 (stereo).
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA, Works For Wind Band – Volume 3 The Corocan Cadets, Semper Fidelis, Selections from : The Free Lance, The New York Hiippodrome, La Flor di Sevilla, Waltzes from ‘El Capitan’, A Century of Progress Suite: The Last Days of Pompeii, The White Rose, With Pleasure, Dance Hilarious, The Belle of Chicago, The National Game. Royal Artillery Band conducted by Keith Brion. Naxos 8.559092 54mins. Naxos have ambitiously set their sights on recording Sousa’s Wind Band music in its entirety, so this will be a substantial and significant series with several more instalments apparently already in the can. They have invested very wisely in the Royal Artillery Band, one of the largest and best bands in the British Army and in obtaining the services of Keith Brion, an American conductor who is a specialist in Sousa’s period style. The third volume was recorded in Woolwich Town Hall, a venue where often the Royal Artillery Orchestra have given public concerts. Sousa said a march ‘should make a man with a wooden leg step out‘ and that he succeeded spectacularly in his own philosophy cannot be in doubt. All the marches are played here with quite superb panache and swagger. La Flor de Sevilla composed for the Ibero – American Exposition in 1929 has a particularly attractive and beguiling trio, whilst A Century of Progress written in the year prior to his death showed the ‘March King’ had lost none of his flair for the idiom. The selection from the 1905 operetta The Free Lance, contains some appealing melodies, whilst the early suite The Last Days of Pompeii (which includes harp) has some interesting special effects as does the final piece on the disc The National Game. This is a series to collect and cherish especially at the Naxos price and one waits impatiently for Volume 4. Incidentally, this disc has the rare distinction for a military band CD in being ‘mentioned in despatches‘ during BBC Radio 3’s CD Review on Saturday 15th March, when Semper Fidelis followed on from a particularly unattractive and impenetrable piece by Schnittke!
Roger Hyslop
Production Music CDs
BIG SCREEN LITTLE SCREEN 2-CD collection of Archive tracks classified as Horror, The Westerns, Epics & Adventure and Dark Drama Cavendish CAV CD 155. This interesting collection has been put together by André Leon, from the Boosey & Hawkes archives, some dating back to 78s issued in the 1950s. Many of the tracks are quite short in duration, and the CDs are obviously not intended for leisure listening at home. But there are some interesting tracks that will appeal to enthusiasts, and the list of featured composers illustrates the quality of the writing – Trevor Duncan, Don Banks, John Scott, Eugene Cines, Joseph Cacciola, Dudley Simpson and Monia Liter, among others. Our good friend Heinz Herschmann is represented by his classic 78 The Galleon, and I have to say that it sounds better here than it did on his own Apollo Sound CD APSCD 205. Trevor Duncan’s gems include Revelation, four tracks of Mob Violence and two tracks from The Unwanted – The Boy. Enthusiasts are fortunate to have the opportunity to hear mood music of this calibre. David AdesCavendish CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service.
CLASSIC FILM & TV Vol. 4 ‘Comic Cuts’ Hey Buddy, Quack Track, Camilla, La Tour Eiffel, Allo Paris! (Nino Nardini); Puffing Joe (Harry Rabinowitz); Dolly Flapper (Peter Dennis); Saloon Rag, Adios Amigo, Clown in Town (Philippe Pares); Chase Me Chester, Slap and Tickle, Dandy Andy, The Moke, Caliope Carousel, River Police (Roger Roger); Goon Time (John Scott); Capering Clowns (Max Saunders); Yom Kippur, Irish Spree, Scottish Frolic (Leslie Bridgewater), etc… 54 tracks Bruton BRO21/356. The above details give titles of some of the longer pieces, but others are of a very short duration – often just a few seconds. The comments about leisure listening for the Cavendish CD above, equally apply here. The previous three CDs in this series were listed in JIM 153 – page 87.David Ades Bruton CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service.
A further selection of recent releases from Vocalion. Unfortunately we had to go to press before review copies were received, but we felt sure that you would wish to know that these CDs are being released in the late Spring.
BOB SHARPLES ORCHESTRA Contrasts in Hi-Fi On the Road to Mandalay, Will You Remember, By the Bend of the River, Giannina Mia, A Perfect Day, Donkey Serenade, Sylvia, Sweethearts etc.Dimensions in Sound Tuxedo Junction, Singing the Blues, Mack the Knife, The Whistler and his Dog, Strike Up the Band, Satin Doll, Trolley Song, etc. Vocalion CDLK4169.
WINIFRED ATWELL Hall of Fame Melodies in the style of other famous pianists including Bill Snyder (Bewitched), Eddie Heywood (Soft Summer Breeze), Fats Waller (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Carmen Cavallaro (Manhattan), George Shearing (I’ll Remember April) etc. …plays Gershwin Nice Work if You Can Get It, Love Walked In, Somebody Loves Me etc and Rhapsody in Blue with Ted Heath Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4177.
CATERINA VALENTE Great Continental Hits (with Stanley Black Orchestra) If You Go, Autumn Leaves, Melodie d’Amour, Too Soon, Volare, I Wish You Love, Song of the Sea, Why Do You Pass Me By etc. Valente & Violins (with Roland Shaw Orch) Love Letters, It Might as Well be Spring, This is all I Ask, Ebb Tide, What Now My Love, Somewhere etc. Vocalion CDLK4125 (postponed from last year).
RONALD BINGE Aldershot Brass Ensemble A Variation on Alouette, A Tune a Day, Trombonioso, Rushlake Green, The Jolly Swagman, A Song for all Comets etc. The Romantic Guitar with Gerald Tolan Echoes of a Dream, The Ever-Changing Sea, Summer’s End, Fugal Fancy, Where the Sun Shines etc. The Wimbledon Girl Singers Where the Gentle Avon Flows, Sailing By, Down by the River, String Song, The Watermill, Alas My Love You Do Me Wrong etc. Vocalion CDLK4129.
MANTOVANI Exodus Exodus Main theme & Karen, A Summer Place, The Green Leaves of Summer, Song Without End, 76 Trombones, The Sundowners, Irma la Douce etc. Great Films – Great themes Barabbas, Fanny, Advise and Consent, Goodbye Again, The Apartment, Never on Sunday etc. Vocalion CDLK4179.
SID PHILLIPS Rediffusion Anthology Vol. 3 Chicago, I’ve Found a New Baby, Ja Da, Bugle Call Rag, That’s a Plenty, Dar Town Strutters’ Ball, Sweet Georgia Brown, After You’ve Gone, Nobody’s Sweetheart, Milenberg Joys, Georgia on my Mind etc. Vocalion CDLK4184.
DENNIS LOTIS and BRIAN DEE piano ‘Mr. Dee and Me’ (1999 recordings) Skylark, It’s You or No One, Handful of Keys, I’m So in Love, Day by Day, I See Your Face, My Shining Hour, My Romance etc. Vocalion CDLK4185.
GRETA KELLER Vol. 2 Vocalion CDEA6084.
JOSEPHINE BRADLEY AND HER BALLROOM ORCHESTRA ‘Dancing in the Dark’ Vocalion CDEA6088.
BERTINI and the TOWER BALLROOM DANCE BAND ‘Hello Everybody’ Eclipse Records Vocalion CDEA 6092. Editor: Sadly this doesn’t include his famous number ‘Samum’ which was on Regal Zonophone – not Eclipse.
JACK PAYNE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Vol. 4 ‘Good Morning Mr. Sun’ Imperial Records Vocalion CDEA6093.
SAMMY KAYE Swing and Sway Vocalion CDUS 3024.
EDDIE FISHER The Early Years Vocalion CDUS3026.
DINAH SHORE Volume 2 Double CD for the price of 1 Vocalion CDUS3029.
All Vocalion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service. CDLK series cost £10 [US $20] each; CDEA are £6 [$12]; and CDUS are also £6 [$12] each.
BRITISH FILM COMPOSERS IN CONCERT Clifton Parker – Thieves’ Carnival Overture, Two Choreographic Studies; Leighton Lucas – Ballet de la Reine; Anthony Collins – Eire Suite; Bruce Montgomery – Scottish Aubade, Scottish Lullaby; Eric Rogers – Palladium Symphony Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CD WHL 2145. This new release showcases the concert works of some of the most interesting British cinema composers in a collection of world premiere recordings, featuring the likes of ‘Carry On’ film composers Bruce Montgomery and Eric Rogers, whose Palladium Symphony was inspired by his time conducting and composing for ITV’sSunday Night at the London Palladium. Another featured composer, Leighton Lucas, went from dancing with Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes to working with Ivor Novello, later writing music for Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright and war epics such as The Dam Busters, for which he provided the incidental music to supplement Eric Coates’ famous march.
KETỀLBEY CONDUCTS KETỀLBEY Volume 3 A Cockney Suite, Gallantry, I Call You From The Shadows, Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind, In a Camp of Ancient Britons, A Musical Jigsaw, Danse a la Tarantelle, Mind The Slide, Jungle Drums, Aberfoyle, Fiddle Fun, A Desert Romance, Sunset Glow, With Honour Crowned Various Orchestras Naxos 8110869. This collection of recordings dates from 1909 to 1940. The previous two volumes disappointed some buyers who felt that the sound restoration was patchy; it may be worth waiting to read reviews before deciding to purchase, although the price of around £5 is certainly not excessive.
THE NEW CONCERT ORCHESTRA Volume 1 Boosey & Hawkes recordings Citizens of the World – March, Passage to Windward, Four Old Fusspots, Icicle Ride, Broad Reach, Harvest Supper, The Scent of Sandalwood, Little Suite – Folk Tune, The Spirit of Progress – March (Trevor Duncan); Romantic Journey, Exuberant Youth (Ernest Tomlinson); Music for a Sunday Afternoon (Willis Schaefer); The Bingola, Paris Taxi, Spring (Vivian Ellis); Vin Rosé, Song of the Woodlands, Riverside Idyll (Frederic Curzon); Talking Point, Celtic Melody, Watersmeet (Cyril Watters); Girl Bird (Dennis Farnon); The Bullfighter (Monia Liter); Diary of a Debutante (Sam Fonteyn) VOCALION CDLK4192.
DIMITRI TIOMKIN : "Red River" film score Moscow Symphony Orchestra / William Stromberg Marco Polo 8225217. Starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift, Howard Hawks’ Academy Award-winning Red River ranks among the best of the classic westerns made in the 1940s.
CARL MICHAEL ZIEHRER Selected Dances and Marches – Volume 4 Razumovsky Sinfonia / Christian Pollack Marco Polo 8223817.
New PERCY FAITH albums from Collectables in the USA (due to be released at the end of June):
COL 7561 Clair + New Thing
COL 7563 Lil' Abner + Broadway Bouquet
COL 7564 Bon Voyage! + Carefree - The Music Of Percy Faith
COL 7565 The Columbia Album Of Victor Herbert (Originally a 2-LP set)
…and finally an interesting CD from Derek Boulton’s Horatio Nelson
TUTTI CAMARATA Tutti’s Trumpets (1957 LP) I Can’t Get Started, Boy Meets Horn, What’s New, Trumpet Soliloquy, Trumpet Tango, Stardust, Tenderly etc. Tutti’s Trombones (1966) The Sweetest Sounds, Blueberry Hill, I Feel Pretty, The Pink Panther Theme, The Girl from Ipanema, Mr Lucky theme etc. Horatio Nelson HN04. Available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20].
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 3 Open Road (Matthew Curtis); The Hobbit (Carey Blyton);Hampton Court (Montague Phillips); Summer Overture (John Fox); Overture to a Fairy Tale (Bruce Montgomery); Comedy Overture (Adam Saunders); A Children’s Overture (Roger Quilter);Celebration Overture (Philip Lane); The Ballyraggers (James Langley); The Needles (Matthew Taylor)Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CDWHL 2140. Whilst most people are familiar with Quilter’s A Children’s Overture there can be few who have come across the other overtures on this splendid disc, let alone ever heard them played. In no particular order Hampton Court can be justifiably described as "majestic" in every sense while the rough and tumble of The Needles will put fear into any yachtsman. Matthew Curtis is his usual jolly self in Open Road while Carey Blyton wrote his clever short piece about The Hobbit long before media film hype destroyed the individual mindset created through reading the book. The Ballyraggers is true to the dictionary definition of a word which means "aggressive horseplay" while Philip Lane’s Celebration, John Fox’s Summer and Adam Saunders’ Comedy are overtures to grace the opening of any music festival. Bruce Montgomery’s Fairytale is a lovely wistful item which brings us back to Roger Quilter. This is a great disc. Peter Worsley
BRITISH FILM COMPOSERS IN CONCERT Thieves’ Carnival Overture (Clifton Parker); Two Choreographic Studies (Parker); Ballet de la Reine (Leighton Lucas); Eire Suite (Anthony Collins); Scottish Aubade (Bruce Montgomery); Scottish Lullaby (Montgomery); Palladium Symphony (Eric Rogers)Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary White Line CDWHL2145 (71:50). Our habit of "pigeon-holeing" composers and their music often works to our own disadvantage. Frankly, is it really important that music be exclusively "Light" or "Serious"; "Classical" or "Popular"; Traditional or Avant-Garde or Post-Modernist (whatever that means); or written before or after such-and-such a year or period? Anyway, Messrs. Lane and Sutherland, those doughty champions of the long-neglected and the little-known, here explode the possibly still-lurking myth that, because these five composers wrote mainly for the cinema their "other" work can’t be much good. For example: one might easily preconceive a piece bearing the title "Palladium Symphony" as all glitz and superficial showbiz clichés. It isn’t, and if you are familiar with Clive Richardson’s "London Fantasia" and Ralph (not ‘Rafe’ incidentally) Vaughan Williams’ F minor Symphony, listen very attentively – chances are you will be greatly intrigued! Anthony Collins’ "Fluters’ Hooley" was heard from time to time in far-off BBC days, although little if anything else is likely to stir any memories: you are in for some very pleasant surprises! Not, then, for those who "only like what they know"; but real music-lovers go ahead fully confidently. John E. Govier
In their non-pressurised moments several film composers managed to score private light music gems, either for themselves or for their close circle of friends. They would have remained private and eventually been forgotten had not Philip Lane uncovered them and arranged their recording. All the pieces have their own special appeal, the most substantial being the first performance of thePalladium Symphony by Eric Rogers, more usually known for his work with the Carry On films after he succeeded Bruce Montgomery. There was also more to Anthony Collins than Vanity Fair and conducting. Clifton Parker meanwhile scored more than 50 films while Leighton Lucas arranged much of Ivor Novello’s later works. More rich pickings here. Peter Worsley
ALBERT W. KETÈLBEY Volume 3 Cockney Suite (State Procession – Buckingham Palace; Cockney Lover – Lambeth Walk; Palais de Dance; Elegy – Thoughts on Passing the Cenotaph; Bank Holiday – ‘Appy ‘Ampstead); Gallantry; I Call You From the Shadows; Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind; In a Camp of the Ancient Britons; A Musical Jigsaw; Danse à la Tarantelle; Mind the Slide (The Troubled Trombone); Jungle Drums; Aberfoyle; Fiddle Fun; A Desert Romance; Sunset Glow; With Honour Crowned. Orchestras conducted by the composer Naxos 8110869, 70:58 mins. This third volume contains a number of rare recordings which are undoubtedly musically important from an historical standpoint, and the compiler Peter Dempsey is to be congratulated for unearthing them. They cover a period from the early acoustics of 1908 up to the more sophisticated electricals of 1940, so understandably the different studios, ensembles and record companies mean that the sound quality varies considerably. Nevertheless in the hands of a talented sound restoration engineer, using state-of-the-art equipment such as CEDAR, good results could be achieved. Sadly this is not the case here, and I have to say that, because of the obtrusive surface noise, listening to this CD was, for me, a tedious experience that I will not hurry to repeat. David Ades
At long last we can hear exactly how Albert Ketelbey thought some of his rare compositions should sound and the results will surprise many of his fans. Several of the recordings are pre-electric but still play well, especially Norman Allin’s bass voice in the superb Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind andThe Troubled Trombone, a jazzy number which predates the arrival of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band by several months! In a Camp of the Ancient Britons is an exciting piece and most of the others will also delight the ear. If you can identify the 44 different tunes in A Musical Jigsaw then you will be doing well but of special interest is the complete original Cockney Suite, among which ‘Appy ‘Ampstead never disappoints. The sleeve notes are good and this is a bargain CD if you like historic British Light Music – it’s as simple as that! Edmund Whitehouse
CATERINA VALENTE Great Continental Hits (with Stanley Black Orchestra) If You Go, Autumn Leaves, Melodie d’Amour, Too Soon, Volare, I Wish You Love, Song of the Sea, Why Do You Pass Me By etc. Valente & Violins (with Roland Shaw Orch) Love Letters, It Might as Well be Spring, This is all I Ask, Ebb Tide, What Now My Love, Somewhere etc. Vocalion CDLK4125 (postponed from last year). The reissue of these two LPs has been eagerly awaited – not only for Caterina’s distinctive way with a song, but also as an example of Stanley Black’s superlative scores. The second album (with Roland Shaw) is also very good, and together they make an attractive package that should sell very well. David Ades
RONALD BINGE Aldershot Brass Ensemble A Variation on Alouette, A Tune a Day, Trombonioso, Rushlake Green, The Jolly Swagman, A Song for all Comets, etc. The Romantic Guitar with Gerald Tolan Echoes of a Dream, The Ever-Changing Sea, Summer’s End, Fugal Fancy, Where the Sun Shines etc. The Wimbledon Girl Singers Where the Gentle Avon Flows, Sailing By, Down by the River, String Song, The Watermill, Alas My Love You Do Me Wrong etc. Vocalion CDLK4129. These LPs, originally on Refiffusion, are perfect illustrations of Ronald Binge’s versatility. Once he ‘escaped’ from the cascading strings he created for Mantovani, he tried his hand at several different styles, and his many admirers owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Dutton at Vocalion for restoring these fascinating examples of his work to the catalogue. David Ades
MANTOVANI Exodus Exodus Main theme & Karen, A Summer Place, The Green Leaves of Summer, Song Without End, 76 Trombones, The Sundowners, Irma la Douce etc. Great Films – Great themes Barabbas, Fanny, Advise and Consent, Goodbye Again, The Apartment, Never on Sunday etc. Vocalion CDLK4179. Around 40 years ago, some music lovers were getting a little tired of the ‘Mantovani sound’, especially as so many new LPs of his music were constantly being released. Of course, the reason for this abundance was that they all sold well, and hearing them again after several decades it is easy to understand why. For the truth is that the famous ‘sound’ did not overwhelm everything that Mantovani did, and the main thing in his favour was the excellence of the arrangements, the high standards of performance and the top quality recording. If anything, they sound even better today, and this collection of popular film themes (including the unlikely Charles Williams hit theme for The Apartment) will please Mantovani’s many fans. David Ades
HAT BOX : Hat Box(Alan Bullard); Arioso (S.Rak); Greensleeves to a Grand, Brande Yrlandt, Cowarte Monsieur and Fantasia (Anon 17th century); Chadkirk Idyll (E. Tomlinson); Fred’s Blue Ginger Staircase Music (David Ellis); Variations on Dowland’s Comagin (Van Eyck); New World Dances (John Golland) Un Petit Jazz (John Duarte); Bramall Hall Dances (Peter Hope). John Turner (Recorder), Neil Smith (Guitar). CAMPION CAMEO 2020 74.45mins. Apart from the 17th Century Variations and the Stepan Rak piece, all the music on this attractive disc may be described as British light music with at least two great light music composers represented therein. Much of it (though not the Golland and Duarte, both uptempo suites) is also associated with Stockport where David Ellis, producer and composer, lives. Stockport was once famed for hatmaking, so Alan Bullard’s Hat Box, a "thematic suite" in eight brief movements (featuring top hat, beret, Mexican hat, stetson, deerstalker, baseball cap, bonnet and cloth cap) is appropriate. Ernest Tomlinson’s Chadkirk Iydll (Chadkirk is the chapel where the recording was made) was also expressly written for the CD and is the most serious piece here. Ellis’s rhythmic suite (Fred and Ginger are Astaire and Rodgers, of course) and Peter Hope’s Bramall Hall Dances, mixing old and new idioms, both celebrate local buildings. The enterprising John Turner plays brilliantly and Neil Smith partners him well, if a little woodenly in Tomlinson. Philip Scowcroft
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES VOLUME 3 Entertainments (Gilbert Vinter); Sospiri (Sir Edward Elgar); Four Folksong Preludes (Peter Warlock); Countryside Suite (John Fox); Elegy (Haigh Marshall); First Suite for Strings (Cyril Scott); Sinfonia Breve (Gareth Walters). Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group CDWHL 2139. Essentially British in every respect one can just imagine rural folk wending their way along the lanes long before the now ubiquitous motor car invaded what had hitherto been largely alien territory. Nowadays one has to venture a good way off the beaten track to find peace and quiet but this music, especially John Fox’sCountryside Suite (Morning Air, Black clouds over the moors, My village and Country Folk) speaks for itself. Gilbert Vinter is in his usual jaunty vein with Entertainments, while Elgar’s Sospiri is well-known. The other pieces also hark back to a gentler age when music-making was a very different affair. A rural idyll indeed. Time to reflect and ponder? Edmund Whitehouse
A TRIBUTE TO STANLEY BLACK Early Black Magic, 25 original recordings 1931-52. Lullaby; Lady Be Good; Lost in the Fog; Honeysuckle Rose; I ‘ain’t got Nobody; Trouble in Paradise; I Won’t Dance; Porcupine Rag; Someday Sweetheart; Roy Club Rag; Gershwin medley; Caravan; Out of the Ragbag medley; Victory Roll Rag; Oasis; South American Way; I threw a Kiss in the Ocean; At the Crossroads; A Sultan goes to Harlem; Jungle Bird; Andalucia; Sans ton Amour; Sulla Laguna; Pianolo; Estrellita. Sanctuary Group Living Era AJA 5490. With musicians like Coleman Hawkins and the full bands of Howard Jacobs, Lew Stone, Harry Roy, Bert Ambrose and Carl Barriteau one can hardly fail to be impressed with this new disc. Before he switched more to light music Stanley Black was a true jazz and dance band favourite, arranging as well as composing and playing the piano. These 25 tracks are amongst his very finest. Edmund Whitehouse
BOB SHARPLES ORCHESTRA Dimensions in Sound Tuxedo Junction, Singing the Blues, Mack the Knife, The Whistler and his Dog, Strike Up the Band, Rocket, Satin Doll, Trolley Song, etc. Contrasts in Hi-Fi On the Road to Mandalay, Will You Remember, By the Bend of the River, Giannina Mia, A Perfect Day, Donkey Serenade, Sylvia, Sweethearts etc. Vocalion CDLK4169. This is another of Vocalion’s excellent value 2-CD packages, offering 2 CDs for the price of one, simply because the two LPs combined last too long to squeeze on to one CD. Rather than cut some tracks (which less honourable record companies might do), Mike Dutton ensures that these reissues are the genuine article. Dimensions in Sound was released in August 1960, and it sounds like a dry-run for Decca’s Phase 4 Stereo, which was launched with much publicity two years later. The instruments are well separated, and I was amused by the comment about Rocket in the original sleeves notes from the LPs producer Ray Horricks: "The sound is quiet, but a good cartridge will separate the instruments." Today we have learned not to want too many gimmicks, so the question has to be – does the music rise above the sound engineer’s games? Just about, although I have to admit that the sound is spectacular! Contrasts in Hi-Fi (released December 1957) was just too soon for stereo, although the arrangements often sound like it ought to be. ‘Contrasts’ is the operative word, because this LP contains so many different styles that one wonders at times what Bob Sharples is up to. Dennis Brain (French horn) and Bobby Pratt (trumpet) are featured soloists on some tracks, and there are four vocal numbers featuring The Sandmen (who actually include girls!). After the initial shock, I think that this CD is likely to grow on you. It’s worth adding to your Christmas ‘wants’ list. David Ades
FREDDY GARDNER and his Golden Tone Saxophone I Only Have Eyes for You, I’m In the Mood For Love, Roses of Picardy, These Foolish Things, Valse Vanité, Body and Soul, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise – plus 19 more Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5454, 77:12 mins. The seven tracks listed above are the last ones on the CD, and they all feature the magnificent playing of Freddy with the Peter Yorke Orchestra, recorded only a few years before his untimely death on 26 July 1950, aged only 39. The other tracks date from 1935 onwards, and showcase Freddy with various small groups and also his larger swing orchestra. There are also five sides from Decca’s Music While You Work wartime series played by Freddy Gardner and his Messmates. Keen fans may already have some of these 78s on other reissues, but this new attractive collection shouldn’t be ignored. David Ades
RADIO AND TELEVISION MEMORIES No. 3 London Calling (Eric Coates), On a Spring Note (Sidney Torch), Bowin’ and Scrapin’ (Reg Casson), Rippling Waters (Donald Thorne), Muse in Mayfair (Vivian Ellis), Table Talk (Dolf van der Linden), Pastoral Montage (Gideon Fagan), Downland (Cecil Milner), Non-Stop (John Malcolm), Cavalcade of Youth (Jack Beaver) etc… This England (Evergreen Melodies) CR4. Sorry there isn’t room to list the contents in full, but a glance at the list will confirm that this CD is packed with light music favourites. In total there are 36 tracks, and some of them are brief extracts from actual shows such as Have a Go, Journey Into Space and Much Binding in the Marsh. Even if you have some of these titles already (and most of you will), it’s always nice to hear them played in a different order, with the additional surprises squeezed in! David Ades This England CDs cost £8.95 (which includes UK postage). Write to: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at Credit cards accepted.
DAVID ROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Plays Gershwin & Kern Liza, Summertime, Man I Love, Embraceable You, Love Walked In, A Fine Romance, American in Paris, Long Ago and Far Away, Somebody Loves Me, Fascinating Rhythm, Make Believe, In Love In Vain, Song is You, Why Was I Born, etc… (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD92, 79:46 mins.
DAVID ROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA A ‘Mrs Miniver’ Rose Almost Like Being in Love, Don’t Fence Me In, I Got Rhythm, Hot Canary, El Relicario, Academy Award Medley, Pink Champagne, Ain’t Misbehavin, Little House on the Prairie, Rustle of Spring, Alone Again Naturally, King & I Medley, etc..(Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD97, 77:57 mins. Anyone who knows and loves the music of David Rose, George Gershwin and Jerome Kern will know what to expect from the first of these two CDs, an immaculate performance of some of the best standards of all time which needs no further description from me. I have to admit that the "Mrs. Miniver" reference in thre second obscure title is completely lost on me; the record itself is a blend of twelve David Rose originals done for the World and Muzak companies, presumably for background music, including links of less than one and a half minutes. There are also two tracks, Bewitched and Over the Rainbow, from the Standard label and four Rose compositions from his affiliation with Capitol. Not the best CD from the Rose Orchestra by any means, but a well-varied and contrasted programme that should satisfy almost everyone.Arthur Jackson
FROM THE BOSWORTH LIBRARY Isn’t it a Happy Day, Ivory Antics, Petals, Rain or Shine, Doctor’s Orders, Red Poppies, April Day, etc… (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD100, 79:08. The Bosworth Library is believed to have started issuing mood music 78s in 1936, to be quickly followed by Boosey & Hawkes. Frank Bristow has collected together 29 sides which I believe all date from the 1930s. When people like Chappell arrived on the scene most mood music was played by a full light orchestra, but many of these early 78s feature small ensembles (no strings) by groups such as the Ragamuffin Syncopators and the Pall Mall Revellers. It’s rather like the kind of music that accompanied the antics of Laurel and Hardy in their first talkies. Anyone with an interest in the history of mood music will want to add this to their collection. David Ades
THE STORY OF TWO LOVES Manhattan Tower Gordon Jenkins Orchestra & Chorus; Atlantic Crossing Ferde Grofé and New Symphony Orchestra. (Australia) Frank Bristow EXCD37, 76:17 mins. Two narrative stories you may remember from the earliest days of microgroove, one of which at least has developed legendary status over the last 50 years. This is, of course, Gordon Jenkins’Manhattan Tower which, despite criticism, stands alone in its subject matter and musical content as one of the finest ’concept’ albums ever produced. First appearing in 1945 on Brunswick 78s (and later on LP) of only 17 minutes’ duration, Manhattan Tower was recreated and augmented by Jenkins as a 48-minute LP under his new Capitol contract, and it is this ‘Hi-Fi’ version that Frank Bristow has elected to use here (obviously it’s not the sort of thing Capitol itself would ever reissue!). I vaguely remember Ferde Grofé’s Atlantic Crossing being issued on Decca LK4037 circa 1950/51, but I never had it in my collection. It is interesting to have as a fill-up to Manhattan, but even to a long-term Grofé admirer it cannot be more than a footnote in his career. Narrated by Anton Dolin and authoress Ethel Levane, it tells a nostalgic story of two Americans finding love in London and Paris, but one can’t help feeling that the whole thing might have been better without the (mostly incomprehensible) dialogue, and letting the music, such as it is, speak for itself. Arthur Jackson
Frank Bristow’s CDs are only available by writing to him at: 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA or by sending an e-mail to him at: Arrangements can be made for British members to pay with a sterling cheque.
LEROY ANDERSON Classical Juke Box Syncopated Clock, Chicken Reel, Fiddle Faddle, Serenata, Sleigh Ride, Irish Suite, Saraband, Promenade, Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Jazz Legato – Jazz Pizzicato, A Christmas Festival Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Naxos 8120649. In the past few years there have been several fine CDs of Leroy Anderson’s music, which must affect the sale potential of each new entrant on the scene. The emphasis here is on his original compositions and arrangements performed by the Boston Pops between 1947 and 1950. This compilation was in the safe hands of David Lennick and Graham Newton, so you can be reassured that the sound quality is vastly superior to some of the recent ‘vintage’ releases from Naxos. David Ades
New from Apollo Sound:
CAREY BLYTON Film Production Music Volume 2 Capital City, Flying Birds, The Living River, The Goshawk, Revenge of the Cybermen, Death to the Daleks, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD225, 55:49 mins.
TEST CARD MUSIC Vol. 9 Melancholic Rock, Just a Game, David, Disco Girl, It’s Incredible, Dream On, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD 231, 56:16 mins.
THE MOZART LOUNGE Vol. 2 The Swingers, Tampico, My Credentials, Alter Ego, Three Dogs, Curriculum, Street Waltz, etc… Apollo Sound APSCD 232, 50:06 mins.
These three new CDs from Apollo Sound will be warmly received by the many keen collectors who have welcomed the feast of lounge (or whatever you care to call it!) music that has been resurrected from the archives in recent years. Firstly there is the eagerly awaited second volume of original compositions by Carey Blyton, whose death in July 2002 we sadly reported in JIM 153 (page 58). The first half concentrates on Carey’s work on documentary films, many of them covering wildlife subjects for organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Often a small group featuring mainly woodwinds seems best suited to subjects like this – an area in which Carey excels. The second part of the CD visits his music for TV plays, notably Doctor Who (around 17 short tracks) so the fans of this cult series will be delighted. A surprising inclusion is the familiar Associated Rediffusion station ident from 1966, introducing Carey’s score for "Julie’s Gone". Mention must be made of the impressive 20-page booklet which goes into incredible detail regarding both the composer and his music. A most impressive release.
Next we move on to the ninth in Apollo’s best known series – Test Card Music – and this time all the tracks are from Apollo Sounds’ own archive, having originally appeared on their LPs. The vast majority were recorded in European radio studios during Heinz Herschmann’s frequent (and very productive) tours of the continent, often in countries which were then on the other side of the iron curtain. Names such as The Polish Radio Orchestra, the Franz Thon Big Band, the Budapest Radio Orchestra and Joze Privsek, will be familiar to the growing band of collectors who eagerly devour each new issue. Waving the union jack are Simon Gale and Richard Frank. Here are 20 tracks that will rekindle nostalgic memories of the days when television didn’t invade our homes non-stop for 24 hours each day!
Finally, for this time, we have the second volume from the archives of Mozart Edition (GB) Ltd who (like Apollo) often recorded in Europe. The 19 tracks include a variety of sounds from Hans Hammerschmidt, Borgazzi Fabio, Mario Mellier, Maria Augusta Bruni, De Vera, Sapabo etc… These names will be known to aficionados, and such is the cult status of this kind of music that Apollo have bowed to the wishes of their loyal customers by making some of these CDs also available on vinyl. The ensembles range in size from a trio to a big band and chorus. Of course this isn’t light music – it is best described by the CD cover which calls it Groovy and Scat! David Ades
PETER YORKE AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA featuring FREDDY GARDNER and *STEVE CONWAY "Melody of the Stars" Melody of the Stars; "Till The Clouds Roll By" – Look for the Silver Lining, All the Things You Are, I Won’t Dance, Smoke Gets in your Eyes, Who, Old Man River; These Foolish Things; "Carnival in Costa Rica" – Costa Rica, *Another Night Like This, I’ll Know it’s Love, *Mi Vida; Humpty Dumpty, "Blue Skies" – Blue Skies, You Keep Coming Back like a Song, Getting Nowhere, White Christmas; Dawn Fantasy (featuring Arthur Sandford, piano); "The Time The Place And The Girl" – Gal in Calico, Through a Thousand Dreams, A Rainy Night in Rio, Oh But I Do; How Deep is the Ocean; "It’s Magic" - *It’s Magic, Run Run Run, Put ‘em in a Box, *It’s You or No One; I Only Have Eyes for You; "Night and Day" – Night and Day, Begin the Beguine, Let’s Do It, What is this Thing Called Love, My Heart Belongs to Daddy; *No Orchids for my Lady; "Bambi" – Love is a Song, Let’s Sing a Gay Little Spring Song, Looking for Romance Little April Shower, Love is a Song; Gentle Maiden; "Look for the Silver Lining" – Look for the Silver Lining, Kiss in the Dark, Who, Time on my Hands, Sunny. Sanctuary Group Living Era CDAJA5501.
ERNEST GOLD and BERNARD HERRMANN Film Themes of Ernest Gold It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, The Young Philadelphians, Judgement at Nuremberg, The Last Sunset, Inherit the Wind,Pressure Point, A Child is Waiting, On the Beach, Saddle Pals, Exodus, Too Much Too Soon.London Festival Orchestra conducted by Ernest Gold. The Great Movie Thrillers Psycho, Marnie, North by Northwest, Vertigo, A Portrait of Hitch (from The Trouble with Harry). London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bernard Herrmann. Vocalion CDLK4178.
RONNIE ALDRICH Two Pianos – Today You Only Live Twice, A Whiter Shade of Pale, Georgy Girl, Something Stupid, A Man and a Woman, My Cup Runneth Over, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, Release Me, Barefoot in the Park, Alfie, Music to Watch Girls By, This is my Song Soft & Wicked Last Tango in Paris, You’re so Vain, Aubrey, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Clair, Call Me, Goor Time Charlie’s Got the Blues, Oh Babe What Would you Say, Killing me Softly with his Song, Last Song, Theme from ‘The Valachi Papers’, It Never Rains in Southern California with the London Festival OrchestraVocalion CDLK4188.
STANLEY BLACK Some Enchanted Evening Falling in Love with Love, The Man I Love, So in Love, The Desert Song, Why Do I Love You, Body and Soul, Easy to Love, I’ve Got You Under my Skin, The Night is Young and You’re so Beautiful, All the Things you Are, Some Enchanted Evening, Love for Sale, Lover Come Back to Me, You and the Night and the Music Summer Evening SerenadeGaviotta, Serenade to Eileen, Siciliano, From Here to Eternity, Memory, Desire, Starlight Serenade, Carnet de bal, Le Grisbi, Magic Circles, Melody of Love, Estrellita del sur. Vocalion CDLK4186.
JOHNNY DOUGLAS AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA "Just Pure Gold" Catch a Falling Star, The Storry of a Starry Night, A Wonderful Guy, La Vie en Rose, Cherokee, Hello Young Lovers, All in a Golden Afternoon, I Feel Pretty, The Song is You, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Seven Golden Bells, A Summer Place, Allez-vous en Go Away, Green Leaves of Summer, Carousel Waltz, I Still See Elisa, When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love, Lucy’s Theme from ‘Parish’, The Girl That I Marry, Out of my Dreams, This Nearly Was Mine Dulcima DLCD119. 21 tracks arranged by Johnny Douglas taken from his Decca LPs ‘Golden Strings’ and ‘The Broadway Waltzes’.
BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC DISCOVERIES VOLUME 5 Kaleidoscope (Peter Hope); Pastoral Reflection(John Fox); Inauguration (Paul Lewis); Adagio Serioso; Rondoletta (David Lyon); Music for Strings(Brian Douglas); Capriol Overture (Gavin Sutherland); Clarinet Concerto (Handel arr. Barbirolli);Haunted Ballroom (Geoffrey Toye); Overture on North Country Folk Tunes (Thomas Pitfield). City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland Sanctuary Group CDWHL 2144. Producer Philip Lane has again unearthed several new shining trinkets but this time largely from the more modern musical treasure chests. How gratifying to know that many contemporary composers still believe in melody and it is a fitting tribute to Thomas Pitfield that we can hear more of the music referred to in his obituary. Geoffrey Toye’s Waltz from The Haunted Ballroom will be familiar to many as will some of Handel’s Clarinet Concerto played by Verity Butler – except of course that Handel never wrote it because the clarinet did not exist at the time – we have Sir John Barbirolli to thank for the amalgamation of various violin and other Handellian pieces. Paul Lewis and David Lyon are in good form while Peter Hope is eminently recognisable; even conductor Gavin Sutherland gets in on the act. Edmund Whitehouse
STANLEY BLACK Some Enchanted Evening Falling in Love with Love, The Man I Love, So in Love, The Desert Song, Why Do I Love You, Body and Soul, Easy to Love, I’ve Got You Under my Skin, The Night is Young and You’re so Beautiful, All the Things you Are, Some Enchanted Evening, Love for Sale, Lover Come Back to Me, You and the Night and the Music Summer Evening SerenadeGaviotta, Serenade to Eileen, Siciliano, From Here to Eternity, Memory, Desire, Starlight Serenade, Carnet de bal, Le Grisbi, Magic Circles, Melody of Love, Estrellita del sur. Vocalion CDLK4186. This is a superb collection from Stanley Black, featuring one LP of great show tunes, while the second album contains many light music gems from the 1950s. Highlights include Carnet de Bal, Le Grisbi and Ray Martin’s Magic Circles. Don’t miss this one! David Ades
RONNIE ALDRICH Two Pianos – Today You Only Live Twice, A Whiter Shade of Pale, Georgy Girl, Something Stupid, A Man and a Woman, My Cup Runneth Over, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, Release Me, Barefoot in the Park, Alfie, Music to Watch Girls By, This is my Song Soft & Wicked Last Tango in Paris, You’re so Vain, Aubrey, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Clair, Call Me, Goor Time Charlie’s Got the Blues, Oh Babe What Would you Say, Killing me Softly with his Song, Last Song, Theme from ‘The Valachi Papers’, It Never Rains in Southern California with the London Festival OrchestraVocalion CDLK4188. Happily Ronnie Aldrich is now becoming properly represented on disc once again, and this time the emphasis is on selections of contemporary popular songs from around 40 years ago. Many have stood the test of time, and they all sound fine given the polished Aldrich treatment. David Ades
ERNEST GOLD and BERNARD HERRMANN Film Themes of Ernest Gold It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, The Young Philadelphians, Judgement at Nuremberg, The Last Sunset, Inherit the Wind, Pressure Point, A Child is Waiting, On the Beach, Saddle Pals, Exodus, Too Much Too Soon. London Festival Orchestra conducted by Ernest Gold. The Great Movie Thrillers (Music by Bernard Herrmann) Psycho, Marnie, North by Northwest, Vertigo, A Portrait of Hitch (from The Trouble with Harry). London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bernard Herrmann. Vocalion CDLK4178. These two Decca albums provide a feast of film music, although one has to admit that keen collectors will probably already have other recordings of much of this repertoire. However it is always good to have the composer conducting his own works, so this is a valuable new release. David Ades
JOHNNY DOUGLAS AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA "Just Pure Gold" Catch a Falling Star, The Story of a Starry Night, A Wonderful Guy, La Vie en Rose, Cherokee, Hello Young Lovers, All in a Golden Afternoon, I Feel Pretty, The Song is You, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Seven Golden Bells, A Summer Place, Allez-vous en Go Away, Green Leaves of Summer, Carousel Waltz, I Still See Elisa, When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love, Lucy’s Theme from ‘Parish’, The Girl That I Marry, Out of my Dreams, This Nearly Was Mine Dulcima DLCD119. 21 tracks arranged by Johnny Douglas taken from his Decca LPs ‘Golden Strings’ and ‘The Broadway Waltzes’. Purists will be disappointed that these two albums in total lasted longer than the time available on a CD, necessitating the ‘loss’ of several numbers, but these lovely recordings should surely be in everyone’s collection. David Ades
PHILIP MARTIN piano "The Maiden’s Prayer" Rustle of Spring, Humoresque, May Night, The Harmonious Blacksmith, Spring Song, Chanson Triste, Poeme, Poupee Valsante, To a Wild Rose, Narcissus, etc… 24 tracks Hyperion CDA67379. The highly entertaining (and informative) booklet notes by Jeremy Nicholas tell us that this CD is dedicated to the memory of Hyperion’s founder, Ted Perry, who died on 9 February 2003. This was Ted’s own pet project, describing it as "…a disc dying to be made." The subtitle "…gems from an old piano stool" could hardly be more descriptive; many of these works would have been very familiar to our ancestors around one hundred years ago, who relied upon the piano for their musical entertainment in the home. But few would have heard them performed as expertly as Philip Martin, who treats them all with the utmost respect, even though some of them may now be regarded as rather ‘corny’ through their frequent use as silent films music, or as the basis of modern popular songs, where the lyric writer decided to ‘borrow’ his melody from the classics. Indeed many tracks could be used in a musical quiz – the melodies are so familiar, but the titles (like so much light music) are elusive. This is a delightful CD in so many respects, and lovers of piano music should embrace it warmly. David Ades
BILLY MAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘All Of Me’ All of Me, My Silent Love, When My Sugar Walks Down The Street, Fat Man Boogie, Lean Baby, I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan, Walking My Baby Back Home (vocal: Nat King Cole), Charmaine, When I Take My Sugar To Tea, etc… 26 tracksMemoir CDMOIR576 73:54 mins. What can you say about Billy May that hasn’t already been written by his many admirers? He is one of the great arrangers and bandleaders of the last century, and the early days in the life of his fine orchestra are represented in these memorable 78s dating from 1951 and 1952. This collection has been intelligently compiled by Gordon Gray, with some superb remastering by Ted Kendall. Malcolm Laycock’s excellent booklet notes will probably tell you things about Billy that you didn’t know before, and it all adds up to a quality production that is warmly recommended. David Ades
PAUL WESTON Orchestra Music for Romancing My Romance, Poor Butterfly, Oirchids in the Moonlight, Gone With The Wind, etc.. Music for the Fireside Love Walked In, Something to Rememebr You By, Tenderly, September in the Rain, etc… EMI 5813582, 72:03 mins. Our friend Ray Purslow of The Record Centre, Birmingham, has been responsible for advising EMI on the reissue of many of the better collections that have surfaced from them in recent years. Unfortunately this particular CD hasn’t been a particularly happy experience for him, because the Americans at Capitol sent over a mono copy of the second LP, instead of stereo. One number – There Will Never Be Another You – appears twice, in both mono and stereo! But this is still very enjoyable music, and you can compare a few of the tracks with the new John Wilson versions, as reported elsewhere in this issue. David Ades
COPLAND: ORCHESTRAL WORKS. Fanfare For The Common Man; Three Dance Episodes from "Rodeo;" The Red Pony Suite; A Lincoln Portrait. ADLAI STEVENSON, Narrator; EUGENE ORMANDY, LOUIS LANE, ANDRE PREVIN, conductors. (USA) Sony Essential Classics SBK 62 401. (64:23 mins). "I felt that it was worth the effort to see if I couldn’t say what I had to say in the simplest possible terms." Thus wrote Aaron Copland (1900-1990) who has been called the Norman Rockwell of American classical music. This CD represents his best known style: lean and athletic in sound with widely spaced harmonies that communicate immediately any listener. The first work is "Fanfare For The Common Man," commissioned by Eugene Goossens for the Cincinnati Symphony during its World War II series of specially written fanfares. Eugene Ormandy and his Philadelphians bring a good deal of opulent, soft grained nobility to their rendition. "Rodeo" and "An Outdoor Overture" are played with gusto and sharp edged playing by Louis Lane and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. "The Red Pony" suffers slightly from unfocussed recording and odd moments of sloppy playing under Previn’s direction. Yet it has an inner vitality that’s very refreshing. "A Lincoln Portrait" has had many distinguished narrators on record. However, Adlai Stevenson brings a warm friendliness mixed with an eloquence to his narration missing from all other versions. Eugene Ormandy elicits a strongly warm sound from The Philadelphia Orchestra, making this one of the most moving performances on this CD. Only one howler exists in the otherwise well done booklet notes: for "The Red Pony" description, Billy Buck is NOT Jody’s grandfather but the gruff ranch hand. The mastering of these 1959-1965 originals is deeply luxurious. For the beginning listener, this an excellent introduction to one of American music’s beloved icons. Richard Jessen
GORDON LANGFORD’S ORCHESTRAL CLASSICS Fanfare & Ceremonial Prelude; Concertino for Trumpet & Orchestra; Four Movements for String Orchestra; A Song for All Seasons; First Suite of Dances; Greenways; Spirit of London; Hippodrome Waltz; Pastorale and March (both from Colour Suite). BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Ruman Gamba Chandos CHAN 10115. Ernest Tomlinson rates this CD of his old friend very highly indeed and that alone should be good enough for the rest of us mere mortals. Appropriately, Hippodrome Waltz is about the Hippodrome, Golders Green, now home to the BBC Concert Orchestra, where the young Langford was first taken by his parents to experience pantomimes and concerts. The inspiration he gained there is still with him today and this splendid new disc is the answer to why he has remained so popular. There is no real necessity to discuss the other works in detail because if you like Ronnie Binge, Ernest Tomlinson, Trevor Duncan and similar light music composers then you will thoroughly enjoy these works too. How wonderful to know that such serious tuneful music is there for everyone to enjoy and isn’t it about time the BBC sat up and took a bit of notice? Perhaps RFS members could drop a few more hints about the music we love? I do my bit regularly so what about a few more? This CD would be a good one to quote at them. Edmund Whitehouse
‘HONEYMOON FOR THREE’ Songs by BILLY MAYERL You’re Not Too Bad Yourself, Apart from Business, Steak and Kidney Pudding, It Must Be You, I Breathe on Windows, Two of Everything etc… 24 tracks Alex Hassan, piano with Robert Petillo, tenor and Alison Taffs, mezzo-sopranoShellwood SWCD28, 68:46 mins. Billy Mayerl is so well-known as a successful composer of catchy piano novelties, that it often comes as a surprise to many that he was also adept at orchestral works, and songs for stage musicals. This new collection from Shellwood concentrates on the latter, with some charming performances from all three performers. One has to say that it is all very English (although Billy’s parents were immigrants!) and none of the songs became big hits. Most of them come from shows produced in the 1930s, with a few from Billy’s earlier career in the 1920s and one particularly pleasant number Resting from the mid-1940s, which was recorded by none other than Richard Tauber. This CD is an affectionate tribute compiled by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. It can best be described as the kind of music that would have been heard as a vocal interlude in a ‘Palm Court-type’ concert on many seaside bandstands before World War 2. If this kind of repertoire is your cup of tea you’ll be thoroughly captivated, although you may find that you will appreciate the music more if you sample it in small doses from time to time. David Ades
STEVE CONWAY ‘The Best of All’ I Could Never Tell, Show Me The Way, Carnival in Costa Rica - Film Tunes Selection, Would You Believe Me, After All, No Orchids For My Lady, I’m Spending The Evening With Friends Of Mine, If All The World Belonged To Me, Honey Child, It’s Magic - Film Selection, Beside You, The Wedding Of Lilli Marlene, Church Bells On Sunday Morning, The Hours I Spent With You, Best Of All, So This Is Love, All My Life, Would I Love You, All Alone with my Heart, Confetti, While You Danced Danced Danced, Chez Moi, With All My Heart And Soul. Sepia 1015. The Sepia label, according to their website intro, was launched in June 2002 with the aim of restoring to the catalogue neglected or almost forgotten quality music of yesteryear. The issue of this Steve Conway disc is, therefore, most welcome, filled as it is with wonderful songs, accompanied by maestros of melody such as Jack Byfield, Reginald Killbey, Philip Green, George Melachrino, Ray Martin, Peter Yorke and even Roberto Inglez, each conveying their own distinctive style which is very much in evidence on this disc. All My Life additionally features The Hastings Girls Choir. The standard of transfers on the Sepia CD is generally very good and it is hard to believe these songs were recorded 50 plus years ago. A short informative booklet is included. The month and year of the recordings are given although matrix numbers are omitted. Several CDs of Steve Conway are now available. There is one sponsored by This England magazine; others have been issued by Pulse and Memoir. Steve Conway tracks are also included on Peter Yorke discs from Crystal Stream, Sanctuary Living Era and Vocalion where he is the featured singer. Unfortunately this does result in significant duplication of tracks. However this Sepia issue is recommended if the compilation appeals and you do not already have the music on other discs. Further details of Sepia issues, including selections from the original Broadway cast recordings of Song of Norway and Roberta, can be found on the Sepia website at www.sepiarecords.co.uk/ Their CDs are available for around £6.99 from UK record stores or online at Sepia Records. Brian Stringer
WINIFRED ATWELL Hall of Fame Melodies in the style of other famous pianists including Bill Snyder (Bewitched), Eddie Heywood (Soft Summer Breeze), Fats Waller (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Carmen Cavallaro (Manhattan), George Shearing (I’ll Remember April) etc. …plays Gershwin Nice Work if You Can Get It, Love Walked In, Somebody Loves Me etc and Rhapsody in Blue with Ted Heath Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4177. It may be hard for the younger generation to realise just how big a star Winifred Atwell was when at the peak of her success. She really enjoyed great popularity, especially when playing her pub-style "other" piano (as on the famous Pot Black theme), but on these 2 Decca LPs she is revealing that she was also a trained and highly competent pianist. Perhaps the fact that she is mimicking other pianists on the first album means that her own personality is disguised; the second collection of Gershwin is a better example of her work. David Ades
HUMPHREY LYTTELTON ‘Snag It’ Weary Blues; Sunday Morning; Sleepy Time Down South; Georgia On My Mind; Maple Leaf Rag; Come On and Stomp, Stomp, Stomp; Careless Love; Ice Cream; Snag It; I Like to Go Back in the Evening; Dallas Blues; Cakewalkin’ Babies; Trouble in Mind; Panama Rag; Low Down Dirty Shame Blues; On Treasure Island; Trog’s Blues; Wolverine Blues; Suffolk Air; Down Home Rag; Apex Blues; Onions; Blues for an Unknown Gypsy’ Travellin’ Blues’ It’s Over Now; Get Out of Here and Go On Home Humphrey Lyttelton and his Band, 1948-52 ASV Living Era CDAJA 5462. If you heard the BBC radio programme "Humph at 80" then you will know that this remarkable octogenarian is still as busy as ever but keeps his residence a secret from everyone, even those involved in "I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue". It was not always thus and this collection of 26 vintage Dixieland jazz tracks brings back memories of jiving teenagers in London’s post-war West End when Humph was at the forefront of British revivalist jazz. Never one to follow convention he totally ignored the Musicians’ Union ban on foreign artists and not only invited Sidney Bechet to appear on stage but even had the cheek to make two illegal recordings with him (Sleepy Time Down South and Georgia On My Mind)! Other busy revivalist beavers appearing with Humph on this CD include Wally Fawkes, George Webb, Keith and Ian Christie, and Micky Ashman. It’s sure to make your feet tap. Peter Worsley
THE BAND OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS : Marche Militaire La Ronde (Gounod); Andalusian Fresco (Durand); Strike up the Band (Gershwin); Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair (Foster); Northumberland Airs (Trad.); State Occasion (Farnon) ;An Age of Kings (Bliss); Deep River (Trad); Milanollo (Hamm); Black Eyes (Trad.); Fanfare and Soliloquy for Band (Sharpe); Winds on the Run (Osterling); Three Blades of Toledo (Sharpe); Cherokee (Noble); Figaro (Mozart), Royal Windsor (Bayco). Castle PLS CD540 (previously released on MACD 176) (57.53mins) This budget priced CD comes with no notes, no information on recording dates or locations, no listed timings for individual tracks and quite extraordinarily, with no conductor at all credited! That’s the Downside! On the credit side we have an interestingly varied programme and with the exception of Track 11 – Sharpe’sFanfare and Soliloquy where the sound is squeeezed and pinched – the engineering is well managed and often approaches demonstration standards. Particularly welcome for the readers of JIM is the inclusion of Robert Farnon’s State Occasion which receives a satisfyingly good performance. A warm welcome too for Frederic Bayco’s fine, stirring and dignified Royal Windsor march. It would be interesting if any reader can furnish more details of the provenance of this recording – are there any serving or ex-Coldstreamers out there who might help? A number of arrangements here are by Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Sharpe so could these sessions date from his tenure with the band? Meanwhile, worth a fiver of anyone’s money! Roger Hyslop
NAT TEMPLE Nattering Around (Temple), Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin), Make Believe (Kern), Sugar (Mitchell/ Alexander/ Pinkard), It’s the Talk of the Town (Symes/ Neiburg/ Livingston), Concerto for Clarinet (Shaw), Canzonetta (Perry/Temple), On the 5.45 (Warren), American Patrol (Meacham), etc.. This England (Evergreen Melodies) C86. In Britain the name ‘Nat Temple’ is probably still familiar to many people old enough to remember Bernard Braden’s radio series in the 1950s. But before that he had worked with bands such as Geraldo, Harry Roy, Ambrose and Lew Stone, building up a fine reputation for his clarinet playing. This affectionate collection has been assembled from various sources, and includes his own Canzonetta with Geraldo in 1942. Nat celebrated his 90thbirthday this July. David Ades This England CDs cost £8.95 (which includes UK postage). Write to: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at Credit cards accepted.
VIKKI CARR LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE. 20 tracks including It Must Be Him; Can’t Take My Eyes Off You; With Pen In Hand. VIKKI CARR with the BOB FLORENCE ORCHESTRA. (USA) Collectables COL-CD-7515. 91:41. A wonderful concert recording finally sees the light of day on CD! Recorded live in 1973 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles over a three day engagement, this performance is now heard for the first time in the correct order in which is was heard by those who were there in the audience. Vikki Carr is in great form throughout, singing not only her biggest hits but also a medley of four songs from one of her great albums "En Espanol." The rest of the performance consists of brand new songs sung with all of the depth and authority only Ms. Carr can bring to a song. She’s joined by the breathy voice of Randy Marr who provides his guitar accompaniment. Marr also sings a brilliant solo on "I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now." Bob Florence provides strong accompaniments to Ms. Carr’s vocals assisted from some of L.A’s best musicians such as Bob Cooper, Bill Perkins and Bobby Shew - all members of the "Tonight Show" band (all shouting Ed MacMahon’s "Hiyo!" when introduced!). The booklet contains the gorgeous original concert photos plus a beautiful inlay photo of Vikki Carr in casual attire. The miking gives us a great sense of presence on both Ms. Carr’s effervescent voice as well as the excellent musicians and singers (which include Jackie Ward). A vivid performance by one of America’s greatest treasures!Richard Jessen
ROSEMARY CLOONEY: THE LAST CONCERT. Overture; Sentimental Journey; I’m Confessin’ That I Love You; Just In Time; Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe; You Go To My Head; Rockin’ Chair; Ol’ Man River; The Singer; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; God Bless America – with the Honolulu Symphony Pops Orchestra Conducted by Matt Catingub. (USA) Concord Records CCD-2166-2. (44:51 mins). The world lost one of the truly greatest artists on 29 June 2002, when Rosemary Clooney passed on. Rosie always left one wanting more at the end of a concert and this CD, recorded live on 16 November, 2001, presents her in great form. The main focus is on ballads which suited the immediate post 9/11 mood America was going through at the time. "Sentimental Journey" sets the mood with other favorite standards. The last three songs are tributes to Frank Sinatra and Irving Berlin. "God Bless America" sums up personal triumphs in everyone’s life in the opening verse and this is so with Rosie’s interpretation. That she should end her last concert with this song speaks eloquently of how much Rosemary Clooney’s service to American, (and, indeed all music) will mean to each succeeding generation. Richard Jessen
MARIAN McPARTLAND TRIO LIVE AT SHANGHAI JAZZ. Scratchin’ In The gravel plus 11 other tracks. MARIAN MCPARTLAND with RUFUS REID and JOE MORELLO. (USA) Concord CCD-4991-2. A dash of Debussy, mix with Milhaud, baste with Bill Evans, let it cook and - VOILA! - you have Marian McPartland! Add bassist Rufus Reid and drummer extraordinaire Joe Morello and one has this delightful date at the Shanghai jazz Festival in Madison, NJ on 24 April, 2001. Things start off on the right foot with a hard driving "Scratchin’ In The Gravel" on which McPartland, Reid, and Morello all demonstrate their considerable talents. The music of Duke Ellington has been a constant influence on McPartland ever since her days at the Hickory House in the 1950's and she shows her fondness for the Duke by gently caressing the melodic line of "Prelude To A Kiss." The biggest pleasure is hearing McPartland playing her meditative piano solos and none is better than "Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair," which lovely beyond words. The whole set is one swinging delight and should be an essential part of any music lover’s library. Richard Jessen
CARL MICHAEL ZIEHRER – Selected Dances and Marches Vol. 4. Weaner Mad’In – Walzer; Augensprach – Polka Mazur; Duck’ dich, Manderl Marsch; Liebesgcheimnis – Polka; Liebeswalzer; FrauenLogik – Polka Mazur; Ohne Sorgen – Polka schnell; Natursanger – Walzer; Ein Blumchen im Verborgenen – Polka Mazur; Buberl Komm! – Walzer; Konig von Sachsen Huldigungs – Marsch; In Reih’ und Glied – Polka Francaise; Seculo Nuovo, Vita Nuovo – Walzer. Razumovsky Sinfonia conducted by Christian Pollack. Marco Polo 8.223817 (77.14 mins). Anyone on the lookout for a CD of bright, cheerful and attractively scored light music to escape perhaps briefly from the rather sombre world we all have to inhabit in these troubled times, will be well rewarded in investing in this generously filled and vividly recorded Marco Polo disc of Volume 4 of the dance music of Carl Michael Ziehrer. He was one of the principal rivals to the Strauss family dynasty and was nothing if not prolific with opus numbers stretching well into the five hundreds. The best known item in this collection is undoubtedly the Weaner Mad’In (Viennese Girls) Waltz which comes complete with whistling effects presumably produced by members of the orchestra both during the introduction and towards the end , whilst Natursanger ( Nature Singers ) Waltz – a lovely lilting piece , comes with added bird song effects. That this well planned collection contains two military marches should come as no surprise when one learns that Zeihrer was a bandleader no less than three times in his long career! Recommended but with a plea to Marco Polo to get round to the dance music of Joseph Gung’l and Paul Lincke whose waltzes in particular were often a mainstay of many a light orchestra’s broadcast repertoire throughout the "golden age " of BBC Radio. Roger Hyslop
DICK McINTYRE and his Harmony Hawaiians Vol 5. Kailua – with vocalists Ray Kinney, Gary Speare & Danny Kuaana. Kaneohe, Hilo March; Kukuna Oka La; Kuu Ipo; Kehaulani; Palolo; Under A Tropical Moon; My Hawaiian Souvenir; On The Beach At Kualoa; It Happened At Waialae; Our Last Hawaiian Moon; Nani Wale Ka Mahina; Kolopa; Anapau; Kaleponi; Hula Lullaby; Nanakuli Hula; Naughty Hula Eyes; Uhe Uhene. (Australia) Cumquat CQCD 2747. What will our friends from down under be getting up to next? Here is an excellent CD drawn from yet another enterprising Australian catalogue, comprising easy listening music (predominantly Hawaiian of which this CD forms part) and various eras of Jazz, with a particular focus on Australian artists. Time was when Hawaiian music featured regularly in the BBC schedules with groups such as the South Sea Serenaders, the Paradise Island Trio and Roland Peachey. Sadly those days are long gone. It is heartening, therefore to find a small company reviving Hawaiian music in quite a big way. The Dick McIntyre CD consists mostly of tracks far removed from the over-recorded songs with which we have become so familiar in Hawaiian music circles, such as Aloha Oe and Hawaiian War Chant. Those who have fond memories of Andy Iona and Dick McIntyre will find a treasure trove of their music in the catalogue where they already share five volumes each and the project is ongoing. There are too many CDs to list details here, and I suggest that if the genres of music provided are of interest, you should have a look at Bruce’s excellent web site where you can also hear samples of the music. We must be grateful to the growing dedicated band of enthusiasts who are making available once again hard to find recordings of artists and music that are unlikely to see the light of day via a major record company. A few years ago this sort of project would have seemed no more than a dream. I shall no doubt be returning for lots more cumquats… Brian Stringer
Available from www.cumquatrecords.com.au/ or by writing to address shown below - price $27.50 (around £13.00 Sterling) via Credit Card. A printed catalogue is available for those who do not have access to the website. You can write to: Cumquat Records, PO Box 963, Central Park Post Office, Burke Road, Malvern East, Victoria, 3145, Australia. Customers ordering for the first time may be fortunate enough to receive a couple of interesting free sampler CDs.
SIR THOMAS ALLEN More Songs My Father Taught Me I heard you singing, Will you go with me, A Cradle Song, The Green Hills o’ Somerset, Mother Machree, Roses of Picardy, Because, Down by the Sally Gardens, etc… with Malcolm Martineau, piano Hyperion CDA67374, 79:01 mins. Now that we are in the 21st century, no longer can we hear our elderly relatives talking about the Victorian times when home entertainment meant singing round the parlour piano. But clearly the songs from that period created a big impression, because so many still receive the occasional performance today. Sir Thomas Allen is obviously enjoying taking some time off from playing leading roles in the top opera houses of the world, and this CD is likely to win him many more admirers. The excellent booklet notes by Andrew Lamb give not only the lyrics but also potted biographies of the composers. This is a worthy successor to the first volume on CDA67290. David Ades
TRIBUTE TO ERIC COATES /EDWARDIAN FAVOURITES Tribute to Eric Coates – London Bridge; The Enchanted Garden; By the Sleepy Lagoon; Cinderella; Second Symphonic Rhapsody – Bird Songs at Eventide/I Heard You Singing; Footlights Edwardian Favourites – Paul Rubens Melodies; Josef Strauss Pot-Pourri; Lionel Monckton Melodies; Edward German Melodies Pro Arte Orchestra/Stanford Robinson Vocalion 2-CD set CDLK4183 (1:42:06 total time). Following the death of Eric Coates, Pye were quickly out with a fine memorial album. Austin Coates provided the sleeve-notes; and one of his father’s major scores – "The Enchanted Garden" – received its first recording. Scores, maybe hundreds of our readers will have these works already – some of them, perhaps, in several versions. Further good reason for adding this CD to your library may well be found on its Siamese twin! "Edwardian Favourites" features "Robbie" (BBC colleagues mostly knew him thus), as a lively arranger: I particularly enjoyed his treatment of those prolific tunesmiths Paul Rubens and Lionel Monckton. With two exceptions – "Sleepy Lagoon" and "Footlights" – stereo tapes are the source of everything: the original LP releases were mono only. The original sleeve-notes are also used. I hope that Mr. Dutton will give us some more Pro Arte material in due course: Gilbert Vintner’s "World of Light Music", for an instance. John E. Govier
PERCY GRAINGER / BRITAIN’S CHOICE CD 1: Percy Grainger – Country Gardens ; Molly on the Shore ; Londonderry Air ; Handel in the Strand ( David Parkhouse – piano ); Mock Morris ; Shepherds Hey ; Childrens Overture Op 17 (Quilter) ; The Haunted Ballroom (Toye); Dusk (Armstrong Gibbs) Shepherds Fennel’s Dance ( Balfour Gardiner); CD 2 : March from the Colour Suite (Langford); A La Claire Fontaine ( Farnon); Suite of English Folk Dances (Tomlinson); March from ‘A Little Suite’ (Duncan); The Boulevadier (Curzon); The Watermill (Binge); Tabarinage (Docker); Suite – The Ring of Kerry (Hope). The Light Music Society Orchestra conducted by Sir Vivian Dunn KCVO. OBE, FRAM. Vocalion CDLK 4182 (93.49 mins). This double CD set from Vocalion conveniently groups together all the recordings Sir Vivian Dunn made for EMI in 1970 with the Light Music Society Orchestra. Thus it should appeal not only to the many admirers of Sir Vivians’ art but to all those who respond to high quality light music delivered in ‘Rolls Royce ‘ performances. Roger Quilter’s sparklingChildren’s Overture is delivered with an enchanting wide-eyed gleam and well sprung rhythms and is distinctly to be preferred to the rival Marco polo alternative with the Czechoslovak RSO under Adrian Leaper (British Light Music – Roger Quilter 8.223444). The second CD opens with a well spirited account of Gordon Langford’s March from the Colour Suite. Robert Farnon’s A La Claire Fontaine is marvellously atmospheric and according to Derek Oakley’s biography of Sir Vivian, ‘Fiddler on the March’, R.F. publicly acclaimed this recording as "by far the finest he had heard ". Mr. Oakley also mentions that Sir Vivian included this piece as his sixth choice on 6th November 1971 when he was Roy Plomley’s guest on BBC Radio’s ‘Desert Island Discs’. This is a highly desirable addition to the Vocalion catalogue and with bright and vivid sound, a fine and worthy tribute to the talent and genius of a great and unique musician who made an indelible and lasting mark in both the military band world and the cause of music in general. Roger Hyslop
For close on 23 years I purchased most of my LPs – and, latterly, my earliest CDs – from an independent classical record shop in Birmingham: small, yet widely known and highly respected among West Midlands record buyers. The proprietor and his staff were unfailingly helpful and reliable, musically knowledgeable and utterly impartial; so when these two albums, then new, featured in a prominent shop display, it spoke volumes for their quality! Now, well over thirty years on, here together are two of British Light Music and the LP Era’s greatest glories; and sounding, if anything, finer than ever. Come to think of it, this notice could quite easily have consisted of one word only: essential!
John E. Govier
TWO SIDES OF RON GOODWIN: CD1 – The Early Years – Popular Singles Jet Journey, Blue Star, Skiffling Strings, Lingering Lovers, Colonel Bogey and the River Kwai March, Summertime in Venice, Red Cloak, The Melba Waltz, The Messenger Boy, The Girl from Corsica, Swedish Polka, Under the Linden Tree, Concetta, On the Waterfront, The Headless Horseman, Midnight Blue, The Song of the High Seas, The Laughing Sailor, Tropical Mirage, Handyman, Three Galleons, Guadalcanal March, The Little Laplander, Wagon Train, When I Fall in Love, Bluebell Polka, Song from Moulin Rouge, Josita, Elizabethan Serenade. CD2 – Original Compositions from Films and LPs 633 Squadron, Love Theme from 633 Squadron, The Trap, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Lancelot and Guinevere, London Serenade, Return My Love, Where Eagles Dare, Mercury Gets the Message, Cafè Royal Waltz, Decline and Fall, Frenzy, El Morocco Tea Rooms, Operation Crossbow, Jumping Jupiter, Monte Carlo or Bust, India, Miss Marple’s Theme, The Milky Way, Kill or Cure, The Girl With the Misty Eyes, Departure, Aces High Ron Goodwin and his Concert Orchestra 2-CD Tribute Album EMI 582 5502 Although Ron Goodwin is taken from us, his unique contribution to British and World Music remains, inspiring and indestructible. By all means, hang on to your original singles and LPs as I shall mine, for old times’ sake; but on no account whatever pass up this splendid, fully worthy memorial to THAT MAGNIFICENT MAN AND HIS MUSIC MACHINE. John E. Govier
THE BOURNEMOUTH MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA Merry Middies, Raindrops, Clatter of the Clogs, Crocus Time, Dance of Seville, A Fairy Ballet, Zip Zip, Intermezzo Pizzicato, Dicky Bird Hop, Echoes of the Valley, Whispering Pines, Fluttering Birds, Gee Whiz, Rosewood Ripples, Idylle Bretonne, Slippery Sticks, Language of the Nightingale, Oriental Dance, Jolly Whistlers, Dance of the Nymphs, The Merry Brothers, The Two Imps, Rippling Streams, Carlsbad Doll Dance (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD104, 76:45 mins. Except for Intermezzo Pizzicato, which is conducted by its composer Montague Birch, all of the titles on this charming CD are conducted by the legendary Sir Dan Godfrey. These 78s were recorded by Columbia in the Pavilion or at the Winter Gardens in Bournemouth between 1927 and 1934, and they capture a period of English seaside musical entertainment that would finally disappear following the outbreak of the Second World War. A few brief attempts may have been made to resurrect this kind of genteel music-making during the 1940s and 1950s, but by then the world had changed too much. Happily through the wonder of sound recording (assisted by today’s excellent remastering techniques – in this case in the capable hands of one of the very best sound engineers, Alan Bunting) we can still marvel at the highly professional musicianship of the performers, and the composers who created such attractive novelties for them. The name J. Gennin crops up several times, as does T. de la Riviera and W. Byrne. Ernst Slaney is credited on both xylophone and cello – could he be related to the composer Ivor Slaney? In fact the xylophone is prominent on several tracks, usually performed by W.W. Bennett. Arthur Jackson has contributed the fascinating booklet notes, helping to make this a most desirable collection that should attract everyone who is passionate about traditional light music, as it used to be played. David Ades
MORTON GOULD AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘An MG Round-Up’ High Noon, On Top of Old Smokey, Wagon Wheels, I’m and Old Cowhand, Riders in the Sky, Tennessee Waltz, Home on the Range, Buckaroo Blues, Last Round-up, Cowboy Rhapsody, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Diane, Avalon, 12th Street Rag, La Mer, Tell Me That You Love Me, Speak to Me of Love, Tea for Two, Through Your Eyes to your Heart. (Australia) FRANK BRISTOW FBCD105, 78:04 mins. To make my prejudices known at the outset, can I just say that cowboy songs, especially of the Tin Pan Alley variety, have never been my favourite music, even in Morton Gould settings. He does the best he can with the first ten tracks, of course, but even his own compositions, Buckaroo Blues and Cowboy Rhapsody, can’t escape the general air of ennui inevitable with this sort of material. If you don’t share my tastes (or lack of taste, however you feel about it) you can, of course, decide for yourself! The popular standards on the last nine tracks are more traditional Gould, although over the top in one or two cases, La Mer and 12th Street Rag for instance. The CD as a whole is a bit of a curate’s egg … in fact Frank Bristow does hint that he is more or less scraping the bottom of the barrel. Though I must say that in the present musical climate no light music album should be ignored. 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: Arrangements can be made for British members to pay with a sterling cheque.
READER’S DIGEST ‘The Wonderful World of Music’ Reader's Digest UK's long running series of "themed" collections of light/popular all orchestral/instrumental music in 3 CD boxsets titled "The Wonderful World of Music" appears to have restarted again. I thought the series had come to an end when I received my 12th 3-CD boxset sometime last year, so I was delighted to receive an unexpected parcel during the summer from Reader's Digest containing another 3 CD boxset called "Sounds to Soothe" (catalogue number RDCD3431-3). Then soon afterwards, another parcel arrives from Reader's Digest containing another 3-CD boxset. This time titled "The Early Years" - catalogue number RDCD3541-3. This means that so far Reader's Digest in the UK have released 14 CD boxsets in the ‘Wonderful World of Music’ beautiful orchestral music series. As there are three CDs in each boxset, that makes a total of 42 CDs of "our kind of music" and that doesn't include a couple of boxsets of beautiful orchestral music Reader's Digest have released in the past outside the ongoing ‘Wonderful World of’ series. Regarding "The Early Years" 3-CD boxset, there is just under an hour of music on each CD. The total price is £28.95 including postage and packing. You get the usual glossy booklet (approx 24 pages) with full details on every track. The first CD is called "Twilight Dreams". The second CD is called "Through The Years" and the third CD is called "Forever In Your Heart". As with all these CDs, the sound quality is excellent. You also get the usual mix of artists/orchestras eg. on the Early Years 3-CD set, you have Roland Shaw and his Orchestra, Fracis Goya, his Guitar and Orchestra, Larry Sinclair and his Orchestra, Romantic Strings and Orchestra, Frank Chacksfield, Roger Williams, his Piano and Orchestra, Douglas Gamley and his Orchestra, Robert Mandell and his Orchestra, Nick Ingman and his Orchestra......etc etc. Well I can't wait to receive the 15th 3-CD boxset from Reader's Digest. How long can they keep this series going? Not that I am complaining, I hope this superb series of beautiful orchestral music never ends. For some reason, Reader’s Digest UK do not mention "The Wonderful World of Music" CD collection on their website! I highly recommend these CDs to everyone. Unfortunately, they are not available to anyone living outside the UK, I assume for copyright reasons. If you live in the UK, you can contact Reader's Digest on 08705 113366 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Chris Landor
THE CATS AND THE FIDDLE We Cats Will Swing For You - ASV Living Era AJA5475 We Cats Will Swing For You; Killin’ Jive; I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water; Gang Busters; Thursday Evening Swing; Nuts To You; Till the Day I Die; Mr Rhythm Man; Please Don’t Leave Me Now; When I Grow Too Old to Dream; Public Jitterbug No. 1; I Miss You So; That’s Jack; Gone; You’re So Fine; Swing the Scales; Hep Cat’s Holiday; I’ll Always Love You Just the Same; One is Never Too Old to Swing; I’m Singing so Help Me; I’m Gonna Pull My Hair; I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire; Blue Skies; Another Day; Stomp, Stomp; Life’s Too Short. If you can imagine a cross between Fats Waller, the Mills Brothers and King Louis the Ape singing in the cartoon film Jungle Book then you will just about capture the sound of this relatively unknown American group whose recording dates were virtually synonymous with the Second World War. It is also interesting to note that the phrase "Hep Cat" is older than many of us imagined. The Cats were the four singers and the Fiddle was their double bass accompaniment. The only other instrument was an acoustic guitar but the resulting sound was both melodious and pleasant. An unusual CD and a revealing find for those who enjoy close harmony.Peter Worsley
ENSA COMPLETE CONCERTS featuring radio broadcasts by Henry Hall, Geraldo, RAOC Blue Rockets, Robert Farnon and Lou Preager. Rex Records REXX300. We mentioned this 2-CD collection in our last issue (page 5) because of the Robert Farnon connection, but it has been suggested to us that we should also indicate that the other broadcasts included will be fascinating for many readers. The names of the vocalists will sell this release to many – Frances Day, Johnny Green, Dorothy Carless, Western Brothers, George Melachrino, Beryl Davis, Dick James, Carole Carr and Edna Kaye – to name just some.
Three more 2-CD sets have followed from Rex, which we list for your information:
REXX301 Charlie Kunz – his famous piano medleys: perhaps a bit too much to digest in one go, but enjoyable to visit in small doses
REXX302 Spike Jones and his City Slickers – a lot of collections by this zany American band are already available, but if you haven’t yet acquired any you’ll probably find many of your favourites here
REXX303 Family Favourites – quite simply a very varied compilation of popular 78 from just over 50 years ago. Sadly the famous signature tune With a Song in my Heart by Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra has been edited. DA
TROISE AND HIS MANDOLIERS Play to Me Gypsy - ASV Living Era AJA5492 Speak Easy; Play to Me Gypsy; Nights of Gladness; In the Hills of Colorado; La Paloma; Hungarian Dance No. 5; Beside My Caravan; Dark Eyes; Serenade; Ballerina; Café in Vienna; Zampa; Old Monastery Bell; Destiny Waltz; Serenata; Argentina; Gypsy Moon; Serenade No. 1; Beside the Singing Waters; Sorrento; Gypsy Dance; Hawaiian; Havana Heaven; El Relicario; Lady, Sing Your Gypsy Song. If you cannot afford to take your wife to a Neapolitan restaurant then all you have to do is buy some pasta at the local supermarket, turns down the lights in your dining room and put this latest disc on your CD player. The singer is Don Carlos and the flavour is almost authentic because Pasqual Troise really did come from Naples, even though he spent most of his life in the UK, initially with Sidney Firman’s BBC Radio Dance Band. The sound is more than just mandolins with at least one piano accordion taking most of the melodies. The sound transfer is good with the recordings dating from the Thirties before he turned into Troise and his Banjoliers for the radio programme Music While You Work. Edmund Whitehouse
PHIL KELSALL at the Wurlitzer Organ of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool "Shall We Dance?"Grasmere GRCD 117 (also on cassette GRTC 117). There are a few artists who can be assured that every new recording they release will receive a warm welcome from devoted fans. Phil Kelsall certainly falls into this category, and this new collection of popular tunes split up into 23 medleys – and played in strict-tempo for dancing – will be echoing in dance halls around the world for a long time to come. Dance records have always been steady sellers (remember the page after page of 78s by Victor Silvester, Joe Loss and Harry Davidson in the catalogues half a century ago?), and talented performers like Phil Kelsall manage to appeal to two kinds of audience, because his attractive arrangements are also good to listen to at home. David Ades
ROB MCCONNELL TENTET Music of the Twenties Thou Swell; Remember; Lover Come Back To Me; Can’t We Be Friends; Always; I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me; Indian Summer(time);How Long Has This Been Going On; You Do Something Go Me; With A Song In My Heart; What’ll I Do. (Canada) Justin Time JUST 196-2. This is the third CD release by the Rob McConnell Tentet since its formation at the end of 1997, and right off the top the tight ensemble work on Thou Swell reminds the listener just what a great group this is. Rob’s liner notes, as usual, are both informative and very amusing, and add an extra dimension to the enjoyment of this CD. The eleven tracks allow everyone in the group to have several solos, and on Thou Swell, Rob notes that finally he was able to find a way to feature every member of the band on one tune. Bassist Steve Wallace is showcased on Rick Wilkins’ Remember, the only chart not penned by the leader himself, and in Lover Come back the alto sax of P.J. Perry moves from a pensive opening into an up-tempo display of virtuoso playing, to which Dave Restivo adds his own touches of brilliance. Can’t We Be Friends features great work from Rob and Terry Promane on trombones. Guido Basso chose Alwaysfor his solo opus, and makes an old tune into a thing of beauty. While Rob’s liner notes for I Can’t Believe… only mention Dave Restivo’s sparkling solo, Rob’s own contribution is also very worthy of mention. Alex Dean’s solo on Indian Summer(time) is slightly more restrained than usual, but no less inventive (Rob describes it as ‘the less troubled Alex Dean’!), and Steve Wallace’s fine-toned bass solo is the kind you don’t talk through. At the end, Rob inserts the Summertime segment, with a modest tribute to Miles Davis and Gil Evans, with Guido Basso doing a great imitation of Miles. Terry Promane’s status as one of Canada’s best trombone players is underlined in his solo on How Long Has This Been Going On, to which are added the sleek tenor sax ruminations of Mike Murley, who comes back later on in With A Song In My Heart to show that he’s equally fluent at twice the tempo in half the time. On this chart, Dave Restivo goes from fills to thrills, to offer some very imaginative and nimble keyboard explorations. Oh, and you might find yourself, as I did, hearing the verse of Without a Song for the first time, and thinking what a great tune it is in itself. Can’t recall Andre Kostelanetz ever playing it. Alex Dean lets loose a bit more, but never substitutes flash for creativity, on You Do Something To Me, which is driven along impeccably by Terry Clarke, who gets to exchange fours with Alex toward the end – and is, throughout the CD, the time rock on which the Tentet firmly stands. Finally, trumpeter Steve McDade, after contributing his fine ensemble work throughout the CD, gets his own chance to shine on What’ll I Do, which he does with a finely burnished performance.Fans of Rob McConnell will buy this one anyway, and won’t be disappointed. For those who don’t know the name – try listening to Thou Swell, and you’ll know just what to expect from the rest of the CD. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either. Pip Wedge
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA – AN ANGLO-AMERICAN MEDLEY SOUSA: Hands across the Sea, ANSELL: Plymouth Hoe, BERLIN: Puttin’ on the Ritz, CESE: Little English Girl, CARMICHAEL: Hoagy Carmichael in Concert, ARNOLD: English Dances No.s 6 & 8, HOWE: The Guards Division, arr. LOWDEN: The Big Band Bash, GRUNDMAN: The Blue and the Gray, STECK: Royal Review, arr. PRYCE: Don’s Days’ Hits, FILLMORE: The Klaxon, MYDDLETON: The Boys of the Old Brigade The Band of the Guards Association directed by Geoff Broome – Irish Guards (Retd.) The Specialist Recording Company RHC01 (72’31"). One is sometimes reminded that waiting for recordings of a favourite piece of music is not dissimilar to waiting for a bus – nothing for ages than three come along almost together. John Ansell’s stirring seascape ‘Plymouth Hoe’ was recently included in a compilation CD to mark the 25th Anniversary of the International Military Music Society (CHEVRON CHVCD12), and then resurfaced again as a component of British Light Concert Overtures Vol. 2 by the Royal ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland (ASV CD WHL2137). Here it is again in a sparkling performance by the Band of the Guards Association, but this Anglo American musical medley offers many other attractions including two of Malcolm Arnold’s delightful English Dances, whilst the Guards Division March by Jimmy Howe – a former distinguished DOM of the Scots Guards, ingeniously interweaves snatches of the various regimental marches of the various components of the Household Division into his score. Older listeners may recognise Arnold Steck’s ceremonial march as it was used many years ago as the signature tune of BBC Television News. The Band of the Guards Association is made up of the former musicians from the seven regiments of Her Majesty’s Household Division, and one of the most impressive features of this disc is, given the different style of playing demanded in a programme of this nature how effortlessly and with consummate ease this ensemble switches convincingly from military to big band and back again. Beautifully refined playing is there in abundance when appropriate, whilst there is nothing inhibited in the approach to the more extrovert numbers. Intonation is always impeccably reliable. This recording reflects great credit to all involved in its production and if I may briefly mount a favourite hobby horse of mine – what a tragedy that so many first class military bands are denied access to the airwaves of our national radio network – even brass bands get a better deal! This disc is nonetheless recommended with all possible enthusiasm for all those who relish and enjoy superb wind band playing. Roger Hyslop Specialist Recording Company CDs are available from Discurio, 46 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD, England (tel/fax 01634 845222).
MAX SCHÖNHERR (1903-1984) 2-CD collection of his music from the archives of Austrian RadioDie Grosse Wiener Rundfunkorchester conducted by the composer (Austria) ORF CD 327. Earlier in this issue (page 36) you will have read the sad news of the passing of Prof. Karl Grell, whose activities as a record producer in recent years have made many fine recordings from the Austrian Radio archives available to a wide public once again. This collection is his final project, intended to celebrate the centenary of the distinguished Austrian composer and conductor. His name may not be well-known outside his homeland, although our friend Alexander Schatte points out that the only important biography about his life and work was written and published in England. The collection includes several suites, plus many shorter works – often polkas or waltzes. Clearly Max Schönherr was a master of light concert music, and these two CDs (each lasting over 70 minutes) will give a great deal of pleasure to admirers of ‘straight-forward’ light music performed by a large orchestra who are looking for something they haven’t heard before. David Ades
TROISE AND HIS MANDOLIERS ‘Play to me Gypsy’ Argentina; Ballerina; Beside My Caravan; Beside The Singing Waters; A Cafe In Vienna; Dark Eyes; Destiny Waltz; Gipsy Moon; Nights Of Gladness; Old Monastery Bell; La Paloma; Play To Me, Gipsy; Serenade (Notturno D'Amore); Serenade [Serenata] (Toselli); Serenade No.1(Heykens); Spanish Gipsy Dance; Speak Easy; Zampa Overture - With Don Carlos – Vocals Sanctuary-Living Era CDAJA5492. The release of CDs featuring mandolin ensembles are fairly rare nowadays. This new Troise from original Rex 78s recorded between 1934 and 1936 is therefore most welcome. The CD features a mix of light music, popular songs, and light classical items, adapted for the Mandoliers. Several items feature Irish operatic trained tenor Christopher Thomas Birrell O'Malley who used the much shorter pseudonym of Don Carlos when he sang with the Mandoliers which sounds much more cosmopolitan and more in keeping with the group's musical style. Flapper issued a CD of the Mandoliers a few years ago which should still be available; fortunately only six tracks on the new CD appear on the earlier Flapper, so there is still a good deal of material which is appearing for the first time in digital format making the purchase worth while even if you have the earlier CD. The sound quality on the current issue is generally very clear with negligible background noise, although perhaps not quite up to the stunning quality of issues like Pink Champagne on the same label. Informative notes on the contents are provided by Ralph Harvey, and the attractive cover design is very colourful….pity there is no photograph of the Mandoliers as a group, however. Troise was also well known for his Banjoliers. At least 24 Banjoliers tracks were recorded on the Decca Music While You Work label, so I suspect it would not be too difficult to put together a CD. Meanwhile we are indebted to ASV for making these historic recordings of the Mandoliers available once again for us to enjoy. Brian Stringer
THE ROMANTIC HARMONICA MUSIC OF PAUL LEWIS ‘Serenade & Dance’ The Secret World of Polly Flint, Woof! Fantasy, Two Miniatures, Impromptu for Harmonica and Harp, Spring Suite, Tea for Three, Pavane, Seal Morning, Serenata, A Somerset Garland, Norfolk Rhapsody, Serenade and Dance, The Benny Hill Waltz James Hughes – harmonica, Elizabeth Jane Baldry – harp, The Delamere String Quartet conducted by Paul Lewis Campion CAMEO 2024. Happily the music of Paul Lewis is now readily accessible, thanks to the recent Campion CD of his television music (CAMEO 2018 – reviewed in JIM 153), and several of his works which have appeared in various Sanctuary Group compilations in their White Line series (the latest example being the first CD in this feature). Partly due to his work providing the incidental music for the TV series "Woof!", he has become more and more interested in the harmonica, originally through the great Tommy Reilly (who played on the earlier "Woof!" episodes), and more recently with James Hughes, who is one of today’s leading exponents on the instrument. Paul also has a great love for the harp, and the magical sounds of Elizabeth Jane Baldry are an added bonus in this delightful collection. Here is music which will soothe and charm – and bring the occasional smile. Bravo Campion for releasing this CD! David Ades
SIGMUND GROVEN (Harmonica) ‘Over the Rainbow’ Over the Rainbow, Send in the Clowns, Londonderry Air, Irish Medley, The Entertainer, Ribbon of Sand, etc.. (17 tracks) (Norway) Grappa GRCD 4195. Fans of the harmonica have a second CD to enjoy in this issue, thanks to our good friend Sigmund Groven (both Sigmund and Paul Lewis are members of the RFS). Sigmund was one of Tommy Reilly’s many students, and it is nice to see that this collection includes Tommy’s arrangement of Gavotte from ‘Mignon’ and his Golden Girl which he co-composed with James Moody – who has also arranged some other numbers. Sigmund also composes, as you can hear onHomeward Bound and Song of the Harmonica. This enjoyable CD may be difficult to fin in record stores, but we’ll be pleased to put you in touch with Sigmund if you’d like to buy a copy. David Ades
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN – A TRIBUTE TO RON GOODWIN Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines – March, Freefall, Monte Carlo or Bust – Selection, Luftwaffe March – Aces High, Theme from ‘The Trap’, Prisoner of War March, Frenzi, City of Lincoln March, Suite: Time Traveller, 633 Squadron, Where Eagles Dare, Battle of Britain March, The White Rabbit, The Headless Horseman, Force Ten from Navarone, Tall Ships, September 15th 1940, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines – Selection The Band of the Parachute Regiment directed by Captain Paul Goodwin MBE BA (Hons) Dip. Mus. (Open) ARCM LRSM BBCM psm BANDLEADER BNA5178 (70’30"). A timely and most welcome salute from the military band world to the late and estimable Ron Goodwin comes not altogether inappropriately from the Band of the Parachute Regiment. Many of the expected favourites are here in this compilation of his work, but the value of this disc is considerably enhanced by the inclusion of a number of rarities, many of which were the result of special commissions. Foremost amongst these being the ‘Suite: Time Traveller’, which came from and was first performed by Bromley Youth Music Trust in 2002 in honour of H.G. Wells who had lived in the town and is commemorated by a blue plaque inset into the wall of the local Alders Store in the High Street. The stirring City of London March was a commission from the BBC and received its first outing by the BBC Concert Orchestra and The Central Band of the RAF. Ron Goodwin wrote White Rabbit for the Bournemouth Symphonic Brass whilst Tall Ships was the result of The Royal Tournament Series of works for Wind Band and first performed in 1996 by the massed bands of HM Royal Marines at that years Royal Tournament – a greatly and much missed by many people military ‘spectacular’. September 15th 1940 as its name suggests was commissioned by The Central Band of the RAF to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Parachute Regiment Band give a good account of themselves of the recording made in Flagstaff House, Colchester, whilst acceptable is a little tight and unyielding and would have benefited from greater transparency. The band would have been heard to deservedly more impressive effect in a more flattering and sympathetic acoustic. Nonetheless, a desirable and enterprising addition to the Goodwin discography which should have wide appeal to all his many admirers. Incidentally, by one of those strange quirks of coincidences not only does the D.O.M. carry the Goodwin appellation but also the Bandmaster – one WOI Steve Goodwin! Roger Hyslop
MICHAEL BUBLE Fever, Moondance, Kissing a fool, For once in my life, How can you mend a broken heart, Summer wind, You'll never find another love like mine, Crazy little thing called love, Put your head on my shoulder, Sway, The way you look tonight, Come fly with me, That's all. (USA) 143 Records-Reprise 9362-48535-2). Another contender for Sinatra's crown steps forward! He has plentyof back up! Arrangements by Bill Holman, David Foster, Don Costa, Johnny Mandel, Billy May, Don Costa and John Clayton, backed on one track by Barry Gibb, on others, star musicians (often with a string section). A quick perusal of most of the titles shows singers in the past have already made hits of the songs (often with the same arrangements!). That said he looks (on the sleeve) a heart throb in the mould of Chet Baker, has a voice not unlike a subdued Bobby Darin (when he was one of the singers trying to fill the gap left by Sinatra's exit from Capitol Records). I hope I will be proved wrong but by trying to entertain in many different styles of music could be a mistake. Main hope for the producers and artist is that the new generation will not know the originals and hail his talent as the male equivalent of Diana Krall. Paul Clatworthy
DEODATA "Skyscrapers" Title track, Flap, Rudy's, Soccer game, The first stone, Elizeth, The Byrd, The gap, Down the hill, Boy meets girl, Carly and Carole. (USA) IRMA 509563-20 - available Compact Disc Club. CD releases by the Deodata Orchestra are not as prolific as I would like so it's a shame that this selection includes two tracks already out, the title track and "Carly and Carole" (twice before!) By way of compensation you get nine tracks I have not heard before, five written by Deodata, two by Marcos Valle, one each by Mascarenhas and Alves. Deodata sitting on some tracks at a Hammond organ goes a little over the top (Fairground style!) but when playing piano is a delight, Sergio Mendes fans will find plenty of music to enjoy but I enjoy my Deodata more with strings in attendance! Paul Clatworthy
GARY McFARLAND – STEVE KUHN "The October Suite" One I could have loved, St Tropez Shuttle, Remember when, Traffic patterns, Childhood Dreams, Open Highway. (USA) Impulse 654413-2. Most readers know I like my strings lush but Gary was such an inventive writer I am prepared to make an exception! Another mitigation is that we lost Gary far too early, so his recordings are not exactly available in quantity! This album utilises only four strings, four woodwind, drums, bass and harp plus the piano of Steve Kuhn. A similar line-up was used on some of Gary's other albums, "Does the sun really shine on the moon", "Scorpio and other signs", "The In sound" and "The Gary McFarland orchestra". The last named (which had Bill Evans as guest soloist) would have made a nice pairing with this release as we get just over thirty minutes worth! That said it would also pose the question: did Steve Kuhn hear the earlier recorded Bill Evans vehicle and say "I would like some of that!" Gary was never schooled in string writing but his melody lines and ardent romanticism shines through on every track. The first title Gary wrote for a film "13". It is revamped on track five under the title, "Childhood dreams". The remaining four tracks Gary wrote especially for the recording. Another gem from the "Impulse" back catalogue gets a very welcome reissue. Paul Clatworthy
SHORTY ROGERS AND HIS GIANTS Bossa Nova – Jazz Waltz Lorito's samba, No more sadness, Melancholy samba, One note samba, Sugar loaf, Empashgi's samba, Love is a rose, Only you, Cry your sadness, Only one love, Little brown boy, I'm gonna go fishin', Greensleeves, Walk on the wild side, Witchcraft, Be as children, Jazz waltz, Echoes of Harlem, A taste of honey, Terrence's farewell, The streets of Laredo. (USA) COLLECTABLES COL-CD-7504. Two LP transfers from the Reprise label originally released in 1962 will undoubtedly get a new audience second time around. Shorty did the rounds of many labels but always gave his all (which was plenty, whether playing, arranging or composing). He embraced the "Bossa" era as good as any, his own unique style bringing new life to a genre then dominated by guitar and saxophone. They are still part of the set-up but Shorty injects extra flavours into the twenty one tracks. Paul Clatworthy
THE BOB FLORENCE LIMITED EDITION Whateven Bubbles Up Dukeisms, Nerve endings. Chelsea Bridge, Running with scissors, Kissing bug, Never let me go, Q&A, Whatever bubbles up.(USA) SUMMIT RECORD DCD 360. I got a copy of this CD via Ralph Enriquez, and by the time this review is printed one of the suppliers listed at the end of last issue’s "Big Band Roundup" (JIM 155 page 68) will be able to supply. Five originals by Bob plus two Billy Strayhorn and the beautiful ballad "Never let me go" make up Bob's latest outing from his new home since the demise of the "Mama" label. Eighteen albums on by his own Big Band and the spark is still there! Rich and invigorating sounds from a star studied orchestra who delight in showing what a Big Band is all about. Bob's solo piano on "Never let me go" is wonderful but I would have liked to hear some voicing from the complete band. That said, chalk up another hit for the Bob Florence sound. Paul Clatworthy
RUBY BRAFF AND STRINGS Swinging on a star, Pennies from heaven, Love walked in, Old folks, Goodnight, my love, Moonlight becomes you, I married an angel, Please, Love thy neighbour, April in Paris, Go fly a kite, In the wee small hours of the morning, All alone, I get along without you very well, You're sensational, Too-Ra-Loo-Ra- Loo-Rai, My heart stood still, White Christmas. ARBORS RECORDS ARCD 19219. Ruby recorded half of this CD twenty or so years ago for the proprietor of the Pizza Express Jazz club The arranger for the strings was Neil Richardson, recommended to Ruby by Robert Farnon. It met with great acclaim at the time of issue on LP and as a limited edition soon became a collectors item. Recently Mat Domber got permission to reissue as a CD and took the decision to add eight more newly recorded tracks arranged by Tommy Newsom. The new tracks feature a smaller string section but complement the earlier recordings in every way, not least in the choice of songs. Ruby's cornet playing is just as elegant as ever and he points out this album will please jazz and orchestral fans alike, sometimes lush, sometimes muted sometimes swinging, all the ingredients essential for good listening. Paul Clatworthy
SYMPHONIC IMPRESSIONS OF OMAN (Lalo Schifrin) Prelude and Variations,Molto pia animato, Allegro vivace, Andantino, etc… London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin.Scherzo Music 028. No Jazz to meet the Symphony Orchestra this time! It’s Lalo in classical mode, inspired by the traditional music of the region. It mentions the Oman Ministry of Information but does not say in what capacity. It was recorded in October 2001 and confirms Lalo is master of his craft in any type of music. Sometimes pensive, sometimes majestic, always palpably exciting – when something’s this perfect you wonder why anyone else bothers. This CD demands serious attention.Paul Clatworthy
BRITISH FILM CLASSICS 2 CDs of themes, preludes etc. from various Chandos collections of music by leading British film composers Chandos CHAN241-12. Jeff Hall has mentioned this new collection in his Film Music Bulletin, so this is just to remind you that over 140 minutes of glorious film music is available at a bargain price. Many favourites are here (featuring composers like Ron Goodwin, Arthur Bliss, Richard Rodney Bennett, William Alwyn, Eric Coates, William Walton … etc) but the compilers have also sensibly included some less well-known works which provide a nice balance plus some pleasant surprises. Sorry we can’t spare the space for a full tracklisting here, so look our for this in your local record store, or visit the Chandos website (www.chandos.co.uk) for all the details. David Ades
A few late arrivals are given a Quick Spin…
MICHAEL BALL ‘A Love Story’ This Guy’s in Love With You, What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, I Wish You Love, I Wish I Were in Love Again, etc.. EMI/Liberty 07243 5919492. Michael Ball is one of the best present-day British singers, and the titles above will give you an idea of the quality songs on his new CD. If you fancy some modern vocals this Christmas, you could do far worse than this. DA
SORTIES D’ARTISTES Music by André Messager (France) Les Verres Luisants LVL 005. We have mentioned this talented French group of enthusiastic musicians previously, and their latest collection salutes the work of a composer who gained an international reputation for Véronique, Madame Chrysanthéme and other operettas around 100 years ago. An attractive booklet (in French) provides an ideal accompaniment to some delightful performances. DA
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Orchestral and choral music performed by The Hallé Orchestra conducted by Carl Davis with Claire Rutter, soprano and Choir Sanctuary/Hallé CD HLL 7504. In time for Christmas comes this delightful seasonal offering, with works by Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride, of course), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Morton Gould’s setting of The First Nowell andJingle Bells), and a generous helping of other pieces by the likes of John Rutter, J.S. Bach, Tchaikovsky and even Sir Paul McCartney. DA
Latest Releases from Vocalion …
MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH THE STARS (Anne Shelton, Dickie Valentine, Stargazers, Vera Lynn, etc..) CDLK4199
DICKIE VALENTINE ‘Here is DV’ and Singles 1950-58 CDLK4217
EDMUNDO ROS ‘Broadway Goes Latin’ & Hollywood Cha Cha CDLK4223
KATHY KIRBY Singles CDLK4215
MARGARET WHITING Capitol singles CDLK4214
MARK WYNTER EP & singles CDLK4191
TED HEATH singles CDLK4198
TED HEATH London Palladium Vol. 3 & Final Swing Session CDLK4203
TED HEATH Fever & Sound of Music CDLK4209
SHOW TIME My Fair Lady, Sound of Music, Camelot, Gypsy, Oliver (Cyril Stapleton, Edmund Hockridge, etc.) CDLK4218
STANLEY BLACK Intimate Percussion & Exotic Percussion CDLK4208
TONY KINSEY QUINTET Jazz at the Flamingo CDLK4213
CATERINA VALENTE I Happen to Like New York & Valente on TV CDLK4193
Production Music
ELIZABETHAN & BAROQUE DRAMA Chappell Recorded Music Library CHAP 292. The lion’s share of the music on this new production music CD has been composed by RFS member Adam Saunders; the rest are authentic Elizabethan songs arranged by Richard Cheetham. The music is performed by the Academy of Ancient Music and the Orchestra of the Renaissance. Adam tells us that they were very fortunate to secure the services of these ensembles, which are two of the best of their kind in the world. Chappells wanted to have something unique in their library, which would give a truly authentic sound for period drama, historical and architectural programmes. Clearly the result is most impressive, although Adam admits that he had to do a lot of research before he actually put any notes on paper. I suspect that Adam may well find himself in demand for more work of this kind in the future. David Ades Chappell CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service, price £9 [US $18] each.
In Journal Into Melody 143 (June 2000 – page 62) we reported on some new CDs issued by BMG Production Music in Italy, which proved popular with many collectors of this kind of music. We are pleased to report that a further batch of 8 CDs are now available, containing some interesting (and often funky!) Italian sounds as before. Some of the composers may be familiar – Angelo Francesco Lavagnino, Ennio Morricone, Pino Donaggio, Franco Micalizzi, Nino Oliviero, Luigi Zaninelli, Carlo Savina, Gianni Ferrio, Domenico Modugno, Gianni Marchetti, Marco Tiso … and many more. The CD titles give a good indication of the contents.
BPM3010 Amazing Adventures
BPM3011 Rome By Night
BPM3012 Neorealism – Italian Post-War Cinema
BPM3013 Children
BPM3014 War
BPM3015 Classic Western
BPM3016 Crime & Spy Themes Vol. 2
BPM3017 Love Themes Vol. 2
The earlier 9 CDs are also still available, and we are pleased to advised that we have now secured fresh supplies of the eight Atmosphere Music CDs of Paxton Mood Music 78s (full listing is available from us). In the past couple of years we have had to disappoint several members who were seeking these CDs, so this is your opportunity to acquire them at long last. We can also now supply the later Atmosphere CDs from the Ember catalogue (see also JIM 143). BPM and Atmosphere CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service for £9 [US $18] each, plus postage and packing as usual.
Just in time to meet the Editor’s deadline come the four much delayed Percy Faith 2-on-1 reissues on Collectables from the States. THE COLUMBIA ALBUM OF VICTOR HERBERT [COL 7565] is another of those albums one never expected to find on CD. All the old favourites are here such as Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life, March Of The Toys, and A Kiss In The Dark – a total of 23 glorious melodies in sparkling string laden 1958 vintage stereo.
Brass and woodwind feature in NEW THING, coupled with CLAIR [COL7561], released in 1974 and a product of a new trend dictated by the then CBS recording policy. Standout tracks are Chuck Mangione’s Hill Where The Lord Hides, the engaging Washington Square, and a stringy Stranger On The Shore. On the second album from a year earlier, the title tune itself is disappointing with female voices, but there is some good stuff including that fine Moody Blues tune Knights In White Satin. Of particular interest is 2001, Faith’s adaptation of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss. Regrettably, Sony does not provide any track background information.
BON VOYAGE/CAREFREE [COL 7563], from the early 60s, couples a collection of "Paris and Rome favourites,’ like Guaglione, Anema E Core, Petite Fleur and Under Paris Skies, with a selection entirely written and arranged by Faith. This includes Go-Go-Po-Go, which was the "B" side of Summer Place, the delightful Brazilian Sleigh Bells and Goin’ Home Train as well as the title track. A most welcome return for a well-loved album
On his admirable Percy Faith Discography website, Alan Bunting describes Gene De Paul’s score for the musical LI’L ABNER [COL 7564], recorded mono only in 1957, as "superb". Unfortunately Sony Stateside has coupled it with a BROADWAY BOUQUET from a mono master rather than stereo. If you cannot wait for the promised re-pressing, this wonderful album is still available in stereo on Sony in Britain, paired with the equally attractive COUNTRY BOUQUET. One up to the Brits! Peter Burt
BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC DISCOVERIES - Volume 4 Partita (John Rutter); Suite Française (Sir Richard Rodney Bennett); March - The Padstow Lifeboat (Sir Malcolm Arnold); Fantasy on Dover Castle (David Fanshawe); Battersea Park Suite (William Blezard); Dance Diversions (Michael Hurd); A Miniature Symphony (Paul Lewis) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland ASV CD WHL2131, total timing 70:41 minutes. [This disc is also available in Super Audio format, playable on conventional equipment, on ASV CDWHL9131 - price £18]. ASV inform us that their first three discs of British Light Music Discoveries have proved immensely popular, and this fourth release in an already acclaimed series shows just how rich a seam British Light Music is. This time seven composers are represented, some well-known but others now receiving well deserved attention. Sir Malcolm Arnold’s stirring The Padstow Lifeboat is newly presented in orchestral guise. John Rutter’s Partita, inspired by Sir William Walton’s piece, pulsates with the spirit of the dance, as does Michael Hurd’s 1972 Dance Diversions. Sir Richard Rodney Bennett uses a French folk-song as the basis for his delectable Suite Française, while David Fanshawe (of African Sanctus fame) stays the English side of the Channel for his highly atmospheric Fantasy on Dover Castle. William Blezard contributes a children’s suite for small orchestra, conjuring up ecstatic delights of the old Battersea funfair in south London. Finally we come to an old friend of many RFS members, Paul Lewis, composer of many television themes and works for production music libraries. He gives us a mighty symphony - lasting just four minutes! If this sounds like short measure, we can tell you that Paul’s music will be appearing on another CD soon, and you’ll receive full details via this magazine. All the performances here are world premieres, and we have no hesitation is recommending that this CD should be added to the collection of all readers who have enjoyed the previous three in this series.
David Ades
Previous CDs in this series are still available - price £10 [US $20] each:
Volume 1 - ASV CDWHL2113 [for more details see JIM 138]
Volume 2 - ASV CDWHL2126 [JIM 143]
Volume 3 - ASV CDWHL2128 [JIM 145]
Some other fine Light Music CDs from ASV:
Eric Coates - ‘Under The Stars’ CDWHL2107 [JIM131]
Eric Coates - ‘The Enchanted Garden’ CDWHL2112 [JIM136]
Richard Addinsell - ‘Warsaw Concerto’ CDWHL2108 [JIM 132]
Richard Addinsell - ‘Blithe Spirit’ CDWHL2115 [JIM140]
The Carry On Album CDWHL2119 [JIM 140]
English String Miniatures CDWHL2121 [JIM 141]
Scottish Orchestral Music CDWHL2123 [JIM142]
Constant Lambert CDWHL2122 [JIM 142]
Joseph Horowitz CDWHL2114 [JIM 138]
...and these two fine double-CDs - price £13 [US $26]
Ronald Binge ‘Sailing By’ CDWLZ245 [JIM 144]
British Light Music Festival CDWLZ250 [JIM 145]
British Light Music: PERCY WHITLOCK Concert Overture - The Feast of St. Benedict; Ballet Of The Wood Creatures; Wesses Suite; Suite - Music For Orchestra; Come Along Marnie; Susan The Doggie And Me; Holiday Suite; Balloon Ballet; March - Dignity And Impudence RTE Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland, with Malcolm Riley, organ Marco Polo 8225162, 71.48 minutes. Coming up through the English Cathedral tradition, Percy Whitlock (1903-1946, RCM trained) was later (1930s) appointed Municipal Organist in Bournemouth: a place with an enlightened attitude regarding British Music, thanks to Sir Dan Godfrey and like-minded people. Percy’s beloved instrument appears from time to time in this cheerful, civilised, outgoing programme, which calls for no space/time wasting analyses - excepting perhaps the final item where the Dignity is self-evident, and those who know their Elgar won’t fail to spot the Impudence!
John E. Govier
Percy Whitlock is remembered primarily as an organist; many organists, however, have written lightish music and Whitlock had light music opportunities as Organist of Bournemouth Pavilion. This well recorded and excellently played issue, sponsored by the Percy Whitlock Trust, explores his orchestral music (mostly written under the pseudonym Kenneth Lark) which is in the best traditions of British light music. Wessex Suite and Holiday Suite both begin with a waltz and end with a reasonably lighthearted march; the latter’s middle movement, Spade and Bucket Polka, quotes Cherry Ripe. Dignity and Impudence pokes fun at, yet pays homage to, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance and the deliciously scored ballet pieces and song transcriptions, all composed for a charity matinee, have great charm. Music for Orchestra, put together from bits and pieces dating from throughout his (sadly, not long) career, features, appropriately, a prominent organ part. The CD should delight all light music devotees; one is only surprised that Whitlock’s work in this direction should have taken so long to be fully recognised.
Philip L. Scowcroft
Previous CDs in Marco Polo’s British Light Music series - price £12 [US $24]:
Richard Addinsell 8223732 [JIM 120]
Ronald Binge 8223515 [JIM 119]
Eric Coates 8223521 [JIM 114]
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 8223516 [JIM 123]
Frederic Curzon 8223425 [JIM 110]
Robert Docker 8223837 [JIM 143]
Trevor Duncan 8223517 [JIM 133]
Robert Farnon 8223401 [JIM 126]
Edward German 8223419 [JIM 110]
Ron Goodwin 8223518 [JIM 128]
Anthony Hedges 8223886 [JIM 134]
Archibald Joyce 8223694 [JIM121]
Albert W. Ketelbey 8223442 [JIM 115/116]
David Lyon 8225039 [JIM 138]
Billy Mayerl 8223514 [JIM 119]
Roger Quilter 8223444 [JIM 117/118]
Ernest Tomlinson - Vol. 1 8223413 [JIM 107]
Ernest Tomlinson - Vol. 2 8223513 [JIM 119]
Sidney Torch 8223443 [JIM 129]
Haydn Wood - Vol. 1 8223402 [JIM 108/110]
Haydn Wood - Vol. 2 8223605 [JIM 131]
Bill Worland 8225161 [JIM146]
Welsh Classical Favourites 8225048 [JIM 142]
ERIC COATES ‘British Light Music’ By The Sleepy Lagoon; Summer Days Suite - In a Country Lane, On the Edge of the Lake, At the Dance; Wood Nymphs; The Jester at the Wedding - March, Valse; Symphonic Rhapsody on ‘I Pitch my Lonely Caravan’; Symphonic Rhapsody on ‘I Heard You Singing’ and ‘Bird Songs at Eventide’; London Suite - Covent Garden, Westminster, Knightsbridge; Summer Afternoon; Cinderella; London Bridge. Eric Coates conducting various Symphony Orchestras Naxos 8110173, 59:53 mins. In 1994 and 1996 Conifer issued two 2-CD collections of music by Eric Coates, but both have now been deleted. Therefore it is good that some of these historic recordings should be in the catalogue again, even though Naxos are only offering us one-fifth of the amount previously available. The booklet cover announces that these are ‘Historical Recordings 1926 to 1940’, which is a period when Coates was well established as an important composer, following his earlier success as a writer of ballads. This new CD concentrates on Coates conducting his own works, and all tracks were previously available on Conifer, where Ted Kendall was responsible for the remastering. Seven years later sound restoration techniques have improved considerably, but I have to say that this new Naxos release sometimes compares unfavourably with Ted’s work for Conifer. The orchestral sound is often quite good, with a rich and warm full-bodied feel, but a little more effort should have been made to reduce the background noise. This is all the more noticeable because the sound engineer has followed the annoying Pearl habit of leaving a couple of seconds at the beginning of some tracks before the music actually commences. Maybe the CD was made before the final remastering had been completed? The very first number creates a bad impression with glitches right from the start; then the three 1926 recordings of the Summer Days Suite have the worst background noise of all (far less obtrusive on Conifer), making one fear for the rest of the CD. Happily things do improve, but it might have been better if Naxos had chosen, say, London Bridge to open the collection. But don’t let these minor criticisms put you off buying this CD, if you do not already have these important recordings in your collection. We hope that this will be a long-running series from Naxos (the second was advised as we went to press - see below) and perhaps later issues will pay a little more attention to unwanted surface noise. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £5 [US $10].
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC : Gershwin for Moderns The Man I Love, Love Walked In, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Love Is Here To Stay, Clap Your Hands, I Got Rhythm, But Not For Me, Someone To Watch Over You, That Certain Feeling, Embraceable You, Changing My Tune, Soon Rodgers for Moderns Have You Met Miss Jones, There’s a Small Hotel, It’s Easy to Remember, My heart Stood Still, Down By The River, Thou Swell, The Lady Is A Tramp, Where or When, This Can’t Be Love, I Married an Angel, Dancing On The Ceiling VOCALION CDLK4110, 61:40 mins.
EDMUNDO ROS AND HIS ORCHESTRA : Rhythms of the South Spanish Gipsy Dance, The Blue Danube, Barcarolle, La Maxixe, Capullito de Aleli, Siboney, Isle of Capri, Colonel Bogey, My Friend Elizabeth, Caminito, Marta, Cachita New Rhythms of the South What a Difference a Day Made, Peanut Vendor, Alla en El Rancho Grande, Amapola, La Golondrina, Malaguena, Yours, The Breeze and I, Say ‘Si Si’, Latin Shalom, Maria my Own, Jungle Drums VOCALION CDLK4111, 63:05 mins.
NORRIE PARAMOR AND HIS ORCHESTRA: In London In Love The Nearness Of You, Stairway To The Stars, Stardust, Embraceable You, Stars Fell on Alabama, The Touch Of Your Lips, All The Things You Are, I’ll Get By, Deep Purple, Someone To Watch Over Me, Dearly Beloved, The Very Thought Of You Autumn Autumn In New York, Ev’ry Street’s A Boulevard In Old New York, November Song, Autumn Concerto, Love In A Tower, Autumn In London Town, Autumn Leaves, Manhattan, Lullaby Of Birdland, Broadway Melody, Penthouse Serenade, Harlem Nocturne (USA) Collectors’ Choice CCM-190-2. I have to admit that I avoided Norrie Paramor’s LPs when originally released because I found the occasional words by the soprano rather annoying. Having listened again, I’m afraid that my views haven’t changed. Few probably share my dislike of this feature, and Norrie has certainly created some really beautiful string sounds for these two albums. It would be a pity to pass them by. David Ades
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ : Carnival Tropicana & Lure of the Tropics Malaguena, No Taboleiro De Bahania, La Cumparsita, Adios, Jarabe Tapatio, Cielito Lindo, La Golondrina, Caminito, Yours, Siboney, The Moon of Manakoora, Song of India, Jamaican Rhumba, Flamingo, Kashmiri Song, Andalucia, Malaguena, Poinciana, Lotus Land. (USA) Collectables COL 6631.
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ : Music of Cole Porter Begin the Beguine, All Through The Night, I Concentrate On You, I Love You, Night And Day, In The Still Of The Night, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Blow Gabriel Blow Music of Vincent Youmans Hallelujah, Time On My Hands, Tea For Two, Carioca, Without A Song, Great Day, More Than You Know, Orchids In The Moonlight, Sometimes I’m Happy, I Know That you Know, Through The Years, Drums In My Heart (USA) Collectables COL 6630.
THE VERY BEST OF HUGO WINTERHALTER Count Every Star, I Wanna Be Loved, Mr. Touchdown USA, Beyond The Blue Horizon, Blue December, A Kiss To Build A Dream On, Blue Tango, Somewhere Along The Way, Vanessa, Blue Violins, Music Box In Blue, The Velvet Glove, Latin Lady, The Little Shoemaker, The Magic Tango, Song Of The Barefoot Contessa, Land Of Dreams, The Little Musicians, Canadian Sunset, Swingin’ Sweethearts. Taragon (USA) TARCD 1080
THE POP SIDE OF LES BAXTER Zing Zing Zoom Zoom, The Roving Kind, Because Of You, Unless, Shrimp Boats, Blue Tango, Please Mr. Sun, I’m Yours, Kiss Of Fire, Auf Wiedersehen Sweetheart, Indian Summer, Suddenly, April in Portugal, Ruby, I Love Paris, Gigi, Tropicana, Elaine, Wake The Town And Tell The People, The High And The Mighty, Blue Mirage, Unchained Melody, Blue Star, I’ll Never Stop Loving You, The Poor People Of Paris. Collectors’ Choice Music (USA) CCM 161-2
TWILIGHT TIME - The Starry Night Orchestra - Arranged and Conducted by John Fox. YESTERMUSIC 619528 (2CD Set) 30 tracks of lush orchestral music from an almost bygone age. Anyone who used to enjoy listening on BBC Radio 2 to the strings of The Radio Orchestra playing the superb arrangements of John Fox back in the 70's and 80's will welcome this compilation of titles originally recorded for syndication to the American Easy Listening radio stations. John Fox who, unlike Radio 2, is still very much with us, tells me that the orchestra, led by George French, consists of 18 violins, 6 violas, 6 cellos, 2 flutes and oboe plus harp, piano and rhythm. Some tracks feature Bobby Harrison on flugel and the technically superb recordings were made at the famous CTS Studios, engineered by Dick Lewsey. Titles range from standards to hits of the 70's and include The Nearness Of You, East Of The Sun, You Go To My Head, A Certain Smile, Always On My Mind, Love Is A Many-Splendoured Thing, The Song Is You, The Summer Of '42, People, Cherish, Dear Heart, Stormy Weather and With A Song In My Heart plus many others. This is an excellent compilation and should be in the collection of every lover of lush arrangement for strings. At the time of writing it was being advertised by mail order company Music And Memories (02072 333000). Alan Bunting
KAREL KOMZAK : Waltzes, Marches and Polkas Razumnsky Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Christian Pollack MARCO POLO 8225175. Komzak (1850-1905), of Bohemian extraction, worked as a military bandmaster in Vienna but his waltzes and polkas have always been overshadowed by those of the Strauss family, only Buden Maidens being at all well known. This duly figures on this splendidly played and recorded CD, along with three other waltzes - Magic of May, Phantom and New Life, all expansive and gorgeously tuneful in an individual way; they are in no sense copies of Strauss. These mingle with four marches and sundry polkas and other miniatures, plus the lively overture to Komzak’s only operetta Edelweiss. There were in fact three generations of musical Karel Komzaks, and the first (1823-93) is represented here by an attractive polks francaise. The ordhestra is from Solvakia and, I repeat, plays well. All told this is a delight of a disc and one hopes Marco Polo’s enterprise is rewarded. Philip L. Scowcroft
BING CROSBY AND COMPANY: A vintage collection of famous 78s where Bing Crosby is joined by top entertainers of the day, including The Mills Brothers Dinah, Johnny Mercer Mister Meadowlark, Mary Martin & Jack Teagarden The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid, Frances Langford Gipsy Love Song, Al Jolson The Spaniard That Blighted My Life, Judy Garland You’ve Got Me Where You Want Me, The Andrews Sisters Route 66 etc... Memoir CDMOIR 548, 73:55 mins.
DANCE BAND RARITIES: British Dance Band Fans who still have a soft spot for the likes of Jack Jackson, Jack Hylton, Roy Fox, Ray Noble, Carroll Gibbons, Billy Cotton, Jay Wilbur, Lew Stone, Geraldo, Harry Roy, Jack Payne and many more will need no further encouragement! With the emphasis on rare material, there should be few duplications with records already in your collection. Memoir CDMOIR 549, 71:44 mins.
THE LUTON GIRLS CHOIR: ‘Count Your Blessings’ Lift Up Your Hearts, Down In The Glen, Take The Sun, Someday My heart Will Awake, Serenata, O Lovely Night, Deam of Olwen, etc... featuring the orchestras of Philip Green and George Melachrino. Memoir CDMOIR 550, 68:53 mins.
STEVE CONWAY: ‘My Thanks To You’ I Can’t Begin To Tell You, The Stars Will Remember, All By Myself, How Little We Know, Maybe You’ll Be There, The Gipsy, April Showers, Brother Can You Spare A Dime, etc... with orchestras conducted byJack Byfield, Arthur Young, Peter Yorke, Roberto Inglez, Jackie Brown and Philip Green. Memoir CDMOIR 551, 70:42 mins.
THE RED SOMBRERO - More Light Music Favourites: BOSTON PROMENADE ORCHESTRA - Arkansaw Traveller, La Golondrina, Sleigh Ride, Serenata; ANDRE KOSTELANETZ - Adios, Song of India; CHARLES WILLIAMS - Rhythm on Rails (Williams), Sleepy Marionette (Williams), The Laughing Violin (Mortensen); ROBERT FARNON - How Beautiful Is Night (Farnon); QUEEN’S HALL LIGHT ORCH / ROBERT FARNON - Manhattan Playboy (Farnon); SIDNEY TORCH - Beachcomber (Clive Richardson), Caribbean Caprice (Len Stevens), The Red Sombrero (Ronald Binge); ETHEL SMITH (organ) - The Green Cockatoo; THE COLUMBIA ORCHESTRA - Running Off The Rails (Clive Richardson), Stringopation (David Rose); PETER YORKE - Melody Of The Stars (Yorke), Humpty Dumpty (arr. Yorke); MORTON GOULD - La Cumparsita; QHLO / SIDNEY TORCH - Jamaican Rumba (Arthur Benjamin), The Boulevardier Frederic Curzon). Memoir CDMOIR 553, 67:25. Following on the great success of "Fiddle Faddle" (CDMOIR 539 - see JIM 143, page 56) last year, here is another fine compilation from Memoir. It is becoming increasingly difficult for new collections like this to avoid duplications, and readers are likely to spot a few. But there are also some welcome newcomers, and Light Music fans should not hesitate to add this CD to their collections. Jim Palm has contributed some excellent booklet notes and Ted Kendall has worked wonders with his remastering (he also did the four previous memoir CDs listed above). Occasionally some surface noise is evident, but at a quite acceptable level. With a Song in my Heart is a case in point; every reissue I’ve heard seems to have problems with this recording, but at least Ted hasn’t tried to mask the difficulties by leaving out the opening, or a big chunk at the end, as on the recent disappointing Empress CD. Perhaps our non-British readers might wonder why this particular recording crops up so frequently; the reason is that it introduced Family Favourites a long-running BBC record request programme still remembered with affection by the over 40’s! Top marks to Memoir for another fine CD. David Ades
ERNST FISCHER : "Rhapsody" Jugendstreiche (Concert overture), In Dur und Moll (Concerto for Piano and Orchestra), Suite - In Vino Veritas, Heimkehr und Rückblick (from the suite - Ferientage), plus three songs from ‘Das Land ohne Musik (Land Without Music). WDR Radio Orchestra conducted by Peter Falk. (Germany) Monopol Records 5240, 49:15 mins. This is a further tribute to the distinguished German composer Ernst Fischer (1900-1975) who would have celebrated his 100th birthday last year. The only disappointment is that this CD lasts barely under 50 minutes - surely he deserves a greater honour! However Fischer’s masterpieces of light concert music are so entertaining that each new release is most welcome. Once again this new CD illustrates the rich melodies he created, brilliantly orchestrated for full orchestra. The highlight of the programme is unquestionably his 18-minute concert work for piano and orchestra "In Dur und Moll", composed in 1951. In the four varied movements - Introduction, Scherzo, Intermezzo lirico and Rondo-Finale - Fischer pulls out all the stops, including a lively piano part which represents a real challenge for any pianist. The young German pianist, Beate Berthold, performs it here with great style and enthusiasm. The other orchestral works are also very entertaining. Three vocal items are taken from Ernst Fischer’s only operetta "Das Land ohne Musik". They reveal another, lesser known aspect of his creativity. The CD was recorded in Cologne in 1993, with a sharp and vivid sound which perfectly captures the WDR Radio Orchestra to its best advantage. Hans Schubert, one of Fischer’s good friends, has written the booklet notes which contain many interesting details of his life and work, previously unknown to the general public. We learn how Fischer successfully declined membership of the NSDAP offered to him by the Nazis. Also that his composition Truppen-Parade (Military Parade) was banned because it was not sufficiently military sounding! Alexander Schatte