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
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 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
PHILIP LANE British Light Music London Salute; Diversions on a Theme of Paganini (9 short pieces including 5-a-Side); Cotswold Dances (Seven Springs, Badminton House, Pittville Promenade, Cleeve Idyll, Wassail Song); Divertissement for Clarinet, Harp & Strings; Three Christmas Pieces (Sleighbell Serenade, Starlight Lullaby, Christmas Eve Waltz); Maritime Overture; Three Nautical Miniatures for Strings (When the Boat Comes In, Spanish Ladies, Portsmouth); Prestbury Park. Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland. MARCO POLO 8.225185, total timing 72:57 mins. Here at last is a whole CD devoted to this most English of composers who is rightly acknowledged as the country’s leading expert on recreating and re-scoring lost film music. Nobody has done as much as Philip Lane in promoting and producing CDs of British Light Music in recent years and this first release of his own music is therefore to be welcomed with open arms. Gloucestershire-born it is not surprising that some of the tunes relate to the Cotswolds and his home town of Cheltenham. Prestbury Park is the posh name for Cheltenham Racecourse, Seven Springs is the source of the River Thames, while Pittville Promenade, based on the composer’s perambulations as a child in Pittville Park, could just as well apply to Cheltenham Promenade where earlier this century the aristocracy and those "below stairs" were not allowed to meet! Cleeve Idyll relates to the highest point on the Cotswolds, Badminton House conjures up images of jodhpurred-young ladies leaping fences on their ponies, while Wassail Songevokes young bobble-hatted and scarf-clad carollers singing underneath home made lanterns at Christmas. All the music on this disc is what one would expect from a master craftsman - soothing, jaunty, moving, jolly, evocative but above all, thoroughly enjoyable. No crash-bang-wallop and discordant assaults on the ear here, just excellent tuneful music which deserves to be widely heard.
Peter Worsley Marco Polo CDs are available through the RFS Record Service – price £12 (US $24).
THE FILM MUSIC OF WILLIAM ALWYN – Volume 2 The Crimson Pirate, Green Girdle,Take my Life, A Night to Remember, The Card, Desert Victory, Svengali, The Winslow Boy, In Search of the Castaways, State Secret BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN 9959, total timing 77:29 mins. Back in 1993 Chandos gave us the first volume of Alwyn’s film scores (CHAN 9243), arranged by the late Christopher Palmer. Readers may recall that Palmer was involved in many fine albums of film music, and his death at an early age was regarded as a great loss. Fortunately his pioneering work in reconstructing ‘lost’ scores has been continued by Philip Lane, who deserves the thanks of us all for his superb achievements in this field. Many of the films in this collection regularly turn up on our television screens, but only three in this selection have been previously available in any form. Rumon Gamba has deservedly received much praise for his previous recordings, and his empathy with Alwyn is evident. Apart from the music, the CD booklet is excellent, with comprehensive notes and many photographs. These two CDs of Alwyn’s film music form an important part of the history of the British film industry in the 20th century, and we can only applaud Chandos for making this music available to a wide audience. David Ades All CDs in the Chandos catalogue can be ordered from the RFS Record Service – full price issues are £12 (US $24) each.
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ conducts Show Boat, South Pacific, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess Philadelphia Orchestra etc. (USA) Collectables COL-CD-6800, 73:31 mins. These classic performances from 1951-1954 provide glorious examples of the American musical theatre. Slaughter on Tenth Avenueis the same recording as on the recent Vocalion CD, and of course the other works will all be familiar, although not necessarily in these arrangements. Show Boat is a major opus in its own right, lasting some 22 minutes. Gershwin, Rodgers and Kern have seldom sounded better than this. David Ades
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ conducting his own Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic: "A Kostelanetz Concert" Invitation to the Dance (Weber); La Bamba de Vera Cruz (Tucci); Vocalise (Rachmaninov); Mosquito Dance (White); Flight of the Bumble Bee (Rimsky-Korsakov); Minuet (Boccerini); Mississippi Suite (Grofé); Marche Miniature, None But the Lonely Heart (Tchaikovsky); Roumanian Rhapsody (Enesco); Circus Overture (Toch); Love of Three Oranges – March, Wedding Suite (Prokoviev); Saturday Night (Kay); Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa) (Australia) FRANK BRISTOW 77:56 mins. The latest CD from Frank Bristow in Australia is completely classical in format which, of course, offers no scope for the unique and individual Kostelanetz arrangements. There are standard settings of Invitation to the Dance, Bumble Bee, Boccherini’s Minuet, Love of Three Oranges and odd bits of Tchaik and Rach, but some may be less familiar. For instance, Hershey Kay’s Saturday Night from his ‘Western Symphony’ is quite superb, there’s a masterly performance of the Mississippi Suite, Ernst Toch’s descriptive overture to Circus (which may grow on me in time),Roumanian Rhapsody and, especially, the Wedding Suite from Prokoviev’s ballet "Stone Flower" which was new to me. This is quite typical of the kind of programme Kosty used to present in his Lincoln Centre Promenades with the New York Philharmonic-Symphony, which he conducts here in these Columbia and Coronet recordings, apart from six tracks by his own orchestra. Arthur Jackson For details on how to obtain Frank Bristow’s CDs, please refer to page 84 of our last issue (re Louis Levy).
LEROY ANDERSON Serenata, Syncopated Clock, Penny Whistle Song, Typewriter, Sarabande, Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Fiddle Faddle, Forgotten Dreams, Blue Tango, Jazz Legato, Jazz Pizzicato, Phantom Regiment, Bugler’s Holiday, Waltzing Cat, March of the Two Left Feet, Promenade, Plink Plank Plunk, Girl in Satin, Sandpaper Ballet, Belle of the Ball, Sleigh Ride Richard Hayman and his Orchestra NAXOS 8559125, 61:28 mins. This recent release in the Naxos ‘American Classics’ series is a reissue of a Naxos International CD from 1989 (8.990011) plus one extra track – Sleigh Ride. Around this time Richard Hayman was involved in a mammoth recording project in Czechoslovakia (as it was then) resulting in 20 or more collections of easy listening music. Considering their budget price, they were good value, but whether or not you wish to add this Leroy Anderson CD to your collection will probably depend upon two factors: the state of your finances, and if the music of this great American composer is new to you. Readers of this magazine who admire Anderson are likely to have already bought the CDs of his own performances of these (and other) works, and to be perfectly frank they are preferable. Under the composer’s baton these works truly sparkle; Hayman’s East European musicians sound as though they are going through the motions for the money, not because they genuinely love the music. But for only £5 you can hardly quibble. David Ades
BAX Violin Concerto [Eda Kersey & BBCSO, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult – BBC recording, previously unpublished, from 1944]/Symphony No.3 [Hallé Orch., conducted by Sir John Barbirolli – EMI recording, first published 1944]. Dutton Epoch CDLX7111, 72:31 mins. For glorious, sumptuously recorded romantic sound, there are few things in British symphonic music to rival the orchestral works of Sir Arnold Bax [1883-1953], whatever one’s views regarding their general construction. The wonderful Chandos series every time, I would suggest, for sheer sonic splendour; but this big-hearted music-making from an earlier generation still has lots to say to us and will give much pleasure to enthusiasts for contemporary performances, here further enhanced by the vibrancy and integrity of Michael Dutton’s superb transfers. John E. Govier This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £10 (US $20).
KURT REHFELD ORCHESTRA ‘In the Palace Garden’ Enjoy Yourself, Violets of Love, In the Palace Garden, Gladiolas, Espirito, At First Sight, Dreaming the Hours Away, Swedish Party, Merci, Fiesta dei Fiori, Verena, Fortune’s Favourites, My Love For You Alone, Mazurka, Thoughts of You, Today’s Offer, Mannequin, Dinner Date, Ma Cousine a Paris, Colorado Melody (Germany) Bliss Records BRA 10010, total time 60:12 mins. Many readers will remember the previous CDs from this German publisher containing many melodic titles – most of them originally heard throughout Germany and played by the various regional radio stations that used to exist in musically happier times. Eighteen of the 20 titles here feature the composing talents of Werner Tautz, one of the giants of German Light Music. Each is presented in new arrangements by Kurt Rehfeld, and performed by his charming orchestra of around 20 players – strings, woodwind, rhythm and percussion. Good taste is the keynote, providing one hour of pleasant melodies that are instantly appealing. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £13 (US $26).
"KISS OF FIRE" Galavant, The Boulevardier, Serenade Of A Clown, The Violin Is A Lady [Frederic Curzon]; A Georgian Miniature, Gaiety Galop, Pastorella, Poldini, Poupée Valsante [Ernest Tomlinson]; My Beautiful Lady [Ivan Caryll]; Moonbeams [Victor Herbert]; Kiss Of Fire [Lester Allen/Robert Hill]; Aguero [Jose Franco]; Topsy, Tosti, Mattinata, Denza, Funiculi Funicula [Vincenzo Billi]; Thé Dansant [Percy Fletcher].Rhapsody Quintet (Canada) RHAP CD 003. The Rhapsody Quintet is a group based in Nova Scotia, comprising violin, cello, contrabass, piano and clarinet, which seeks to re-create the sound of the small light music ensemble of yesteryear. On the evidence of this CD [their third, apparently] it does this to perfection, with gloriously rounded, lyrical and stylish playing. I like the varied, well balanced programme, too: Latin American movements, a gypsy number [Topsy], arrangements from musical comedies of circa 1900, two popular Italian songs [by composers who settled in London], the delicious Poupée Valsante, and toothsome morsels from three British light music giants, Percy Fletcher, Ernest Tomlinson and Frederic Curzon. In the latter two cases these recordings neatly complement the full orchestra Marco Polo CDs. I particularly enjoyed Tomlinson’s foot-tapping Gaiety Galop and melting Pastorella [from a radio musical], Fletcher’s lilting Thé Dansant and Curzon’s The Violin Is A Lady, written for Jean Pougnet. Very highly recommended; a honey of a disc. Philip L Scowcroft This CD is available from Walt Music, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada [e-mail: ]. Copies can also be obtained to special order from the RFS Record Service.
Orchestra of Portsmouth Division Royal Marines: "Concert Classics Volume 2"The Fleet’s In, When Day Is Done, The Sailor With The Navy Blue Eyes, Keep On Smiling, Hands Across The Sea, The Dancing Years – Overture, etc… 24 tracks, total timing 76:37 mins. Eastney Collection RMHSEC004. Nostalgists shall thoroughly enjoy this varied selection of Second World War ORBS broadcast excerpts from three recorded programmes, all introduced by Kim Peacock. The first features three songs each from Anne Shelton & Frances Day, one from Jewel & Warriss, the monologue "Frank and his Tank" from Jack Warner. The second programme features four songs from Ivor Novello's "The Dancing Years" sung by Muriel Barron & Roma Beaumont. Finally, apart from two of Stanford's "Songs of the Sea", by Frederick Harvey & Choir, the rest of this programme features the orchestral items; Empire Medley (Somers),Ragamuffin (Rixner), serenade – Enchantment (Haydn Wood), Quivery Quavers(Lloyd), In a Chinese Temple Garden, Seafaring Medley, & A Life on the Ocean Wave. There is tremendous clarity throughout these vintage recordings, thanks to the expertise of the original sound transfers made by RFS member Philip Farlow. John Billingsley This CD is available from Eastney Collection, 60 Mayford Road, London, SW12 8SN, England – price £10 (UK) or £11.50 (overseas).
FRANZ LEHÁR CONDUCTS LEHÁR Gold & Silver, and orchestral excerpts from The Count Of Luxembourg, Eva, Gypsy Love, Land Of Smiles, The Merry Widow, Women of Vienna. Vienna Philharmonic & Zurich Tonhalle Orchestras [recorded May1940/June 1947] Dutton Super Budget CDBP9721, 66:45 mins. ‘FFRR’ [Full Frequency-Range Recording] came about as part of British Decca’s war effort 60 years ago. Later turning their technology to peaceful uses they were just in time to capture all except one of these authentic performances, directed by the veteran Hungarian King of Operetta himself. Franz Lehár died in 1948 when harmonies, melodic patterns and rhythms were fast emerging in light music, which must, to many listeners, have made these pieces sound either extremely nostalgic or just old-fashioned. Today we’re remarkably fortunate in that, given the choice, we can enjoy 20th century light music "in the round" so to speak – no small thanks to genuinely historical and valuable reissues such as this. John E. Govier This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £6 (US $12).
LES ANNEES "ZONOPHONE" … QUEL "REGAL"! Nights of Gladness, Moszkovski Dances, Vienna City of my Dreams, King Chanticleer, Over the Waves, My Lady Dainty, Narcissus, Valse Septembre, Swabian Peasant Waltz, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, My Hero, etc… 24 tracks International Concert Orchestra, The Blue Hungarian Band, London Novelty Orchestra, Commodore Grand Orchestra conducted by Joseph Muscant, etc. (France) ILD 642205, 70:35 mins. The CD booklet notes (in French) describe this CD as a ‘British Mystery’, because many of the tracks are by ensembles whose names give no real clue to their true identities. These 78s were recorded between 1927 and 1939, and there are some real treasures among them. They come from the British Zonophone and Regal labels, which during the 1930s merged to become Regal Zonophone (now part of EMI). This is the 10th collection for ILD compiled by Pierre-Marcel Ondher, to whom collectors whose tastes embrace this style of music owe a great debt of gratitude for making this fascinating era of recording available once again. The sound quality is very good, and readers who have enjoyed previous CDs in this series should not hesitate to acquire this one as well. An excellent CD, in all respects. David Ades This CD is available to special order from the RFS Record Service – price £16 (US $32).
THE FIVE SMITH BROTHERS By the Old Willow Tree; The Cobbler (Yodelling Song); I’m Afraid To Open Your Letter; Put Your Shoes On Lucy; Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny; The Lambton Worm; Geordie Had the Bairn; When You and I Were Young Maggie; Blaydon Races; Cushie Butterfield; On Ikla’ Moor Baht’at; O My Jock Mackay; After the Wedding at Donegal Bay; Irish Medley (a. Patsy Fagan; b. As Irish as Dublin Town; c) Galway Bay); In The Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening; A Gordon For Me; I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen; Star O’ Robbie Burns; Hannigan’s Hooley; So Many Times Have I Cried For You; A Guid New Year. Evergreen Melodies C80 (CD) EVR80 (Cassette). "Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s Five Little Boys" all grew up on Tyneside and were an integral part of British popular musical either side of the last war. Sounding like a Geordie version of the Mills Brothers they were at their peak between 1945-1955, when most of these recordings were made and which are available here for the first time on CD. The family originally numbered six boys and two girls of whom Jack became a minister in Australia. Harold, Martin, Stan and Roy then formed the Four Smith Brothers and made their first record on Cup Final Day, 1932 (also included here), after which Stan and Martin went off to watch their beloved Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley. Harold and Roy had no tickets so had to go to the cinema instead! When Martin died young in the mid-Thirties, Alf abandoned his promising football career to bring the group back up to strength. During the war Ronnie Culbertson was persuaded to become "Ronnie Smith" thus making up the post-war Five Smith Brothers famous for their introductory chime "Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello-ho". They appeared at two Royal Variety Performances and were regular radio broadcasters on "Variety Bandbox" and "Up the Pole". CD price £8.50, cassette £6.50, available only by mail order direct from This England, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England - Tel. 01242 515156. Edmund Whitehouse
VIVIAN ELLIS - SONGS FROM THE SHOWS SS7 And So To Bed (Jack Jackson); Blue Butterfly; Dancing with a Ghost (Frances Day); Dreams That Don’t Grow Old (Al Bowlly & Ray Noble); Every Little Moment (Ray Starita); Faint Harmony (Les Allen & Henry Hall); I Was Never Kissed Before (Georges Guétary & Lizbeth Webb); I’m On a See-Saw (John Mills and Louise Brown); Kiss Me Dear (Denny Dennis & Roy Fox); Lady Spiv (Greta Gynt); Ma Belle Marguerite (Georges Guétary); Maybelle (Lew Stone);Other People’s Babies (Norah Howard); Put That Down in Writing; She’s My Lovely(Jack Cooper & Ronnie Munro); Spread a Little Happiness (Carroll Gibbons); Sweep(Jack Hulbert); This Is My Lovely Day (Georges Guétary & Lizbeth Webb); I’d Do the Most Extraordinary Things; Why Did You Call Me Lily? (Dora Bryan); Alpine Pastures(signature tune to "My Word"). This latest release from This England’s series on London musicals, features the most prolific composer of them all. Vivian Ellis was prominent in almost 70 West End shows and many of his songs have become standards, indeed Sting’s version of "Spread a Little Happiness" reached the pop charts almost 60 years after it was composed. This excellent selection ranges from 1928-1954 and includes all the old favourites, especially those from Bless the Bride. Several are hot tempo numbers and none better than Jack Hulbert¹s version of "Sweep". The CD costs £8.50 including postage with a shorter cassette version at £6.50, both available only from ‘This England’ (for full details see previous review) Edmund Whitehouse
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE SEA II International Festival of the Sea Theme, Hymn to the Sea [McDermott]; Sea Medley [arr. Long]; Prelude ‘49th Parallel’ [Vaughan Williams]; Three Jolly Sailormen [Siebert]; The Shadow of Your Smile [Bacharach]; Victory at Sea [Rodgers]; H.M. Jollies [Alford]; Sailing [Sutherland]; Un-Canny Drum & Band Feature [Peers/Savage]; Where Corals Lie [Elgar]; The Mighty Sea from ‘The Battle of the Atlantic Suite’ [Roylance/Galvin]; Fanfare for a Festival [Arnold]; Evening Prelude & Sunset, Seafarers! [arr. McDermott]; The Jolly Roger [Hancock]; Heart of Oak [Boyce]; A Life on the Ocean Wave [Russell arr. McDermott].Band of H.M. Royal Marines [Plymouth] directed by Lieutenant Colonel R.A. Waterer, OBE, MMus, FLCM, LRAM, RM Chevron CHV CD11, 72:45 mins. This is one of the most outstanding military band CDs to come my way for a long time. One is struck immediately by the superb technical quality of the recording managed commendably and very professionally entirely in-house by the Royal Marines. It would be interesting to know exactly where the recording was made. With generous playing time, this is an imaginative and excitingly planned compilation of music associated with last year’s International Festival of the Sea, held in Portsmouth over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The playing is of a uniform excellent standard and reflects great credit on all those who took part. W.O. Michael McDermott, who was appointed staff arranger for the Royal Marines in 1996, has made a sizeable contribution towards the disc’s success, including his composition of the Sea Theme for the Festival itself, a suitably soaring and sonorous melody; Seafarers!, an impressive medley of nautical tunes; and an interesting arrangement of A Life on the Ocean Wave associated, I believe, with the Royal Marines since the 1890s. Other highlights include Vaughan Williams atmospheric Prelude for the 1941 film ‘49th Parallel’; a very recent march, The Jolly Roger, by Martyn Hancock in celebration of the Centenary of the HM Submarine Service; and Edrich Siebert’s classic Three Jolly Sailormen in which three bandsmen display their dazzling dexterity on their cornets! This brilliant and impressive disc will strongly appeal to anyone with a taste for the stirring sound of a military band, particularly playing music with a salty tang. For anyone who attended the Festival itself it is an indispensable musical memento of a great nautical event. Roger HyslopThis CD is available from: Mrs. Ann Day, The Blue Band Magazine, HQBS, Eastney Block, HMS Nelson, Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 3HH, England – telephone 023 9272 6173 : www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk
DANCE BAND VOCALISTS and DANCE BAND RARITIES: EVERGREEN MELODIES CB2 & CB3
CB2 All By Yourself in the Moonlight (Maurice Elwin), Good Little, Bad Little You (Eddie Collis), Hot Coffee (Billy Scott-Coomber), I’ve Gone and Lost My Little Yo-Yo (Fred Douglas), If I Had a Talking Picture of You (Billy Milton), Let’s Face the Music and Dance (Sam Browne and the Rhythm Sisters), In the Chapel in the Moonlight (Chick Henderson), Let’s Put Out the Lights and Go To Sleep (Anona Winn and Sam Browne), Moani’ Low (Betty Bolton), One, Two, Button Your Shoe (Les Allen), Pop Goes Your Heart (Alan Kane), We’ll All Go Riding On a Rainbow (Dan Donovan), Who Walks In When I Walk Out? (Annette Keith), You Are My Lucky Star (Jack Cooper), This Year’s Kisses(Mary Lee), Il Bacio (The Kiss) (Millicent Phillips), Broken Doll (Marjorie Stedeford, Say It (Ivor Moreton), Scatterbrain (Phyllis Robins), The Wind’s In the West (Peggy Dell with Jack Plant and the Cubs), Medley: a) Gertie the Girl with the Gong; b) Home James and Don’t Spare the Horses; c) No, No, a Thousand Times, No! (Elsie Carlisle).
CB3 The Popular Pair (Eddie Grossbart), Some of These Days (Marjorie Stedeford with Mario "Harp" Lorenzi), Knightsbridge March (In Town Tonight) (Ray Noble and the New Mayfair Orchestra), Bless Her Little Heart (Massed Bands of Debroy Somers, Piccadilly Revels, Kit-Cat and London Radio, directed by Al Starita), Reach Out For a Rainbow(Sam Browne with Van Phillips), Happy and Contented (Sam Browne with Ambrose),Let’s Sing a Song (Debroy Somers), Signature Tunes of Famous Bands (Jay Wilbur introducing them), Snap Your Fingers (Sam Browne with Ambrose & chorus), The Younger Generation (Les Allen with the Savoy Hotel Orpheans), Ro Ro Rolling Along(Maurice Elwin with the Arcadians Dance Band), When the Morning Rolls Around (Les Allen with Syd Lipton), The Park Parade (Jack Cooper with Ivor Kirchin), Oriental Medley (Phil Green’s Ballyhooligans), You Are My Heart’s Delight (Norman Long introducing the Savoy Hotel Orpheans), Love Locked Out (Sam Browne with Ambrose),I Never Knew I Could Love Anybody (Gerry Fitzgerald with Phil Green’s Darktown Strutters), No Strings (Howard Godfrey), I Cover the Waterfront (Jack Wallace),Misty (Ken Mackintosh). These two highly unusual compilations feature a large number of rare recordings. On the one hand is the cardboard promotional record released by the Siemens electrical company advertising The Popular Pair (in reality two types of light bulb) while at the other end of the spectrum we have Howard Godfrey’s No Strings which was never released at all because one of the trumpeters allegedly played a wrong note. It is hard to believe now that people would buy a record of Norman Long introducing the Savoy Hotel Orpheans or Jay Wilbur’s cut-glass accent introducing his band playing other people’s signature tunes, but such was their appeal at the time that both proved very popular. Most of the other tracks have not previously been reissued on CD. Most are lively and "hot" numbers while just a few are more wistful. Among the artistes are 14-year-old Millicent Phillips, who was known as "Britain’s own Deanna Durbin", and "Little Mary Lee" both of whom are still going strong in the 21st century. The two CDs are highly collectable companion pieces released to coincide with "This England’s Second Book of British Dance Bands - the Singers and Smaller Bands" and are available separately @ £8.50 each, but only by mail order direct from This England, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, Tel. 01242-515156. Edmund Whitehouse
TEST CARD MUSIC Volume 7 Swing Cocktail (G. Plathe), Lough Leane (Peter Hope), Mississippi Melody & Merry-Go-Round Waltz (Alan Perry), Morning Call (John Carmichael), Plain Sailing (Harvey Richards) plus 16 more. APOLLO SOUND APSCD223, 58:10 mins. Once again our friends at Apollo Sound have ‘raided’ the archives of Mozart Edition for another highly entertaining selection. There is just one exception – a tune called Kolibri composed (we are told) by Frank Valdor. I have it on a Polydor LP under the title Calypso in D, and Helmut Zacharias claims to be the composer. Not so, says one of my reference books! The title is actually Yellow Bird, and it is the work of Norman Luboff and Marilyn & Alan Bergman. Would any readers like to claim it also? Goodness knows how PRS sort out the royalties! For me the high spots of this CD include Peter Hope’s beautiful Lough Leane and the two cameos by Ernest Tomlinson, writing under his alter ego Alan Perry. It is good to have Morning Call available commercially at long last. Two new names to Apollo Sound are Neil Richardson with a catchy number called Bric-a-Brac, and Paul Lewis with Fake Three. Just a couple of minor complaints: it would have been nice to have all the composers’ first names in full, and whoever decided to design the booklet with white print superimposed on a pink background has far better eyesight than me! Apart from these friendly jibes, this is a great CD which production music fans should not hesitate to snap up. David Ades
FLIP YOUR DISC Sweet Horror, Susan Q-Pink Cloud, Charming Lady, Ann the Schoolgirl, Pampero, Flower Street, etc… 21 tracks. Apollo Sound APSCD218, total time 58:50. Here’s another great helping of funky sounds, mainly from the 1970s, featuring the bands of Reg Tilsley, Dave Lindup, John Fox, Lem Arcon, Franz Thon and the Polish Radio Orchestra. If you’ve enjoyed previous Apollo Sound CDs such as ‘Cut’and ‘Happy Hour’ you’ll be pleased to get this one as well. David Ades Apollo Sound CDs are available direct from them (see advert on page 89, or from the RFS Record Service for £12.75 (US $25.50).
BERT FIRMAN and his Orchestra - Swing High, Swing Low ASV Living Era CD AJA 5407 Jig Walk; Oo La; Charleston Charley; Valencia; Always; While the Sahara Sleeps; Spanish Shawl; Shepherd of the Hills; That Certain Feeling; Oh Monah; The Stampede; Short an’ Sweet; Does She Love Me?; I Can’t Give You Anything But Love; Sax Appeal; She Didn’t Say Yes; A New Love Is Old; Sugarfoot Stomp; My Pet; Rhapsody in Blue; My Little; Don¹t Play With Fire; The Sweetheart Waltz; Swing High, Swing Low. There were four musical Firman Brothers (Sammy, Sidney, John and Bert) of whom Bert lasted the longest, being the final original West End band leader to expire, aged 93 in 1999. Most of his music was "hot" and this first ever release of his splendid band (which also includes brother John with whom he worked very closely), reflects that fact. Apart from four tracks from the late Thirties, where Sam Costa is the vocalist, the disc is devoted to his Twenties recreation of the sound of Fletcher Henderson and the like. All good stuff which will appeal mightily to those who love this era. A rare capture indeed is the first re-release of the premier British recording of Rhapsody in Blue with a strictly incognito pianist called Carroll Gibbons, who was under contract elsewhere at the time and dare not reveal his identity! This alone is worth the purchase price of around £8 and ASV are to be congratulated on this latest excellent disc in a terrific series. Edmund Whitehouse All ASV CDs are available through the RFS Record Service.
BLUE DREAMS: The Vantaa Pops Orchestra conducted by Markku Johansson. Blue Dreams; La Tangorita; Light of Stars; Konnivesi Waltz; Satin Strings; Star Bridge March; Peace Love and Harmony; Trumpet Party; Valse Romantique; Summertime Serenade; Romance; Dancing at the Casino; Bolero of the Rising Sun; Playout Music. (Finland) Finlandia 3984-26130-2. Here is a CD of new light music compositions. The 70 strong Finlandia Symphony Orchestra masquerading as The Vantaa Pops Orchestra brings us 60 minutes of wonderful melodies. Markku Johansson, who has composed all the items on this CD, obviously knows what real light music is all about. Among the items provided. there is a bustling samba, Trumpet Party, a wistful Valse Romantiquewith its attractive piano figurations, and a delightful La Tangorita. Star Bridge Marchwith its stately middle section would have fit comfortably into the Queen' s Hall light orchestral repertoire. This is a well varied programme and those who enjoy the music of Melachrino, Percy Faith and Charles Williams will love this. As far as I am aware the CD is not distributed in the UK at present. However it can be obtained within a few days from internet suppliers such as the German based JPC who are also able to obtain other hard to find light and dance music CDs. They can be found at: www.jpc.deBrian Stringer Editor: our member Per-Erik Pettersson has kindly offered to supply this CD (and an earlier one in similar style "Jealousy") direct to RFS members. The price of each CD is £15 which includes p&p. You can write to Per-Erik at: Huovisenkatu 15 A 3, FIN-33580, Tampere, FINLAND, or e-mail:
EDNA SAVAGE ‘Evermore’ I’ll Be There, Evermore, Stars Shine In Your Eyes, A Star Is Born, Candlelight, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, Arrivederci Darling, Bella Notte, etc… [30 tracks] Vocalion CDLK4120, 77:59 mins. Edna Savage was one of a number of talented British girl singers who enjoyed modest success during the 1950s. Almost all of her recording career is featured in this collection, including some duets with Michael Holliday. Sadly EMI delayed granting a license for this material two years ago when this CD was first planned, and Edna Savage died in hospital on 31 December 2000 aged only 64. She had a pleasant voice and it is good to have this souvenir, although I wish that the backing orchestras had been credited. David Ades
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC / EDMUNDO ROS AND HIS ORCHESTRA "Heath vs. Ros … Swing vs Latin" South America Take It Away, The Coffee Song, In The Still Of The Night, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Desafinado, etc… [22 tracks] Vocalion CDLK4123, 62:10 mins. This 2-LP collection features two classic Decca Phase 4 Stereo albums where the sound engineers fully exploited the left/right possibilities of their new toy. With the Heath orchestra on one side of your living room, and the Ros ensemble on the other side, the battle lines are drawn! Of course it’s all good fun, and the first LP must have sold well because there was a second – "Round 2" – which is the other LP included on this CD. Dare I say it, but if the gimmicks get a bit tiresome you can always press your mono button! David Ades
JOAN REGAN ‘Just Joan’ and ‘The Girl Next Door’ It Could Happen To You, When I Grow Too Old To Dream, I Know Why, That Old Feeling, Ricochet, I’ll Travel With You, etc… [24 tracks] Vocalion CDLK4132, 69:10 mins. This 2-LP collection comes as a pleasant surprise, offering a 10" LP of her hit singles (plus some bonus tracks) and a fine 12" album which she was probably given as a ‘thank-you’ for her chart successes. Joan Regan was one of Decca’s top girl singers in the 1950s, and even if some of the blatantly commercial singles have not stood the test of time, her album "Just Joan" reveals her to be a very accomplished ballad singer. Sadly for Joan (and so many of her contemporaries) she came to her peak at the same time as rock ‘n’ roll overwhelmed the pop world, and the rest … as they say … is history. If you remember Joan from her records and television shows you’ll be delighted with this new CD. David Ades
DAVID HUGHES ‘Here In My Heart’ With These Hands, A Beggar in Love, Only Fools, The Man in the Black Sombrero, Never, Only You Will Ever Know, Be Anything, At Last At Last, Kiss of Fire, Begin the Beguine, etc 24 tracks. Vocalion CDLK4134, 72:00 mins. British readers will probably still remember David Hughes, a good-looking singer who was popular on radio and television of the 1950s. This collection of EMI recordings provides a pleasant souvenir of his talent, and also serves to remind us that record companies at that time didn’t hesitate to support their artists with large backing orchestras tastefully arranged – what a pity that they aren’t credited in the notes. In later years David pursued an operatic career, but this was cut short when recurring heart problems caused his death at the early age of 44 in 1972. David Ades
JACK HYLTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA 1927 to 1931 Pardon the Glove, Buffalo Rhythm, Borneo, Mississippi Melody, If You Want the Rainblow, When the Lilacs Bloom Again, Who Cares, etc… 24 tracks. Horner’s Corner 101, total timing 73:43. When real enthusiasts have the opportunity to release CDs of their own particular favourites, the result is often very satisfying. RFS member Ian Horner has wide musical tastes, but Jack Hylton retains a special place in his affections. The result is this privately produced CD which Ian has kindly agreed that he will supply to any fellow RFS members who share his passion for British Dance bands. Personally I have always enjoyed the early Hylton HMV 78s, and I thought that I knew most of them. But most of the items in Ian’s collection are completely new to me, and he appears to have duplicated very few that are available elsewhere. The sound restoration is sympathetic, without spoiling the music in any way. So this is highly recommended to Hylton fans. David Ades This CD is only available direct from Ian Horner, Tree Tops, Bowden Hill, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7EA, England – price £9 (UK) or £11 (overseas) postage and packing included. Special Note: at this point it is appropriate to mention that Ian has had this CD professionally produced at this own expense, and all the appropriate royalties have been paid. Today it is easy for people to produce CDs at home, but it is illegal to sell them unless the proper copyright and royalties regulations have been observed. If in any doubt, you should consult organisations such as PRS and MCPS, or similar in your own country. The RFS will not knowingly publicise any CDs which it suspects may not have been legally licensed – i.e. ‘pirate’ copies.
Four more British Dance Band compilations from Vocalion…
RAY NOBLE featuring AL BOWLLY ‘HMV Sessions 1930-1934 Volume 9’ It’s All Forgotten Now, All I Do is Dream of You, Dreamy Serenade, Remember Me, I Never Had a Chance, etc… 25 titles. Vocalion CDEA6063, 65:54 mins. This CD completes this major series of famous recordings which originally appeared in a World Records collection. The sound on the LPs was good, but that was in pre-CEDAR days, and the transfers by Peter Bown and Chris Ellis have been improved by the modern equipment in the hands of Mike Dutton.
OSCAR RABIN and his Romany Band with Harry Davis ‘An Apple for the Teacher’Masabi, I Let a Song go out of my Heart, A Man and his Dream, When I Dream of Home, Scatter-brain, Down Argentina Way, etc… 25 tracks. Vocalion CDEA6066, 65:21 mins. To my ears, this isn’t a ‘Romany’ band, merely a pleasant dance orchestra playing hits of the day. Vocalists include Garry Gowan, Beryl Davis and Ken Beaumont. According to the Brian Rust/Sandy Forbes ‘British Dance Bands on Record’ Angela Morley (as Wally Stott) is playing alto sax on some of these tracks, including Daddyand Two in Love.
HARRY LEADER ‘Boston Bounce’ Strike up the Band, Turning the Town Upside Down, My Sweetie Went Away, Trusting my Luck, etc… 25 tracks. Vocalion CDEA6070, 74:06 mins. In their day dance bands were as numerous as pop groups, and their popularity often depended upon their venue (usually a top ballroom), radio broadcasts, records and – to a lesser extent – their regular vocalists. But vocalists at that time were considered to be of little importance and for their records bands often used to hire whoever happened to be available. Thus you will find Al Bowlly, Sam Browne and Sam Costa with many bands on many labels. Here the Harry Leader band features Sam Costa, Chick Henderson, Alan Kane and several others. Perhaps Leader wasn’t among the very top bands, but he made numerous records and this selection is pleasant enough.
JAY WILBUR Vol. 2 I’ve Got my Love to Keep me Warm, Swing, You Were There, Some of these Days, Chatterbox, etc… 25 tracks. Vocalion CDEA6071, 65:37 mins. Jay Wilbur was better-known than Leader and probably ten times as prolific in the recording studios … no wonder he needs a second volume! Surprise, surprise … his vocalists include Sam Costa, Sam Browne, Jack Cooper and Anne Lenner, all of them familiar ‘friends’ to dance band collectors. David Ades All Vocalion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
New Production Music Recordings
CARLIN Archive Series: CAS006 Drama/ Horror/ Sci-Fi; CAS007 Dance Hall/ Swing/ Jazz/ Lounge; CAS008 Well Known Tunes/ Marches; CAS009 Western USA/ Panorama. 2-CD collections. Readers may like to refer back to page 76 of JIM 148 (September 2001) when the first 5 CDs in this series were reviewed. The latest ones follow the same formula, with more from the incredible output from Harry Bluestone and Emil Cadkin, although there are the occasional tracks featuring some of the other composers in the Carlin stable. In terms of music per minute these collections are great value for money, although I have to sound the usual caution that production music CDs are not conceived for extended listening at home. But for dipping into occasionally they can be great fun! David Ades These 2-CD collections from Carlin are only available through the RFS Record Service – price £12 [US $24] each.
COCKTAIL CLUB Archive recordings from the 1960s and 1970s Men’s Club,Green Water, Minuit Rue Jacob, Promenade a Ischia, Voyage en Piano, Premier Flirt, Fumees Sur Paris, Reverie sur un Theme, Chanson sur Mesure, A Coeur Valse, Bal des Debs, Musique pour Deux, Tendre Dialogue, Reflets de Seine, En Prenant la Fleche d’Or, Les Jardins de Cannes, Valse en Point d’Interrogation, Reve pour une Image, Promenade a Brasilia, Fasty Sonny, Minor Trumpet, Tominique C., Bass in Rhythm, Campus No. 2, Jazzomaniac. Chappell CHAP253, time 75:03. These tracks all originate from Chappell’s legendary DMM series recorded in the EMI Studios in Paris. Some feature a small group (at times a bit way out!) but, as the notes say, there is also ‘a healthy measure of lush orchestra lounge’. Only two composers are responsible: Jack Dieval (21) and Henri Renaud (4). David Ades
FANTASY AND ADVENTURE New compositions by ADAM SAUNDERS The Adventure Begins, Dragons and Unicorns, The Dark Wizard’s Apprentice, Quest for the Ancient Scrolls, The Little Hero, Return to the Enchanted Kingdom, Unimaginable Evil, The Lovelorn Princess, Witches and Warlocks, Book of Spells, Dwarves and Goblins, A Noble Death, The Hermit Philosopher, Ancient Standing Stones, Arcan Sorceress. Chappell CHAP272, time 73:37. Right from the first notes, this is a most impressive collection of music from a talented young composer who happens to be a member of our Society. Therefore it is our great pleasure to be able to offer this CD to you. The titles give plenty of clues to the kind of music portrayed; it would not disgrace a major Hollywood epic. No expense has been spared in this lavish production, splendidly produced by Michael Whitewood. Nic Raine conducts the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and there is a choir on some tracks. Sound recording was in the experienced hands of John Timperley. Adam’s music ranges from dramatic to tender, and is always beautifully scored. He can be justly proud of this CD, and on the strength of this I shall be very surprised if his name does not appear on the credits of a major film in the next few years. David Ades Chappell CDs are only available through the RFS Record Service – price £9 (US $18) each.
ASPECTS OF NATURE Birth of Spring, Butterfly Sanctuary, Migration, First Flights, The Harvest, Snowfall, Arrival of Spring, Indian Summer, National Trust, Nature Cycle, Tolpuddle Ducks, Leprechauns (Robert Farnon), The Fledgling, Mother Goose, etc… 32 tracks. Bruton BRD49. Bruton have been trawling through the archives to ‘rescue’ an attractive selection of nature tracks, by some of their top writers including James Clarke, Brian Bennett, Duncan Lamont, John Hawkins, Keith Mansfield, Johnny Pearson, Chris Gunning, John Scott plus the one short Farnon piece mentioned above. Most of the compositions use a small ensemble (typically strings, harp and woodwind) which suits the kind of nature documentaries for which this collection is intended. The recordings date from 1977-1985. David Ades
SCREEN LEGENDS The Gold of San Jancinto, Roman Legions, Gunfighters and Lawmen, Biblical Choir, New Discovery, Silvery Moon, Beyond Dreams, etc… 16 full-length tracks, plus shorter versions and fanfares. Bruton BRJ55. The American composer John Cacavas has composed this impressive collection of themes which are best described as ‘sound-alikes’ – the kind of film music you think you have heard before, but which is sufficiently different to avoid accusations of plagiarism! A number of composers seem to be creating music of this kind, which must obviously be in demand from television and the film industry. John Cacavas has been writing enjoyable works for many years, and this large orchestra produces a rich, full sound. David AdesBruton CDs are only available through the RFS Record Service – price £9 (US$18) each.
ALBERT KETÈLBEY Historical Recordings 1924-1932: In a Monastery Garden; Chal Romano; The Phantom Melody; By the Blue Hawaiian Waters; Three Fanciful Sketches; In a Chinese Temple Garden; Will You Forgive?; In the Moonlight; The Clock and the Dresden Figures; Sanctuary of the Heart. NAXOS 8110174, 59:02 mins. Albert Ketèlbey’s abilities as conductor and pianist are sometimes overlooked, so this reissue of recordings made between 1924 and 1932 is particularly welcome. Only Monastery Garden and In the Moonlight, respectively conducted by Ray Noble (and Peter Dawson doing the ‘vocal’) and Richard Crean, do not feature AWK in either capacity. Particularly delightful is The Phantom Melody with him on piano partnering violinist Albert Sandler. It is also good to have Will You Forgive? as a sample of Ketèlbey’s song output (I discount the optional vocals for the popular orchestral pieces), and lesser known items like the sprightly Chal Romano andThree Fanciful Sketches, though the latter are less memorable than much Ketèlbey (and they should have been separately tracked). The transfers have been sympathetically done (even Will You Forgive?, the only acoustic here, comes up well) and all in all light music lovers will find this a fascinating release. Naxos Historical have explored "Coates by Coates" and "Ketèlbey by Ketèlbey" - who next? Philip L. Scowcroft This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £5 [US $10].
"TRIBUTE TO MADAM" Complete Ballet Scores Checkmate (Arthur Bliss); The Prospect Before Us (William Boyce, arr. Constant Lambert); The Haunted Ballroom (Geoffrey Toye); The Rake’s Progress (Gavin Gordon) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Barry Wordsworth ASV CDWLS255 (2 CDs) 151:34 mins. This act of homage to Dame Ninette de Valois - known by all affectionately as ‘Madam’, and who died in March at the grand age of 102 - deserves the warmest possible welcome. Apart from a number of double-bar repeats, and one or two ‘regular’ reprises inProspect, all four scores are offered complete. Bliss, Toye and Gordon were responsible for the scenarios, as well as the music in their works. Some years earlier, Toye had provided a new overture for "Ruddigore" - certain ideas in his Haunted Ballroom must appear very familiar to Gilbert & Sullivan addicts! Constant Lambert’s adaptation of Boyce is appropriate for a ballet with an 18th century setting. Lambert also once recorded a selection from The Rake’s Progress on two Columbia 78s - apparently long forgotten - but I can still remember seeing this delightful work on the small screen in the early 1960s. The booklet includes, among other things, an appreciation by David Bintley, CBE, several photographs, and "Madam - a Chronology". No-one who cares for British Music and the Arts should ignore this celebration of a great lady. John E. Govier Producer Philip Lane, has once again produced the goods for those who enjoy tuneful music. Here are four premiere recordings of complete ballet scores from which we have all heard familiar snatches but never the whole. The Haunted Ballroom (1934) is about all that is remembered of composer-conductor Geoffrey Toye, and similarly The Rake¹s Progress (1935) by actor-singer Gavin Gordon. Both, however, are excellent pieces and thoroughly enjoyable. Sir Arthur Bliss’s dark ballet, Checkmate, is brilliant music of a different kind with white and red chess pieces competing against each other in their
dancing before a somewhat sombre checkmate ending. When Constant Lambert borrowed the jolly 18th Century music of William Boyce for The Prospect Before Us, it was significantly first performed by Sadler¹s Wells less than three weeks after they escaped the Nazi invasion of Holland in 1940! This full-length double-CD is excellent value at £20 and a fine tribute to the memory of Dame Ninette de Valois (1898-2001), alias "Madam". Edmund Whitehouse
JOHNNY DOUGLAS In Concert The Conquest (a symphonic poem in 3 parts); The Blue Damsel-Fly; The Aftermath (a symphonic poem on 5 parts); The Weeping Willow; The Sequel Dulcima Symphony Orchestra conducted by Johnny Douglas Dulcima DLCD117, 50:58 mins. Johnny Douglas recently took a large orchestra into the Whitfield Street Studios, in London, and the result is this impressive CD. In the booklet notes, Johnny’s daughter Norma Camby explains that, at the end of 1999, her father fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition and began composing the first of several classical compositions. To be honest, I think that the world ‘classical’ could be misleading to some people; in my humble opinion this is superior light orchestral music, beautifully written and scored, and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. These are not light cameos, but full-bodied works, blessed with strong melodies and - most important - accessible. You can enjoy this music from the first hearing, although I have found that the more I play it, the more I get out of it. During his long and impressive career, Johnny has been involved in more than 100 LPs, many under the name ‘Living Strings’. He also wrote the charming music for that memorable film "The Railway Children". His previous albums on Dulcima have been popular with RFS members, and I am certain that everyone who appreciates real light music of a descriptive nature will find this new release very satisfying. For me, it has been one of the most pleasant surprises of 2001. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service, price £13 [US $26].
"FEEL THE SPIRIT" Feel The Spirit (spirituals arr. Rutter), Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare (George Shearing), The Heavenly Aeroplane (Rutter), Lord of the Dance (arr. Rutter), Birthday Madrigals (Rutter), Skylark (Hoagy Carmichael & Johnny Mercer, arr. Rutter) Melanie Marshall(mezzo-soprano), The Cambridge Singers, Wayne Marshall (piano), Malcolm Creese (double bass), BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by John Rutter Collegium COLCD128, 74:59 mins. All RFS members who listened to Brian Kay’s final "Sunday Morning" on BBC Radio 3 in July will remember that his guest artists included George Shearing - Bach (and all that jazz) à la George being one of our treats; and by way of a bonus and a preview, Brian gave us It Was a Lover and his Lass from the Shearing-Shakespeare set in this nicely varied recital. Since admirers of these artists on both sides of the Atlantic are legion, all I need add is that performances are faultless, and the sound clean as a whistle. John E. Govier This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £12 (US $24). In North America, the address for Collegium Records is: PO Box 31366, Omaha, Nebraska, 68131, USA, or visit: www.collegiumusa.com
MANTOVANI 2 LPs on 1 CD: Latin Rendezvous Malaguena, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, Be Mine Tonight, Cielito Lindo, La Paloma, Siboney, A Garden in Granada, Perfidia, Andalucia, La Golondrina, Maria Elena, Espana. Mantovani Olé El Relicario, Adios, Tico-Tico, Ay-Ay-Ay, Piccolo Bolero, Mexican Hat Dance, Jealousy, Valencia, The Green Cockatoo, Spanish Gypsy Dance, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps (shorter version than on ‘Latin Rendezvous’), Carmen Fantasy. Vocalion CDLK4113, 77:31 mins. There have been many reissues of Mantovani LPs on CD, and this one is a treat for everyone who enjoys Latin American music. The Decca sound quality is superb, and these arrangements (only Cecil Milner and Mantovani himself are credited) still sound fresh and inventive today. The CD booklet notes hint at the fact (already discovered by some of us) that LPs with the same title did not always contain exactly the same tracks when released in different countries. Perhaps this is whyPerhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps appears twice! David Ades
ENGLISH STRING MINIATURES Vol. 3 Persiflage (Carlo Martelli); Prelude, Romance (Gerald Finzi); Brook Green Suite (Gustav Holst); Duetto (William Blezard); Sinfonia Concertante (Michael Hurd); An 18th Century Scherzo (Haydn Wood); Concertino for String Orchestra (Bruce Montgomery) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by David Lloyd-Jones Naxos 8555069, 60:30 mins. For less outlay than an evening at the local pub, here is Volume 3 of ‘English Light Music Miniatures’ - with more promised! A personal criticism must intrude: Brook Green is surely played too fast and too loud? Remember, it was written for a junior school orchestra, and slickness was never a part of Holst’s make-up anyway. However, make no mistake: this is a valuable issue. Where else (and at any price) can you hear the works by Michael Hurd, Haydn Wood and Bruce Montgomery, all instantly enjoyable for at least this listener. And should the two pieces by Gerald Finzi lead others to his ecstatic "Dies Natalis", his pastoral Clarinet Concerto, his lovely "In Terra Pax", and his profoundly moving Cello Concerto, then this fine disc will have achieved something even more splendid. John E. Govier This CD, and the two previous volumes in this series, are available from the RFS Record Service for £5 each (US $10).
RONALD BINGE and his Romantic Strings 2 LPs on 1 CD: If You Were the Only Girl in the World Autumn Leaves, Cherokee, If You Were the Only Girl in the World, Elizabethan Serenade, Claire de Lune, *A Flash of Strings, *Sailing By, Stella by Starlight, Twelfth of Never, Song of Czechoslovakia, Un Minuto Contigo, La Vie En Rose. Summer Rain Bridge Over Troubled Water, Petite Fleur, *I Remember, Summer Rain, El Condor Paso, *Down by the River, Theme from Love Story, La Mer, Love is All, Lara’s Theme, Moon River, *If I Were King. Vocalion CDLK4116, 79:29 mins. These two Rediffusion LPs were popular in the 1970s, although they probably had a limited release. They were both recorded at the smallish Chappell Studios in New Bond Street (where the tracks on Robert Farnon’s CD ‘Out of my Dreams’ were also recorded), but recording engineer John Timperley managed to create a lush, expansive feel. Ronald Binge has occasionally created hints of the ‘cascading strings’ effect he devised for Mantovani, but these are simply fine examples of high quality, orchestral music, and it is good to have them available once again. Ronnie’s own compositions are identified with an *asterisk. David Ades
MORTON GOULD AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Memories / Showcase’ My Blue Heaven, Nola, Dardanella, Poor Butterfly, Sheikh of Araby, Whispering, Nobody’s Sweetheart, I’ll See You in my Dreams, Stumbling, Moonlight on the Ganges, I Love You, Charleston, Begin the Beguine, Birth of the Blues, Georgia on my Mind, Masquerade, New China March, Limehouse Blues, Two Guitars, Blues in the Night, Peanut Vendor, Katsumi Love Theme, Cafe Rio. (Australia) Frank Bristow EXCD28, 73:10 mins. British record companies’ shameful neglect of Morton Gould is really shown up by our friends Frank Bristow and Ian Dodds out there in Australia, for between them they have issued half a dozen CDs of this great arranger-composer-conductor and his splendid concert orchestra (and, just occasionally, the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra of Philadelphia). The late 1950s were the peak time for Gould with a dozen or so RCA albums succeeding the half dozen Columbia LPs which, as far as I have been able to trace, were never issued in the UK. Two which almost certainly weren’t were "Memories" and "Morton Gould Showcase" which Frank has included, along with both sides of an RCA single of Gould’s own Cafe Rio and Franz Waxman’s Katsumi Love Theme. JIM readers will know Morton Gould’s work all too well (despite having been deprived of so much of it through record company policy - or lack of it!) whether exemplified in his imaginative treatments of the first twelve "Memories", titles from the 1920s or in the neo-symphonic arrangements of the nine "Showcase" tracks from the later decades of the 20th century. So this CD with its extended playing time can be safely recommended without reservations. Arthur Jackson Frank Bristow’s CDs are available from him at: 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA.
ARTHUR SULLIVAN: "The Golden Legend" featuring The London Chorus and the New London Orchestra conducted by Ronald Corp, with Janice Watson soprano, Jean Rigby mezzo soprano, Mark Wilde tenor, Jeffrey Black baritone and Jonathan Brown tenor. Hyperion CDA67280, 2 CDs (second disc free), 94:47 mins. During the late Victorian era, The Golden Legendwas second only to Handel’s Messiah in popularity, and it is regarded by Sullivan experts as his finest concert work. Never before recorded in its entirety, Hyperion and Ronald Corp, with support from the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust have resurrected this masterpiece. During the summer of 1886 following the huge success of The Mikado, Sullivan hid himself away in a cottage in Yorktown and composed a secular cantata that his colleague Gilbert was to recognise as "the biggest thing you’ve done". Scenes following the premiere at the Leeds Festival on 15 October transcended any known before, with the audience on its feet waving programmes and hats, climbing on chairs and hurling flowers. The choir had formed an opinion of its own of the work at rehearsal, and had accumulated bouquets under their chairs to launch at the composer. Even after just one hearing, I can understand why this work received such a great ovation after its first performance. This recording is truly magical, both in terms of performance and sound. Anyone who loves choral music will want to add this to their CD collection. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £12 (US $24).
MARIANNE OLYVER AND HER GYPSY ORCHESTRA ‘Dark Eyes’ Czardas (Monti), Dark Eyes, Meditation from Thais, Circus Galop, Jewish Wedding, Play Gypsy, Moses Fantasia, Hejre Kati, Valse (Durand), Liebesleid (Kreisler), The Canary, Gypsy Carnival, Flight of the Bumble-bee Marianne Olyver, MO9596, 62:49 mins. In our June issue we reviewed the latest CD ‘Serenade’ by Marianne Olyver, and in response to several requests we are pleased to give you details of an earlier release. Marianne is a former leader of the National Youth Orchestra, and she studied violin with the great Alfredo Campoli for a year. In a glowing review, a Daily Telegraph critic acknowledged that some people might carp that there are more ‘authentic’ gypsy ensembles around, but the tradition that Marianne Olyver is honouring is actually a valid and complex one. The so-called Hungarian gypsy orchestras that flourished at the beginning of the last century often involved conservatoire-trained musicians playing specially commissioned compositions and arrangements. If you’ve already enjoyed ‘Serenade’, you’re sure to want this one was well. David Ades This CD, and the other release ‘Serenade’, are available from the RFS Record Service for £11 each (US $ 22).
Marco Polo Film Music series: BERNARD HERRMANN "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" & "5 Fingers". Score restorations by John Morgan - Moscow Symphony Orchestra conducted by William Stromberg Marco Polo 8225168, 66:27 mins.
GEORGE ANTHEIL: American Classics Ballet Mecanique; Serenade for String Orchestra; Symphony for Five Instruments; Concert for Chamber Orchestra Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra / Daniel Spalding NAXOS 8559060, 59:05 mins. Warning: the opening of this CD may shock you! One critic apparently described Ballet Mecanique as ‘the very acme of demented modernism’! It is certainly different, and remains the one work for which this neglected American composer is vaguely remembered. Thankfully(?) the remaining works are more straightforward, although the Symphony for Five Instruments has some weird moments. Definitely not light music, but we mention it for the benefit of those brave readers who might wish to expand their musical horizons. No doubt it will be praised to the heavens in certain classical magazines! David Ades
1950 JAMBOREE! Memoir compilation of 78s issued in 1950, including tracks by Joe ‘Fingers’ Carr, Nellie Lutcher, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Eve Young, Jo Stafford, Rose Murphy, Danny Kaye, Teresa Brewer, Perez Prado, Bob Hope, Bill Snyder, Steve Conway and many more; 25 tracks. Memoir CDMOIR 560, 73:04 mins. This isn’t exactly Light Music, but one of our members said that we ought to mention it in JIM, so we’re happy to oblige! On any visit to record shops these days, you will find dozens of compilations on the shelves. They do offer a marvellous opportunity to hear again those precious 78s which many people are no longer able to play at home. It’s really a question of looking closely at the contents, then checking which company has produced the record and who is responsible for the sound restoration. The first point is obviously a matter of choice, but in this case the fact that Memoir have compiled the CD, and Ted Kendall has handled the remastering, means that you are getting a quality product. The comprehensive booklet notes are the work of Nigel Hunter, who always knows what he is writing about. No more comments are needed! David Ades
EDMUNDO ROS and his Orchestra 2 LPs on 1 CD: Strings Latino Cumana, Felicidade, Mas Que Nada, A Man and a Woman, Green Eyes, Malaguena, Granada, La Cumparsita, La Macarena, Thank U Very Much, Delicado, Rumba Rhapsody. Latin Hits I Missed Carnival, Ole Mambo, Spanish Flea, The Peanut Vendor, Cuban Love Song, Tico-Tico, Pablo the Dreamer, Whipped Cream, Solamente una Vez, In Happened in Monterey, Baia, La Bamba. Vocalion CDLK4114, 62:48 mins. Edmundo Ros still has a big following in many countries, and these two LPs were among the best he made. Personally I think it a pity that he sings on some tracks, and it is strange that he should have described Cuban Love Song as one of the hits he missed, when he used it as his signature tune for many years! As the title suggests, the first LP features a good string section, which is absent on the other. Decca’s Phase 4 sound from the 1960s could be gimmicky at times, and the separation of the instruments now sounds rather false and unnecessary. But it is not too excessive, so don’t let it put you off buying.David Ades
TED HEATH and his Music 2 LPs on 1 CD: All Time Top Twelve Begin the Beguine, April in Paris, ‘S Wonderful, Tenderly, Autumn Leaves, Somebody Loves Me, September Song, Stardust, Tea For Two, On the Sunny Side of the Street, I’ve Got the World on a String, My Blue Heaven. Shall We Dance? Dancing in the Dark, I Could Have Danced All Night, Dancing with my Shadow, The Love Dance, Shall We Dance, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Dancing Time, Ten Cents a Dance, Dancing with Tears in my Eyes, Dance Ballerina Dance, All You Want to do is Dance, I Won’t Dance. Vocalion CDLK4115, 58:07 mins. Ted Heath fans are now enjoying something of a bonanza, with many of his fine albums now being reissued on CD. The band became a legend in its own lifetime, and the quality of the arrangements and the performances set a standard which still amazes. How great to have the booklet notes newly written by Johnny Keating. The only thing which has dated is the LP covers .... oh dear!! David Ades
SID PHILLIPS and his Great Jazz Band 2 LPs on 1 CD: Stomp Rags & Blues Sugar Foot Stomp, St. Louis Blues, Tiger Rag, etc. Clarinet Marmalade Dardanella, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Strut Miss Lizzie, etc. 24 tracks Vocalion CDLK4117, 67:04 mins. Like Ted Heath, Sid Phillips is also enjoying a mini-boom in popularity, with several recent CDs of his vintage tracks. These two Rediffusion LPs come from a later period, the 1970s, although it is believed that the recordings actually took place around 1962-1964, not long after Sid Phillips’ contract with EMI had expired. Long before that (the 1930s, in fact) he had been recognised as one of the brilliant arrangers providing such inventive scores for the Ambrose Orchestra. The clear tone of the Sid Phillips clarinet is one of the glorious sounds of the British recording industry, and this CD contains many fine examples. David Ades
ROSEMARY SQUIRES ‘Shine’ Let Yourself Go, You Turned The Tables On Me, I Used To Be Colour Blind, Shine, My Kid’s A Crooner, Green Dolphin Street, Sometimes A Day Goes By, Soon It’s Gonna Rain, All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm, Penthouse Serenade, Invitation, How Deep Is The Ocean, I Remember You, Blue, Honeysuckle Rose with The Brian Dee Trio Mainstem MCD0020, 63:30 mins. Rosemary describes this new CD as ‘gentle jazz’; it is also her first new jazz album for 36 years! After over 50 years in the business, Rosemary has now fulfilled an ambition to record numbers of her own choice with musicians of her own choice. Her selection in both instances is immaculate. Although some great favourites are present, it is great to hear some less hackneyed songs which many singers would have hesitated to bless with a jazz treatment. Rosemary says she is quietly proud to be labelled a ‘musicians’ singer, so it is hardly surprising that people like trombonist Don Lusher (on 2 tracks) need no persuasion to work with her. Other featured players (not on all tracks) include Brian Dee (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), Clark Tracey (drums), Dave Green (bass), Matt Miles (bass), Alan Barnes (saxophone, clarinet), Ernie Cranenburgh (guitar), and Paul Eshelby (trumpet). One particularly nice touch happens in Penthouse Serenade: the first 16 bars actually come from a 1950s recording at the Star Club in Wardour Street, when Rosie was accompanied on piano by Alan Clare, then Brian Dee takes over. The CD booklet gives potted biographies and photos of the musicians - a generous gesture so typical of Rosemary. Her warm voice caresses each and every number with obvious affection, and the result is sheer delight for the listener. Even if you think you don’t like jazz, I suspect that this CD would captivate you! David Ades This CD is available for £11.95 from Rosemary Squires Enterprises, 2 The Meadows, Milford, Salisbury, SP1 2SS, England. State if you wish it to be signed or dedicated by Rosemary herself.
JACKIE GLEASON PRESENTS LONESOME ECHO. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Dancing On The Ceiling, Darling Je Vous Aime Beaucoup, Someday I'll Find You, I Wished On The Moon, Deep Purple, How Deep Is The Ocean?, 9 others plus 3 unreleased recordings. (USA) Collectors' Choice 72435-29752-2-8, 58:49. This is one of a handful of exotic albums in the Jackie Gleason catalogue at Capitol Records. Recorded around 1955, it is scored for mandolins, domra (large balalaika), guitar, cello and marimba. Gleason is reported to have told the mandolinists to dip their picks in a shot glass of bourbon that he had provided for each player! The resulting nostalgic timbre of this appealing group works well on "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," "Deep Purple," and "How Deep Is The Ocean?" The booklet includes the original liner notes with Salvador Dali's explanation of his album art plus a photo of Jackie Gleason shaking hands with Dali. As a bonus, we are treated to three unreleased tracks in the familiar strings with trumpet obbligato format. Gleason greatly admired jazz musicians and insisted on having Bobby Hackett, one of the gentlest of players, on his sessions. Gleason's arrangers fashioned charts with Hackett's trumpet as the leading voice accompanied by strings. Without Hackett's golden-toned trumpet solos, Jackie Gleason's recordings would sound confusing with just the counter melodies. Happily the trumpet of Bobby Hackett is gloriously present, making a beautiful addition to an already wonderful listening experience. Richard Jessen
LOUIS LEVY and his Orchestras Taking a Stroll Around the Park; Everybody Sing - selection; A Bouquet of Flowers - medley; In the Sudan; Babylonian Nights; Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye (Gracie Fields); ‘These Bands Make Music’ - 1944 BBC transcription programme; I Want The World To Know; My First Love; Kiss Me Kate - selection. Crystal Stream Audio IDCD68, 72:00 mins. Australian record producer Frank Bristow’s mammoth project to reissue the magnificent repertoire of Louis Levy has finally reached its conclusion with this eighth volume, now that the remaining recordings have fallen out of copyright. A few tracks are earlier numbers, located after a struggle, which certainly applies to the last item, the selection from Kiss Me Kate on Decca. Three tracks feature the Alfred Van Dam Gaumont British Orchestra, playing Louis Levy arrangements. We also have Levy accompanying The Street Singer, Arthur Tracy, on two titles, and that famous Gracie Fields film soundtrack recording from "Shipyard Sally" - Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye - she was too ill to go into the record studios, and the company wanted to put the 78 out quickly. Perhaps the most interesting item from an historical viewpoint is the Louis Levy Orchestra featured in "These Bands Make Music", a BBC Transcription Service broadcast from 1944. Together these eight CDs represent a considerable achievement in sound restoration, coupled with a dogged determination to track down elusive items. Those of us who enjoy the rich, lush orchestral sounds of Louis Levy owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Bristow and his colleague Ian Dodds. David AdesThis CD is available from Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA.
German Film Composers
BERT KAEMPFERT 90 Minuten Nach Mitternacht (Terror After Midnight); Willkommen Mister B... (A Man Could Get Killed); Zwei Kerle Aus Granit (You Can’t Win ‘Em All). (Germany) Bear Family Records BCD16571AH.
ROLF WILHELM Title tracks from numerous films including: Phantom des Grossen Zeltes, Die Grunen Teufel von Monte Casino, Via Mala, etc. 34 tracks. (Germany) Bear Family Records BCD16484AR.
ERWIN HALLETZ Excerpts from numerous films including: Das Studenthotel von St. Pauli, Das Rasthaus der Grausamen Pupper, Das Liebeskarussel, etc. 30 tracks. (Germany) Bear Family Records BCD16488AR. In JIM 144 (September 2000) I reviewed two previous German film music collections from Bear Family, devoted to Martin Böttcher and Gert Wilden. These new CDs featuring Rolf Wilhelm and Erwin Halletz follow the same format, with varied excerpts supported by superb booklets which must delight German cinema enthusiasts. I have to admit that I am not really aware of the work of these composers, although the name Erwin Halletz is familiar from his superb LPs conducting the Monte Carlo Light Symphony Orchestra. The Bert Kaempfert release is a more conventional CD (no thick colourful booklet!), but the music is certainly very interesting. It seems that he was not particularly active in films, although one of his greatest hits Strangers In The Nightwas featured in ‘Wilkommen Mister B..’. Bear Family Records continue to bring out interesting new releases, and we feel sure that our German readers especially will be delighted with these three.David Ades
SIDNEY TORCH at the Wurlitzer Organ of the Gaumont State, Kilburn Hot Pipes! What Goes Up Must Come Down, Bei Mir Bist du Schoen, The Merry Widow - selection, Remember Me, Tunes of the Times, Don’t Worry ’Bout Me, The Gypsy Princess - selection, Song of India, Gullivers Travels - selection, etc. 22 tracks. Piping Hot PH2002, 71:38 mins. Sidney Torch is greatly admired by light music aficionados, and his pre-war recordings also have a similar fascination for cinema organ enthusiasts. Several LP and CD collections of his 78s have already appeared, and I have to admit that I cannot say whether any (or many) of the tracks on this new release are still available elsewhere. However I can confirm that the transfers have been very well done, with a full sound doing as much justice to the Wurlitzer as was possible through late-1930s microphones! Torch’s incredible ability certainly shines through; we know that he wasn’t involved in multi-tracking, but at times it almost sounds like it! Full marks also for the CD booklet, which is crammed with interesting information on Torch, and the organ itself. A nice compilation, obviously put together by producer Steve Ashley with enthusiasm for similar-minded folk. David Ades This CD is available from: Piping Hot Recording Company, PO Box 46, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1YU, England - UK price £11.00 (incl.. postage).
Naxos ‘Life and Works’ series: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN 4 CDs and booklet, written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann with Bob Peck as Beethoven Naxos 8558024-27, 4 hours 56 mins. I have to confess my ignorance regarding Beethoven. Perhaps my music teacher at school tried to force me to listen to some of his less accessible works - whatever the reason, I have always preferred what might be termed the more tuneful or romantic classics, such as Delius, Debussy, Bax, Vaughan Williams, Holst and Ravel. However there has always been the niggling doubt at the back of my mind: if so many people proclaim Beethoven to be the world’s greatest composer, am I missing something? Therefore I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to review this new Naxos release, which is one of a growing series devoted to the great composers. As you will by now have gathered, in no way can I speak with any authority on the subject, so I cannot comment upon how accurate Jeremy Siepmann is in his comments or opinions. What I can say, is that I found his approach everything that I hoped it would be, and I have no hesitation in recommending this collection to anyone like myself who wishes to make a similar voyage of discovery. The excellent booklet includes the spoken text, plus numerous other facts about Beethoven’s life and work. Naturally there are generous examples of Beethoven’s music, taken from the vast Naxos library of his work. Other composers in this series: Frederic Chopin 4 CDs Naxos 8558001-04; Franz Liszt 2 CDs Naxos 8558005-06. David Ades
TOM HARRELL "Paradise" Daybreak, Baroque steps, Night-time, Wind chant, Paradise spring, Morning prayer, Part I, Part 2, Wishing well, Sunrise. (USA) BMG Bluebird 09026-63738-2. There is a photo of Tom on the cover, eyes shut, totally blissed out! You can share this emotion hearing the music Tom has written for this beautiful CD. He sketched the arrangements on keyboard but the recording used a small string section, two violins, one viola, two cello, one harp plus sax, guitar, piano, acoustic bass/ drums and percussion and most important of all Tom's eloquent trumpet and flugelhorn. Each song is a masterpiece (sometimes almost melancholic!) but this is music to be cherished, real magic in the sounds, fresh and summery from start to finish. I often wish for larger string sections but on this outing the line up is just right. "Daybreak" sets the mood, a soft downward spiral of notes followed by a fast solo from Tom. From then on it just gets better and better! Some of the sweetest sounds you will hear this year. "Night-time" is eleven captivating minutes of song, the delicate traceries woven on "Paradise Spring" Those three tracks clinched it for me but there are six others I could go over the top writing about which would make this an article and not a review! Get it, it really is paradise. Paul Clatworthy
BOB FLORENCE: ANOTHER SIDE. Take the "A" Train, All the Things You Are, Chelsea Bridge, How Deep Is the Ocean?, You Must Believe in Spring, plus 6 medleys. (USA) MAMA CD MMF-1029, 53:48. Bob Florence has long been regarded as one of America's greatest living arrangers. With this CD, we now get to hear him in a different guise, that of pianist in a series of ballads. Technically, Florence plays with a calmingly smooth, even tone. However, there are touches of his dry humour, especially in playing "'A' Train" as a ballad. He also uses the chorus as the introduction to most of the songs, used to great effect in "Chelsea Bridge" and "How Deep Is the Ocean?" Where Florence really opens up is in the six medleys where we hear his genius in full flower. The most startlingly beautiful is "My Friend, John," made up of three songs by Johnny Mandel ("Suicide is Painless," "The Shining Sea," and "You Are There"). So highly inventive is Florence's creative abilities that he draws the listener in and keeps one there with wonderful impressionistic charm. It goes without saying that this CD by Bob Florence belongs in any buyer's collection with the highest of recommendations! Richard Jessen
BUGGE WESSELTOFT "It's snowing on my piano" Title track, In Dulce Jubilo, O Little town of Bethlehem, What child is this (Greensleeves), Stille Nacht, Into eternal silence, etc. (Germany - ACT Ambient 9260-2). When samplers are issued there is always at least one track which so sticks in your mind you track down the album it came from as soon as possible! The tune that worked for me was Bugge's "New conception in jazz" (Sonet 537 251-2). Completely hooked, I snapped up his next album "Moving" (Jazzland 013 534-2) which I never reviewed for JIM because I thought them far too esoteric for most of our readers. As you know my taste usually centre's around groups, in particular large bands which have so much scope in tonal sounds. In that respect this album was not what I expected but after a few playings this young talent from Norway using just solo piano insidiously wormed his way into my head. I know we have many piano fans in our ranks who will find this equally compelling. There is never a hint of beat but you do not miss it! Reflective piano playing of the highest order, some titles familiar others not, a Christmas album with a difference. Paul Clatworthy
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ ‘The Ultimate Collection’ Song of India, Waltz from ‘Die Fledermaus’, A Thousand and One Nights, Blue Danube, Vienna Life, Sweet Leilani, Tonight, Irma La Douce, The Rain in Spain, My Favourite Things, Happy Talk, Try to Remember, Unchained Melody, Mame, If I Were a Rich Man, Fools Rush In, The Shadow of Your Smile, The Nearness of You, Hello Dolly, Calcutta, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head, Till There Was You, What Kind of Fool Am I, Loving You, In the Still of the Night, I Love Paris, Begin the Beguine, Love for Sale, etc... 60 tracks. 3-CD collection (Australia) Columbia 5024642000. Space doesn’t allow us to list all 60 tracks, however the titles above give a clear indication of the contents. But everything may not be as you’d expect; some of the titles are later versions of standards Kostelanetz also recorded in his early career - no doubt the compilers wanted to include stereo tracks whenever possible. Any collection which calls itself ‘Ultimate’ is asking for such a claim to be challenged, and it is not difficult to complain about favourites which are missing. When I started listening to the light classics on CD1 I started to get depressed, and such feelings reappeared when playing some of Kosty’s later recordings of pop songs on the other two CDs. Just when I was on the point of not going any further, something would turn up which made me almost forgive whoever was responsible for some of the things the maestro was made to do towards the end of his career. Personally I have discovered some real gems in this collection, and having played all three CDs several times I am finding more to enjoy each time. So it just goes to show that hasty first impressions may not always be valid! David Ades This 3-CD collection is available through the RFS Record Service for £15 (US $30).
NEW YORK VOICES "Sing sing sing" Sing, Sing, Sing, I can't believe you're in love with me, Smack Dab in the middle, Early Autumn, Bli Blip, Ain't Nobody here but us chickens, Save your love for me, Orange coloured sky, Hallelujah, I love her so, Cloudburst, Stardust, Don't be that way, In a mellow tone, I'll be seeing you (Concord CCD-4961-2) All these titles have been covered by famous groups of the past, The Hi Lo's, Singers Unlimited, The Four Freshmen, The Meltones ... to name a few. Backed by a Big Band arranged by Darmon Meader (one of the "voices"), Michael Abene and Rob Mounsey, all the songs come up fresh as paint (it swings just like in says on the sleeve!) Standout tracks "Early Autumn", "Orange coloured Sky" and "Save your love for me. A bout of nostalgia 2001 style impeccably performed. Paul Clatworthy
PATRICK WILLIAMS "Blonde" - TV soundtrack Concord Jazz/PEI PBD-7500-2, 56 mins. Not just a big-band studio album of mostly pop-tunes as his classic Phil
Ramone-engineered Verve albums of over 30 years ago, Grammy-award winner Patrick Williams superbly recreates the days of Miller, Basie and Krupa with a very modern 18-piece big band often backed by a 14-piece string section. Big band masters of that era Snooky Young, James Moody and Ray Brown join Plas Johnson, Kenny Burrell, Mundell Lowe, Bill Watrous and RFS's Michael Lang to ensure a swinging feel throughout, playing standards Chelsea Bridge, I Can't Give You Anything But Love and Three Little Words intertwined with newly-composed seamless material. We are fortunate to have magazine publisher PEI start its jazz series with this excellent
all-new-arrangements recording of the best veteran American big-band jazz players.
Alan Watts
MATT MONRO: Walk Away. Walk Away, Georgia On My Mind, Softly As I Leave You, It's A Breeze, Who Can I Turn To plus 7 others. Invitation To The Movies. Alfie, Georgy Girl, Theme From "The Sand Pebbles," A Time For Love, Born Free plus 6 others. (USA) Collectables COL-CD-2274, 65:25. Every time Matt Monro opened his mouth to sing, he gave all of us a free lesson. And here is bountiful proof of that statement - "Walk Away" (1965) and "Invitation to the Movies" (1967). The former contains his sure fire hit "Walk Away" sung with great poignancy which never gets sickeningly maudlin. "It's A Breeze" is a gasser with Riddleisms all over the place as is "Going Places," both inspiring the jazzier sides of Monro. Hoagy Carmichael thought the world of Matt Monro and loved his 1963 recording of his songs. Here we sample a later exploration of Carmichael's lyrics in "Georgia..." as well as "I Get Along Without You Very Well." Both are magnificent aspects of the tonsorial art. "Softly As I Leave You" is another show stopper, sung with masculine grace and dignity. The movie album finds us hearing the "Sand Pebbles Theme" ("And We Were Lovers") warmly sung by Monro as are "Alfie" and "Born Free." Matt's ambition to record with Billy May results in sparkling renditions of "Georgy Girl" and "A Man And A Woman." Arrangers are Johnnie Spence, Sid Feller, Billy May and John Barry. The transfer to CD is flawlessly lifelike and serves as a monument to one of the world's greatest pop singers, one of many whose careers came to fruition during the 1960's. Richard Jessen
PHIL KELSALL ‘Seasons In The Sun’ Berliner Luft, Oh My Beloved Father, Londonderry Air, Side Saddle, Spanish Eyes, The Entertainer, Songs My Mother Taught Me, Midnite Blue, Poupee Valssante, etc.. Grasmere GRCD 110, 65:37 mins. This new CD finds Phil Kelsall in electronic mode playing the Technics SX-FA1 (surely the manufacturers could have found a more catchy name for an organ?!). Mr. K makes so many CDs, we can only assume that there is a strong demand among organ lovers. I am sure that this latest one won’t disappoint them. David Ades
EDDIE HEYWOOD: Canadian Sunset. Lies, Rendezvous For Two, Heywood's Beguine, All About You, Begin the Beguine, Canadian Sunset (2 versions) plus 10 others. (USA) Collectables COL CD-6290, 47:15. Eddie Heywood (born in Atlanta, Georgia on 4 December, 1915; died 2 January, 1989 in Miami Beach, Florida) became a superstar with his own composition "Canadian Sunset" in 1956. Yet his career was halted twice due to a mysterious paralysis in both hands (the first attack in 1947-50, the second in the late 1960's). In spite of this, his playing has a warmly fluid lyricism as evidenced by this current CD which pairs the complete version of the stereo LP of 1957 with 45 rpm releases from 1951 to 1956. Six tracks are arrangements for orchestra by Sid Ramin (Leonard Bernstein's friend and fellow classmate at Tanglewood) while the other six are with Heywood's quartet. The quartet tracks reveal a sharper style to Heywood's abilities. The results of both are highly enjoyable especially "Rendezvous for Two" and "Dearest Darling." There's also "Heywood's Beguine" and an alternate version of "Canadian Sunset" that makes an interesting contrast. The other tracks are from 45 rpm singles ( tracks 13 and 15, 16) with "Begin the Beguine" an unidentified cut from another LP. But we save the best for last, my theme song "Canadian Sunset" with Hugo Winterhalter's orchestra. This lively shuffle-rhythm number has been a firm favourite of mine for years. One question to all Canadians - is this what your sunsets are like? One way to find out is to buy this CD! Richard Jessen
Recent British Dance Band Issues From Vocalion
Lew Stone - The Decca Years Vol. 2 Milenburg Joys, Lying In The Hay, Coffee In The Morning, It’s Psychological, Faint Harmony, I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck, etc. 24 tracks CDEA6056, 73:36 mins.
Felix Mendelssohn and his Orchestra (featuring the Hawaiian Serenaders) Sweet Is The Word For You, Silvery Moon and Golden Sands, So Little Time, In the Mountains of the Moon, Home Town, The Girl in the Upstairs Flat, etc. 26 tracks CDEA6057, 75:20 mins.
Teddy Joyce The Lights are Low the Music is Sweet, I Never Slept a Wink Last Night, Way Back Home, Corcovado, What Are You Doing Out in the Rain, etc. 25 tracks CDEA6058, 75:42 mins.
Victor Silvester, his Ballroom Orchestra and Strings Learn to Dance, Oh Johnny Oh!, Chicago, If I Didn’t Care, Maria My Own, Marvellous, Lucky Me Lucky You, etc. 27 tracks CDEA6059, 72:24 mins.
Roberto Inglez and his Orchestra Come Closer To Me, Nocturne, Serenade, The Green Cockatoo, In the Still of the Night, Without You, Jamaican Rumba, Dancing in the Dark, Tico-Tico, Night after Night, I’m Always Chasing Rainbows, Brazil, Autumn Serenade etc. 25 tracks CDEA6062, 75:35 mins. Pseudonyms are common in show business; many performers like to forget the names they were given at birth, and others change them in a quest for authority or authenticity. Perhaps the piano-playing Scot, Bob Inglis, felt that no one would take him seriously when he performed Latin-American music, but a change to ‘Roberto Inglez’ worked miracles for him. There was never any doubt regarding his credentials; he spent six years with Edmundo Ros, and his rumba group was relief band to Carroll Gibbons at London’s Savoy Hotel. For his commercial recordings he made the wise decision to widen his appeal through an instrumental line-up that was possibly closer to light music than ‘genuine’ Latin-American. The result was that his gentle blend of rhythmic standards reached a wide audience, and today, fifty-five years later, it is not difficult to appreciate why his charming recordings were so well received. As Arthur Jackson says in his booklet notes, this was sophisticated music of its time. Make sure that you add a fresh touch of sophistication to your CD collection - there isn’t much of it about any more! David Ades
PERRY COMO A Sentimental Tale Love Me or Leave Me, Body and Soul, Laroo Laroo Lilli Bolero, Roses of Picardy, I Gotta Girl I Love, What Am I Gonna Do About You, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling, etc. 25 tracks Vocalion CDUS3021, 74:14 mins.
GUY LOMBARDO and his Royal Canadians Doll Dance, Take It Easy, Make Believe, Dancing in the Dark, Begin the Beguine, At Dawning, etc. 25 tracks Vocalion CDUS3022, 68:53 mins.
Production (Mood) Music CDs
KPM: SIDNEY TORCH conducting The New Century Orchestra
Volume 1: Theatre of Romance [Len Stevens]; Fashionable Enclosure [Philip Green]; Radio Theatre [Jack Beaver]; The Take Off [Len Stevens]; Stratosphere [Eric Spear]; Air Hostess [Len Stevens]; Industry: Mainly Machines [Kenneth Morrison]; Industry: More Machines [Jack Beaver]; Industrial Sequence [Jack Beaver]; Caribbean Caprice [Len Stevens]; Nightfall [Josef Rixner]; Sombrero [Jack Brown] ; Beguine Mood [Len Stevens]; Olympic Games March [Ronald Hanmer]; Beaten By A Head [Bill Williamson]; Holiday Camp March [Jack Beaver]; The Paddock [Philip Green]; Spotlight On Sport [Jack Beaver]; All The Fun Of The Fair [Ronald Hanmer]; Children’s Party [Ronald Hanmer]; The Philandering Panda [Ronald Hanmer]; Golliwog On The Loose [Len Stevens]; Bromsgrove Fair [Leslie Bridgewater]; Down The Road [Fred Gilbert]; Autumn Scene [Jack Brown]; Harp And The Breeze [Ronald Hanmer]; Village Green [George Cruickshank]; Avalanche [Len Stevens]; Bishops Rocks [Harold Collins]; Lost In A Fog [Ronald Hanmer]; Nemesis [Jack Beaver]; Arctic Wastes [Jack Brown].
Volume 2: Voice Of Industry [Jack Beaver]; Royal Visit [Ronald Hanmer]; A.T.S. On Parade [Hans Millar]; March Of Events [Jack Beaver & Henry Fisher]; Crown Of Laurel [Anthony Spurgin]; Pomp And Pageantry [Jack Brown]; Solemn Moment [Cecil Milner]; Dance Of The Ghosts [Montague Ewing]; Just Whimsical [Ronald Hanmer]; One Over The Eight [Len Stevens]; Scotland Yard [Len Stevens]; Cat Burglar [Ronald Hanmer]; Conflagration [Jack Beaver]; Barbaric Episode [Jack Beaver]; Mardi Gras [Ferde Grofe]; Informal Interview [Ronald Hanmer]; Morning Promenade [Ronald Hanmer]; Strings ‘N’ Things [Harold Patrick]; Bowin’ And Scrapin’ [R. Casson]; Evening Stroll [Ronald Hanmer]; Gazelle [Montague Ewing]; Spiral Staircase [Jack Helyer]; Table Talk [Ronald Hanmer]; The Fountain [Ronald Hanmer]; Momentum [Edwin Harrison]; On Safari [Ronald Hanmer]; Silver Spurs [Philip Green]; Celtic Snapshots [Bobby Pagan]; Highland Games [Ronald Hanmer]; Avila [Ronald Hanmer]; Hawaiian Interlude [Ronald Hanmer]; Way Out East [Ronald Hanmer].
These two new CDs offer a fascinating selection of vintage mood music from the late 1940s. All the tracks come from Francis, Day & Hunter 78 rpm records, and they have been remastered at EMI Abbey Road. These CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service : price £9 (US $18) each.
Boosey Media: The Archive Collection Vol. 3 Costa Rican Carnival, Cannes Couture, Come Cuban (Edward White); Uncle Harry, Eight Man Bunce, Colonel Crud, Valse Parisienne (Trevor Duncan); Gnome at Home (Eric Winstone); The Bop Addict, In a Country Lane, The Mixed Up Kid (Paul Hamilton - alias Monia Liter); Slapstick Pete (Andrew Basil - alias Bassett Silver); Three Over Four (Edward Rubach); Faces in the Fog, The Game of Three (M.G. Frank); African Fun (Chris Barron)Cavendish CAV CD125. This third volume of Boosey & Hawkes archives has been a long time coming, but I have to say that it is a disappointment. Over the years I have frequently made the point that CDs issued by Production Music companies are simply a means of getting their products into the hands of users, namely the film, radio and television companies around the world. They arenot intended for leisure listening at home. However many of these releases by various London (and other) publishers have been well received by readers of this magazine, and we are very grateful to our friends in the business for allowing us to purchase copies from them. This latest CD from Boosey & Hawkes (who seem to have dropped the ‘Cavendish’ name in favour of ‘Boosey Media’) lasts under 30 minutes, and features mainly the kind of sounds which took over mood music in the later 1960s and 1970s. So don’t expect the sort of material which was featured on their first two volumes of archive recordings. Having said that, any CD which includes music by composers such as Edward White, Trevor Duncan and Monia Liter surely merits some attention. B&H still have a vast storehouse of orchestral riches from the 1940s and 1950s hidden somewhere in their vaults, and we can only hope that they will eventually be made available once again on CD. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £9 (US $18); the first two volumes of B&H Archives are also still available.
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
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 1 Caramba (William Blezard); Overture to a Costume Comedy (Stanley Black); Overture and Beginners (James Langley); Tantivy Towers (Thomas Dunhill); Boy Wizard (Herbert Chappell); Festive Overture (Walter Carroll); Overture to an Unwritten Comedy (Michael Hurd); The Arcadians (Lionel Monckton); A Spa Overture (Philip Lane); Concert Overture (Thomas Pitfield); Sussex Symphony Overture (Paul Lewis) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland ASV CDWHL 2130, total playing time 66:27. Is there no limit to what Philip Lane can unearth from the Light Music archives of this country? In his latest marvellous mid-price offering from ASV we are treated to another collection of recovered gems interspersed with some outstanding contemporary pieces. Apart from The Arcadians, they will be unfamiliar to most of us but hopefully not for too long. Tantivy Towers was a 1931 musical staged at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith while A Spa Overture is based on Philip Lane’s home town of Cheltenham. An interesting set of sleeve notes explains how all the other overtures came into being together with a potted biography of each composer. How fortunate we are that several major record companies now recognise the public interest in Light Music. If only the BBC would do the same! Peter WorsleyThere may be (though one doubts it!) readers of ‘Keeping Track’ who believe that enough is as good as a feast, and that eleven overtures – one after another – are a bit much. But programmability is one of the real benefits of CD Audio. If it’s some time since you last heard Stanley Black’s delightful pastiche, or the jolly and almost indecently tuneful Monckton/ Wood concoction, and wish to discover lots more equally super music herein – I can safely say: go out, get this, programme it judiciously and it will give enjoyment unlimited. Plus mark: the evocative inlay cover photo (Stanton High Street in the Cotswolds, with not a horseless carriage in sight). John E. Govier The above reviewers have almost said it all, but has anyone heard a better overture composed in the past five years than theSussex Symphony Overture by Paul Lewis? What sheer exuberance, coupled with melodious charm and sensitivity. David Ades
ERIC COATES – British Light Music (Volume 2) Calling All Workers; Springtime – Suite; From Meadow to Mayfair – Suite; With a Song in my Heart – Symphonic Rhapsody; London Again – Suite; By the Tamarisk; The Three Bears – Phantasy. Eric Coates conducting various orchestrasNaxos Historical 8110182, total playing time 62:20 minutes. If you missed the Conifer collections of Eric Coates’ recordings some years ago, then you may wish to consider this recent release of some of the finest Light Music ever composed. The transfers are just about acceptable, but not up to the standard we have come to expect these days. Naxos should exercise greater quality control over their historical issues, otherwise there is a danger that they will acquire a reputation for being inferior to others. Unfortunately this comment also applies to the technical quality of the Ketèlbey CD reviewed below. David Ades
ALBERT KETÈLBEY Volume 2 The Sacred Hour; Bells Across the Meadows; In a Fairy Realm – Suite; Algerian Scene; Fairy Butterfly; King Cupid; In the Mystic Land of Egypt; Wedgewood Blue; Sanctuary of the Heart; In a Persian Market; A Dream of Christmas; In a Monastery Garden Various Orchestras and Singers NAXOS 8110848, 61:42 mins. Another splendid collection of Ketèlbey originals from the Tens, Twenties and Thirties but this time including a vocal flavour. The singers on various tracks are Peter Dawson, Florence Smithson, Dennis Noble, Nellie Walker, Robert Easton and Oscar Natzke, while Albert Sandler also pops up with a violin solo. Ketèlbey himself conducts most of the pieces but also wielding the baton are Ray Noble, Henry Geehl and Charles Prentice. The transfers are clean and melodious, making this a most welcome addition to the repertoire, especially the seldom heard and truly delightful In a Fairy Realm. Peter Worsley
SALONORCHESTER SCHWANEN conducted by GEORG HUBER Salon Orchestra Favourites Volume 2 Blauer Himmel (Josef Rixner); Funiculi Funicula (Luigi Denza); Avant de Mourir (Georges Boulanger); South of the Alps (Ernst Fischer); Blue Tango, Belle of the Ball (Leroy Anderson); Dark Eyes (A. Ferraris); Gerhardt Winkler Medley (Winkler); A Media Luz (Edgardo Donato); Midnight on the Alster (Oscar Fetras); Puszta Fox (Mihaly Erdelyi); I Kiss Your Hand Madame (Ralph Erwin).Naxos 8555344, time 65:41 mins. Yet more classic Light Music from ‘the day before yesterday’ stylishly and sympathetically performed by musicians of today. Auditioning this release via headphones brought it home to me once again: Light music is rather more than just a succession of nice tunes – performances with this degree of intimacy and understanding bring out all the harmonic subtleties and rhythmic nuances which prove it! If you enjoyed the previous volume, I’ve no doubt that you will approve of this one. John E. Govier
GREAT OPERETTA RECORDINGS Pirates of Penzance & Trial By Jury Naxos 8.110196/7 D’Oyly Carte Opera Company conducted by Isidore Godfrey. Attention all G & S fans because here is another great complete historic recording to add to HMS Pinafore and The Mikado already in the Naxos bargain bag. Dating from 1949 it features all the greats of the time with Martyn Green and Darrell Fancourt leading the way. There is little more to say – it’s a bargain – and with Trial By Jurytoo! Edmund Whitehouse All Naxos CDs are available from the RFS record Service.
LIGHT CLASSICS Dance Music From Old Vienna Naxos 8.555689 A collection of 15 waltzes, galops and polkas recorded in the mid-19th Century style by the modern Tanzqurett Wienn, from which you will deduce that all the track listings are in German – although fortunately not the sleeve notes which have an English version by Keith Anderson. This is salon music from the high point of Viennese culture. If that is your thing then you will enjoy this well-recorded disc. Edmund Whitehouse
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA / ANDRÉ PREVIN ‘Previn Conducts Korngold’ Film Scores from: "The Sea Hawk", "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex", "Captain Blood" and "The Prince and the Pauper" Deutsche Grammophon 471347-2, 67:57 mins. In recent years admirers of Korngold’s work (both for films, and in the classical sphere) have been well-served with recordings. One could be forgiven for wondering if another release was necessary, but any such doubts should be dispelled within minutes of listening to this superb new recording. The London Symphony under Andre Previn perform magnificently, and Korngold’s glorious scores have never sounded better.David Ades
ENGLISH STRING MINIATURES Volume 4 Peter Hope – Momentum Suite; Frank Bridge – Two Pieces; Adam Carse – Two Sketches; Ernest Tomlinson – Graceful Dance; Gustav Holst – A Moorside Suite; Frederick Delius – Two Aquarelles; Paul Lewis – English Suite Northern Sinfonia conducted by David Lloyd-Jones Naxos 8555070, 62:14 mins. Mining the rich and apparently bottomless seam of English string music, this team has struck gold again! Another opus from the ever-fresh imagination of Peter Hope; two student pieces by Frank Bridge ‘rescued’ by Paul Hindmarsh; something on record at last by Adam Carse (and high time, too); and a charming interlude by one of Light Music’s most distinctive voices – Ernest Tomlinson. Then there is Holst’s string arrangement of a National Contest piece for brass bands (available complete on disc at last, nearly 70 years on); Eric Fenby’s transcriptions of two Delius part-songs – magically atmospheric – and Paul Lewis’s totally endearing English Suite with its ‘spot the real ending’ finale! What a bargain! John E. Govier
TWILIGHT MEMORIES Vintage British Light Music Curtain Up (Lambert Williamson); Sea Songs(Vaughan Williams); Folk Tune (Percy Fletcher); Waltz from The Three Bears (Eric Coates); Ascot Parade (Jack Strachey); Prunella - white kitten interlude (Leslie Bridgewater); Fiddle Dance (Percy Fletcher); The Young Ballerina - potter’s wheel interlude music (Charles Williams); Fireflies (Peter Yorke); Dance of an Ostracised Imp (Frederic Curzon); Muse in Mayfair - spinning wheel interlude music (Vivian Ellis); They Ride By Night (Charles Williams); Fandango (Sidney Torch); Shadow Waltz(Clive Richardson); Caprice for Strings (Edward White); Downland - ploughing interlude music (Cecil Milner); Wagon Lit (Sidney Torch); Goodwood Galop (Robert Farnon); Looking Around - Appleyards theme tune (Lloyd Thomas); Cumberland Green (Walter Collins); Cloudland (Bruce Campbell); Mock Turtles (Angela Morley); Petticoat Lane (Eric Siday); Strings on Wings (Ken Mackintosh); Twilight Memories (Granville Bantock). ASV LIVING ERA CD AJA 5419, 75:24 mins. The superb atmospheric colour picture on the front speaks volumes with vintage London taxis queueing outside a busy London Pavilion under the shadow of Eros in Piccadilly Circus. Twilight memories indeed with no fewer than four of the early television interlude tunes included on this marvellous new compilation by Philip Lane, Ray Crick and David Ades, with excellent sleeve notes by the latter. Vaughan Williams’ familiarSea Songs remind us of Billy Bunter being pursued by Mr. Quelch and one can almost feel the horses thundering across the South Downs in Goodwood Galop. They Ride By Night is virtually Dick Barton, Part 2 and while many of the other tunes may look unfamiliar you are sure to recognise some of them. Others will be new and that is no bad thing. Great value at mid-price. More please! Edmund Whitehouse
‘THINGS TO COME’ Original Film Music Themes 1936-1947 Things To Come; Dangerous Moonlight; The Night Has Eyes; Bambi; Love Story; The Way To The Stars; While I Live; SpellboundVarious orchestras Naxos 8120597, 60:23 mins. An interesting, and sometimes surprising, mixture of film themes which have almost all been available before on other CDs. Again I have to sound a note of caution regarding the quality of the sound restoration: these days it should be better than this.David Ades
BERLIN PHILHARMONIC conducted by NICO DOSTAL ‘In My Mountains’ Frőhliches Spiel, Spanische Skizzen, Wiener Erinnerungen, Blues-Fantasie, Ein Mond für Verliebte, In Meinen Bergen.CPO 9998112, playing time 54:10 mins. This is a reissue of a famous LP that will delight our German RFS members. Others wishing to explore new musical pastures will also find it very enjoyable. David Ades
FAMOUS OPERETTA MELODIES Excerpts from: The Gypsy Baron, Pique Dame, The Birdseller, Gasparone, La Belle Hé/ène, Boccaccio, Sir Pazman, The Beggar Student, Countess Dubarry, The Opera Ball, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Envchanted Castle, A Night in Venice, Woodruff, La Poupée, Bluebird, Hunt for Fortune, Die Fledermaus, The Pearl of Iberia, Berlin Weeps and Laughs, Fatinitza, Apajune, The Tales of Hoffman, The Bells of Corneville, The Kahlenberg Village Polka The Raphaele Concert Orchestra conducted by Peter Walden and Erwin Rondell ASV CDWLZ 261 (2 CDs), 142:38 mins. This is a commercial release of the two Mozart Edition CDs which were available through the RFS several years ago – Volume 1 MECD1002, & Volume 2 MECD1004.
ENGLISH BASSOON CONCERTOS Concerto in D (Eric Fogg); Concertino (John Addison); Concertino (Peter Hope); Summer Music (Arthur Butterworth*) – Graham Salvage (bassoon) and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland ASV CD WHL2132, 75:51 mins. For far too long, and probably on account of its appearance, the bassoon carried an undeserved stigma as the low comedian of the orchestra. People forgot (if indeed they knew) that Mozart and Weber wrote delightful concertos for the instrument, and failed to notice its many expressive solos throughout the concert repertoire. True, it hasn’t had quite the same degree of solo exposure as the oboe, flute or clarinet. This CD makes a fully worthy companion to "English Oboe Concertos" (see JIM 148, page 62). There are no end of beautiful (and truly musical) sounds to delight the ear and stimulate the mind, and the disc is recommended without reserve to all bassoon devotees and other attentive listeners with a taste for the unexpected. John E. Govier
20th CENTURY CONCERTI Tuba Concerto by John Williams; Harp Concertino by Germaine Tailleferre; Saxophone Concerto by Henri Tomasi; Xylophone Concerto by Toshiro Mayuzumi.Foundation Orchestra conducted by David Snell. ASV LIVING DIGITAL CD DCA 1126. This most unusual disc is to be welcomed simply because it makes pleasant listening and you are therefore unlikely to hear the music on Radio 3! John Williams of Star Wars fame was for many years conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra while Germaine Tailleferre was the female member of France’s "Les Six". Henri Tomasi was also French while Mayuzumi, despite being Japanese, also wrote for Hollywood film epics. Certain similarities with Ronald Binge can be heard in sections of theSaxophone Concerto but the rest of the CD defies categorisation. This is not a criticism because we must continue to support those who, like ASV, eschew the avant garde and continue to give us music which is pleasing on the ear. Peter Worsley
MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Candlelight’ Candlelight, You Stepped Out of a Dream, Blue Fantasy, Merry-go-round, Stradivarius, Gold and Silver, Brass Buttons, Longing, Heart of Paris, Take my Love, Spring in Montmartre, Song of Sorrento ‘Favourite Melodies Vol. 3’ The Lonely Ballerina, Dusk, Ma Chere Amie, June Night, The Deserted Ballroom, Naila – waltz, Lazy Gondolier, Begin the Beguine, Intermezzo from ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’, Dream Dream Dream, Edelma, Come Back to MeVocalion CDLK4136, 70:51 mins. Editor: the advance details we received for this CD did not indicate that the third volume of ‘Favourite Melodies’ had been chosen. Therefore we regret that the details on page 93 of our last issue were incorrect, and we apologise to our readers for any inconvenience this may have caused.
PEACOCK PIE – English Music for Piano and String Orchestra Concertino (Gordon Jacob, 1895-1984); Concertino (Armstrong Gibbs, 1889-1960); Miniature Suite (Cyril Rootham, 1875-1938); Concertino in E major (Robin Milford, 1903-1959); Suite for Strings and Piano ‘Peacock Pie’ (Gibbs); Festival Scherzo (Madeleine Dring (1923-1977). Martin Roscoe (piano) and the Guildhall Strings, leader Robert Salter Hyperion CDA67316, 60:14 mins. More real music for real music lovers – aural equivalents of our English country lanes and footpaths untainted by packaged tourism. The musical environment to which the works originally belonged (1921 to 1958) may have been a largely insular and conservative one; but these five composers each have something distinctive to offer, and repeated listening will yield fresh delights. I do hope that rather a lot of you will investigate this beautifully-made CD for yourselves..John E. Govier
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ ORCHESTRA ‘The Kostelanetz Touch’ With a Song in my Heart, Tiger Rag, Swamp Fire, Fascinatin’ Rhythm, ‘S Wonderful, Bugle Call Rag, Music of Jerome Kern, Estrellita, Dancing in the Dark, Turkey in the Straw, Poeme, Liebestraum, Manhattan Serenade, Blues in the Night, My Sombrero, Night and Day, Flamingo, Coubacaban, When Day is Done, I’ll see You AgainASV Living Era CD AJA5422, 73:43 mins. There are some of Kosty’s finest tracks in this collection, plus a few that he might have wished had been buried long ago! You certainly get an insight into his varied early career, and this medium-price release will be welcomed by his many admirers. David Ades
CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA Three separate pieces entitled Concerto for Orchestra by Edward Gregson, Alun Hoddinott and John McCabe. Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Douglas Bostock Classico CLASSCD 384. All three works are world premieres and Classico are again deserving of congratulation for recording something unusual. Their policy is to release British music previously unheard or unknown, but worth listening to. This CD certainly fits the bill but how does one summarise it? The three composers will probably shoot me for saying it but the nearest descriptive title I can think of is "film music". If you like dramatic scores then this is for you. It is not light music but then nor is it heavy either. Something in between sounds muddled and mundane so the best thing to do is to try it out. Peter Worsley
THEA KING clarinet, with Northwest Chamber Orchestra of Seattle conducted by Alun Francis Concerto for Clarinet and Strings (Alan Rawsthorne); Mini-Concerto for Clarinet and Strings (Gordon Jacob); Concerto for Clarinet and Strings (Arnold Cooke). Helios CDH55069. Releases featuring concertos and other soloist-orchestra works by British composers (often long undervalued or ignored ones) have been coming out with some frequency lately. In fact, this recital formed one of Hyperion’s early issues, and the LP has been in my own collection since the 1980s. So, assuming you share my enthusiasm for this repertoire, and like the composers too, I feel safe in drawing to your attention this very modestly-priced reissue. John E. Govier
HOLLYWOOD GREATS: ESTHER WILLIAMS. Soundtracks from MGM’s DANGEROUS WHEN WET, Music and Lyrics by Arthur Schwartz and Johnny Mercer, performed by Esther Williams, Fernando Lamas, Jack Carson, Charlotte Greenwood, Denise Darcel, William Demarest, Barbara Whiting, and Donna Corcoran (uncredited), Musical Director George Stoll, Arrangements by Skip Martin (both uncredited). Overture/I Got out of Bed on the Right Side, I Like Men, In My Wildest Dreams, Ain’t Nature Grand, Finale. JUPITER’S DARLING: Music and Lyrics by Burton Lane and Harold Adamson, performed by Esther Williams (dubbed by Jo Ann Greer), Marge and Gower Champion, Howard Keel, Musical Director and Arrangements by David Rose (uncredited). Overture, If This be Slav’ry, I Have a Dream, Hannibal’s Victory March, I Never Trust a Woman, Don’t Let This Night Get away, The Life of an Elephant, Finale. EASY TO LOVE: Music and Lyrics by Mann Curtis and Vic Mizzy, also Cole Porter, performed by Esther Williams (dubbed by Betty Wand) and Tony Martin, Musical Directors, Lennie Hayton and George Stoll (both uncredited), Arrangements by Skip Martin and Pete Rugolo (both uncredited). Overture, Water Sequence, Didja’ Ever!, Look Out! I’m Romantic, Easy to Love, That’s what a Rainy Day is For, Finale.
(ITALY) HITLAND HG 003 70:23mins
HOLLYWOOD GREATS: JANE RUSSELL. Soundtracks from THE FRENCH LINE, Music and Lyrics by Josef Myrow, Ralph Blane and Robert Wells, performed by Jane Russell, Gilbert Roland and Mary McCarty, Music Arranged and Conducted by Walter Scharf (uncredited). The French Line, Well I’ll be Switched, Any Gal from Texas, Lookin’ for Trouble, What is this that I Feel, Comment Allez Vous, With a Kiss, Wait til you see Paris.
GENTLEMEN MARRY BRUNETTES performed by Jane Russell, Anita Ellis (uncredited), Alan Young, Rudy Vallee, Johnny Desmond (uncredited), Robert Farnon (uncredited), MUSICAL DIRECTOR, ROBERT FARNON: Gentlemen Marry Brunettes, You’re Driving me Crazy, Miss Annabelle Lee, Have You met Miss Jones?, My Funny Valentine, I’ve Got Five Dollars, I Wanna be Loved by You, Daddy, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Finale (ITALY) HITLAND HG 006 55:46 mins
Esther Williams, in her candid autobiography ‘The Million Dollar Mermaid’ (published by Simon and Schuster 1999) was quite happy to admit that her singing voice was invariably dubbed by someone else, which makes a CD celebrating her vocal talents questionable. But this is part of a series of budget priced albums entitled ‘Hollywood Greats’, produced in Milan, which often focuses on unusual soundtrack scores that are presented in a dubious quality reminiscent of the ‘pirate’ LPs of old. Certainly MGM records never chose to issue these Esther Williams movie soundtracks when the films were released. Several orchestral highlights will intrigue MGM aficionados, because you get all the Main Title Overtures (with or without Leo the Lion), plus some ballet and production music. My highlight from ‘Jupiter’s Darling’ is the song ‘I Had a Dream’, which segues into a five minute underwater ballet demonstrating David Rose’s genius. ‘Easy to Love’ includes two Busby Berkeley production numbers, including the seven minute ‘Aquacade’ Finale putting the MGM Studio Orchestra through its paces, as the cameras fast track a team of stunt water-skiers through the Florida everglades. This exhausting sequence is actually an up tempo arrangement of Paul Linke’s genteel ‘Beautiful Spring’, but that remains uncredited in the mostly irrelevant sleeve notes provided by this series of CDs. The audio sounds as if taken from optical tracks of prints of the movies - and that means ‘Jupiter’s Darling’ is not in its original stereo. I discovered this CD at Tower Records in Piccadilly Circus, London. Other MGM scores issued include ‘Athena’, ‘Yolanda and the Thief’ and ‘Everything I have is Yours’. JANE RUSSELL’s vocal talents were amply demonstrated in her Academy Award winning song ‘Buttons and Bows’ from ‘The Paleface’, and in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ when she had star billing over Marilyn Monroe. Hitland presents us with the soundtracks from two of her lesser- known movies - although ‘soundtrack’ is not true for ‘The French Line’. This turns out to be a muddy and at times distorted transfer of a 10 inch Mercury LP of the film’s songs, plus an opening that bears no resemblance to Walter Scharf’s original bouncy orchestral Main Title. These tracks were all recorded to construct an LP issue and they don’t appear in the order as performed in the film. The one big production number, ‘Any Gal from Texas’ is reduced to shreds, and Jane’s burlesque ‘Lookin’ for Trouble’, originally the risqué finale, appears without the repartee in a number which caused a convenient promotional furore for the movie’s release: interesting how 50’s ‘risqué’ now comes across as high camp. Fortunately the transfer of the 12 inch soundtrack LP of ‘Gentlemen Marry Brunettes’ fares much better, although it’s not quite as bright as my Japanese LP reissue of 1976 and I doubt whether it emanates from the master tapes. Nevertheless, there’s much to enjoy in this one, as we’d come to expect from its distinguished musical director, who creates the sound of a big Hollywood Musical on a British sound stage. The score is a curious one, with only one original song, the rest being taken mainly from the catalogue of Rodgers and Hart, but there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Apparently there was a race to prepare all the playback tracks in time, with Bob having to call in Angela Morley and Douglas Gamley for a bit of help at the eleventh hour. Another problem occurred at the playback recording session itself. It was discovered that the singing voice of Scott Brady, the film’s male lead, wasn’t up to scratch, so Bob himself sang the part, proving that he has a fine voice when the occasion demands (and that Mr. Brady had a persuasive agent). Unlike the LP cover, this CD does not give that credit where it falls due. This was always a cleverly produced album, with a mixture of music tracks plus some sections taken from the final mix of the film, i.e. with sound effects and dialogue, to create continuity. The mono LP never had room for any of the Farnon background score, and it was a revelation to see this film on cable television recently and hear it for the first time in stereo. Don’t expect too much from these albums, because they don’t have the superb technical polish and liner notes of such Turner Classics CDs as ‘Romantic Duets from MGM Classics’ (Turner R2 72826) and better still, the 6 box set ‘That’s Entertainment - The Ultimate Anthology of MGM Musicals’ (Turner R2 72182). That one includes a wealth of material in addition to the three ‘That’s Entertainment’ films, much of it never before issued. A detailed track listing can be found on the American website of amazon.com. Both of those issues will give you an insight into quality remastering, because you can compare certain tracks duplicated in the MGM ‘Hollywood Greats’ albums. Richard Hindley
CARROLL GIBBONS and The Savoy Hotel Orpheans Vol. 2 These Bands Made Music (BBC); So Shy; You’re Such a Comfort to Me; Fools Rush In; My Own Folks; Jeepers Creepers; What Harlem Is To Me; The Masquerade Is Over; I’m Just Beginning To Care; I Fall In Love With You Every Day; I Poured My Heart Into a Song; I Used To Be Colour Blind; It’s a Long Long Way to Your Heart; Seal It With a Kiss; Music Puts Me in the Strangest Mood; What’s New; Music for Romance. 77:34 mins. (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD74.
Volume 3 includes Athlone Radio Programme (April 1933), So Help Me, Heaven on Earth, Love Divided By Two, etc… 79:14 mins (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD??. Frank Bristow’s CDs are available from him at: 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA – e-mail .
MELACHRINO ORCHESTRA conducted by GEORGE MELACHRINO ‘Great Show Medleys’ The King and I, Guys and Dolls, The Dancing Years, Deep in my Heart, Gershwin Fantasy, Kismet, The Pajama Game, Summer Song, Three Little Words (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD80.
BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA ‘Lollipops’ Look Sharp - Be Sharp, March of the Little Lead Soldiers, Musical Snuff Box, Richard Rodgers Waltz Medley, Entrance of the Little Fauns, Mosquito Dance, Pop Goes the Weasel, Entry of the Boyards, etc… 79:24 mins. (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD76. I have always regarded the Boston Pops Orchestra (I grew up knowing it as the Boston PromenadeOrchestra) like the proverbial curate’s egg: some of its records were very good, while others I found distinctly boring. No doubt its 78s reflected the kind of music it performed at its public concerts, where it was often necessary to play well-known numbers in order to get the audience inside. Concert promoters have to rely upon the familiar (some people like to know the music they are hearing), but record buyers can be more selective. Frank Bristow’s collection is a faithful representation of the usual fare provided by the Boston Pops, but I wish he had omitted the two selections of old time songs, and I could have done without some of the light classics. Having said that (and you may violently disagree with my very personal opinion!), this CD contains some pleasant surprises. The opening track, Bob Merrick’s Look Sharp – Be Sharp is a splendid bright march, tuneful and uplifting. Another excellent track is Prairie Sky from Dimitri Tiomkin’s score for ‘Duel In The Sun’, which is followed by the more familiar On the Trail to Spanish Bit from the same film. Cuckoo Clock by Castillo is quite charming (and mercifully without too many clock effects), and I enjoyed Jack Mason’s Candlelight Waltz. Victor Herbert’s Dagger Dance from ‘Natoma’ is another welcome inclusion. Full marks, too, for the comprehensive booklet notes. David Ades
DAVID ROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Rose Plays Rose’ Volume 2 (Australia) Frank Bristow EXCD26/27, 143 mins. 47 marvellous titles which explore David Rose’s talents to the full (if you prefer to call it genius you wouldn’t get any argument from me), even more so than in the single "Rose Plays Rose" CD I reviewed in JIM 148. Every aspect of the composer / conductor’s range can be found here, from the full orchestral style and sound of Majorca (all 7:10 mins of it), to the swinging Banned in Boston and The Stripper. Along the way we have such old favourites as Holiday for Strings, One Love, Our Waltz, Dance of the Spanish Onion and California Melodies, along with exquisite miniatures like The Tiny Ballerina Who Could Only Dance In The Key of C, Deserted City, Rose of Bel Air, 4.20am, Gay Spirits, Manhattan Square Dance, Waltz of the Bubbles andStringopation. Most of these have become familiar over the years, but even die-hard fans of David Rose like myself can find something new. But all, wither old or new, are equally acceptable, making an enjoyable 2hours 23 mins of the nicest music of this or any year. Arthur Jackson
DEBROY SOMERS BAND ‘Totally Instrumental’ Ice Rink Medley, Sea Songs Medley, Ballroom Memories, Ballads we Love, American Medley, Archibald Joyce Waltzes, Russian Fantasy, Waltz Medley, Carmen Capers, Faust Frolics, 1812 and all That, Happy and Glorious, Let’s Sing a Song, A Stanford Rhapsody (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD78, 78:48 mins. Alongside all his other projects, Frank Bristow is currently making much of the Debroy Somers repertoire available once again on CD. Almost forgotten today, Somers was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and he remained active in London theatres until his death on 27 May 1952. Perhaps his music may have dated more than some of his contemporaries, and maybe the kind of patriotic medleys which were his speciality are out of touch with today’s cynical world as portrayed in the media. (This notion was severely tested in Britain following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, when millions were unashamed to reveal their patriotic feelings. More than one commentator suggested that the media – both press and broadcasting – were out of touch with the true feelings of the population. And following the events of September 11th our American friends also know how to express their love for their country). But to return to Debroy Somers: this CD of instrumentals reveals why he was so popular, with tuneful music delightfully arranged and expertly performed. Alan Bunting’s sound restorations cannot be faulted, and at times are simply amazing. Our grandfathers never knew that the coarse grooves on their 78s contained so much music! David Ades
STEVE TYRELL: STANDARD TIME: It Had To Be You; Until The Real Thing Comes Along; Ain't Misbehavin'; That Old Feeling; Stardust; As Time Goes By plus 9 other songs. 56:02. Columbia CK 86006. Talk about an enjoyable disc! In spite of his weather-beaten, voice, Steve Tyrell has become one America's leading exponents of the great standards. His enthusiasm for the lyrics and the music make up for any vocal shortcomings. The tone of this CD is upbeat starting off with a lively "It Had To Be You" that leaps out of the tracks. Plas Johnson on tenor sax plays great obbligatos and solos on numbers such as "That Old Feeling" while "Toots" Thielemans on harmonica weaves a magic spell over "Stardust" Clark Terry is fabulously inventive on "It Had To Be You". There's also a light hearted tribute to Harry "Sweets" Edison (who passed away shortly after these sessions began) who plays a feathery light muted solo on "Remembering Sweets " (based on "I Can't Give You Anything But Love") .This recording by Steve Tyrell is one the fastest selling CD's in America. Don't take my word for it--just buy this enjoyable recording and find out for yourself. Richard Jessen
SID PHILLIPS AND HIS GREAT JAZZ BAND Hors d’oeuvres, Mood Indigo, Indiana, Lazy River, You Turned the Tables on Me, All Alone, etc.. 24 tracks Vocalion CDLK4122, 63:23 mins. This is a second volume of tuneful jazz from one of Britain’s greatest exponents. No further comment is necessary.
RUSSELL MALONE: HEARTSTRINGS: Heartstrings; How About Me; Loved Ones; You Needed Me; Handful Of Stars; Wind In The Willow plus 4 other selections. 46:08. Verve 314549786-2. Russell Malone has a gorgeously soft tone to his playing which is accented by the lovely scores of Johnny Mandel, Alan Broadbent and Dori Caymmi. Both Mandel scores ( "Heartstrings", "How About Me") are ethereal sounding with something added that the other scores don't have: vibes and harp. Alan Broadbent writes colourful string charts that never sound boring. His best chart is for "You Needed Me" which transcends its country music origins. Dori Caymmi writes interesting harmonic shifts in his writing for "Wind In The Willow". Kenny Barron on piano gets two solos, the most ravishing one being on "Why Try To Change Me". A surprise awaits the ending, for we get the old gospel number "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" which Malone plays in a highly inventive way. This is definitely made for late evening activities--whatever they may be! Richard Jessen
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC ‘Ted Heath Personnel’ & ‘Our Kind of Jazz’ Ill Wind, Swinging the Blues, Hey Baby, Idaho, Four Fours, I’ll Remember April, etc… 25 tracks Vocalion CDLK4130, 70:21 mins.
‘My Very Good Friends The Bandleaders’ & ‘TH Swings in Hi-Stereo’ Sing Sing Sing, Sorta Crazy, One O’Clock Jump, I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, ‘C’ Jam Blues, My Funny Valentine, etc… 23 tracks Vocalion CDLK4139, 73:36 mins. Vocalion are doing a wonderful service to Heath’s countless admirers, who will not hesitate to add these new releases to their collections.
RONNIE ALDRICH and his Piano with the Strings of the London Festival Orchestra ‘Romantic Pianos’ & ‘Magnificent Pianos’ Deep Purple, More Than You Know, I’ll Never Smile Again, Embraceable You, Don’t Blame Me, I Have Dreamed, September Song, I’m In The Mood For Love, etc… 24 tracks Vocalion CDLK4135, 67:24 mins. Rather surprisingly, Ronnie Aldrich has tended to be ignored on CD reissues, although he has cropped up on various compilations. Mike Dutton has cleverly spotted this gap in the market, and this CD combines two Phase-4 stereo albums containing a vintage selection of standards.
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ: SCENARIOS FOR ORCHESTRA: Jerome Kern: "Showboat" Scenario for Orchestra; Richard Rodgers / Arranged by Robert Russell Bennett: "South Pacific" Symphonic Scenario for Concert Orchestra; Richard Rodgers: "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" Ballet Music From "On Your Toes"; George Gershwin: An American In Paris; Gershwin: A Symphonic Picture of "Porgy And Bess" (Arranged by Robert Russell Bennett). 73:71. Collectables COTJ-CD-6800. Andre Kostelanetz was once referred to by Columbia Records as "Music's Leading Man". He leads not only the New York Philharmonic but also a studio group as well as the first recordings in an aborted series by The Philadelphia Orchestra "Pops", recorded in the Academy of Music. Jerome Kern was asked by Cleveland Orchestra maestro Artur Rodzinski to write a scenario based on themes from Kern's hit musical "Show Boat". The Philadelphia Orchestra plays magnificently under Kostelanetz as they do for Bennett's arrangement of "South Pacific". "Slaughter" has more than enough menace due to the Philadelphians' golden tone. The two remaining Gershwin works, however, suffer from sloppy editing (due possibly to either the original tapes not being made available or a vain attempt at shortening the duration of the CD). Nevertheless, these are historic performances. To help solve the mystery of the bad edits, members who have Columbias ML 4514, CL 806, ML 4454, ML 4904 are encouraged to contact me via the magazine. Richard Jessen Editor: although this CD was reviewed in our last issue, Richard has raised some queries regarding editing which other members may wish to address.
SUSANNAH McCORKLE: HEARTS AND MINDS: I Can Dream, Can't I?; Love Is Here To Stay; My Attorney Bernie; For All We Know; The Computer Age; I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire plus 9 other songs. 66:39. Concord Jazz CCD-4897- 2. This is the next to last recording by an artist who left us too early. Susannah McCorkle jumped to her death in May of 2001 at the youthful age of 55, having suffered from depression most of her life. She always impressed one as a bright, intelligent person with a clear yet husky voice touched with awesome depths of warmth and humor. Along with a romantic "I Can Dream, Can't I?" are hilarious yet timely songs by Dave Frishberg--"My Attorney Bernie" and a song for all worry warts "What Did I Forget?" For single people getting out of relations, there's a priceless "Feet Do Your Stuff" as well as McCorkle' s own skewering of "The Computer Age (In Motion)." There's the deeply intimate lyrics of "Scars." McCorkle was that rarity of a performer: grace and wit in an increasing insane world. Richard Jessen
SWING ME A SWING SONG A Parade of 22 Great Jazz Vocalists Thursday (Helen Humes with Count Basie); Restless (Helen Ward with Benny Goodman); Don’t Try Your Jive On Me (Una Mae Carlisle); Drop In Next Time You’re Passing (Elizabeth Welch); I Wish I Were Twins (Valaida with Billy Mason); When I Grow Too Old To Dream (Putney Dandridge); Lovable & Sweet (Annette Hanshaw);Dream Man, Make Me Dream Some More (Fats Waller); I Just Couldn’t Take It Baby (Jack Teagarden); Sing Me a Swing Song (Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb); Ten Cents a Dance (Ruth Etting); Zaz Zul Zaz (Cab Calloway); Louisiana (Bing Crosby with Paul Whiteman); Three Little Words(Rhythm Boys with Duke Ellington); Troubled Waters (Ivie Anderson with Duke Ellington); I Let a Song Out of My Heart (Connie Boswell); Wha’d Jo Do To Me (Boswell Sisters); Isle of Capri (Wingy Manone); More Than You Know (Mildred Bailey); Am I Blue? (Ethel Waters); One Two Button Your Shoe (Billie Holiday); Thanks a Million (Louis Armstrong). ASV LIVING ERA CD AJA 5077
IT DON’T MEAN A THING …. Ivie Anderson with Duke Ellington It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing; Get Yourself a New Broom; I’m Satisfied; Troubled Waters; My Old Flame; Cotton; Truckin'; Isn’t Love the Strangest Thing?; Kissin’ My Baby Goodnight; Oh Babe, Maybe Someday; Shoe Shine Boy; It Was a Sad Night in Harlem; Did Anyone Ever Tell You?; There’s a Lull in My Life; All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm; Rose of the Rio Grande; When My Sugar Walks Down the Street; I’m Checkin’ Out, Goo’mbye’ A Lonely Co-ed; Stormy Weather; Mood Indigo; Me and You; I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good; Rocks In My Bed; I Don’t Mind; Empty Bed Blues. ASV LIVING ERA CD AJA 5420. If you like swinging blues then these two latest releases from ASV will have your feet tapping under the table. All Duke Ellington fans will welcome Ivie Anderson’s voice because she was good at her trade and also his longest serving singer. The tracks date from 1937-40 but sadly, she died at her peak, aged only 45 in 1949. If you prefer to mix your swinging blues, however, then the first disc will give you plenty of choice, ranging from the sensational Ethel Waters and Annette Hanshaw in the late-Twenties right through to the end of the Thirties. There is not a weak track amongst them!Edmund Whitehouse All ASV CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
A GIRL FOR ALL SEASONS Nightride (Rosso, Kennedy); Simone (Gerhard Narholz); Hippy Hoedown (Syd Dale); Cockles and Mussels (Trad. Arr John Curran); Wait Till Friday (Brian Fahey); Love in Montmartre (Jimmy Kennedy); Holiday Jet (Otto Sieben); Milwaukee (Alstone, Kennedy); Funky Trumpets (Johnny Edwards); Country Capers (Kennedy); Chilli Con Vino (James Clarke); Stay Tuned (Kennedy); Somewhere Downtown (Narholz); Have Band Will Travel (Dale); One-Eyes Reilly and the Old Rigadoo (arr. Curran); The Big Race (Narholz); Left Bank Waltz (Kennedy); Bahia Bay (Tony Hatch); A Dash of Nashville 9Kennedy); Hello You (Tony Tape); Up the Down Staircase (Kennedy); Holly Go Lightly (Dale); Feeling Happy (Heidi Pehofer); Gaiety Girl (Vivian Ellis); A Touch of Bossa Nova (Narholz); Slippery Samba (Kennedy); Down by the Severnside (Kennedy). Codename Music CMCD154. Emerging from the "quality recordings" stable of "Codename Music" who have been responsible in the past for "Cocktail Swing" and the magnificent themes album "Girl In A Suitcase", comes this dynamic CD of instrumentals from Jimmy Kennedy, Tony Hatch, Syd Dale, James Clarke, Brian Fahey and Gerhard Narholz who may be more familiar to you as Norman Candler. This CD bursts into melodic array with a Trade Test classic opener Nightride and gently sways through 27 tracks. The Evergreen Players and The Dixie Dynamoes punctuate the disc nicely with old tyme favourites such as Cockles and Mussels and One-Eyed Reilly And The Old Rigadoo. Melodic German 70's instrumentals feature here from the Sonoton Music Library and are the original recordings not released before on any previous production CD. This CD will appeal to members looking more for melody as it does not fall into the category of another production library CD.
Malcolm Batchelor See advertisement on page 90 for details of how to buy this CD.
HUGO MONTENEGRO Good Vibrations, (Spain) RCA 74321695052. 11 tracks. Timing 28:35. Despite its incredibly short running time this CD is an essential album for any Montenegro fan as it includes his memorable music from the film Lady In Cement, as well as Another Time Another Place, his
theme to The Outcasts US TV show. There are also several superb versions of chart hits including the title track (the Beach Boys classic), Mason Williams Classical Gas and a stunning take of Paul Mauriat’s Love Is Blue, all featuring the Montenegro trademarks -- smooth-as-silk vocals, harpsichord, whistling from sessioner Muzzy Marcellino and tight, up-tempo pop arrangements. This album represents the composer/arranger at his peak in 1969 and is a delight from start to finish. The only fault (as with all these Spanish RCA imports) is that there is room to include two complete albums on the CD and it would have been better value to see the title doubled up with one of Montenegro’s other many albums. In Britain RCA imports are available from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578). David Noades
HUGO MONTENEGRO Hugo In Wonderland, (Spain) RCA 74321781692. 10 tracks. Timing 36:44. In complete contrast to the above title this 1974 album is a
tribute to the songwriting talents of Stevie Wonder, as well as a showcase for the electronic wizardry of Hugo and John Montenegro as all the titles here feature ARP and Moog synthesisers. However far from being a self-indulgent experiment the electronic sounds have been skilfully blended with a tight rhythm section to produce a hard jazz funk sound which impressed Stevie Wonder so much that he invited the Montenegro’s to contribute to his next album. The more up-tempo titles fare better in this form than the slower ballads, but the whole album works. Highlights include a breezy, jazzy take ofToo High, the funky stomp of Living For The City and an urgent, up-tempo reading of the classicSuperstition, with some bizarre electronic effects. The album features a host of famous session names including appropriately Tamla Motown’s bassist Carol Kaye, Larry Carlton (guitar), Tom Scott (woodwind) and keyboard player Clare Fischer best known for her work with Henry Mancini. As with all these Spanish RCA re-issues the album comes with its original artwork and sleevenotes. In Britain RCA imports are available from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578).David Noades
Various Artists, St Pauli Affairs, (Germany) Diggler Records DIG 002. 18 tracks, 47:46 mins. There has been a growing interest in European film and TV music in recent years and this compilation sees a host of themes lifted from the German Reeperbahn films which ran from 1968 to 1973. These were a series of police dramas based around Hamburg’s red light district, and this is reflected in the music with cheesy, kitsch nightclub sounds featuring organ, brass, wah-wah guitars and scat vocals (in a similar style to the Chappell Library Kitsch Pop collections). This nicely package collection brings together the best of Germany’s composers including Peter Thomas, Roland Kovak, Erwin Halletz and Sigfried Franz, with evocative titles such as Go-Go-Girl, Hunter’s Beat, Hippy Dibby and Beat In Steel. Annoyingly the sleevenotes are all in German and so we are denied a history of the films (which UK audiences have never seen) but nevertheless the music is a pleasant upbeat collection which will appeal to lovers of kitsch, sixties sounds. In Britain this is available from larger branches of Virgin and HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578). David Noades
DUDLEY MOORE Bedazzled OST, Harkit Records HRKCD 8001. 13 tracks, Timing 38.55. This long-overdue reissue is the score from the 1968 Peter Cook and Dudley Moore film which was recently (and unnecessarily) remade. Before making it as a comedy actor Moore was already a highly respected jazz and classical pianist with a string of albums to his name, and here he leads his famous jazz trio through a series of sophisticated arrangements, supported by sax, trombone, flute and string orchestra. The score is based around three main
themes played in a variety of styles, used to great comic effect in the film, alongside two decidedly tongue-in-cheek pastiches of pop songs with vocals by Cook and Moore, plus the totally hilariousLeaping Nuns' Chorus which has to be heard to be believed. It helps to see the film to fully understand that the music is an integral part of the comedy, but the music works equally well on its own and this stylish score proves that Dudley Moore was an accomplished composer. (NB: His score to the movie Thirty Is A Dangerous Age Cynthia has also been recently issued on CD). In Britain this is available from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578). David Noades
Various, Billion Dollar Caine, Top Kapi Records 057, 30 tracks, 64:17 mins. This unusual collection brings together no less than 16 themes taken from various cult-appeal Michael Caine films interspersed with selections of classic dialogue. Three tracks are appearing on CD for the first time, namely the haunting title theme and Skidoo from Billion Dollar Brain (by Richard Rodney Bennett), and singer Cher’s original rendition of the Bacharach/David’s Alfie theme, but the other selections from The Ipcress File, The Italian Job and Get Carter work well in this setting, especially with the linking dialogue. This will appeal to fans of Sir Michael, as well as acting as a nice sampler for the soundtracks of the featured films, with compositions by Quincy Jones, Roy Budd, Sonny Rollins and John Barry. In Britain this is available from Rhythm Records, London (tel 0207 2670123). David Noades
WILSON MALONE, Deathline OST, Spinney 002 CD. 2 tracks. 21:35 mins. Really an extended CD single, this two track disc features the title theme and a 17-minutesuite of incidental pieces from an obscure 1972 British horror movie, known in the US somewhat provocatively by the alternate titleRaw Meat. The film concerns a series of mysterious deaths in tunnels on the London Underground, which it is eventually discovered are committed by a wretched creature that was trapped in the tunnels many years ago and now lives on human flesh! The music is appropriately disturbing, combining elements of big band, progressive rock and experimental jazz and was composed by pop songwriter/producer Wilson Malone (formerly with progressive rock bands Orange Bicycle and Motherlight). This release was born out of a late night viewing of the film by soundtrack fan Paul Lamden who thought the music deserved a wider audience and issued it on his own independent label. It’s certainly worth investigation, however while the main theme is quite listenable in an eerie, hypnotic way, the incidental pieces are perhaps a little too disturbing without the aid of the accompanying visuals. In Britain this CD should be available at mid price from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578). David Noades
QUINCY JONES, The Italian Job OST, MCA MCD 60074/112488-2, 12 tracks, 28:06 mins. Another long-overdue re-issue of a classic soundtrack, this time from the pen of Quincy Jones. When a top US composer is invited to write the score for what is essentially a very British picture, the result was bound to be interesting, and here it is quite magnificent. It kicks off quite sublimely with title themeOn Days Like These sung by Matt Monro, and this leads in a slow, organ-led, jazz groove Something’s Cookin which sets the pace for the whole album. Humorous moments include variations on Rule Britannia played by a string quartet, and a bizarre harpsichord-led jazz version of Greensleeves, but the film’s charm and whit is perhaps best displayed by the Cockney-style singalong Get A Bloomin' Move On presented in both vocal and instrumental versions. Better known as The Self-Preservation Society this quirky, catchy tune has been used in Nat West TVcommercials and has been sampled on several pop records, and is without doubt the reason why this album is so sought-after. The only complaints are that this is straight re-issue of the original album, and it would have been nice to have some bonus material, and while the inlay card contains a brief essay on the reason for the film’s popularity, there is no information on the recording, or the composer which would have been very welcome. In Britain this title should be available in most shops. David Noades
PIERO PICCIONI Puppet On A Chain OST, DC Recordings DC39CD, 18 tracks, 31:49 mins. Lifted from an obscure Amsterdam-based spy movie (based on an Alistair McLean novel), this previously unreleased score written by Italian composer Piero Piccioni is a delightful blend of swinging sixties lounge music and dramatic orchestral themes. Tracks such as the title theme, Night Club and Big Action are perfect examples of groovy, driving up-tempo themes, which stand up very well on their own, while a lot of the other material requires knowledge of the film to appreciate their subtleties and complexities. There are some nice touches here however including a spine-tingling church organ onThe Funeral and a stabbing piano heartbeat effect on The Fear. Interestingly the music was recorded in England, performed by The London Sinfonia and was conducted by Harry Rabinowitz. In Britain this is available from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578), and Rhythm Records, London (tel 0207 2670123). David Noades
LOOT OST, Keith Mansfield/Steve Ellis, RPM228, 13 tracks, 31:28 mins. Probably best known today as a production music composer for KPM, Keith Mansfield originally had a successful career as a pop producer and occasional film composer. Here he has combined elements of both providing a pop-friendly, funky rock score for the film version of Joe Orton¹s classic black comedy featuring vocals from ex Love Affair lead singer Steve Ellis (Mansfield produced the band in his days at CBS). The score features a series of soulful pop songs linked with big band instrumentals and snippets of dialogue from the film resulting in a fascinating non-stop musical melange which works from beginning to end. With the usual session musician on hand in the shape of Alan Hawkshaw (keyboards), Herbie Flowers (bass guitar) and Alan Parker (guitars), etc, it’s a superbly arranged, tightly performed package which deserves a wider audience than it received on its original release in 1970. Available in most shops in Britain. David Noades
Nino Nardini and Roger Roger, Jungle Obsession, (France) Pulp Flavor DD014CD 13 tracks, 34:19 mins. This amazing CD is a reissue of a highly obscure Creasound production music album featuring a baker’s dozen of deliciously haunting themes. Although recorded in 1971 the music harks back to the 50s and the exotic sounds of Martin Denny and Les Baxter with a superb blend of African rhythms, strings, bird calls and spine-tingling siren-like harmonies. However it is very much a product of its time as French composers Roger Roger and Nino Nardini (aka George Teperino) have included modern devices such electric guitars, synthesisers and a string machine which make an occasional appearances, resulting in a decidedly unique avante garde sound. Highlights include the title track with its rock guitar riffs and kettle drums interjections, Bagheera which blends ethereal voices, strings and synthesiser to great effect and the jazz-like mix of vibes and guitar on Bali Girl, but each and every track is a treat for the ears. The sleeve notes give a brief biography of both composers but give away little away about the origins of the music. This CD is available from Jack Diamond Music (USA) web14.topchoice.com/~dyemund/, or you can also contact Pulp Flavor direct atwww.pulpflavor.com. David Noades
Various artists, Pop Shopping Volume One, CDHW 069, 28 tracks, 67.38. Pop Shopping Volume Two, (Germany) CDHW 028, 27 tracks, 73:20 mins. Lifted from a variety of rare German promotional records these superb compilations feature a selection of full length vocal and instrumental pieces originally used in German TV and cinema advertising in the 1960s and early 1970s. Earlier examples such as The Shoe Shoe Twist and The Nescafé Calypso are very much cliched products of their time, however most are superb pieces of sophisticated beat music courtesy of the country’s top session men. These tightly-arranged themes and extended jingles are the handiwork of some of Germany’s top composers including Gert Wilden, Klaus Doldinger, Johnny Teupen and Peter Thomas, who all made their names working in this field. Each and every track is a sound adventure in itself with strange rhythm patterns, unusual instruments and occasional breathy vocals, but highlights include Wilden’s bouncy Moulinex theme, Peter Scirmann’s spaghetti western spoof for BMW cars, Luigi Pelliccioni’s Variation K for BASF which cleverly uses the acronym’s four letters (in German) as notes in the opening fanfare (Bb, A, Eb, F), and Christian Bruhn’s funky Ford Taunus theme which has borrowed a lot from Isaac Hayes’ Shaft theme. Even if you’re not familiar with the obscure German products the music stands up well on its own, and these collections will appeal to more than just fans of advertising themes. The stylish packaging deserves a mention as in both cases the CD inlay cards, tray cards and discs humorously imitate some of the products featured. However one complaint: the tracklisting on Volume 2 is in the wrong order and the so the sleevenotes inside do not make sense and it’s impossible to work out which track is which! In Britain this is available from larger branches of HMV and HMV mail order (tel 08705 334578). David Noades Editor: David Noades has kindly offered to assist any RFS members who may have difficulty in finding any of the CDs he has reviewed in this issue. You can write to him care of the Secretary, or contact him direct by e-mail at:
FRANKIE RANDALL and the Vincent Falcone Orchestra ‘Right Now@ The Best is Yet to Come, All or Nothing at All, Where or When, I Rememebr You, The Summer Wind, Slow Boat to China, You Make me Feel so Young, Get me to the Church on Time, The Lady is a Tramp, I Love You Just the Way you Are, You’re Nobody ‘till Somebody Loves You, Come Rain or Come Shine, I’ve Got You Under me Skin, Night and Day. (USA) Tin Bar Recording – no catalogue number. I did not know the name ‘Frankie Randall’! My interest was aroused by the backing orchestra, a name well known to the Farnon fraternity! The sparse sleeve notes state that Frank Sinatra entrusted many of his favourite arrangements to Frankie as a likely heir to his throne. There are a few around to dispute this! There have been (and still are) many claiming the same crown. Sinatra was a one off! If you have most of the tracks listed above in your Sinatra collection this is not for you. That said, it’s a cracking orchestra (although unaccredited), a fine set of tunes, and Frankie is a great, if not unique, singer. The CD does use many updated Sinatra charts, so the album has three plusses! When I mentioned I had bought the album to good friend and fellow member George Fraser, he informed me that Frankie Randall made several albums in the middle 60s with backings provided by Billy May, Marty Paich, Manny Albam and others of the same calibre, so Frankie has always moved in the right circles! I do not have all Sinatra’s recordings on CD, so this album was a welcome addition for my listening pleasure. Paul Clatworthy This CD is distributed by Beverly Hills Records Inc., PO Box 3216, Beverley Hills, CA 90212, USA – telephone 818 788 0215. In Britain it is imported by Montpellier Records and other specialist dealers.
All The Rage: Mandolin Ensemble Music from 1897-1924 The Boston Ideal March, Laughing Eyes, La Tipica Dance of the Lunatics ,The Flying Wedge, Gloriana, All the Rage, Estudiantina, My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice, Sweet Corn, Texas Fox Trot, Silver Ripples, Gallantry, Fieldston March.Nashville Mandolin Ensemble Conducted by Paul Martin Zonn. (USA)New World Records 80544–2. Those of you who enjoy the music of Troise and his Mandoliers or recall the Eberfield Mandolin Orchestra will find this CD a suitable companion. This ensemble is similar in size to that of Troise. Most of the items will probably be unfamiliar to most members, apart from one or two titles such as Estudiantina by Waldteufel and My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice by Saint Saens. The CD also features an arrangement of a lesser known piece by Ketelby called Gallantry. The ensemble produce a rich mellow sound, at times not unlike that of Troise. Some tracks feature a violin, guitar or accordion in addition to the mandolins, mandolas, etc. Tracks range from novelty items, ragtime, foxtrots, marches to light clasics. The recording quality is good. The CD can be obtained from specialist import dealers or via the internet at www.Amazon.Com (classical wing); or you can order direct from the Ensemble's website at www.soundartrecordings.com/alltherage.htm where other mandolin recordings are featured. Beware, not all the CDs listed on the website are light music recordings. However this one is. Brian Stringer
REPRISE MUSICAL REPERTORY THEATRE: 4 Disc Set Finian’s Rainbow 38:34, Kiss Me Kate38:10, South Pacific 48:29, Guys and Dolls 33:07mins. Performed by The Hi-Lo’s, Rosemary Clooney, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Mary Kaye Trio, Lou Monte, McGuire Sisiters, Clark Dennis, Jo Stafford, Dinah Shore, Clark Dennis, Allan Sherman, Johnny Prophet, Phyllis McGuire, Keely Smith. Arranged by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Skip Martin, Marty Paitch, Bill Loose, Warren Barker, Gene Puerling, Nathan Van Cleave, Jerry Fielding, George Rhodes, Ralph Smale, George Duning, Herb Spencer. Musical Direction by Morris Stoloff (USA) Reprise Records 2-47775. Why, I was asked, would you want to buy these versions, when you can get the Original Broadway Cast albums? The answer is to be found in David Finkle’s sleeve notes for this handsomely packaged box set that was released by Reprise Records in late 2001. Produced by Sinatra himself, it first appeared in 1963 on what was then his own label. ‘What Sinatra wanted….. was not to replicate original cast albums…. He was looking for something else. He wanted some of the best singers to put across in their inimitable ways some of the best songs ever written, and he wanted them all set forth in the best arrangements that knock-out arrangers …… could conjure’. Not only do the credits speak for themselves, but also a magnificent swing orchestra with a large string section accompanies the whole production. That early 60s stereo sound, with its exceptionally clear mix-down, is blissfully evident. Twice issued on LP over the years, it’s good to get the set on CD at last. ‘Guys and Dolls’, arguably the most successful of the four, was the only album reissued separately on CD until now. British purchasers will at last be able to read the sleeve notes for each album because they are included in the booklet. These were originally printed on foldout covers issued in the USA and Australian markets. All the albums have bright Overtures, and, true to the name of the label, there’s always a reprise by Sinatra in duet for the standout number from each show. This gives Riddle, Paitch and Van Cleave the challenge of writing a second arrangement, which they all produce effortlessly. Recommended if you like the full, over the top Hollywood sound, but definitely not for the purists. I found the existence of this album on the Reprise website, but had trouble tracking down retail outlets, as it doesn’t appear in major online catalogues. So you may have to shop around, as prices are varied when you do find suppliers through, for example, www.gemm.com. Expect to pay around US$40 for the set. Richard Hindley
KENNETH ALFORD, MASTER OF MILITARY MUSIC By Land and Sea, Cavalry of the Clouds, Colonel Bogey, Dunedin, Eagle Squadron, H.M. Jollies, The Voice of the Guns, The Thin Red Line, The Standard of St. George, The Middy, Great Little Army, On the Quarterdeck, Colonel Bogey on Parade [Alford]; Dance in the Twilight [E. Coates], Lilliburlero, A Life on the Ocean Wave [arr. Alford]; Fanfare, The Royal Tounament [Vivian Dunn]; Out of the Blue [H. Bath]; In Party Mood [J. Strachey].Bands/conductors unspecified but mostly conducted by Alford. Alford [1881-1945], whose real name was Frederick Joseph Ricketts, was indisputably Britain’s "March King", although not everyone realizes that his reputation is based on just 18 military marches [Sousa composed many times that number], plus a few non-march pieces and many arrangements. Twelve of the eighteen are on this vintage CD, plus Alford’s march potpourri Colonel Bogey on Parade, other arrangements of his and one or two more or less appropriate "fillers" by others. Disappointingly, the bands playing are not listed [in view of this issue’s considerable historical importance, they should have been] but we can safely assume that most tracks are by the Royal Marines [Plymouth Division] Band, conducted by Alford himself, who play with great spirit. The recordings, some of which go back to the 1920s, have been well transferred. Philip L Scowcroft CD CMM [Tape TMM] available from This England, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ for £8.95 [£7.50] including p&p.
SONGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME Passing By [E Purcell]; The Lark in the Clear Air [arr. P Tate]; My Dearest Heart, The Lost Chord [Sullivan], Until [W Sanderson]; Drink to Me Only [arr. Quilter]; Love’s Garden of Roses, It is Only a Tiny Garden, A Brown Bird Singing, Bird of Love Divine [Haydn Wood]; Love Could I Only Tell Thee [J M Caple]; A Mood [Alison Travers]; Smilin’ Through [A Penn]; The Holy City [Adams]; The Cheviot Hills [Jack Robson]; On the Banks of the Wabash [P Dresser]; She is Far from the Land, God’s Garden [Frank Lambert]; In Summertime on Bredon [G Peel]; The Trumpeter [Diss]; Tell the Boys Come Home [Novello]; Trees [Rasbach]; The Old House [F O’Connor]; Bird Songs at Eventide [Coates]; I’ll Walk Beside You [A Murray] Sir Thomas Allen[baritone], Malcolm Martineau [piano] Hyperion CD 67290. This most enjoyable disc contains, seemingly, most of the ballads everyone knows – from the 1870s to the 1930s – and a few others besides. Two [Trees and Banks of the Wabash], perhaps three [Smilin’ Through] are American, the rest British. Frank Lambert is little heard nowadays but his two examples are well worth listening to; and Geordie composer Jack Robson’s Cheviot Hills is shapely, too. Graham Peel’s fluent Bredon was in its day as popular as the settings of Butterworth and Vaughan Williams, while the four Haydn Wood examples remind us what a fine writer for the voice he was. We have had several good CD ballad releases of recent years, but Sir Thomas, gloriously even in tone and sensitive in interpretation, sings these songs as well if not better than most. Malcolm Martineau is a sympathetic accompanist. The recording is excellent and I cannot imagine the disc failing to give pleasure. Philip L ScowcroftAll Hyperion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
NELSON RIDDLE: Route 66 and other Great TV Themes The Alvin Show, Andy Griffith, Ben Casey, My Three Sons, The Untouchables, Naked City, Sing Along, The Defenders, Sam Benedict, Dr. Kildare, This Could be the Start of Something More Hit TV ThemesBeverly Hillbillies, Bonanza, Andy Williams, Stoney Burke, McHale’s Navy, Dickens and Fenster, Supercar, Have Gun Will Travel, Lucy Show, Laurence Welk, New Naked City Theme, Dick Van Dyke EMI Capitol 7243 5384132, 55:54 mins. This superb CD brings together two classic collectable LPs from 1962 and 1963 respectively. Most of the themes are recognisable, with the exception of a few American TV shows unknown in Britain. The sound quality on these arrangements is faultless as one would expect from EMI. The booklet reproduces thr fornt and back covers from both LPs, but no recording dates are given. To any collector of TV themes this CD is highly recommended. John R. Forster
PHINEAS NEWBORN Jr. (piano) with Dennis Farnon and his Orchestra ‘While My Lady Sleeps’ Moonlight in Vermont, Don’t You Know I Care, Lazy Mood, I’m Old Fashioned, Black in the Colour of my True Love’s Hair, While My Lady Sleeps, It’s Easy to Remember, Bali Ha’I, If I Should Lose You (France) BMG – RCA Victor Gold series 7432 1851572 (CD reissue of RCA Victor LP LPM-1474 recorded 1957). Dennis Farnon and George Shearing collaborated on the arrangements for Shearing’s Capitol album "Velvet Carpet", but he gets full control of this beautiful reissue. The French seem to have a knack of discovering gems such as this, whereas the parent record companies seem content to let them gather dust! There were so many orchestral albums around when this saw light of day, but not many people of my age could afford them all. I am not even sure if it reached England at the time, so I am more than grateful for the chance to catch up with what I missed the first time around. Congratulations to producer Daniel Baumgarten who is obviously a man of taste! Reviewer Alex Dutith states that it’s one of the few dazzling examples of ‘jazz with strings’ – an observation I fully endorse! The first shimmer of delectable strings on the opening number announces you are in Farnon country. The late Stan Roderick summed it up with the words "Isn’t it lovely up on this cloud?" Newborn was busy touring when the album was being set up so Dennis wrote all the sparkling charts without any input from Newborn until the actual recording. The album is a must for every member of our Society. Paul Clatworthy
PATTY CLARK ‘I Love You’ I Love You, You Go To My Head, So Many Stars, I Get Along Without You Very Well, I Didn’t Know What Time It Was, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, They All Laughed, I Wonder, I Remember You/Nearness Of You, I See Your Face Before Me, Meditation, My Funny Valentine, Lover Come Back To Me, Good Morning Heartache, Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me. (USA) Mainstem MSTCD 0025. The name Patty Clark will not be familiar to many, but in the States she had a successful singing career with her own Radio and TV programmes on NBC, she appeared with Bob Hope and did a successful season with Johnny Desmond on CBS with the revived "Glenn Miller Show". All of which garnered critical acclaim, so it was surprising that she retired from the music scene for many years following her marriage to impresario Tony Fantozzi. About 18 months ago she decided to return to the Studio ,not just any studio but the prestigious Capitol studio in Hollywood, with a 55 piece Orchestra arranged and conducted by Lou Forestieri and including some jazz soloists Gary Foster (tenor), Doug Webb (soprano) and Bob McChesney (trombone). The result is an extremely polished collection of fine standards sung with an assured mature voice; the arrangements are a nice balance of string settings and small jazz group backings to full blown big-band charts. Clearly Patty is no stranger to this material, the experience shows through. Her rendering of "Good Morning Heartache" as a straight ballad, without the "angst" of other singers, makes it sound fresh and new. There’s a nice coupling of "I Remember You" and "The Nearness of You" which go together quite seamlessly. We seem to have an abundance of girl singers to-day, but few who can match Patty Clark’s interpretations from the standard songbook repertoire. This a welcome release that will not disappoint those who like good songs well sung without affectation, to some excellent backings. All expertly engineered by the legendary Al Schmit. Seek it out next time you’re browsing in your local record shop. Footnote - Patty Clark hails from North Dakota at the age of 17 she was singed up by the local NBC radio station in Fargo and they changed her name from Patricia Larson. It was the same radio station that has some years earlier changed the name of a certain Norma Engstrom to Peggy Lee. Albert Killman
"THE FOUNDERS" Recordings for the Silver Jubilee of the International Military Music SocietyDrum Salute, The Founders (L. Cullen); Plymouth Hoe (John Ansell); Bugle March, HMS Ocean (R.A. Waterer); Dance Movement (P. Sparke); Baroque ‘N’ Roll (K. Peers); Overture, Colas Breygnon (Kabalevsky); Pavan, Sicut Aquilae (R. Wiffin); Lover (arr. Martindale); Spitfire Prelude (William Walton); Staffordshire Yeomanry March (Geoffrey Kingston); Duke of Cambridge March 9Malcolm Arnold); Triumphale (Pascuzzi); March, Coronation Bells (Partridge); Evening Hymn and Last Post (arr. R. Tulip). History of Military Music RM Plymouth, RAF Central and RE/REME bands conducted by Richard Waterer, Robert Wiffin and Geoffrey Kingston Chevron CHVCD12. The Silver Jubilee of the International Military Music Society is worthily celebrated with a fascinating book‘Sound The Trumpets, Beat The Drums’ (which includes a chapter on Military Bands on Radio by RFS member Brian Reynolds), and by this CD in four parts: specially recorded contributions representing all three services, and a potted history of military music with brief recorded illustrations. Each of the present service music chiefs, Wiffin (RAF), Waterer (Royal Marines) and Kingston (Army) is represented by a composition showing that good military music is still being written, aqs may be seen also from Sparke’s Dance Movement and Pascuzzi’s Triumphale, both brightly scored, not to mention the more overtly popular arrangements. The Walton was an obvious choice for the RAF;Plymouth Hoe for the Marines; while the Arnold (written for Kneller Hall’s centenary in 1957) and Partridge marches are both stirring ones – for some IMMS members marches are the only military band music! Performances match the occasion. Philip Scowcroft See page 82 of our last issue for details of how to obtain Chevron CDs.
INSPIRATIONS OF LONDON Theme from Shaft, Dreaming Eyes, Keep Off, Sweet Honey Honey, Moon Over Moscow, New Paradise, Bloody Border, Sylvester’s Party, Wenn der Tag zu ende Geht, Clairons and Clairettes, Chrysan Theme, Hurricane, City Sound, Freezing, Ambros High Life, Cloudy Day, Four Friends, Soley Soley, Relax, Inspirations of London Ambros Seelos Orchestra Teleplay Music TPM 1001. Here are 20 golden tracks from the 1970s featuring a big band from Germany and its soloists performing some great instrumentals. This album features 20 great tracks featuring the big band and orchestral sounds of the renowned Ambros Seelos Orchestra. All recordings were made in the 1970's and 15 of the tracks regularly accompanied BBC Television's Test Card in the UK between 1972 and 1978. Musicians featured on the recordings include Horst Michalke, Ed Sperber, Ian Fenby, Georges Delagaye and, of course, Ambros Seelos. This CD has been compiled with care and a great deal of thought has gone into its balance of musical styles. Because this is not just a big band CD where you hear the first couple of tracks and know the rest of the CD is going to be the same. This is a CD of variety. Some tracks are instantly familiar, but others will be new to you; each track is an instrumental masterpiece which will delight all the fans of melodic tuneful big band music of the 70s era. Malcolm Batchelor This CD has been produced by Andrew Evans, and he has offered to supply it to fellow RFS members at a special price of £10 inclusive of postage and packing. Cheques or postal orders (sterling only) should be in favour of ‘Teleplay Music’ and sent to Teleplay Music, 16 Gadsby Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV11 3EH. Credit card orders can be placed via the website: www.teleplaymusic.co.uk – price $16.
FRANZ LEHAR Fata Morgana (Gypsy Feast), Suite de Danse, Chinese Ballet Suite & Character Dances from ‘Peter and Paul in Cockaigne’. Radio Sinfonieorchester Berlin cond. by Michail Jurowski CPO 999761-2. For lovers of light music – and that, of course, goes for all readers of this magazine – may I wholeheartedly recommend this CD. It consists of 19 tracks of brilliant, tuneful, catchy and unfamiliar orchestral music by Franz Lehar. Apart from a short snatch of music fromZigeunerliebe in the first track, I’ve never heard any of the pieces before. To paraphrase David Mellor’s Classic FM Sunday programme, "If you liked that you’ll like this". Ken Wilkins Editor: the Vocalion CD of music by Franz Lehar, reviewed by John Govier in our last issue (page 79), has been warmly received by RFS members. Another recent CPO CD offers a 1939 Radio Concert from Saarbrüchen conducted by Franz Lehar, featuring some of his songs as well as orchestral works (CPO 999 781-2). CPO CDs are available from the RFS Record Service.
BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC CLASSICS Volume 4 Marching Strings (Ray Martin); Jaunting Car (Peter Hope); High Heels (Trevor Duncan); Dance of an Ostracised Imp (Frederic Curzon); Keltic Lament (John Foulds); Rhythm on Rails, A Quiet Stroll (Charles Williams); By the Sleepy Lagoon (Eric Coates); Jamaican Rumba (Arthur Benjamin); In a Monastery Garden (Albert W. Ketèlbey); Demoiselle Chic (Percy Fletcher); Cavalcade of Youth (Jack Beaver); Elizabethan Masque (Frederic Bayco); Shepherd Fennel’s Dance (Henry Balfour Gardiner); Thrills (Charles Ancliffe); The Doge’s March (Frederick Rosse); Petite Suite de Concert (Samuel Coleridge-Taylor) The New London Orchestra conducted by Ronald Corp Hyperion CDA67400, total timing 77:53 minutes. We are greatly indebted to both Hyperion and Ronald Corp for the (hopefully) continuing series of British Light Music Classics, with its targeted emphasis on vintage Light Music ranging from about the 1890s to the early 1960s – a period when melody and rhythmic verve was at its most intense and infectious. Whilst inevitably in such a generous compilation some duplication with contemporary modern recordings is unavoidable, and pieces such as By the Sleepy Lagoon and In a Monastery Garden are doubtless included to make the CD more commercial, there is plenty of evidence of some imaginative programme planning and an impressive knowledge of Light Music repertoire. An excellent curtain-raiser is Ray Martin’s Marching Strings, played with plenty of verve and panache. Particularly welcome are the two Charles Williams miniatures, particularly the charmingly joyful and jaunty A Quiet Stroll. New to this listener was John Foulds’ haunting beautiful Keltic Lament, and remembered from the distant days of childhood Charles Ancliffe’s fine waltz Thrills (staple fare, no doubt, in programmes such as ‘Those Were The Days’) and the Doges March by Frederick Rosse, of which my father possessed a 78 record. Jack Beaver’s Cavalcade of Youth – used as the signature tune of ‘The Barlows of Beddington’ – also made one wistfully nostalgic. Also welcome is a completePetite Suite de Concert in a recording distinctly superior to the Marco Polo alternative (8.223516) with the Dublin RTE Concert Orchestra conducted by Adrian Leaper. Technically the recording (even by Hyperion’s high standards) is quite superlative with ample range, depth and amplitude, with many inner details and ‘effects’ being revealed – often hidden or obscured in earlier historic recordings. One cannot imagine this disc not being an automatic ‘must have’ amongst light music enthusiasts and hopefully the better known pieces will attract a wider currency amongst the general public. Anyway it’s up to all of us to encourage Hyperion and Ronald Corp to keep up their good work. As Andrew Lamb says in his informative notes to this fourth volume dip into the well of British Light Music Classics, the source is as fresh and sparkling as ever! Roger Hyslop
Unless I’m mistaken, nine of these pieces appear as first-time modern digital recordings. Anyway, here come the Marching Strings, fresh as ever (what a good opener they always make) and Jack Beaver’s uplifting Cavalcade of Youth; here also is Elizabethan Masque, rather unexpected and all the more welcome for that. Ketèlbey’s ‘monks’ sound really authentic (period performance!), and though less brisk than the composer’s version Rhythm on Rails gave me a pleasingly smooth ride. Many moons ago Charles Ancliffe was constrained to squeeze as much of Thrills as he could on to a 10" 78 side; complete with introduction, all repeats and coda it now gets the full treatment. So too doesPetite Suite de Concert, and its third movement Un Sonnet d’Amour is given as sensitive an account as any that I know. All in all, this is an excellent release which will hopefully make many more friends for our wonderful World of Light Music. John E. Govier Hyperion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US $24] each.
PAUL LEWIS Three Decades of TV Themes The Prisoner of Zenda, Autumn Love, Brendon Chase, Arthur of the Britons, The Big Knife, King’s Royal, The Dark Angel, The Benny Hill Waltz, The Island, Woof!, Wreckers at Deadeye The Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Paul LewisCampion CAMEO 2018, 76:13 mins. At long last here is a CD which attempts to do justice to Paul Lewis’s work for British television. I say ‘attempts’, because incredibly he has been responsible for over 130 TV scores, so there is a vast body of his work still waiting to be rediscovered. But this new CD makes a fine start, and the swashbuckling opening from the 1984 "Prisoner of Zenda" (BBC TV) is in the finest Hollywood tradition. Autumn Love was originally in the Chappell Recorded Music Library, but its tender qualities were noticed in 1973 when it was chosen for the Thames TV series "Spring and Autumn". Subsequently it was arranged by Ray Martin for commercial LP release, and the Chappell version also appeared in Grasmere’s third album of famous themes. Paul knows how to write a catchy theme, and "Brendon Chase" certainly falls into this category. An RCA EP of the music sold 5,000 copies back in the 1980s. "Arthur of the Britons" (HTV 1972) is perhaps the major suite in this collection, with an impressive opening and plenty of tender (and exciting!) themes in the rest of the work. "The Big Knife" (HTV 1989) is sub-titled Romance for Piano and Strings and one can imagine it filling both sides of a Columbia 78 back in the late 1940s. "King’s Royal" (BBC 1981-82) has a very strong theme in the finest tradition of descriptive writing. "The Dark Angel" (BBC 1990) is another substantial work which the composer describes as A Gothic Melodrama for Orchestra. In complete contrast comes The Benny Hill Waltz, which is actually a movement called Ballroom from Paul’s collection "History Book of Music"; the change of title reflects the use of this piece (speeded-up) in many Benny Hill shows. "The Island" (HTV 1976) features soprano and orchestra; the producer had asked for a Laura-type piece, but understandably Paul felt some reluctance to copy that most famous of all film themes. The result is a melody employing vocalise (wordless) for soprano and orchestra – the listener can judge whether or not the producer had his wish granted. "Woof!" has to be Paul’s most famous TV theme. Although written for an ITV children’s programme, it achieved audience figures above six million, and has been shown in over 64 countries. Tommy Reilly originally played harmonica in the small Carlton TV orchestra (the Paul Lewis Woof Band), to be followed by James Hughes from series eight. Even if you have never seen the TV show, you cannot fail to be swept along by the sheer fun and exuberance of the music. In this Fantasy Paul has combined several of the themes he used during the series, but over the nine years he wrote many catchy little interludes for all of the main characters. Finally this delightful collection comes to an end with "Wreckers at Deadeye" (Thames 1970) – to quote the composer’s words "…a rip-roaring yarn of smugglers and shipwreckers." He has certainly captured it all in his music. The CD is accompanied by an excellent booklet (mostly written by Paul), generously filled with photographs. Campion is to be congratulated for including this highly entertaining CD in their ‘British Composers series’. This CD should be in the collection of everyone who enjoys expertly crafted light orchestral music. It is simply an absolute joy from start to finish. David Ades Campion CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US $24} each.
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES Volume One Divertimento (Gareth Walters); Elegy (Edward Elgar); Suite (Michael Roberts); Two Aquarelles (Frederick Delius); Fiddler’s Green (Anthony Hedges); Two Pieces from Henry V (William Walton); Partita (John Addison). Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland. ASV Whiteline WHL 2134, 71:37 mins. If you enjoyed producer Philip Lane’s four English String Miniatures sequence on Naxos then you will enjoy his new four-part series on ASV which mixes the familiar with the less well-known, no bad thing. Gareth Walters is Welsh and his five-part Divertimento is based on national folk tunes. Michael Roberts came from Blackburn in Lancashire and worked for the BBC before going freelance, parts of his excellent five-movement Suite being used as television theme tunes. Anthony Hedges has long been associated with Hull University and all four movements of Fiddler’s Green relate to places of musical jollity which sailors enjoyed while ashore. John Addison was educated at Wellington College and wrote for both the concert hall and cinema while Elgar, Walton and Delius need no further introduction. Edmund Whitehouse
Adventurous music-lovers who relish the bite, darkness, delicacy, light, sweep, tenderness, etc. etc. of well-made string compositions are unlikely to complain of this! Neither frivolous nor brow-furrowing, the seven works all add up to a pleasing, nicely contrasted programme. A short Elgar work and "tandem" pieces by Delius/Fenby and Walton balance the others. Gareth Walters and the late Michael Roberts and John Addison are represented by five-movement works (the Roberts was assembled from music written in 1962, ’65 and ’71). The newest work, dating from last year, is by Anthony Hedges – living up to the promise of its title. Full-toned playing and recording: try a lowish volume setting for comfort! It appears that more may be looked forward to. John E. Govier
MATTHEW CURTIS Fiesta, Amsterdam Suite, Pas de Deux, Paths to Urbino, Two Pieces for Small Orchestra, Outward Bound Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland Campion CAMEO 2015, 77:18 mins. I must confess to not having been aware of the music of Matthew Curtis previously, but how grateful I am that this gap in my musical knowledge has finally been filled by this splendid new CD from Campion in their ‘British Composers Series’. The accompanying booklet informs us that he hails from Embleton in Cumbria, and that much of his music has been taken up by non-professional and youth orchestras in Britain and overseas. He composes in a pleasing style that is instantly accessible, yet full of delightful orchestral colouring that will provide enhanced enjoyment with repeated listenings. How good it is that young composers (Matthew was born in 1959) are still writing what can be described as ‘traditional’ light music, although he himself seems to suggest that he regards it more as contemporary classical that can appeal to performers and audiences alike. Labels can be misleading: suffice it to say that anyone who enjoys the kind of light music championed by Eric Coates and Haydn Wood will find much to please them here. I look forward to hearing more of his music in the future. David Ades
‘Something Here’ – The Film and Television Music of DEBBIE WISEMAN Wilde, Hans Christian Andersen, Before You Go, Tom & Viv, Judge John Deed, Warriors, My Uncle Silas, Simon – an English Legionnaire, Tom’s Midnight Garden, Haunted, Othello, The Ugly Duckling Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Debbie Wiseman Silva Screen SILKD6035, 71:19 mins. As Debbie herself explains in the booklet, the album’s title "Something here" refers to the familiar comment from directors showing their film to a composer, indicating that some music is needed at a particular point. This collection brings together some of her memorable scores for film and TV, the earliest being "Tom & Viv" (1994) which tells of the tumultuous marriage of poet T.S. Eliot to his first wife, and no less than four from 2002, of which the major work has to be Debbie’s setting of "The Ugly Duckling", narrated by Nigel Havers in his usual suave manner. Perhaps parts of this fairy tale might be a bit frightening to very young children, but it serves as an extremely useful way to get youngsters interested in the manner in which orchestral music can tell a story – especially when the writing is as accomplished as this. Whenever the name ‘Debbie Wiseman’ appears on the credits for a film or television production, you know that the music will perfectly suit the situation on screen. Perhaps she has had rather a lot of serious subjects to date (and she can certainly tear at your heartstrings!), but the music for "Hans Christian Andersen" and "My Uncle Silas" reveal her lighter nature. She is such a petite, happy and bubbly person in real life that it is difficult to imagine her writing some of the serious works her directors demand, let alone control the full forces of a large symphony orchestra. What a formidable talent she is! One day she will get an Oscar for the best score for a major Hollywood film; why it hasn’t happened already, is Hollywood’s loss. Until the film capital of the world wakes up and finally takes notice, we in Britain can be sure that our films and television will continue to benefit from her superlative scores. David Ades
The Film Music of RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Volume 1 Scott of the Antarctic, Coastal Command, The People’s Land BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN 10007, 78:30 mins. Chandos is gradually building up an impressive library of film music, and it is good to note that this latest CD has been labelled ‘Volume 1’, indicating that there are more treats to follow from this great composer. Because he has been so lauded for his symphonies, Vaughan Williams’ work for the British cinema has tended to be somewhat neglected, but on its own it stands as a fine testimony to his gifts as a descriptive writer. It is well-known that his score for "Scott of the Antarctic" provided the basis for his Symphony No. 7 – "Sinfonia Antartica" – and some critics over the years have suggested that the symphony was in some ways less satisfying than the film music. Perhaps this is surprising, because less than half of the score that VW provided for the film was actually used by the producers, so this CD, which offers the premiere recording of the full version, provides the first opportunity for some of it to be heard. "Coastal Command" was a wartime documentary made by the Crown Film Unit in 1942, while "The People’s Land" described the work of the National Trust and was shot in colour in 1943 (surprisingly in view of the scarcity of film stock at that time). The BBC Philharmonic and Rumon Gamba are definitely in sympathy with film music, as their previous CDs have proved, and this latest one is no exception. The booklet is generously illustrated with film stills (but not from "The People’s Land"), and anyone interested in British film music should immediately add this to their collection. David Ades
NELSON RIDDLE: ‘The Unreleased Nelson – Part 1’ RADIO TRANSCRIPTIONS Isle of May, Till the End of Time, Our Love, Moon Love, The Lamp is Low, Full Moon and Empty Arms, In the Hush of Night, Yours and Mine, Yours is my Heart Alone (You Are my Heart’s Delight), My Reverie; HEY DIDDLE RIDDLE The Farmer in the Dell, Row Your Boat, Oh Dear What Can the Matter Be, The Muffin Man, Little Bo Peep, London Bridge, Tom Tom the Piper’s Son, Polly Put the Kettle On, Three Blind Mice, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hickory Dickory Dock NELSON RIDDLE APPRECIATION SOCIETY NNCD003. Alan Wright is doing a wonderful job keeping alive the glorious music of Nelson Riddle. Not only does he produce the regular newsletter "Nelson’s Notes", but he has also arranged for members of the NRAS to obtain rare recordings by Nelson that are unobtainable elsewhere. Alan has kindly allowed us to give details of his latest release which contains two batches of traditional tunes, arranged in the unique Riddle manner, that have not previously been released anywhere. The first ten tracks (all classical works) are transcriptions recorded late in 1953 for use by radio stations. "Hey Diddle Riddle" dates from October to December 1959, and is believed to be for a projected album that didn’t eventually proceed. Anyone interested in Riddle’s work will find this CD fascinating, and it is an essential purchase for those wishing to have a complete Nelson Riddle collection. Audio restoration was in the hands of Alan Bunting, so you’ll know that it is of a very high quality. David Ades
This is available only as a private CD through a £10 (incl. p & p) donation to the Nelson Riddle Appreciation Society, 4 Jardine Cottages, Templewood Lane, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4BQ, England. Please mention the RFS when ordering; cheques should be payable to ‘The Nelson Riddle Appreciation Society’.
ABC RADIO THEMES : CLASSIC THEMES FROM POPULAR ABC RADIO PROGRAMMES – (Australia) ABC CLASSICS 472446-2. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has recently released this CD containing twenty tracks of a variety of radio themes heard over the years. Many of the themes of current programmes included are classical pieces from such composers as Respighi, Charpentier, Beethoven and Mozart. These themes have become much loved over the years. The older programme themes include 'Pastorale' by Ronald Hanmer, once used as the theme to the serial 'Blue Hills'; 'Old Mother Hubbard' by Cecil Fraser from 'The Argonauts'; Clive Richardson's 'Melody on the Move' from the 'Hospital Half Hour' and the Merrymakers' Dance by Edward German once used as the theme to the ‘Country Hour’. There are also two versions of 'Majestic Fanfare' by Charles Williams. The last nineteen seconds of this has been used as the ABC Radio News Theme for about fifty years. Also included is 'Olympia Australia' by the Australian composer Sean O'Boyle. This stirring and descriptive piece was used as the theme to the Sydney Olympics and more recently the Manchester Commonwealth Games. All told a good selection for regular ABC listeners and those who like theme music. Barry Freeman
FRANK BRIDGE Orchestral Works Vol. 2 Dance Rhapsody, Five Entr’actes, Dance Poem, Norse Legend, The Sea Chandos CHAN 10012, 72:37 minutes. When one considers how attractive this music is, it is surprising that this is the only cycle of Bridge’s music ever undertaken. The opening work Dance Rhapsody (this is the premiere recording in this version) is an attractive piece which Bridge first conducted to considerable critical acclaim in 1908. It enjoyed several more performances until 1918, after which it lay forgotten until 1938. It disappeared once more, until 1977, which probably says more about our musical establishment than the quality of the work itself. I find it enchanting, and I shall listen to it on many future occasions. The Sea is regarded as Bridge’s most successful orchestral work and (like a certain Canadian composer some years later) he chose to get his inspiration from the south coast of England. Frank Bridge (1879-1941) deserves to have his work remembered and enjoyed, and this collection could well provide some very pleasant surprises for music lovers who are currently unfamiliar with his achievements. David Ades
ELGAR The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2, Three Bavarian Dances, Polonia, Triumphal March [Carcatacus], Meditation [The Light of Life] – LPO, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult – EMI Classics CDZ 5 75295-2. 74 mins. A warm welcome back to the catalogue for an old friend, Sir Adrian Boult’s peerless performances of these wistful suites and enchanting dances. Here is light music of consummate excellence. It’s difficult to believe these classic and sensitive performances will ever be surpassed. I have treasured the original HMV LP [ASD 2356] for many years and it’s a particular joy to have these recordings, sounding newly minted and mercifully liberated from the inevitable "snap, crackle and pop", on CD. The attractions of this issue are further enhanced by some generous fill-ups: Polonia [a fantasia on Polish national airs dedicated to Ignaz Paderewski, and with organ judiciously added to bring the piece to a suitably grandioso conclusion], the stirring March, and the oratorio Meditation. With generous playing time, budget price and indisputably three-star performances this disc is self-recommending. Roger Hyslop
LES PAUL and Mary Ford ‘How High The Moon’ Title track, Just Because, Blue Skies, Dark Eyes, It’s Been a Long Long Time (with Bing Crosby), Rumours are Flying (with Andrews Sisters), Lover, Brazil, Nola, Goofus, Little Rock Getaway, La Rosita, Whispering, The World is Waiting for the Sunrise, etc… 30 tracks ASV Living Era CD AJA 5438, 77:08 mins. There can be few collectors of popular music around 50 years ago who did not have at least one Les Paul 78 in their collection. So for many of us, this new compilation is a welcome reminder of his considerable talents as a guitar player who, technically, was years ahead of his time. It is incredible that he achieved such astonishing results from the primitive recording equipment available in the late 1940s. I seem to recall reading that his multi-track records were often made at home in his bathroom, and that he kept the precise way he did it a closely guarded secret. Eight-track mixers have been mentioned, presumably linked to early tape recorders (the CD booklet notes briefly talk about ‘LP overdubbing’ – but surely this would have resulted in a build-up of unacceptable surface noise). Les Paul’s wife Mary Ford sings (also multi-tracked) on nine of the songs, and all of their big hits (up to 1951) seem to be here. It is great to be able to enjoy these unique recordings again. David Ades
MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES The Thirties Music from the Movies; 1936 Medley; Goldwyn Follies selection; Jungle of the Jungle; Hollywood Hotel selection; The Wizard of Oz selection; The Eyes of the World Are Upon You; The Great Ziegfeld selection; Empire Builders; Gold Diggers of 1937 selection; I Haven’t Time To Be a Millionaire; On the Avenue selection; Everybody Dance; Babes in Arms selection; There’s That Look In Your Eyes Again; Music from the Movies 1938 Medley. Louis Levy & his Gaumont British Symphony. ASV Living Era CD AJA 5445, 76:40 mins. Ever wondered how David Ades spends his spare time? He never has any and this impressive selection of 1930s movie music is yet another product of his fertile imagination and personal record collection. Louis Levy certainly comes under the guise of dance band leader but he was much more than that, being the major pre-war musical voice of the cinema. The luscious sleeve depicts the opening of the Gaumont State Cinema in Kilburn, North London, and the opening march Music from the Movies will be instantly recognisable to all who used to go the flicks when it was not unusual for there to be 2,000 other people present, more than many of today’s professional football club crowds! Singers on the disc include Sam Browne, Gerry Fitzgerald, Janet Lind, Robert Ashley, Hazel Jean, Edward Molloy and Eve Becke. If you were a moviegoer then you will know what to expect but if not then sit back and imagine what it must have been like when the only screen to watch was a big one, which most families visited at least once a week. Edmund Whitehouse
I must comment on the superb sound of this CD. The soaring strings, wandering all over the place, are warmly supported by the full, rich sound of the brass which often carries the main melody. And the singers sound so clear. Alan Bunting has done a wonderful job restoring these ancient 78s. I have other Louis Levy albums in my collection, but they don’t sound as good as this. Raymond Wood Editor: I am very pleased that members have appreciated the efforts made by Alan on this CD. Some of the tracks I transferred for him were edited from up to three different 78s to get the best results we could, and I have to say (with suitable modesty) that I think the extra trouble we took was worth it.
‘POPS ROUNDUP’ - BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA conducted by ARTHUR FIEDLER. Pops Roundup; Home On the Range plus 16 other cowboy songs. 61:26. (USA) RCA Victor Living Stereo 09026-61666-2. Howdy, pardners! Time to get out your western gear and ride out onto the Plains with this time honoured classic. Arrangements are by Jack Mason and Richard Hayman. To set the tone, there's "Pops Roundup," a send-up of American TV westerns followed by a gunfight version of "O Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie." There is a stunningly beautiful Jack Mason chart for "Home On The Range" which is treated with graceful dignity. Sons of the Pioneers admirers will find "Wagon Wheels" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" stunningly elegant. Tacked on at the end of this charming 1962 recording are 6 tracks from the 1967 follow-up album "Pops Goes West." It's hard to beat Richard Hayman's lush version of "Shenandoah" or his upbeat take of "High Noon." As with the earlier recording, the remastering is formidably life like with Richard Hayman playing his harmonica enthusiastically. A charming album from a great era for the Pops and Arthur Fiedler. RCA/BMG have a vast catalogue of Fiedler recordings including those of Chet Atkins and Kate Smith which are in desperate need of being released. How about it, guys? Richard Jessen
STANLEY BLACK, his Piano and Orchestra – Big Instrumental Hits Holiday for Strings, Ebb Tide, Patricia, Canadian Sunset, Delicado, 12th Street Rag, April in Portugal, Lullaby of Birdland, Harry Lime Theme, Blue Tango, Melody of Love, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White Hollywood Love Themes It’s Magic, Love is a Many-Splendoured Thing, A Woman in Love, Tammy, Hold my Hand, Be My Love, Three Coins in the Fountain, True Love, Friendly Persuasion, Secret Love, Around the World, My Foolish Heart Vocalion CDLK4159, 69:50 mins. Here’s a real treat for Stanley Black fans, presenting the two familiar sides of the master pianist. On the first LP he is wearing his Latin-American sombrero as he treats a dozen instrumental favourites from the 1950s to a rhythmic treatment, often (but not exclusively) with a rich Latin touch - his sparkling piano assisted by pulsating percussion and a small-ish mainly string orchestra. For the full, lush Stanley Black sound of a concert piano, backed by a large light orchestra playing gorgeous arrangements, you can do no better than the second collection, focussed on film themes from the same era. Both albums were recorded in stereo at a time when the Decca sound engineers were considered to be the finest around. Michael Dutton has worked his usual magic on the original tapes, resulting in a superlative CD that will find its way into many stockings this Christmas. David Ades
FERDE GROFÉ Death Valley Suite (Funeral Mountains, 49er Emigrant Train, Desert Water Hole, Sand Storm), Hollywood Suite (On the Set Sweepers, The Stand-In, Carpenters and Electricians, Preview, Production Number, Director-Star-Ensemble), Hudson River Suite (The River, Henry Hudson, Rip Van Winkle, Albany Night Boat, New York!). Naxos 8.559017. Grofé was much more than just Paul Whiteman¹s arranger, he was a major composer in his own right whose works are deservedly now being reheard. This latest luscious offering is terrific value with never a dull moment as the busy tunes duck and dive through Hollywood film sets, deserts and rivers. For those already familiar with his orchestral colouring then there is no need to elaborate further but for those new to this genre then wait no longer because you will certainly not be disappointed. Peter Worsley
SPIKE JONES & HIS CITY SLICKERS Cocktails for Two; McNamara’s Band; Glow Worm; Leave the Dishes in the Sink; Little Bo Peep Has Lost Her Jeep; Clink, Clink, Another Drink; You Always Hurt the One You Love; Sheik of Araby; William Tell; Der Fuehrer’s Face; Water Lou; Oh By Jingo; Mother Goose; Old McDonald; Hawaiian War Chant; Dance of the Hours; That Old Black Magic; Rhapsody from Hunger(y); Man on the Flying Trapeze; All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth; Jingle Bells. Evergreen Melodies EV83. Spike was a serious musician but enjoyed mucking about after hours when he added the sound of cow bells, whistles, saws, breaking glass, pistols and car horns. He even trained a goat to bleat in the key of C! When he released Der Fuehrer¹s Face in 1942 it came at just the right time to set his show business career off, literally with a bang! This selection of his very best are both memorable and amusing but equally clever in their musicianship which relied on perfect timing and brilliantly conceived vocals. After each live performance Spike would bow and say "Thank you music lovers" in a dead pan expression which never betrayed his inward feelings. Judge for yourself the brilliant histrionics of a truly "one off". CD and shorter cassette version are available only via mail order from Evergreen, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ, England – telephone 01242 515156. Edmund Whitehouse Editor: Spike Jones has been well served with recent CD releases. This new Evergreen collection joins around 20 compilations currently available, including a recent one from ASV - CDAJA5437. Robert Farnon’s eldest brother Brian worked with Spike Jones for many years.
ELIZABETHAN SERENADE – Classics of British Light Music Elizabethan Serenade (Ronald Binge); Knightsbridge March, The Man About Town, London Calling, Dancing Nights (Eric Coates); Chanson de Matin (Elgar); Lady O’Connell (Fredrick Ellard); In a Persian Market (Ketèlbey); Colonel Bogey (Kenneth Alford); Soldiers of the Queen (Leslie Stuart); 633 Squadron, The Barbican (Ron Goodwin); Warsaw Concerto (Richard Addinsell); Rememberance (Archibald Joyce); Pastorale (Ronald Hanmer); Music from ‘The Fool on the Hill’ ballet (Lennon, McCartney) (Australia) ABC Classics 472 509-2, 76:21 mins. This is a compilation of seventeen pieces previously released on CDs, or recorded for broadcast over the last few years. All but one of the tracks is performed by an Australian symphony orchestra, army band or small orchestra. The odd man out is Albert Ketèlbey’sIn a Persian Market played by the New Symphony Orchestra. The CD ends with two pieces from an Australian television ballet The Fool on the Hill which used music composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, arranged by John Lanchbery. I must admit that I do not think all the tracks fit into the category of ‘light music’, still it is nice to know that ABC Classics think so much of that type of music that they go to the trouble of releasing a CD of it. The CD comes with an attractive booklet containing an interesting article tracing the early history of ‘light’ and ‘mood’ music, and giving details of each piece and its Australian connection. Barry Freeman
MARLENE VERPLANCK ‘Speaking of Love’ But Not For Me, Blues in my Heart, It Was Written in the Stars, What Comes After the Rainbow, I Let a Song go out of my Heart, Listen to the Silence, Jamaica Rumba, Romance Medley, The Moment of Truth, A Christmas Love Song, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve, Little Jazz Bird, Day-Dream, Nearer to your Love, Unless It’s You, My Love Went to London, Make Some Magic, The Singer, Speaking of Love, My Bluebird (USA) Audiophile ACD 320. "Listening to Marlene’s vocal performance on the CD Speaking of Love is as refreshing as a clear spring day. These are the sounds that will best serve the future of great popular music, and long may this mistress of song wait upon our admiration of her remarkable gifts. What a joy it must be to record with the wonderful lady." These words are Robert Farnon’s and quoted from the liner notes in praise of the CD; Johnny Mandel and Benny Carter also contribute words of praise. I think I read that this is Marlene’s seventeenth recording, not only is it superb but many regard it as her best ever. On it she demonstrates yet again what a wonderful lyrical singer she is and why fans and critics alike regard her as one of the finest interpreters of the American popular song, in the classic tradition performing today. Throughout her career she has always had taste and integrity in choosing which songs to sing, always paying loving care equally to well-known standards, sadly neglected ones, and new ones by fine composers. The repertoire on this CD of 22 songs date from Gershwins’ 1924 song "Little Jazz Bird" through to 2001, perhaps not too many well known standards, but a very good mix of excellent songs that many will be delighted to discover for the first time. Her musical accompaniment is always of the highest order and for this we have to thank her husband and musical partner Billy, a veteran of Charlie Spivak, and Tommy Dorsey bands for his musical direction. Not only was Billy responsible for all the arrangements on this CD but he contributed two original songs, and produced and conducted the recording session. For many years now the VerPlanks have been touring the UK every March and as a result built up a loyal band of enthusiastic fans. In this time she has had a long and fruitful association with the Roy Babbington, and here Roy provides the backing with his swinging trio, Roy on bass, Mark Fletcher drums and the dynamic and perhaps underrated pianist Geoff Eales who I was pleased to hear was given plenty of opportunity to shine. Just one more added bonus. On six of the tracks the trio is augmented with Big Band which Roy recruited from the cream of British session musicians. The closing track "My Bluebird" was written by Tommy Flanagan and here he accompanies Marlene to lyrics set by Jay Leonhart in what was to be his last recording before his death. As one critic put it writing of this CD: "Even by her own high standards this is exceptional - it would be a worthy winner of any jazz vocal recording award of this year or any other year ". I have to agree. Malcolm Frazer See also the advertisement on page 31 of this issue.
‘THE PRISONER’ Music used in the 1960s TV series Various composers and orchestras Silva Screen FILMCD 601, 602, 603. In 1989 Silva Screen issued the first CD of library tracks used in this cult TV series, and others were to follow in the early 1990s. They have now been repackaged and reissued, although it is likely that keen fans of the show will already have them in their collections.
JOLY BRAGA SANTOS Symphonies 1-6 Marco Polo 8.223879, 8.225087, 8.225216, 8.225233 Bournemouth & Portuguese Symphony Orchestras conducted by Alvaro Cassuto. Classic FM may be repetitive and at times annoying but it does play a greater variety of tuneful music than BBC Radio 3. Having gone to bed early a few months ago (a rare event in itself), I tuned to Classic FM in despair at the Beeb and immediately propped up my pillow and began to take notice of a composer quite new to me. In effect Joly Braga Santos is a Portuguese George Lloyd and his early symphonies are sheer delight, full of warm, expansive and extrovert colours. Very approachable and hugely enjoyable music for those not yet attuned. Marco Polo brands itself as the "label of discovery" and so it is. Try this composer’s early music and see for yourself. Peter Worsley
FAIRY TALES & OTHER WORKS Vyacheslav Grokhovsky Campion CAMEO 2016 Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer. Russian Caprice; The Enchanted Wanderer; Hans Andersen Fairy Tales (The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Thumbelina, The Emperor’s New Clothes); Gypsy Rhapsody. Can there be anyone reading this review who has ever heard of this Russian composer born in 1945? Unlikely because this is the first time his music has been heard over here and the best description I can think of is to liken him to a modern Tchaikovsky. Very Russian and expansive in style and all the better for it. If you like traditional Russian romantic fare then you will enjoy this.Edmund Whitehouse
BRITISH COMPOSER SERIES Bill Worland Campion CAMEO 2017 City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland. Curtain Up!; Broadstairs Suite (Viking Bay & Pierremont Park, Snuff & Nonsense, Pavilion Waltz, Serene Place, Bleak House & Joss Bay); Sandman Serenade; Paths of Peace; Intermezzo 45 (Michaela, Little Ballet, Balalaikas, Finale); For Aida; Rhapsodie Tristesse; Amaro Dolce; Honky-Tonk Town; Midnight in Manhattan. Those already familiar with the composer’s Marco Polo disc can look forward to more thoroughly enjoyable light music in the best tradition. The "descriptive" Broadstairs Suite is excellent, much of it based on Victoriana and Charles Dickens while Intermezzo 45 was composed as the war drew to a close. In this first of what promises to be a fine new series deserving our full support, the other tracks are also good value especially the foot-tapping Honky-Tonk Town. Edmund Whitehouse
E. J. MOERAN Symphony in G Minor & Sinfonietta Naxos 8.555837 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Lloyd-Jones. Stop! Don’t be put off by the title because the Symphonyis beautiful pastoral music based on the Norfolk landscape of the 1930s while the Sinfonietta is a bright and breezy nine-part piece of light music by another name composed during the last war. There is much tuneful serious British music to enjoy which is now sadly neglected by the BBC and Moeran is most definitely part of this wonderful legacy. Highly recommended for all who simply enjoy good music.
Peter Worsley
JUDY GARLAND: ‘JUDY IN LOVE / ALONE’. Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart; I Can't Give You Anything But Love; Day In, Day Out; By Myself; Me And My Shadow plus 19 other songs. (USA) S&P Records 72435-37-823-2-0. 75:08. Jimmy McHugh, in his liner notes to "Judy In Love," called Judy Garland "The Star Studded Cinderella Girl." Both of these albums, marvellously restored to pristine clarity by Steve Hoffman, live up to McHugh's opinion. Both Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins (the arrangers on these albums) had worked with Ms. Garland on tour in the 1950's). "Judy In Love" starts with a gem of a score for "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart," with a fantastic building of inner tensions by Garland combined with a combustible score by Riddle. A sensuous version of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" is followed by an endearingly swinging "This Is It." There even some mischievous studio chatter before a swinging version of "Day In, Day Out." Alone explores a darker world with a deeply moving version of "Me And My Shadow," sung with probing sensitivity by Garland. A small jazz combo within the orchestra is heard to brilliant effect on "By Myself" and "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues." "Among My Souvenirs" is a desolate tone poem for Judy Garland with accompanying chorus. No other CD can give you the jazzy optimist alongside the sublime ballad singer that made up the one and only Judy Garland. An essential recording for admirers of this great artist. Richard Jessen
Here are the tracklistings for some new Vocalion releases. All are expertly remastered by Mike Dutton from the original tapes, with attractive and informative booklets … in other words, the usual high quality product you have come to expect from Vocalion:
GISELE MACKENZIE and HELEN O’CONNELL Water Can’t Quench the Fire of Love, A Crazy Waltz, Lipstick Powder ‘n’ Paint, Give Me the Name Age Height and Size, When the Hands of the Clock Pray at Midnight; Gisele solo Le Fiacre, Johnny, Adios, Don’t Let the Stars Get in your Eyes, My Favourite Song, I’d Rather Die Young, Till They’ve All Gone Home, Seven Lonely Days, Till I Waltz Again With You; Helen solo Would I Love You, Green Eyes, Anytime, Slowpoke, Come What May, Be Anything, No Other Love, Night for Love, Rub-a-Dub-Dub. Vocalion CDLK4138, 59:27 mins.
EDMUNDO ROS and his Orchestra with The Mike Sammes Singers SING AND SWING: Guantanamera, Come Closer to Me, Fly Me to the Moon, If I Were a Rich Man, Sweet and Gentle, I Searched the World, Quiet Nights, Playtime in Brazil, Sway, The Girl from Ipanema, You too You too, The Fugitive, How Near is Love, Be Mine Tonight. SING AND DANCE: Amor amor, Perhaps perhaps perhaps, Granada, Frenesi, Green Eyes, Besame Mucho, Adios, Brazil, Tico-tico, Always in my Heart, Maria Elena, Perfidia, Magic is the Moonlight, Baia, You Belong to my Heart, Come to the Mardi Gras.Vocalion CDLK4140, 73:32 mins.
STANLEY BLACK Piano GERSHWIN GOES LATIN: S’Wonderful, Love is Here to Stay, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Nice Work if you Can Get It, Embraceable You, Soon, Bidin’ my Time, A Foggy Day, Love Walked In, Somebody Loves Me, But Not for Me, Liza. FRIML & ROMBERG in CUBAN MOONLIGHT: Serenade from ‘Student Prince’, Romance, Wanting You, One Kiss, Lover Come Back to Me, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, Sympathy, Love Everlasting, Indian Love Call, Rose Marie, Giannina Mia, Donkey Serenade. Vocalion CDLK4142, 62:02 mins.
DICKIE VALENTINE WITH VOCAL REFRAIN: One Two Button Your Shoe, Bidin’ my Time, Sunday, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, Singin’ the Blues, Mary, Lucky Day, Carolina in the Morning, If I Knew I’d Find You, Back in your own Backyard, Everybody Loves my Baby, When it’s Sleepy Time Down South. OVER MY SHOULDER: Birth of the Blues, East of the Sun, Blue, I Kiss to Build a Dream On, Beautiful Eyes, Somebody Loves Me, Then I Love You, Gonna Get a Girl, Why Should I Go Home, Te Amo, When I Was Young, Day Dreams. Vocalion CDLK4147, 76:44 mins.
FIVE FABULOUS FEMALES Marion Ryan: Mangos, Sixteen Reasons, A Thousand Blue Bubbles, It’s You That I Love, I Wish You Love, Somebody, No Love But Your Love, An Occasional Man. Jean Campbell: Vaya Con Dios, In the Mission of St. Augustine, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Two Hearts Two Kisses, The Mama Doll Song. Ruby Murray: Softly Softly, Heart, From the First Hello, I’ll Remember Today. Joan Regan: A Love Like Ours, Have You Ever Been Lonely, May You Always, Take Me in Your Arms. Lita Roza: What Am I Supposed to Do, Where Do I Go From Here, Stranger Things Have Happened, Keep Watch Over Him. Vocalion CDLK4148, 62:48 mins.
THE EILEEN FARRELL ALBUM: ‘I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES’. Blues In The Night; Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams; On The Sunny Side Of The Street; Taking A Chance On Love, plus 20 other songs. (USA) Sony Masterworks MDK 47255.75:53. No other testament to a singer could be made than this startling collection of songs recorded by the late Eileen Farrell between 1959 and 1961. I say startling because Farrell was customarily thought of as strictly a classical artist. Beneath this, Farrell was one of the greatest of classic pop singers, ranking with Frank Sinatra and company. Evidence of this are her appropriately torchy renditions of "Blues In The Night" and "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues. " There's also the uninhibited swinging hipster in "Somebody Loves Me" and "Taking A Chance On Love" complete with snapping fingers! Luther Henderson wrote the very tasty big band charts that provide strong accompaniments to Farrell's vocals. A magnificent tribute this underrated and under recorded singer. Richard Jessen
VIKKI CARR: ‘IT MUST BE HIM / FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE’ plus 2 Bonus Tracks. It Must Be Him; Can't Take My Eyes Off You plus 9 more songs and the complete November 1968 Persian Room concert. (USA) Collectables COL-CD-2850. 79:00. Collectables have released on CD two long overdue recordings from one of America's best artists, Vikki Carr. The first is her breakthrough album that received international acclaim while the second is Carr's superb yet long neglected concert album. What makes this a really attractive CD is that we get to hear studio versions of "It Must Be Him" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" with a chance at hearing "live" versions of the same songs. Unquestionably, there is more depth and drama in the live performances although both performances show the same profound regard for the lyrics. The Persian Room performance has the drive and intensity one expects from Carr's best performances. Although these are the original studio mixes, the sound is as flawless as the performances. Still radiantly beautiful and in great voice, Vikki Carr remains one of America's finest artists. Richard Jessen
Some recent releases in Vocalion’s acclaimed British Dance Band series:
CARROLL GIBBONS Volume 2 Hitting a New High Wake Up and Live, Swing High Swing Low, Give Me a Heart to Sing To, The Cat and the Fiddle, What More Can I Ask? etc… (24 tracks) Vocalion CDEA6073, 71:36 mins.
BILLY MERRIN AND HIS COMMANDERS From the Banjo to the Baton Everybody Dance, Everything’s In Rhythm With my Heart, The Londonola, The Little Black Cat, Dance Your Blues Away, etc… (27 tracks) Vocalion CDEA6074, 75:41 mins.
THE SKYROCKETS with PAUL FENOULHET and WOOLF PHILLIPS Sentimental Journey Blue Skies, So Would I, The ‘Ampstead Way, Money is the Root of All Evil, Mary Lou, One More Tomorrow, Don’t Blame Me, Night Breezes, All By Myself, The Trees in Grosvenor Square, Bayswater Bustle, etc… (24 tracks) Vocalion CDEA6075, 73:52 mins.
JACK WHITE AND HIS COLLEGIANS Let the Band Play Boom, The Badge From Your Coat, Stop You’re Breaking My Heart, Chatterbox, In My Little Red Book, Let The People Sing, etc… (25 tracks)Vocalion CDEA6076, 74:11 mins.
MRS JACK HYLTON AND HER BAND She Shall Have Music In a Gypsy Tea Room, I’ll Never Say "Never Again" Again, Vladivostock, Ev’ry Day You’re Away, You Are My Lucky Star, There’s No Day Like Today, etc… (27 tracks) Vocalion CDEA7077, 77:15 mins.
Like all the previous issues in this series, each of the above Vocalion CDs is a gem in its own right. As usual, compiler Bob Francis has been careful to include the well-known works by the band featured, but he has also included some rare items which will please collectors who may have previous releases in their collections already. The big bonus, of course, is the high quality of the remastering in the expert hands of Mike Dutton. And one must not overlook the informative CD booklets, attractively produced and written by people who admire and know the work of the artists concerned. All this, for around £6 per CD! David Ades
HILDEGARDE Volume 2 Songs From The Shows Pennies From Heaven, But Where Are You, For Sentimental Reasons, June Is Bustin’ Out All Over, Careless Rhapsody, The Saga of Jenny, This is New, My Ship, etc… (24 tracks) Vocalion CDEA6078, 71:36 mins. Following Volume 1 (CDEA6035) the emphasis now shifts to Hildegarde’s later career, mainly in the USA, where she worked with the likes of Guy Lombardo, Harry Sosnik, Bob Grant, Vernon Duke and Ray Sinatra. There is just one track with Clive Richardson, reminding us of her fruitful association with him. Before LPs arrived, albums of 78 rpm records gained popularity in the USA, often accompanied by sleeve notes. These are reproduced in the CD booklet, and to say that they are fascinating is a serious understatement.David Ades
THE BEST OF CILLA BLACK Alfie, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Step Inside Love, etc… EMI GOLD 541 4442. We mention this CD because the kind people at EMI sent us details, and there may be readers who are seeking a Christmas gift for an elderly uncle. Cilla is the butt of many jokes, but she is certainly a survivor, and one cannot deny that she was very successful with her chart hits in the 1960s. The CD booklet is better than usual from EMI, although it would have been nice if the orchestras had been credited. David Ades
DIANA DECKER I’m In Favour of Friendship, Poppa Piccolino, etc… EMI GOLD 541 4912. This release contains all of Diana Decker’s recordings and (as with CB above) the booklet is good – except for a lack of details regarding the orchestras and the other singers she performs with on some of the tracks. Diana Decker was fairly well-known in the 1950s (she also made films with the likes of James Mason and Shelley Winters), but the EMI publicity for this new release describing her as a ‘massive star’ is somewhat over the top! David Ades
Three great new Production Music CDs from Bruton
CLASSIC FILM & TV Volume 1: Spy & Sci-Fi Locomotion Groove, Seek It Out, Drugsville, Streets of New York, Drama in Jazz, The Red Room, Hush Hush, Rumble, The Escape, City of Evil, Secret Shadow (John Scott); The Scene (Don Phillips); Mood Moderne, Pseudo-Blue, Dramatic Intent, Weird Bridge (Roger Roger); Hip to the Beat, Persuasion, Underworld Groove (Johnny Hawksworth); Murder Most Foul (Anthony Mawer); Premonition of Disaster, The Get Away, Flight to the Rock Point, Mood for Crime (Arthur Wilkinson); Unawares (Stuart Crombie); Project X (King Palmer); Phantasm (Leslie Bridgewater); Radiation Belt, Orchestrated Devices (Raymond Jones); Space-Time Music (Wilfred Josephs); Blades, Strange Particles (Roberto Gerhard); Electro Twist (J. Mathews). Bruton BRO18/353.
CLASSIC FILM & TV Volume 2: Matinee Mania Sport Today (Felton Rapley); Sporting Type, Gymnastics March (Dennis Berry); Jubilee Sports (Stuart Crombie & Dennis Berry); Brave Heritage (Raymond Beaver); Banners Victorious, Marble Arch, Fanfare for the Empire, Goose Step, Hero of the Sky, Murder in Mind, Wild Eyes, From the Dead (Ronald Hanmer); Texas and Beyond (Johnny Scott); Lion King, African Adventure (Peter Hope); Covered Wagon Song, Serene Melody (Nino Nardini); The Soothing Touch, Behold the Dawn (King Palmer); Synopsis (Frank Harlow); Thoughts of Summer, High Hazard, Cellar Search (Philippe Pares); Pink Lilac (Conrad Leonard); Hillside Church, Abject Terror (Paul Lewis); Forgotten Love (Werner Drexler); Romantic Endeavour (Michael Kraus); Brassy & Bold (Chris Leonard); Crowned Heads (Sidney John Kay); Land of the Bard, The Jitters, Someone Coming, Primitive Force (Raymond Jones); Distress Signal (Patrick Beaver & Anthony King); Drummers and Fifers (Roger Roger); Achievements in Aviation (Anthony Mawer); Air Power (Sidney Sager); Nautical Fantasy (William L./ Trytel). Bruton BRO19/354.
CLASSIC FILM & TV Volume 3: Radio Times Smile for Me, Social Event, Club Rendezvous, Hard Swing Out, Move to the Bossa Nova (Johnny Scott);Silver Sparkle (Harry Rabinowitz); Bright Spark, Boy Scout (Harold Smart); Fast Lane, Cruising Speed (Gary Hughes); Liven Up (Michael Kraus); Satin Slipper (Raymond Beaver); Floor Show (Cyril Watters); Racing Page (Fernand Fontaine); What a Dame, Construction Tower (Bruce Campbell); Bright Lights, Honey Blonde, Show Opener (Stuart Crombie & Dennis Berry); Timekeeper (Larry Ashmore); Flitter Flatter, In a Busy Mood, Pull Up Your Socks (King Palmer); This Year’s Fashions (Vincent Holland); Pleasant Route (Anthony Mawer); Cinnamon Stick (Frank Sterling); Jaunty Jane (Malcolm Lockyer); The Merry Go Round (Harold Smart & Walter Owen); Hollywood Breeze, Mambo Magnifico (Roger Roger). Bruton BRO20/355.
As far as I can recall, it was around ten years ago that Zomba acquired the Southern Library of Recorded Music, but they do not seem to have exploited it to any great extent – until now. I do not have a complete listing of Southern titles, but from the limited information available to me it appears that many (if not all) of the tracks on these three CDs come from that library. All of the tracks were originally published in the 1960s, at a time when light orchestral mood music was still being written in a style that had become popular in the previous two decades. Of course, things were gradually changing, and more rhythmic sounds were creeping in (especially on Volume 1!), but these enjoyable compilations confirm that a lot of tuneful light music was still around. The details above give the full tracklistings, and even a casual glance at the composers will confirm the quality of the writing (and full marks to Zomba/Bruton for giving the first names of the composers in full – Southern often just provided initials on the original 78s). I think that one or two titles may have been altered, and in some cases the real name of the composer is given, rather than the pseudonym which appeared previously. Volume 1 is perhaps only for enthusiasts of more funky, way-out, jazzy sounds; if you have enjoyed the ‘Kitsch’ collections from some of the other production music companies, you may possibly also want to add this to your collection. Volumes 2 and 3 are far more melodious, and have wider appeal. All three CDs contain some real gems, but if your pocket can only afford one then I recommend Volume 3 for some very happy bright and light sounds. David Ades Bruton CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service – price £9 [US $18] each.
SOHO HIPSTERS Boosey & Hawkes ‘lounge funk’ 1969-1977 The Trackers, The Rally, The Sandpiper, Gin and Tonic, Snowmobile, Acapulco Connection, South Bound, Tournament, The Baltic Caper, Coast Road North, Border Incident, Pardon??, Taco Brazil, Lady Killers, Soul Type Blues, Motor-Cross, Shanghai Caper, The Armenian File, Night Driver, Savannah Flyer (Dennis Farnon); Funkbund (Trevor Duncan); The Big Score (John Cacavas); Two Bars (Pete Moore); One Way Trip (Sam Fonteyn); Big Fingers (John Scott). Boosey Media / Cavendish CAV CD 147. This really is Dennis Farnon’s CD, with a little help from other top writers in the B&H stable at the time. Relentless, ominous, dramatic, bright funky pop, soul rock, progressive jazz … all these ‘groovy’ sounds are here – and much more! Dennis is a master at dramatic, driving jazzy numbers, and if you admire his work in this style you shouldn’t hesitate to acquire this collection. David Ades Cavendish CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service – price £9 [US $18] each.
LONDON LANDMARKS: London Fields: 1. Springtime at Kew 2. Hampton Court Maze 3. St. James’ Park 4. Hampstead Heath (Phyllis Tate); London Landmarks: 1. Nelson’s Column 2.Tower Hill 3.Horse Guards Whitehall (Haydn Wood); London Salute (Philip Lane); Metropolis: 1. Boom & Bust 2.Solar City 3.Street Scene 4.The City Never Sleeps (David Watts); Rotten Row (Angela Morley); Festival of London March (Paul Lewis); On Hungerford Bridge - Saxophone Concerto (Christopher Gunning).Royal Ballet Sinfonia & Academy of St. Martin in the Fields – conductors Gavin Sutherland, Christopher Gunning and Paul Lewis ASV CDWHL2138, playing time 77 mins. At last! Forgive my jubilation but after years of campaigning I have finally acquired a CD which includes Phyllis Tate’s magnificent London Fields, a piece which I played many times to children at school who were all as enthusiastic as I was. Composed for the 1958 BBC Festival of Light Music it was much admired by people such as Steve Race but until now has never been commercially recorded. What a pity that neither Phyllis nor her musician husband Alan Frank lived long enough to see it. Composer Philip Lane is responsible for this majestic compilation which, apart from his own London Salute, includes the first recording of Haydn Wood’s London Landmarks since the days of Charles Williams’ 78rpms after the war. We all know Horse Guards Whitehall but here is an opportunity to complete the truly delightful set! Paul Lewis and David Watts chip in with splendid miniatures, as does Angela Morley (aka Wally Stott) with her familiar Rotten Row. The tour de force is Christopher Gunning’sSaxophone Concerto inspired by an evening stroll across Hungerford Bridge, the original footbridge not the wobbly one which came later! It’s a great CD and an absolute must for all lovers of British Light Music, if not for London Fields alone which, as a four movement suite, has rarely if ever been bettered. Edmund Whitehouse
One’s unbridled joy in having a modern recording of the entire London Landmarks Suite by Haydn Wood is in the event slightly tempered by some technical considerations. Listening to this disc on headphones one is struck by disconcerting variations in recording levels. Thus for Philip Lane’sLondon Salute to make its proper impact the volume has to be increased. So, too, in the Haydn Wood work where particularly in the first movement, The Horse Guards, Whitehall, one becomes aware that the violins in particular sound over bright and rather too few in number. As a recording this does not stand comparison with Ronald Corp’s version on HYPERION CDA 66968: ‘British Light Music Classics - 2’, where the sound has a far greater depth and range. Conversely, the Christopher GunningSaxophone Concerto, recorded at a different venue, has ample volume. Unfortunately, in no way should this really come under the category of Light Music and, at over 19 minutes, is overlong for its somewhat slender material, and many listeners will become bored with this piece long before the end. A warm welcome, however, for David Watts’ highly inventive Metropolis, Angela Morley’s enchanting Rotten Row, Phyllis Tate’s atmospheric London Fields Suite, and the Paul Lewis March. This disc, despite the above reservations, deserves a strong recommendation. One hopes, however, that ASV can be encouraged to produce new recordings of traditional Light Music with a decent sized string section - a Charles Williams disc would be an excellent starting point and is long overdue - and become a little less preoccupied with producing contemporary material some of which stretches an acceptable definition of Light Music to almost breaking point. Roger Hyslop
Available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20].
ALFRED REYNOLDS Festival March; Suite – Alice Through The Looking Glass; Suite – The Toy Cart; Overture – The Taming of the Shrew; Suite and Ballet of the Roses from 1066 And All That; Suite of Five Dances The Duenna (arr. Sydney Baynes); Overture for a Comedy; The Sirens of Southend; Swiss Lullaby and Ballet; Suite – Marriage à la Mode; Three Pieces for Theatre Royal Ballet Sinfonia / Gavin Sutherland Marco Polo 8225184, 77:26 mins. Alfred Reynolds (1884-1969), conductor and composer, was a man of the theatre and this CD in Marco Polo’s admirable British light Music series gives a representation of his orchestral music for the stage, not in the original versions for often very small pit orchestras but in (with one exception) his own transcriptions for full orchestra. He was indeed a superb orchestrator as these pieces strikingly show. Most of the tracks are incidental theatre music, from The Toy Cart (1918, with a melting Romanza) to Alice (1947, for Stratford), and including much written for the Lyric, Hammersmith between 1923 and 1932 – three brisk overtures in the British comedy overture tradition and fine examples thereof, and other movements showing Reynolds’ gift for composing baroque pastiche (The Critic entr’acte, the Marriage à la Mode music and the dances from The Duenna, one of many 18th Century operas given new life by Reynolds). And there are the selection from 1066, a revue-cum-musical comedy and probably his most popular piece, and the surpassingly beautiful movements from Swiss Family Robinson. Lovely music – not quite as individual as Eric Coates or Robert Farnon, but well worth anyone’s attention – and the performances and recording are excellent advocacy for it. Philip L. Scowcroft
Editor: Philip has penned the excellent booklet notes for this new CD, which is available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US$24].
LEROY ANDERSON and his ‘Pops’ Concert Orchestra Sleigh Ride, The Syncopated Clock, Serenata, A Tumpeter’s Lullaby, Promenade, Saraband, Jazz Pizzicato – Jazz Legato, The Waltzing Cat, Plink Plank Plunk, Belle of the Ball, Blue Tango, Horse and Buggy, The Phantom Regiment, China Doll, The Penny Whistle Song, Fiddle-Faddle Jasmine JASMCD 2580. In 1992 MCA Records/Good Music in the USA released ‘The Original Hit Recordings …’ on MSD 35334 (20 tracks), and some collectors have preferred these to the later stereo re-recordings by the maestro, which were released on the 2-CD set ‘The Leroy Anderson Collection’ – MCAD2-9815. This recent collection from the British company Jasmine once again restores the first versions to the catalogue, so anyone wanting Leroy Anderson’s own original mono performances now has the opportunity to acquire them. Selected comparisons between the MCA/Good Music CD from 1992, and the new Jasmine release indicate that they are virtually identical. Sadly neither CD gives any recording dates, but at least Jasmine does say a little about Anderson, whereas the centre pages of the MCA leaflet were literally blank. This is a welcome reissue; these recordings should always be available, so if they are missing from your own collection you now have the remedy in your own hands. David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £8 [US $16].
EXHILARATION: Light Music with a Lilt London Calling (Coates) London Symphony Orch. / Eric Coates; Cockney Capers (Crantock- pseudonym for Clive Richardson and Tony Lowry) Harry Davidson & his Orchestra; Down The Mall (Belton – pseudonym for Tony Lowry and Douglas Brownsmith) Charles Shadwell & his Orchestra; Wellington Barracks (Haydn Wood) Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra/ Sidney Torch; Fireside Fusiliers (Mayerl) Billy Mayerl & his Forte Fingers; Pedigree On Pomander Walk (Andre) Billy Mayerl & his Grosvenor House Band; Popular Song (From "Facade": Walton) London Philharmonic Orch./ William Walton; Daddy Long Legs (Wright) The Bohemians;Scrub Brother Scrub (Warner) Albert Sandler & his Palm Court Orchestra; Fingerbustin’ (Camarata)Kingsway Symphony Orchestra/ Camarata; Twinkle Toes (Raeburn) Wynford Reynolds & his Orchestra; Fairies In The Moon (Ewing) Wynford Reynolds & his Orchestra; The Dancing ClockOrchestre Raymonde; Montmartre (Haydn Wood) Debroy Somers Band; Folie Bergere Richard Crean & his Orchestra; A Cocktail of Happiness Wynford Reynolds & his Orchestra; Exhilaration (Charles Williams) Charles Williams & his Concert Orchestra; Comedians Galop (Kabalevsky) Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra/ Robert Farnon; Snowflakes Piano Duet by Rawicz & Landauer; Spinning Wheel (Rawicz) Sidney Torch & his Orchestra; Dance Of the Blue Marionettes (Leslie Clair) Organ solo by Sidney Torch; Parade of the Tin Soldiers New Light Symphony Orchestra; The Toy Trumpet Reginald Pursglove and his Orchestra; Pan-American Panorama (Philip Green) The Columbia Orchestra;American Hoe-Down (David Rose) David Rose & his Orchestra; Chicken Reel Boston Promenade Orchestra/ Arthur Fiedler. Memoir CDMOIR 554. Following the success of ‘Fiddle Faddle’ and ‘Red Sombrero’, Memoir Records have come up with a third selection of tuneful gems. I know that many light music enthusiasts are put off purchasing some albums because of the repetition of recordings already in their collections. However, they should not hesitate in this instance as many of the recordings are appearing on CD for the first time – several being from the Decca ‘Music While You Work’ series. Amongst the contributors are the orchestras of Harry Davidson, Debroy Somers, Charles Shadwell, Albert Sandler, Charles Williams, Richard Crean, David Rose, and Reginald Pursglove [who Light Programme listeners will recall as conductor of the Albany Strings]. We are also treated to the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon and Sidney Torch – the latter is also featured as cinema organist in The Dance of the Blue Marionettes. Of particular delight to me is the inclusion of the Orchestra of Wynford Reynolds [no relation] in three delightful numbers, two of which are from the pen of Reynolds himself; the third is an enchanting entr’acte entitled Fairies in the Moon – it’s worth buying the CD for this piece alone! It is one of two compositions on this album composed by the much neglected Montague Ewing – an album of his music is long overdue! We are also treated to the keyboard talents of Billy Mayerl and Rawicz and Landauer. This CD has been compiled by Jim Palm, who has also written the concise but informative notes. Ted Kendall who, unless my ears deceive me, does not appear to have changed the original acoustics by adding reverberation - a fact that will please the purists - has remastered the recordings. My only criticism is in the reproduction of the piano features Fireside Fusiliers and Snowflakes. Both would benefit from a little more volume and, in the case of the Billy Mayerl number [a particular favourite of mine], a crisper sound would have been preferable. Overall, I consider this to be one of the best light music compilations of recent years. It is bright, breezy and totally unpretentious – the perfect antidote to the 21st century!
Brian Reynolds
Available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20].
THE SYMPHONIC ERIC COATES Cinderella, The Selfish Giant, The Three Bears, Miniature Suite, London Everyday, Joyous Youth, The Dam Busters BBC Philharmonic Conducted by Rumon Gamba Chandos CHAN9869, 79:27 mins. It is wonderful to find that the music of the great Eric Coates is still considered sufficiently important to warrant expensive new recordings such as this. However much as we value the composer’s own interpretations (and thankfully we have been well served with reissues in recent years), it is always good that such works should continue to be in the current repertoire of leading orchestras, and attracting the attention of conductors of the calibre of Rumon Gamba. Readers will be familiar with most, if not all, of these Coates classics. Whether or not you decide to add this to your collection may depend upon the state of your finances, or your wish to preserve the memory of much loved performances from the last century. Whenever a new recording is made of any piece of music, somehow something different emerges. Tempi obviously vary even slightly, and the sound engineer’s balance of the orchestra may reveal a previously unheard instrument in a particular passage. Personally I feel that anyone who admires Coates should want to grab this CD with both hands, if nothing else to ensure that record companies still feel encouraged to commission new performances from today’s talented musicians. David Ades Chandos CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12.50 [US $25] each.
A POPS CONCERT Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra NAXOS NOSTALGIA 8.120520 My Melancholy Baby; Washboard Blues; Sweet Sue; Among My Souvenirs; The Man I Love; High Water; La Golondrina; My Heart Stood Still; Together; Moonlight and Roses; La Paloma; Song of the Swamp; Southern Medley (My Old Kentucky Home, Carry Me Back to Old Virginny, Old Folks At Home); Jeannine. These recordings all date from 1927-29 when Whiteman was arguably in his heyday and include vocals by Hoagy Carmichael, Bing Crosby, Al Rinker and Jack Fulton. Originally 12" 78rpm records with a running time of 4 minutes each, they neatly bridge the gap between classical, jazz and popular music. For those who enjoy Whiteman’s style then this budget Naxos release will be most welcome while anyone who enjoys a jolly good foot-tapping tune will also be pleased to have it in their collection. Well done Naxos, more please.
Edmund Whitehouse Naxos CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £5 [US $10].
THE PERCY FAITH ORCHESTRA conducted by NICK PERITO Theme from ‘A Summer Place’; Love theme from ‘Romeo and Juliet’; Lara’s Theme from ‘Dr Zhivago’; A Man and a Woman; The Sound of Music; Love theme from ‘The Godfather’; Born Free; Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head; The Way we Were; Mon Oncle; Elvira Madigan theme; The song from ‘Moulin Rouge’; Hello Dolly; Moon River; Summer of ’42; Tara’s theme from ‘Gone With the Wind’; Never on Sunday; The Windmills of your Mind. Castle Pulse PLSCD 583. Although the CD booklet doesn’t make it clear (there are no notes), this is a reissue of the 1990s Percy Faith recreations by Nick Perito. Keen fans will probably already have them, but if you missed the original releases (which were quite expensive) here’s your opportunity to acquire 18 tracks at a bargain price. David Ades Available from the RFS Record Service for £6 [US $12].
THE RED SHOES – Music from the films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger Vaughan Williams – Prelude and Epilogue from 49th Parallel; Allan Gray – A Matter of Life and Death, The Life & Death of Colonel Blimp, A Canterbury Tale; Brian Easdale – Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes, Gone to Earth, The Small Back Room; Jacques Offenbach – Tales of Hoffman. Various orchestras, etc. CD41 Publishing, CD41-002. 74:00 mins. The era 1941-51 is well within the great period (c. 1935-1960) of British films and film music, so this release, which draws on film soundtracks (including some wholly or mainly spoken excerpts) and commercial recordings from the 1940s, is of particular interest. 49th Parallel was Vaughan Williams’ first film commission and these expansive extracts will surely please. Allan Gray, Polish-born, was well respected for his film music and his work for the recorded music libraries – his music for these three films (the Prelude to A Matter of Life and Death is played here by the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra under Charles Williams) make pleasing listening. More distinguished are the Brian Easdale items, especially The Red Shoes music which, though recorded by Columbia at the time (and still sounds well here) has surprisingly never quite caught on. Posterity has largely forgotten Easdale (he died as recently as 1995), which is a pity. The recordings naturally show their age but the transfers have been well done and the booklet contains much fascinating information. Recommended. Philip L. Scowcroft This CD can be obtained for £10.00 from J. Nice, 1 Spinney Close, Beetley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4TB, England (telephone/fax 01362 861009. More information from website: www.ltmpub.freeserve.co.uk The EMI collection of British Film Music of the 1940s and 1950s was deleted several years ago, but copies are still available from the RFS Record Service for £12 [US$24].
JELLY ROLL MORTON Piano Rolls Stratford Hunch, Big Foot Ham, New Orleans Joys, Perfect Rag, Tom Cat Blues, State and Madison, Kansas City Stomp, etc… 22 tracks. Shellwood SWCD22, 72:11 minutes. The first 17 tracks are new roll re-creations from original 78rpm records, cut by Mike Meddings. Shellwood obtained a 1912 Aeolian 88 note Pianola push-up, which has been restored to near perfection. After pushing it up to a good grand piano they found an expert pianolist, Julian Dyer, to play the rolls. They succeeded in eliminating all extraneous mechanical noise, and two of the tracks are premiere CD recordings. All in all this is an enterprising release which should fascinate anyone interested in this kind of music. David Ades Shellwood CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [US $20] each.
BRIGHOUSE AND RASTRICK BAND Popular Classics Dance of the Tumblers, Elvira Madigan Theme, The Padstow Lifeboat, Capriccio Espagnol, Pie Jesu, Sutherland’s Law Theme, Ravel’s Bolero, etc… Grasmere GRCD115. The Brighouse and Rastrick are one of Britain’s top brass bands, with a reputation that extends far beyond this island. If I am honest, I have to say that the light classics chosen for this CD do not particularly appeal to me, but one has to admire the musicianship of all the players. I am sure that there are many brass band admirers who will not hesitate to add this new release to their CD collection. David Ades
GEORGE GERSHWIN Gershwin in Hollywood, An American in Paris, Cuban Overture, Porgy and BessNew Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Judd Naxos 8559107, 65:09 mins. This new CD falls into the category: "if you want this music, it is probably already in your collection". In other words, at its budget price it has to be accepted as an introduction to Gershwin for the uninitiated. The masterpieces are, of course, An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess. To my mind, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture only briefly comes alive, and it is not surprising that it is one of his lesser-known works. The opening track Gershwin in Hollywood could be so much better: unfortunately Robert Russell Bennett’s arrangements are disappointing and only occasionally reveal any imagination or sparkle. The orchestra sound bored with it all, and I must confess that I was, too. But, I say again, at a budget price of around £5, it is a great chance to get acquainted with the orchestral Gershwin. David Ades
BRITISH SYMPHONIC COLLECTION Vol. 10 Symphony No. 2 by York Bowen (1884-1961);Symphonic Rhapsody "Spring" by Frederic Austin (1872-1952); Symphonic Movement "Genesis" by Edgar Bainton (1880-1956). (Denmark) CLASSCD 404. Can you remember when serious music was tuneful and enjoyable and when the listener did not need a crystal ball or an IQ of 250 to understand what was going on? Well here it is again! The work by York Bowen is a world premiere recording and all the better for that, while Austin and Bainton are rarely heard today, thanks to the self-opinionated gurus who belittle anything which is not discordant. Well worth a listen if you enjoy serious tuneful music and what’s more they’re all British! Edmund Whitehouse Classico CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12.00 [US $24] each.
BRITISH SYMPHONIC COLLECTION Vol. 11 A Celebration of Malcolm Arnold’s 80th Birthday.Rinaldo & Armida (ballet suite); Little Suite No. 2; Homage to the Queen (ballet suite); Concerto for Organ & Orchestra. Royal Academy of Aarhus Symphony Orchestra conducted by Douglas Bostock(Denmark) CLASSCD 424. This unusual disc comprises 21 miniatures none of which lasts more than five minutes with several less than two! Apart from the Little Suite they are all world premieres but unmistakably Malcolm Arnold whose lush brass sounds remind us of his many dramatic film scores. Isn’t it amazing how much good music there is out there just waiting to be recorded. Well done Classico for taking the risk. More please! Edmund Whitehouse
ERIC PARKIN (piano) : Reginald King – piano pieces Song of Paradise; Humoresque; Sentimental Interlude; Pierrette on the Balcony; Beside the Lake; Polka Piquant; In Bluebell Land; Prelude in D; Tropical Moonlight; Passing Clouds; One Summer Day; Windflowers; Where Water Lilies Dream; Julia; The Haunted Ballroom (Toye, arr. King); Summer Breezes; Lilacs in the Rain; Elegy; Marionette; Whispering Violin; Meditation; Money Spider; Green Valleys; Yorkshire Relish; June Night on Marlow Reach; Moonlight Reverie; Prelude in A; Three Miniatures; Cynthia; A Prayer at Eventide.Shellwood SWCD17 (2 CDs) 108 mins. What a delightful collection this is! Light music lovers struggle to find recordings of Reginald King’s compositions today, but here Shellwood treat us to no less than 34 charming works, performed with warmth and affection by Britain’s foremost pianist. In recent years Eric Parkin has become renowned for his rediscoveries of the piano works of Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and, most importantly, Billy Mayerl. Reginald King deserves to be added to this illustrious list, and lovers of the piano cannot fail to be enchanted. I suspect that some will half remember hearing many of these works, especially Summer Breezes which was featured in the BBC Television Interlude film of the white kitten; the orchestral version was not taken from one of the usual recorded music libraries, so it has remained one of those elusive pieces missing from private collections. The well illustrated CD booklet notes by John Archer confirm King’s important contribution to the British musical scene in the middle years of the last century. This is an important release in all respects, and it will give a lot of pleasure. David Ades
THE CHEESY LISTENING ALBUM Wheels (cha cha) - Joe Loss Orchestra; Guatanamera - Geoff Love Orchestra; Let's face the music and dance - Nelson Riddle Orchestra; Music to watch girls by – Joe Loss Orchestra; Mas que nada - Manuel & The Music Of The Mountains; Mexican hat dance - Geoff Love Orchestra; Tequila - Joe Loss Orchestra; Do you know the way to San Jose - Ron Goodwin Orchestra; Quando quando quando - Manuel & The Music Of The Mountains; Desafinado - Laurindo Almeida & Bossa Nova All Stars; Girl from Ipanema – Geoff Love Orchestra; This guy's in love with you - Ron Goodwin Orchestra; Unforgettable - Starlight Strings; Can't take my eyes off you - Basil Henriques & The Waikiki Islanders; One note samba (remixed) - Geoff Love Orchestra; What the world needs now is love - Ron Goodwin Orchestra; Raindrops keep falling on my head - Joe Loss Orchestra; Man and a woman - Geoff Love Orchestra; Moon river - Nelson Riddle Orchestra; Music to drive by - Joe Loss Concertium; Walk on by - Ron Goodwin Orchestra; Let's do it (let's fall in love) - Nelson Riddle Orchestra; Peanut vendor - Manuel & The Music Of The Mountains; Y viva Espana - Pepe Jaramillo; Wives and lovers - Ron Goodwin Orchestra EMI Gold 5389412. This doesn't happen very often but EMI have just released a new all popular instrumental/orchestral CD featuring great British and US artists/orchestras like Geoff Love; Nelson Riddle; Manuel & The Music of the Mountains; The Starlight Strings; Ron Goodwin etc. The CD was released in the UK in June and it contains approx 71 minutes of what EMI call "25 very ripe instrumental easy classics"! I bought mine when I was visiting Guernsey in June and saw it in a record shop in St. Peter Port. I see it can also be bought at www.hmv.co.uk and www.amazon.co.uk etc. as well as the usual record stores. Chris Campbell
APOLLO SOUND: Test Card Music Volume 8 My Friends (G. Garanjan), At Sundown (Harvey Richards), Tierpark [Zoo] Promenade (Hans Bath), L’Amour Est Grand (J. Dieval), Flowers for Yvette (Harry Heinze), Santiago de Chile (Rudolf Maluck), Rockin’ Strings (William Gardner), Goodnight (arr. Sam Fonteyn), Fancy That (Gerhard Paul), Rockin’ Chair (Peter Hope), Irish Imp (William Gardner), Music in Mind (hendric Haydegg), Zambra Flamenca (John Carmichael), Moon Over Altea (L. Portner), In the Shade (Fernando Paggi), Ventuno [21] (Ulrich Sommerlatte), Talisman (Walter Franz), Blue Train (Roger Senicourt- actually Frank Chacksfield), Don Pedro (Horst Grosser), Machito (Heinz Hotter), Charley-O (T. Marino),Loose Cover (Sam Fonteyn), You are Mine (K. Veidt/P. Forester).Apollo Sound APSCD 228. Chris Churcher has assembled another fine collection for Apollo Sound in this impressive series, which has become a valuable source of material for the many collectors whose primary interests focus on the kind of bright and rhythmic 1960s/1970s sounds which used to be heard on television in the days before 24-hour programming, when gaps in the schedules were filled with test cards mainly for the benefit of engineers installing new sets. Once again the archives of Mozart Edition have provided all but one track, giving further evidence of that library’s strength in this kind of music. Readers will spot some familiar composers, while others will offer some pleasant surprises. I do not pretend to be an expert on test card music, but I know that some readers could probably give the days and times when these tunes were originally heard. They will need no further encouragement from me to snap up this latest compilation. David Ades This CD is available by mail order direct from Apollo Sound (see page 89); it can also be purchased from the RFS Record Service for £12.75 [US $25.50].
ALPHORN CONCERTOS Sinfonia Pastorella (Leopold Mozart), Dialogue with Nature and Concerto for Alphorn & Orchestra (Jean Daetwyler), Concertino Rustico (Ferenc Farkas). Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Urs Schneider. Naxos 8.555978. The 12 foot long alphorn may not be the most versatile of musical instruments but in expert hands it is quite capable of making pleasant and jolly sounds as witnessed by these ancient and modern musical offerings. It is certainly an unusual CD and all the more satisfactory for that. It is unlikely you will have heard any of the pieces before but each gives the lie to the myth that the alphorn has only two notes, one for calling animals and the other for contacting your goatherd girlfriend or boyfriend in the next valley! Edmund Whitehouse
CAREY BLYTON Film and Television Music Valse Musette, Girl Friday, Commuter Special, On the Go, Something in the Wind, Action for Orchestra, Blues in the Round, Neurosis, Man at Work, Noises of the Night, etc. plus television adverts for Birdseye Florida Orange juice, Mackintosh’s Quality Street, Lyons’ Harvest Pies, Nimble Bread, Elastoplast, and Lux Toilet Soap. Apollo Sound APSCD224. This is the first of four collections of the late Carey Blyton’s commercial music, which must have involved considerable research to acquire the recordings from a wide variety of different sources. Thus the first part of this CD concentrates on the composer’s commissions from several British recorded music libraries (Boosey & Hawkes, Weinberger, Synchrofox), leaving the remainder of the CD focussing on Blyton’s television commercials from 1964 to 1971. There are sometimes several different treatments of the same theme, and two of the tracks feature the finished product, complete with voice-overs. This offers a truly fascinating glimpse of the music business that will be unfamiliar to many. As a bonus, the CD booklet provides a wealth of very detailed information, even to the extent of listing full credits for the advertising agencies involved. An excellent release in all respects, and highly recommended to readers with an interest in this often hidden side of the world of production music. David Ades Apollo Sound CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12.75 [US $25.50] each. They can also be purchased direct from Apollo Sound – see advertisement on page 89 of this issue.
GEORGE LLOYD The Serf (Orchestral Suite) and Cello Concerto (USA) Albany TROY 458 Albany Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Alan Miller. All George Lloyd fans will be delighted to learn of this posthumously issued CD, covering yet more of this fine tuneful composer’s later works. It’s very Lloydesque and yet altogether new at the same time. Who said serious music had to be dull to be enjoyed? Here is a man whose career was shattered by the war yet continued to compose melodious post-war masterpieces in the face of the avant garde lobby who refused to broadcast it. Well done George, you deservedly had the last laugh on them. Peter Worsley
PALM COURT ORCHESTRA Conducted by CHARLES JOB ‘Un Peu d’Amour’ Amparito Roca, Un Peu d’Amour, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, Love’s Garden of Roses, Wedding of a Rose, Nola, Alicante, Gavotte, Ecstasy Waltz, The Sunshine of your Smile, Song of Paradise, Neapolitan Serenade, Fairytale, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Dreaming, Bird Songs at Eventide, Hiawatha, Entry of the Gladiators, Da Capo Palm Court Orchestra CD02, 63:22 mins. The music lovers of British Columbia in Canada are fortunate in having someone like Charles Job on the scene promoting quality light music through a regular series of concerts, and occasional CD releases such as this. I’m pleased to find Reginald King’s Song of Paradise, together with Leon Jessel’s Wedding of the Rose. The melody Dreaming is not the familiar Archibald Joyce piece, but a lesser-known work by Haydn Wood, who is also responsible for Love’s Garden of Roses, charmingly sung by Sally Braswell, mezzo soprano, who also performs two other numbers, The Sunshine of your Smile and Eric Coates’ Bird Songs at Eventide. Gerhard Winkler’s Neapolitan Serenade is a good choice (a perfect example of a tune you know, but have difficulty naming!). Lovers of the more traditional style of light music will thoroughly enjoy this collection, well played and conducted by musicians who have their hearts in what they are doing.David Ades This CD is available from the RFS Record Service for £11.00 [US $22].
SIR VIVIAN DUNN Conducts Sir Arthur Sullivan Yeoman of the Guard – Overture, The Tempest – Incidental Music, The Merchant of Venice – Suite, Entrance and March of the Peers – from Iolanthe, Overture in C – In Memoriam Bournemouth Symphony, City of Birmingham Orchestra andBand of HM Royal Marines School of Music Eastney RHMSEC006. Paddy Dunn remains very active in the promotion of his late father’s recordings, and it is appropriate that he should have recognised the upsurge in interest in the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan. Although his work in the world of military music is unsurpassed, Sir Vivian Dunn was a master of so many different kinds of music, and we are fortunate that there exist so many recordings of his encounters with some of the finest symphony orchestras in the land. This new CD neatly brings together several different sessions, providing a tribute to Sullivan that will find favour with his many admirers. The CD booklet is packed full of interesting facts, making this a collection that will find itself in many appreciative homes.David Ades This CD is available from Eastney Collection, 60 Mayford Road, London, SW12 8SN, England – price £10 (UK, postage paid), £11.50 (overseas, postage paid). Credit cards accepted. Please mention the RFS when ordering.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK On the Town – Opening [Lyn Murray]; Sidewalks of New York [Shannon Quartet]; Broadway Melody [Ben Selvin]; Give my Regards to Broadway [George M. Cohan]; Park Avenue Fantasy, Stairway to the Stars [Paul Whiteman]; Forty Second Street [Boswell Sisters & Dorsey Brothers Band]; Slumming on Park Avenue [Red Norvo with Mildred Mailey]; Slaughter on Tenth Avenue [Lennie Hayton & MGM Orchestra]; Skyscraper Fantasy [Mantovani]; Manhattan Tower [Gordon Jenkins] etc… 22 tracks ASV Living Era CD AJA 5441, 75:01 mins. David Lennick and Ray Crick have come up with a fascinating selection of ‘New York’ music, which should sell very well in the USA. The choice of material is wide, offering something for lovers of show and film music, plus a light orchestral ‘standard’ and a comparatively rare Gordon Jenkins masterwork. Peter Dempsey’s booklet notes are entertaining, but he has missed a trick by not mentioning that Slaughter on Tenth Avenue is a classic Conrad Salinger arrangement, much sought-after by his admirers. Currently there is great interest in this unsung hero of Hollywood musicals, and his work is destined to receive much greater acknowledgement in the future. This version of Slaughter… comes from the 1948 MGM musical ‘Words and Music’. It was briefly available on an EMI CD of tracks from the film in 1990, but since then has been hard to find. In an ideal world it would be preferable to go back to the original tapes, because both the EMI and ASV transfers show their age. A more serious ‘howler’ in the booklet notes concerns Skyscraper Fantasy. We are told that it is the work of the famous clarinettist Sid Phillips, but readers of this magazine will know that the actual composer was Donald Phillips, the brilliant backroom boy also responsible for Concerto in Jazz, who died in 1994. This Mantovani 78 ofSkyscraper Fantasy has also recently appeared on CDs from Vocalion (CDEA6019) and Naxos (8120516). Other gems include Park Avenue Fantasy (incorporating Stairway to the Stars) by Paul Whiteman, Jo Stafford’s delectable Manhattan Serenade, Frank Sinatra’s Autumn in New York and Dick Powell’s Lullaby of Broadway. And what about Gordon Jenkins’ Manhattan Tower? Quite frankly, like baseball it hasn’t travelled well eastwards across the North Atlantic. You either love it or hate it!David Ades
THE WARTIME PICNICS and A COUNTRY CALENDAR by Peter Cork. Here is something really unusual, two privately produced double-CDs by a Kentish composer who once taught music to Dudley Moore! Both are semi-autobiographical because they recreate the war years and a time when our landscape was more gentle and perhaps more musical than it is today. The Wartime Picnics (90 minutes) is a musical relating a family love story in a poignant world, evolving around three picnics on the Kentish Downs during and after the Second World War. A young girl falls for a serving airman and their relationship gradually unfolds against the dark clouds of conflict. A Country Calendar (140 minutes) describes the British life and landscape in words and music from the Thirties, Forties and Fifties, long before motorways shortened journey times and made virtually everywhere accessible to everyone. The narrators are Rosemary Leach, Tim Pigott-Smith and Dennis Quilley, and the aptly-named producer is Piers Plowright, a well-known BBC personality and friend of the composer. Scenes range from the Cumbrian Lakes to the coastal paths of Cornwall and events from August Bank Holiday to the Battle of Britain and a frosty Christmas Eve. Each month and season is covered by separate tracks with the background music played by a pleasant light orchestra. Such ventures are to be encouraged and applauded in this day and age and at £13.99 for each double-CD they will not break the piggy bank. Available post free from Re-Collections, JEM House, Littlemead, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8NH, ENGLAND. Tel. 0870-727-4104, Fax 01483-268889. Edmund Whitehouse
RON GOODWIN AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘Music for an Arabian Night’ and ‘Holiday in Beirut’EMI 7243 5397892. These two fine albums caused quite a stir when they were released on Parlophone LPs back in the 1960s. Since then they have reappeared on CDs available mainly in the Middle East, but it is good to have them available again as a ‘2 on 1’ with general distribution. Ralph Harvey has contributed the booklet notes, and the original album covers are also reproduced. Don’t hesitate; if these vintage Ron Goodwin LPs are not already in your collection, you can correct that omission right away! David Ades
ALBERT SAMMONS – Delius Violin Concerto [w. Liverpool P.O., cond. Dr Malcolm Sargent – rec. 1944]/ Elgar Violin Concerto in B minor [w. New Queen’s Hall Orch., cond. Sir Henry Wood – rec. 1929] Dutton super budget CDBP9735, 66:30 mins. Two classic recordings from the Shellac Era, which deserve a place in every serious collection of British Music. Arguably the greatest of all English violinists, Albert Sammons [1886-1957] was also a highly respected teacher [his pupils included the youthful George Lloyd] remembered as a man of great kindness and integrity who referred not to use the fiddle as a mere box of tricks. Sadly, the onset of Parkinson’s disease in the mid-1940s enforced his early retirement from playing. Delius had dedicated his 1916 Concerto to Sammons, who also made the Elgar work [written for Fritz Kreisler] very much his own. Neither work is Light Music, of course, but so many readers have expressed admiration for these wonderful and highly original composers, that I make no apology for submitting this review. In any case, the Delius is a virtually uninterrupted stream of beautiful melody, while the Elgar is so full of marvellous themes and striking ideas – the "guitar effect" in the last movement cadenza is just one – that listeners will always be finding something new. Michael Dutton’s state-of-the-art transfers ensure these magnificent performances have never sounded better. For listeners whose appetites for more Sammons have been whetted, Michael Dutton has also produced an historic CD [Dutton Epoch CDLX7103] of chamber music by John Ireland, on which violinist and composer perform the Second Violin Sonata; and there is also an Hyperion issue [CDA67096: ‘The English Kreisler’] on which Paul Barritt and Catherine Edwards present 20 of Sammons own Salon Pieces in excellent style. John E. Govier
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC ‘Nice One Ted!’ Hindustan, Swannee River, Song of the Vagabonds, Two Guitars, Lyonia, Roumanian Roundabout, The Nearness of You, Colonel Bogey, Button Up Your Overcoat, Rag Mop, Blue Skies March, London Fog, Euphoria, Lady Byrd, Sidewalks of Cuba, Sophisticated Lady, Tequila, Move, Father Knickerbopper, Saxophone Mambo, You’re Nearer, Trumpet Voluntary, El Abanico, Post Horn Boogie, My Silent Love Memoir CDMOIR565, 68:40 mins. Ted Heath fans have been well served by various record companies in recent years, and it seems that the flow of new releases is accelerating. At the same time it is difficult for new compilations such as this to avoid duplications, and collectors will have to decide for themselves whether or not there are enough new delights on this CD to persuade them to part with their precious pounds. Personally I cannot imagine any true fans hesitating for long, because Memoir have come up with such a splendid production, thanks to the excellent sound restoration by Ted Kendall, and the superb booklet notes by Campbell Burnap. The gifted arrangers make one’s mouth water: Reg Owen, Eric Jupp, Reg Briggs, Norman Stenfalt, George Shearing, Bruce Campbell, John Dankworth, Phil Bates and Wally Stott (Roumanian Roundabout). Personnel, recording dates, matrix numbers, studios … all the information you could ever want is here. To paraphrase the CD’s title: "Nice One, Memoir!" David Ades
NAT KING COLE ‘Here’s To My Lady’ A Portrait of Jennie, That’s My Girl, Because of Rain, Nature Boy, Baby Won’t You Say You Love me, Here’s To My Lady, Song of Delilah, The Magic Tree, I’ll Never Say ‘Never Again’ Again, Unforgettable, Little Girl, Red Sails In The Sunset, Too Young, Put ‘Em in a Box, Lillette, I’m Hurtin’, A Little Bit Independent, Wine Women & Song, Mona Lisa, Lush Life, Lost April, Always You, My First and Last Love, Home Memoir CDMOIR566, 71:55 mins. I suppose that many of the comments I have made about the Ted Heath CD (above) equally apply to this new Nat King Cole release. Again, keen collectors may well already possess the majority of the tracks, but the fine remastering (by our friend Ted Kendall, of course), and the comprehensive notes (this time by Nigel Hunter) elevate this above the offerings from the major companies. It seems incredible, but true: often the major record companies who originally released recordings such as this seem to take little trouble to make their occasional reissues attractive, when it comes to information in their booklets. Thank goodness for the fact that in Britain we still have a thriving independent record sector, where true enthusiasts are able to impart their knowledge to fellow collectors. At least generations to come will be able to read something about the artists, the music and the recording history – and why their contributions to the art of recorded music are so important.David Ades Memoir CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £10 [$20] each.
TONY WHITTAKER ‘Keyboard Magic’ In Love For The Very First time, Call Me, Laura, Music of the Night, So Nice, Sands of Cairo, Warwick Waltz, Stairway to the Sea, All I Ask of You, Matrimony, Memory, The Boy From… , As Time Goes By, Cat’s Tail, Merry as a Grig, Abba Medley TWMS CD05/02. RFS member Tony Whittaker has produced an attractive collection of piano pieces, augmented on some tracks by bass, guitar and strings. You may have noticed Merry as a Grig in the listing above – an interesting choice, by Van Phillips, the arranger who produced some interesting dance band sounds in the 1930s, then went into production music, but eventually achieved greater fame as an acclaimed photographer. It is also nice to find less hackneyed numbers – In Love For the Very First Time makes a good opening. All in all, an enjoyable selection of music which will please piano fans. David Ades This CD is available direct from Tony Whittaker, 83 St. Helen’s Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3QG, England – price £10.00. You can also order via Tony’s website: www.tonywhittaker.co.uk
GLORIOUS VICTORY: Willcocks – Guards Armoured Division; Alford – Eagle Squadron, By Land and Sea, Holyrood, The Vanished Army, Army of the Nile, The Standard of St. George;Panella – On the Square; Kendall – Glorious Victory; Kelly – Arnhem, Arromanches; Sousa – Liberty Bell, The Stars and Stripes Forever; Eley – Duke of York; Zehle – Wellington; Rhodes – Golden Spurs; Bagley – National Emblem; Strauss – Radetzky March; Stanley – Alamein. Kings Division Normandy Band, Director of Music Captain Gary Clegg Plantagenet Music PMRD9425, 65:00 mins. A superb, well planned compendium of military marches, some old favourites, others less familiar, recorded in the ample acoustic of St. Michael’s Parish Church, Kirkham, Lancashire. A generous representation of the martial music of the English ‘March King’ Kenneth J. Alford including his impressive slow march By Land and Sea in which A Life on the Ocean Wave is cleverly interweaved. Two of Sousa’s best, although the rendering of The Stars and Stripes Forever is surprisingly rather small scale and lightweight, with a sharp accelerando towards the end. There is also a rather curious arrangement by Sharpe of the Radetzky March.There’s a fascinating example of an early 19th century march Duke of York by Christopher Eley, a Hanovarian Bandmaster brought to England by the aforementioned Duke. Bandstand favourites such as Panella’s On the Square and Bagley’s National Emblemintermingle with less well-known (at least for this listener) but nonetheless impressive marches by the likes of G.H. Willcocks (Director of Music, Irish Guards 1938-48); Albert Kelly (who served as Bandmaster of the Royal Sussex Regiment); Samuel Rhodes (one time Director of Music with the Scots Guards with no less than 44 years’ service with Army bands); and Leo Stanley (the pen name of Randolph Ricketts, brother of Frederick Ricketts, better known as Kenneth Alford!). Despite the very minor quibbles above, all these marches are played with an impressive degree of aplomb, precision and professionalism, and one hopes that the Kings Division’s next CD won’t be too long in the making. Roger Hyslop Plantagenet CDs are available from: Plantagenet Music Ltd., 90 Holgate Road, York, YO24 4AB, England – telephone orders 01904 64710. Also available from Discurio, 46 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD, England – tel/fax 10634 845222 www.discurio.com
THE KING’S SQUAD Jager – Esprit de Corps; Gray – Thunderbirds; Donajowsky – Preobrajensky Blankenburg Action Front; Menken – A Whole New World; Willcocks – Sarafond; Charles Williams – Blue Devils; etc… Band of HM Royal Marines Commando Training Centre / Capt. N.J. GracePlantagenet PMRD 9426. Here’s a military band with a difference! An audio representation of the Pass-Out Parade of the Kings Squad – the senior recruit squad in Royal Marines training, recorded at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone, Devon, with a spoken narration by a certain Lord (better known as Paddy) Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon in Somerset– a former Royal Marines Officer between 1959 and 1972; his contributions are brief and succinct and should not become too irksome on repeated playings. The doyen of British military musicians, Lieutenant Colonel Sir F. Vivian Dunn (who was appointed Director of Music of the Portsmouth Division Band in 1931, at the incredibly early age of 22, and completed an illustrious career with the Royals as Principal Director of Music at Deal), is represented by several of his very attractive arrangements, includingPreorajensky, The Globe and Laurel, Where ere You Walk and Sarie Marais. Since the playing of the Royal Marines bandsmen display their usual enviable musical prowess, and the recording is excellent, this CD must be strongly commended. Roger Hyslop Plantagenet CDs are not available through the RFS Record Service, but details of how to obtain them can be found at the end of the previous review.
JOHNNY HARRIS ‘Movements’ Fragments of Fear, Reprise, Stepping Stones, Something, Give Peace a Chance, Footprints on the Moon, Light My Fire, Wichita Lineman, Paint It Black + bonus tracks Warner Bros 8122-73602-2 [also on vinyl as 2-LP set: 8122-73601-1]. 43:35 mins. This album really needs no introduction. It was big in its day but has become even bigger in recent years after it was rediscovered when tracks were sampled on modern dance records resulting in original copies changing hands for up to £50. And after just one listen it’s very easy to see why! The opening track is taken from the score of the obscure psychological thriller "Fragment Of Fear" and has a deliciously chilling melody that will weave its way into your brain and stay there. Over a distorted rhythmic shuffle a flute is joined by strings, wah-wah guitar and a bubbling Hammond Organ resulting in a non-stop groove with a warm, rich sound which is worth the cover price alone. However it is the next track "Stepping Stones" which usually gets most attention. This fast and frantic jazz piece was used for a chase sequence in the same movie and sees a repeated screaming flute motif (played by Harold McNeil) across a hard percussive backing offset by stabbing strings and guitar, resulting in a funky sound which wouldn't be out of place in the score to a black cop movie such as "Shaft" or "Superfly". There are some quieter moments too including the delicately haunting "Footprints On The Moon" complete with angelic choir choruses, and some superb covers including "Something" which Harris later reworked for Shirley Bassey, "Wichita Lineman" and a truly amazing arrangement of the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" which owes more than a little to "Night On A Bare Mountain". The CD also features a colourful 24-page booklet covering the composer's long career in music and there are two bonus tracks including the groovy Lulu's theme which was used for the "Happening For Lulu" show where Harris acted as MD. NB: There are plans to follow this up with a reissue of Harris' other Warner Bros album "All To Bring You Morning". David Noades
