Keeping Track - Dateline March 2010
CHAQUITO The Great Chaquito Revolution & Latin Colours Revolution; Aquarius; Carol of the Bells; Old devil moon; Echo of a Serenade; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; Carioca; Mother Earth; Desafinado; Goin’ out of my head; Maria Elena; The Big Country ? Meditation; Trains and boats and planes; Africaan Beat; La Paloma; Light my fire; La Peregrinación; Do you know the way to San Jose; Little Boat; Walk on by; One summer’s day; This guy’s in love with you; Upa, Neguinho Vocalion CDLK 4410 [73:13] Chaquito was the most notable of arranger-composer-conductor John Gregory’s alto egos and his first great aggregation was formed in 1958 as an "authentic" Latin American band. The creative arrangements and the band’s exciting style ? many of the players coming from the Ted Heath orchestra ? generated much interest. So much so that in the 20 years to 1977 the Chaquito band went on to record 14 LPs and, including compilations and re-releases, over 20 albums were released during this time, several of which featured in the charts. The first album here dates from 1970 and the second, a slightly gentler selection, from two years later. Everyone will have their favourite tracks: be it Gregory’s own title tune and One summer Day [Un Jour d’?té], the joyfulCarol, Carioca with its brilliant trumpet soloists or Bert Kaempfert’s bouncy Africaan Beat, but the whole CD has oodles of oomph and is my Best Disc for this issue.
Peter Burt
JOHN IRELAND: ORCHESTRAL WORKS. HALLÉ ORCHESTRA Conducted by JOHN WILSON. Mai-Dun, The Forgotten Rite, Satyricon Overture, "The Overlanders" – Suite, A London Overture, Epic March. Recorded March 2007 at BBC Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester. Hallé Concert Society HLL7523. Born in Bowdon, Cheshire – just south of Manchester – John Ireland studied composition at the RCM under Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. He subsequently returned to teach at the college, where his pupils included E. J. Moeran, Geoffrey Bush, Helen Perkin (see JIM 182) and – so it is reported – a somewhat uninterested Benjamin Britten. These duties were combined with the post of organist and choirmaster at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea, London. Considering that he created a not insubstantial canon of compositions, which have been well represented on many recordings over the years, it is unfortunate that Ireland is not as universally known as he really should be. Rather, he has tended to languish on the sidelines, in the company of Alwyn, Bax, Finzi and others, all victims of a totally unwarranted prejudice against much of Twentieth Century British music, which has only really evaporated in recent times. As may be deduced from my comments above, all the compositions represented here have previously appeared on record. This new CD is nonetheless most welcome, featuring as it does the undoubted abilities of one of our finest orchestras, under the direction of a prodigiously gifted conductor. John Wilson has a real feel for this music and during a recent conversation said to me that he thinks it is "amazing". Although he lived in Chelsea for much of his life, Ireland was drawn to the countryside, particularly places of historical significance such as hill forts and burial sites. His frequent visits to Sussex, Dorset and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are reflected in his compositions, which often also have literary connections. The programme opens with the symphonic rhapsody Mai-Dun, which was inspired by Maiden Castle, a prehistoric fortification near Dorchester, Oxford, and also by the writings of Thomas Hardy. The music depicts the ancient Briton community at the castle, which was invaded by the Romans in AD43, and represents the fort at war and in peace. This is followed by The Forgotten Rite, an orchestral tone-poem which was influenced by visits to Jersey, where two sites were being excavated which were associated with ancient rituals, some sacrificial, some concerned with witchcraft. The overtureSatyricon is based on the eponymous book by the Roman writer Petronius, and is subtitled a recital of lecherous happenings, which include references to the whipping scene in Petronius’s book! Ireland’s first and only foray into the world of film music follows next – a concert suite (arranged by Sir Charles Mackerras in 1971) for the score of the 1946 Ealing Studios production The Overlanders . This patriotic movie tells of an epic journey in Australia, where thousands of cattle were moved great distances to protect them from possible Japanese aerial attack or invasion. The 1936 London Overture evokes a journey around the capital, rather in the spirit of Elgar’s Cockaigne Overture(although not really attaining the musical heights of the latter) and makes use of some of the classic hallmarks of British Light Music in the writing for strings, woodwind and percussion, which are somewhat suggestive of Eric Coates. The final work is entitled Epic March and was composed in 1942 as a patriotic piece of anti-fascist propaganda, in order to foster community spirit and a democratic aspiration for peace. It was written for the wartime Ministry of Information, which commissioned similar works from a number of other composers, including Ralph Vaughan Williams. Whilst much of this music is not on the regular RFS "bill of fare", it is well worth getting to know and this excellent new release deserves to make many new friends. As we go to press, I have just received another CD of British music conducted by John Wilson on the Dutton Epoch label, which I hope to review in the next edition of JIM. Tony Clayden
RON GRAINER & HIS ORCHESTRA The Maigret Theme & Other Film and TV Themes SinglesThe Maigret Theme; Bistro; Night prowl; Petit Louis; Arlette; Golden fleece; & 7 other tracks … / Petit Louis [from the TV series ‘Maigret’] [Grainer]; That Was The Week That Was [Grainer, Sherrin]; Indian Blues [Grainer]; Station Six Sahara [Grainer]; Theme from the film ‘Sparrows Can’t Sing’ [Bart]; The Seventh Dawn [Ortolani, Webster]; Main theme from the film ‘Lolita’ [Harris]; My Lost Love [from the film ‘Big Red’] [Sherman, Sherman]; Sky West and Crooked [from the film] [Arnold]; Madrigal [from the film ‘The Chalk Garden’] [Arnold]; The Kiss [theme from the TV series ‘Love Story’] [Parnell]; ‘The Hidden Truth’ theme [from the TV series] [Parnell]; The Iron Maiden [from the film] [Rogers]; Sweet and Sour [the ‘Bootsie and Snudge’ TV series film] [Franks, Rusby]; Theme from the TV series ‘Sam Benedict’ [Riddle]; ‘Hand in Hand’ theme [from the film] [Black]; The Last Tycoon [from the film] [Jarre] Vocalion CDLK 4044 [75:46] The album on this CD was issued in mono on Decca’s Ace of Clubs label 47 years ago. In stereo Ron Grainer’s pieces portraying Parisian low life in the ‘30s are even more effective; the French capital being the background for the classic 1950’s BBC TV drama of over 50 episodes based on Georges Simenon’s detective starring Rupert Davies in the title role. Ah, memories! The second set is a mixed bag of 17 Decca singles, the earliest being the Bart opus from May ’61 and the latest, the Jarre, from April ’77. Nothing much here to excite although I did enjoy the tuneful My Lost Love with soloist Tommy Reilly, the dramatic‘Hidden Truth’ Theme composed and conducted by Jack Parnell, and Stanley Black’s customary seductive piano on his ‘Hand in Hand’ Theme. Other orchestras involved are conducted by Roland Shaw, Ivor Raymonde, Eric Rogers and Gordon Franks. John Dankworth takes the solos on the last track with the Maurice Jarre Orchestra. Informative booklet notes are provided by Geoff Leonard and Pete Walker. I doubt that anyone would buy this disc for the compilation but it is an interesting addition to an eminently collectable album. Peter Burt
THE VOICES OF WALTER SCHUMANN La Danza, Shadow Waltz, Dancing In The Dark, Sentimental Journey, Orchids In The Moonlight, Spinning Song, Black Is The Colour Of My True Love’s Hair, Cecilia, That Old Black Magic, etc…58 tracks on 2 CDs Jasmine JASCD 670 [total time 154:04].Walter Schumann died in 1958, so his name is probably unfamiliar to most people today. His trademark sound was a small orchestra (often with solo instruments such as the harmonica or saxophone to the fore) backing a choir usually comprising nine girls and sixteen men. Some of the time not a word was sung or spoken: the choir wafts around each melody in a similar manner to many film musicals of the 1930s. Walter’s choir was well trained, and they gained considerable popularity through their concerts and recordings. The final eleven tracks are given over to a feature called "Exploring The Unknown" which is a fictional story about man’s first journey into outer space. It reminded me of Gordon Jenkins’ "Manhattan Tower" in the way that the narrator Paul Frees blended with the choir and orchestra. Certainly an oddity, complete with some sound effects! The composer was Leith Stevens and parts of it might be more enjoyable without the narrator. These two CDs offer a very generous amount of choral music in one go. I suggest you may want to dip into several tracks at a time, rather than leave the discs running without interruption. It is an interesting example of the wide variety of popular music that was around in the middle years of the last century, before rock ‘n’ roll became such an overwhelming force. David Ades
Jasmine Records has recently issued its latest catalogue, running to an impressive 114 pages (plus index). This company has produced many interesting collections (including Robert Farnon on JASCD 661!) and keen collectors should find many pleasant surprises. Through its mail order outfit ‘Jazmail’ you can also obtain CDs released by Sepia, Flare and other labels. If you would like a catalogue, write to: Jazmail, Unit 8, Forest hill Trading estate, Perry Vale, London, SE23 2LX – or email:
‘ORCHESTRAL GEMS IN STEREO’ Full tracklisting on page 72 Guild Light Music GLCD 5165[78:20 mins]. When I saw the title "Orchestral gems In Stereo" I didn’t exactly jump for joy – stereo doesn’t interest me one iota! Who cares which speaker the strings and brass are coming from? Anoraks – that’s who! There’s nothing wrong with a good mono recording and music you like played by a first class orchestra. Okay - rant over! But stereo or not, it is a first class orchestra that opens this Guild CD with Tolchard Evans’ Lady Of Spain arranged by Carmen Dragon, who conducts the Capitol Symphony Orchestra. It meanders a bit in the middle but, on the whole, a spirited performance. Paul Weston and his Orchestra follows on track 2 with Jerome Kern’s She Didn’t Say Yes’ from "The Cat and the Fiddle" – arranged by Weston. The show ran in London in 1932 for 219 performances. A track that caught my eye was Les Baxter’s Shooting Star, recorded in 1958 with the composer’s orchestra. Would it be anything like Sidney Torch’s piece of the same name – no, not a bit. I know which I prefer. Our Love Affair, a very nice piece from "An Affair To Remember", a 1957 CinemaScope release, gets a lush treatment from Conrad Salinger with an orchestra conducted by Buddy Bregman – but it is Bob Farnon’s Mr. Punch played by Leslie Jones and his Orchestra of London which gets the feet a’tapping! I’ve had the EP since its release in 1959. Peter Yorke and his Concert Orchestra provide a rather dreamy rendition of Ivor Novello’s Glamorous Night from the 1935 show of the same name. It ran for 243 performances at the Drury Lane Theatre. Another tune to set the feet a’tapping once again is Cole Porter’s After You on track 11 with an infectious performance by Victor Silvester’s Silver Strings. Quite a difference from his usual ballroom strict-tempo style. But it’s the David Rose Orchestra that really sets the disc alight with his own composition Majorca – a sparkling piece! And in similar lively mood is Ernesto Lecuona’s Damisela Encantadora (quite a mouthful!) played by Percy Faith and his Orchestra, who also arranged it. Billy Mayerl’s ever popular Marigold gets an orchestral treatment for a change, courtesy of Ronald Binge’s arrangement with him conducting his own orchestra. And lastly I was pleased to hear the 101 Strings in an effervescent form with Chabrier’s Espana – a fiery finale! Ken Wilkins
JOHN GREGORY Cascading Strings & Contrasts Raindrops keep falling on my head; Wand’rin Star; The green leaves of summer; Love is blue; Plaisir d’amour; Those were the days; Somewhere my love; The fool on the hill; Four of hearts; Light my fire; Londonderry Air; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly / Diamonds are forever, I don’t know how to love him; Look around and you’ll find me there; Where did they go?; The theme from ‘The Onedin Line’; Devils Highway; The theme from ‘The Persuaders’; Another time another place; Contrasts; My chérie amour; Sleepy Shores [theme from ‘Owen M.D.’]; Spinning wheel Vocalion CDLK 4407 [69:13] There have been a number of light orchestral CDs from Vocalion since our last issue with releases from Frank Chacksfield [2], Will Glahé, Ray Martin, Ricardo Santos, Roland Shaw and a Victor Young soundtrack in addition to those reviewed in this issue. This one is particularly welcome as John Gregory has been sorely neglected in the reissue stakes. Born Giovanni Gregori, he was rated one of the UK’s best ever light orchestra conductors for three decades from the Fifties, as well as writing numerous vocal arrangements and accompanying a range of singers. The success of his Cascading Strings bore witness to his talented writing for that section of the orchestra, likewise his Moods Orchestral series. With great expectations of this 2-on-1 release I can only give it a restrained welcome. All the arrangements are attractive but for my liking the strings don’t "cascade" enough and there is a tad too much rhythmic beat, although the inclusion on some tracks of what sounds like an electric harpsichord is appealing. The best tracks include maestro Gregory’s own compositions Four of Hearts and Contrasts. It is good, too, to hear again the Khachaturian [arr. Gregory], Johnny Pearson’s Sleepy shores, and Spinning Wheel is a fun piece. The orchestra sounds smaller than that fronted by Mantovani or Chacksfield, or it may be Philips not quite matching the legendary Decca sound. Enjoyable enough, these albums just do not "light my fire." Many of you, however, will be looking to add the disc to your CD collection, and will appreciate our esteemed Editor’s extensive booklet notes. Peter Burt
ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Conducted by RONALD CORP Music by Ronald Corp: Guernsey Postcards, Piano Concerto No. 1 (featuring Leon McCawley, piano), Symphony No. 1 Dutton Epoch CDLX 7233 [65:57]. Ronald Corp has been a magnificent ambassador for light orchestral music, and there is no doubt that his landmark recordings for Hyperion have contributed to the revival of light music as an important part of the music scene. It is therefore only right that he should be given the opportunity to record his own music, which makes this CD especially welcome. Guernsey Postcards was a special commission in 2004, and the three contrasting movements must have delighted the locals at the premiere on the island. Ronald’s firstPiano Concerto dates from 1997, and it was also a special commission. Like many similar new works, the listener will gain much from repeated hearings. The most recent work is the Symphony, completed in 2009. I do not feel that I know the work well enough yet to be able to write a proper review; all I will say it that I look forward to becoming acquainted with something which, even on a first hearing, sounds impressive – especially the final movement. I’ve said it many times before, but it needs repeating: today’s lovers of exciting new music owe a great debt of gratitude to Mike Dutton, whose Epoch catalogue now contains some truly wonderful recordings. David Ades
MANTOVANI Golden Hits / More Golden Hits 24 tracks incl. Moon River; Summertime in Venice; Diane; Exodus Main Theme; True Love; La Vie en Rose; Around the World … / Stranger in Paradise; Gigi; Deep Purple; A Certain Smile; Limelight; The way you look tonight; Long Ago [And Far Away] …Vocalion CDLK 4409 [77:31]
Mr Music …. Mantovani / More Mantovani Film Encores 24 tracks incl. Smile; Ebb tide; Softly as I leave you; Spanish flea; Theme from ‘The Oscar’; How soon; Yesterday … / The high and the mighty; A certain smile; Friendly persuasion [Thee I love]; Whatever will be, will be; Tammy; Be my love; April love … Vocalion CDLK 4412 [74:49] It is hard to find anything new to write about Monty’s discs. What other orchestra maintained such a high standard of work over so many years? His arrangements were invariably interesting, not fussy or over-complicated, and the orchestral playing beneath his baton was impeccable. As a Gramophone reviewer [remember the days when they covered our kind of music?] once so rightly wrote about a trio of his albums: "These testify to his unique niche in the annals of international light music." If you are only going to have one Mantovani disc in your collection then I suppose the first 2-on-1 is the one to have with four of Monty’s six singles million sellers on the first album [1967]: Charmaine, The Moulin Rouge Theme, Greensleeves and Swedish Rhapsody, but not Wyoming or Lonely ballerina. Two other stand-out tracks are the string-laden Some enchanted evening ? surely the best-ever orchestral version ? and on the second album [1976] the dramatic Love is a many splendored thing, although I don’t think this sounds any better than it did on the LP track I nearly wore out all those years ago! The second CD, with albums from 1966 and 1959, is almost worth its price alone for the spine-tingling string intro toWhen you wish upon a star. It is interesting to learn from Colin Mackenzie’s customary comprehensive booklet notes that two-thirds of the albums arrangements and the piano playing onCara Mia are by the Maestro himself. ‘Mr Music ….’ is less familiar to me than most of Monty’s output and I think is even more enjoyable a listen because of it. Peter Burt
"SHOWTIME – 25 Years of BBC Concert Orchestra Favourites" Crown Imperial (William Walton); Les Petites Valses Parisiennes (arranged by Sidney Torch); Farandole from "L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2" (Georges Bizet); The Two Imps (Kenneth J. Alford); A La Claire Fontaine (Robert Farnon); Aces High from "Battle of Britain" (Ron Goodwin); I Love Paris (Cole Porter, arr. Stanley Black); Main Titles & Love Theme from "Ben Hur" (Miklos Rozsa); Pops Hoedown (Richard Hayman); Showtime Carousel (arr. Gordon Langford); Calling All Workers (Eric Coates). BBC Concert Orchestra Conducted by Roderick Dunk. Dutton Epoch CDLX 7242 [64:41]. A quick glance at the title of this CD might lead some people to think that the BBC Concert Orchestra is only 25 years old, but we all know that it has already celebrated its half century. ’25 Years’ refers to the BBC Concert Orchestra’s Supporters Club who sponsored this CD to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. Rather than adhere to the usual format of "Friday Night Is Music Night", readers will be relieved to learn that this collection is entirely orchestral. And there are some great gems among some of the more familiar works. Sidney Torch’s arrangement of French waltzes is so typical of many similar delightful selections he created over the years. Another arranger of note is Gordon Langford, whoseShowtime Carousel provides over 14 minutes of great show tunes. Naturally we are pleased to find Robert Farnon’s A La Claire Fontaine appearing in a new performance; at eight minutes conductor Roderick Dunk takes it noticeably slower than the composer, whose Decca version lasts just under six minutes! I have to confess that I always felt that Bob could have slowed it down a bit (which he did in his 1991 recording with the RPO), and Roderick Dunk’s interpretation gives it an added majestic atmosphere. Members of the BBC Concert Orchestra’s Supporters Club received a free copy of this great CD. Everyone else should rush to buy theirs without delay! David Ades Contact details: BBC Concert Orchestra’s Supporters Club, PO Box 213, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6ZP, UK.
"MEXICO" Cielito Lindo, Pepe, The Three Caballeros,La Cucarache, La Paloma, etc. "WESTWARD HO!" Riders In The Sky, The Yellow Rose of Texas, High Noon, The Big Country, Don’t Fence Me In, The Magnificent Seven, etc. Roland Shaw and his Orchestra. Vocalion CDLK4402 [61:34]. Roland Shaw was one of the great arrangers, and his work provided a touch of class to many Decca LPs, notably for Frank Chacksfield. Perhaps Decca felt that he deserved to emerge from the shadows and have his name on the kind of albums he created for others. "Mexico" is probably what you would expect – some may think it a pity that there are some vocals. I prefer the "Westward Ho!" album, and although an annoying vocal occasionally creeps in most tracks are purely instrumental. No doubt both these collections were commissioned by Tony D’Amato for Decca’s US London label. It’s a shame that there are no notes to tell purchasers something about the talented Mr.Shaw. David Ades
HARD TO FIND JUKEBOX CLASSICS : FABULOUS FIFTIES INSTRUMENTALS & MORE Manhattan Spiritual / Reg Owen*; March From The River Kwai & Colonel Bogey / Mitch Miller*; The Yellow Rose Of Texas / Mitch Miller Orchestra & Chorus; Giant / Les Baxter Orchestra & Chorus; Honey-Babe / Art Mooney Orchestra & Chorus; Children’s Marching Song / Cyril Stapleton with Children’s Chorus*; Joey’s Song / Bill Haley*; Smiles / Crazy Otto; Glad Rag Doll / Crazy Otto; Yellow Dog Blues / Joe Darensbourg & His Dixie Flyers; Little Dipper / The Mickey Mozart Quintet; "Man With The Golden Arm" – Main Titles & Molly-O / Dick Jacobs Orchestra & Chorus; Petticoats Of Portugal / Dick Jacobs Orchestra & Chorus; Theme From "The Threepenny Opera" / Richard Hayman & Jan August; Ciao, Ciao Bambino / Jacky Noguez & His Orchestra*; The Italian Theme / Cyril Stapleton; When The White Lilacs Bloom Again / Helmut Zacharias; The Poor People Of Paris / Lawrence Welk; Theme From "The Threepenny Opera" / Lawrence Welk; The Bandit (O Cangaceiro) / Eddie Barclay; 11th Hour Melody / Lou Busch; Almost Paradise / Lou Stein; Autumn Leaves / Steve Allen with George Cates & His Orchestra; Around The World / Mantovani; My Beloved / Otto Cesana; Devotion / Otto Cesana*; Fascination / David Carroll*; It’s Almost Tomorrow / David Carroll (with chorus); Melody Of Love / David Carroll (* = Stereo) Hit Parade Records 12310 [72:00] Bill Buster of Canada’s Eric Records has put together this superb collection based on the 1950s American Billboard charts. All of the recordings are the original versions, not later re-recordings. Many of the tracks are orchestral, several with chorus, plus a sprinkling of instrumental and solo ones, some by artists not familiar to me such as Joe Darensbourg, Jacky Noguez and Micky Mozart. One or two tracks may come as a surprise to British listeners as different artists charted the songs in the UK. For example, although there are two excellent versions of Theme From The Threepenny Opera, we are probably more familiar with the one by The Dick Hyman Trio. Similarly I recall that, in my record shop days, we sold more copies of Henry Leca’s The Bandit than the equally good Eddie Barclay one featured here. Nor do I remember the Steve Allen/George Cates version of Autumn Leaves being very popular, although it deserves to have been. Several titles never featured in the UK charts at all so I enjoyed hearing them for the first time. Sound quality is first class with only Mantovani’s Around The Worldand David Carroll’s Fascination not quite attaining the 5-star rating I can give to the impeccable re-mastering on the other 27 tracks. A 12 page booklet with comprehensive and informative notes by Greg Adams completes this very attractive package, very little of which has previously been available on CD. I don’t know if it can be ordered from local record shops in the UK but it’s readily available from several on-line sources including Amazon and Play.com or direct from ericrecords.com. Alan Bunting
SHIRLEY BASSEY The Performance Almost there; Apartment; This Time; I love you now; Our time is now; As God is my witness; No good about goodbye; The Girl from Tiger Bay; Nice Men; After the rain; The performance of my life Geffen 2720780 [42:07] Despite some of the titles this is an album of all new compositions and the 73-year-young diva Dame’s first studio performance for over 20 years. Produced by David Arnold with songs by such popular music luminaries as Gary Barlow, John Barry, Don Black, The Manic Street Preachers and KT Tunstall, to my mind this album is up there with her best ? a remarkable achievement. The track I have returned to the most, not least for the arrangement, has been Rufus Wainwright’s Cinderella fairytale song The Apartment. The orchestrations and conducting are in the hands of Nicholas Dodd, with a few stellar names among the musicians. No plaudits to Polydor for the short measure, though. Peter Burt
‘HIGHLY STRUNG’ Full tracklisting on page 76 Guild Light Music GLCD 5166 [79:38 mins]. This latest Guild offering begins in cracking style with Jack Mason’s Pops Polka – can’t say I’ve ever heard of him but I’m certainly familiar with the players – the Boston ‘Pops’ (I prefer ‘Promenade’) Orchestra with their long-time conductor Arthur Fiedler. In the notes David reckons his association with the orchestra began in 1930, but I have a 12" HMV 78 of Strike Up The Band which I thought was recorded in 1929, but I could be wrong. Steve Race keeps the rhythm going with one of those pieces that seem so familiar but the title unknown. Here it is – Ring Ding, played by the Knightsbridge Strings. George French wrote the CD’s title tune Highly Strung for the KPM Library and it’s played here by the Group Forty Orchestra conducted by Eric Cook. It dates from 1959 when the Musicians’ Union ban was briefly lifted, allowing production music libraries to record once again with British musicians for a while. It’s a great piece and I hope compiler David looks kindly on the idea of issuing another French composition – from the Paxton Library this time – his Parade Of The Championsplayed by Dolf van der Linden and his Orchestra. Eric Jupp and his Orchestra continue this lively concert with what sounds like a Spanish rhythmic number. But the inspiration comes from just over the border in Portugal, and Song Of Lisbon was a minor hit for Carlos Rocha – whoever he might be. Then a Synchro Library item Paris Pullman by Roger Roger and played by The Paris Studio Orchestra conducted by Philippe Pares, who also contributed library music. Philip Green’s theme from the film"Sapphire" played by the Pinewood Studio Orchestra, conducted by the composer, featuring Johnny Dankworth’s saxophone is next. On the other side of the Top Rank 45 from which this track was taken is Laurie Johnson’s theme to the film "Tiger Bay", and another Rank 1959 45 I have is the music by Tony Crombie for the TV series "Man From Interpol" conducted by the composer. It also appears in the first edition of the Ember Mood Music Library catalogue. The three pieces on the disc are Man From Interpol, Interpol Cha Cha and Interpol Chase. They’re a bit jazzy but might find favour with film and TV music buffs – are you listening, David? Two rather gorgeous pieces played by the orchestras of Boris Sarbek and Ronald Binge respectively – Le Soir (I’d Love To Fall Asleep) andAfraid To Dream (nice juxtaposition of titles) – are followed by Fred Hartley and his Music (a light orchestral name from the past) with his own catchy composition Jack In The Box from the Chappell Library. Gay Spirits by David Rose and played by his own orchestra on MGM could easily have come from a recorded music library catalogue, as does Kurt Schick’s Sheerline (Charles Brull) and Bob Farnon’s Little Miss Molly (Chappell) – two very contrasting items. Morton Gould’s orchestra has fun with Zez Confrey’s Stumbling with what sounds like a bar room piano and xylophone joining in – great stuff! Monty Kelly and his Orchestra spring a surprise part way through Life In New York with a wordless chorus, while Gerard Calvi’s catchy piece Gigue Ecossaise (Scottish Jig) really sets the feet a’tapping. I believe the Harmonic/Charles Brull Library went out of business some years ago (Editor: they were acquired by KPM in the mid-1990s) which seems hard to believe when they could issue such smashing recordings as Frank Chacksfield’s Sunshine Beguine played by the Symphonia Orchestra conducted by Curt Anderson, resplendent in Alan Bunting’s treatment. Ron Goodwin’s orchestra zips along nicely with his own composition All Strung Up, and I’m sure there are echoes of the "Miss Marple" films’ theme in there somewhere! Geoff Love’s orchestra gives a splendid performance of Rudolf Friml’s Ma Belle but it only emphasises the dearth of such light orchestras and programmes from the airwaves today. The string section of Percy Faith’s orchestra really work overtime with his composition Perpetual Notion as we head towards the end of this "strung up" collection of great light music. Irving Berlin’s A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody is the penultimate track played by Peter Yorke and his Concert Orchestra. And finally a piece from the soundtrack from "Some Like It Hot" – Park Avenue Fantasy scored by Adolph Deutsch conducting the Studio Orchestra. A fine way to end another great Guild Light Music compilation! Ken Wilkins
"DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS" & "DALEKS’ INVASION EARTH 2150 AD" Film soundtracks Silva Screen SILCD1244 [75:23 mins]. It is perhaps surprising that only two cinema films were made featuring Dr. Who, considering its huge popularity on TV back in the 1960s. UK readers will not need reminding that Dr. Who is again one of the BBC’s hottest properties in the 21st Century, after a sustained period of neglect during the closing decades of the last century. Today the music is electronic, but back in the 1960s it was felt that orchestral scores were more appropriate – at least, for the big screen. So those masters of the soundtrack genre, Silva Screen, have finally lovingly restored the only two big screen Dr. Who films ever made - the 1965 release "Dr. Who And The Daleks" and 1966 "Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.". The music was composed respectively by Malcolm Lockyer and Bill McGuffie with sections enhanced by electronic sounds created by Barry Gray. The album also includes contemporary single releases and a 20 page inlay booklet packed with memorabilia and detailed production notes. David Stoner at Silva Screen kindly invited me to contribute some biographical details on Malcolm Lockyer and Bill McGuffie, so fans of Dr. Who will learn something about the two talented composers involved. Malcolm has the larger share of the CD, and his music is more ‘traditional’ light film music: at times I am reminded of Miklos Rozsa’s superb score for "Double Indemnity". The more I hear it, the more I find it very appealing. As usual with releases such as this, the music is often fragmented to fit in with the on-screen action, and the music created for "Dr. Who And The Daleks" is presented in its entirety, including some pieces composed and recorded for the film, but not subsequently used. Sadly the score to "Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D." by jazz pianist and film composer Bill McGuffie no longer exists but some of the music has been retained via a music and sound effects master recording that was sent abroad for foreign dubs to be made on the film. This is used for the CD release and Mark Ayres (who deserves special credit for his restoration) has edited the material to remove sound effects where applicable. Included also on this release are the instrumental singles from the original records that promoted the two features and some of the sound effects (incorporating original material from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop) produced by Barry Gray - famous for scoring many of Gerry Anderson's series. Silva Screen releases are always notable for the very high standard of the booklets, and this one is certainly no exception. If you are a fan of soundtracks and/or Dr. Who, you will not want to pass this by! David Ades
BING CROSBY Through The Years Volume Four 1952?1953 26 tracks incl. On the 10-10 from Ten-Ten-Tennessee; Zing a little zong [with Jane Wyman], The moon came up with a great idea last night & Watermelon Moon [with Peggy Lee]; You don’t know what lonesome is; Open up your heart; To see you is to love you … Sepia 1139 [75:53] There was nobody quite like Bing Crosby and this is another fine selection from his œuvre over the years. As well as the above-named he is also joined by Bob Hope on three tracks from ‘The Road to Bali’, The Andrews Sisters [South Rampart Street Parade], Gary Crosby [Fatherly advice], and Connee Boswell [That’s a-plenty]. Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians are with him on Hush-a-bye and Mother Darlin’; the former earlier recording their part in New York with Bing overdubbing his vocals, allegedly using a portable machine at a golf course. Mitchell Parish’s words to Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride fit Bing to a T ? or should that be "tee"? Interesting, too, to hear the great crooner’s take on two Bernstein-Comden-Green songs from‘Wonderful Town’: Ohio and A quiet girl. Bing is accompanied on eleven of the tracks by John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra, which includes Red Nichols on cornet and Buddy Cole on piano. A 16-page booklet with authoritative notes by Malcolm Macfarlane gives added value to the disc. Peter Burt
ROSE MARIE 25 tracks incl. the Title tune, Hard-boiled Herman; The Mounties; Lak Jeem; Indian Love Call; Why shouldn’t we; Minuet of the minutes; Door of my dreams … Sepia 1140 [76:17] This is a well-filled disc of two contrasting halves. It has the pedigree of music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart with lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein 2nd. The first 11 tracks are from the 1958 RCA Victor early stereo studio cast recording made in London to accommodate Julie Andrews who was appearing in My Fair Lady. Her co-star is Metropolitan opera star Giorgio Tozzi who had provided the voice for Emile de Becque in the film version of South Pacific. The proceedings are under the direction of Lehman Engel conducting the New Symphony Orchestra of London with the Michael Sammes Singers. Equally enjoyable are eight tracks by the original 1925 London cast with the Drury Lane Theatre Orchestra conducted by Herman Finck. The last four tracks are the legendary duo Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy singing Indian Love Call from 1936, Marion Bell [sometime wife of Alan Jay Lerner] with Pretty things, and two in stereo, Totem Tom Tom and Finale, sung by Elizabeth Larner with [on the latter] Andy Cole, The Rita Williams Singers and Tony Osbourne and his Orchestra. Sepia’s usual well-produced booklet, notes by Rexton S Bunnett, complete an attractive package. Ray Pavene
FRANK CHACKSFIELD AND HIS ORCHESTRA
The Incomparable Jerome Kern: The Last Time I Saw Paris, All The Things You Are, The Folks Who Live On The Hill, Look For The Silver Lining, etc. FC Plays Hoagy Carmichael: Skylark, My Resistance Is Low, The Nearness Of You, Georgia On My Mind, etc. Vocalion CDLK4408 [75:27].
New York: Broadway Medley, Harlem Nocturne, Manhattan, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Autumn in New York, etc. The Best of Cole Porter: I Love Paris, Easy To Love, Begin The Beguine, In The Still Of The Night, etc. Vocalion CDLK4413 [77:46]. Just before Christmas Mike Dutton added to his impressive list of Frank Chacksfield reissues with these two generously filled collections. The Kern collection (originally a Phase 4 stereo LP in 1974) was arranged by Roland Shaw, and features the talents of Kenny Baker (trumpet), Keith Bird (clarinet), and Ronnie Price (piano). There is also the occasional wordless choir, and several tracks have anonymous vocals. The arranger responsible in 1977 for Hoagy Carmichael’s melodies is not credited, but Kenny Baker is again featured on trumpet in Georgia On My Mind and a lady called Joanne Brown crops up with vocals on three titles. The original LP sleeve notes are reproduced in the booklet. Eric Rogers arranged the 1970 ‘New York’ collection (most enjoyable!), but we are left to guess who was responsible for Cole Porter’s timeless standards – the earliest LP of the four dating from 1959 before Decca introduced Phase 4. This second CD lacks any notes. The Cole Porter collection is not the same as the one released by Polygram in 1996. David Ades
"WHITE HORSE INN" Selections 23 tracks incl. Introduction/Yodel Speciality; White Horse Inn; I cannot live without your love; High up on the hills [In Salzkammergut]; We prize most the things we miss; It would be wonderful … Sepia 1141 [76:26] This disc is a fascinating compilation. The centrepiece is a 20-minute rare radio broadcast of the titles listed above from the first-ever American 1936 Broadway production of the international hit ? it premiered at Berlin’s Grosses Schauspielhaus in November 1930 ? with among others the legendary Kitty Carlisle and William Gaxton. By way of an overture the disc opens with Fox Trot and Waltz Medleys from Jack Hylton and His Orchestra. Later Alfred Drake sings It would be wonderful [from a BBC Radio broadcast of 1959], as does Pat O’Malley who also contributes Your eyes. There is then a track of ‘Vocal Gems’ from 1931 by The Light Opera Company with Orchestra conducted by Ray Noble, followed by Good-bye and My song of love sung respectively by Sam Browne and Cavan O’Connor, both with Rolando and His Blue Salon Orchestra. Max Hanson sings Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee with the Paul Godwin DanceOrchestra & Animal Imitations [sic], before the disc finishes with seven German language vocals never before heard on CD. Wonderful stuff! Ray Pavene
NEW YEAR’S DAY CONCERT 2010 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Georges Pretre Decca [2CDs] 4782113
Readers who, like me, were glued to their radio/TV for the above will want this as a souvenir of the occasion. It was a happy return to the Austrian capital’s Musikverein for the 95-year-old French maestro who came to eminence conducting for the great opera singer Maria Callas. As well as the customary items by the Strausses [Johann I and II, Josef and Eduard] the programme, with four premieres, also includes pieces by Nicolai, Offenbach and Hans Christian Lumbye. There is also a DVD available. Edward Trub
TCHAIKOVSKY 1812 OVERTURE Mariinsky MARO503 [64:17] There are folk who are no great lovers of classical music but have this overture in their collection, and anyone wishing to join them could do a lot worse than this recent release conducted by the firebrand Ossetian conductor Valery Gergiev with the Orchestra, Soloists and Chorus of the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. It is coupled with four other listenable Tchaikovsky compositions: ‘Moscow’ Cantata, Slavonic March [‘Marche Slave’], Festival Coronation March and Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem. Good if not demonstration quality sound throughout. Peter Burt
PATTI PAGE with PETE RUGOLO orchestra Nevertheless, Out of nowhere, The lady is a tramp, The thrill is gone, A foggy day, Mountain greenery, I’ve got my eyes on you, My kinda love, I didn’t know about you, My sin, Taking a chance on love, Love for sale, No moon at all, I’m glad there is you, Nice work if you can get it, I never knew, The masquerade is over, What am I here for? Let there be love, Gone with the wind, They all laughed, I guess I’ll have to change my plan, Here I’ll stay, Lullaby in rhythm. (Fresh Sound Records FSR CD 544) 55:08. The first twelve tracks "In the land of hi fi "were issued on CD not long ago and reviewed in these pages. Here it is coupled with her second with Rugolo "The west side" I am now the proud owner of the original LP’s and the first CD transfer! Not something I regret, you never know how long such good material will be in circulation! "The west side" adds arrangers Marty Paich, Bill Holman and Shorty Rogers collaborating with Rugolo, that really is a star team! It’s a good guessing game trying to work out who arranged each tune on the second album! Were they used as presented or did Rugolo do a little tweaking? Definitely the best jazz Patti ever sung! Paul Clatworthy
TRAINCHA with the METROPOLE orchestra "Who’ll speak for love". Any day now, Love is still the answer, What the world needs now, One less bell to answer, In between the heartaches, This girls in love, God give me strength, Who’ll speak for love, Stronger than before, I just don’t know what to do with myself, Don’t go breaking my heart, Don’t make me over, Raindrops keep falling on my head, Painted from memory, On my own. (Blue Note 5099952055126) 62:07. Subtitled "The Burt Bacharach songbook two" this is something special! Given the magnificent Metropole orchestra to work with, arranger Pat Williams pulls out all the stops. Conducted by Vince Mendoza and mixing less familiar Bacharach songs with the hits of the past really is a treat. Evidently it has gone platinum in America, no mean feat nowadays when some pundits are saying CDs and DVDs are on the way out!Paul Clatworthy
JILL COREY with BILLY MAXTEDS Manhattan jazz band "Lets go to town". Another twenty four tracks culled from the National Guard show (see comments in Big Band Roundup) Sounds of yester year (DSOY 795) 61:35 The instrumental songs are firmly in Chris Barber territory of which I am no expert so I will make no other comment! Jill Corey sings with unnamed players with run of the mill arrangements. She has not got the sort of voice that merits repeated playing but that’s probably my fault! Paul Clatworthy
PHIL NAPOLEON and the Memphis Five "Memphis blues". Thirty tracks. Sounds of yester year ( DSOY 793) 70:29. "Dixieland" once again, not my bag! Ten of the tracks are just commentary which in my book is wasted space! Terrific if you want a social history lesson but not much in the way of music! Paul Clatworthy
PADDY ROBERTS Strictly for Grown-Ups. 29 tracks incl : Love Isn't What It Used To Be; Follow Me; Don't Upset The Little Kiddywinks; The Architect; The Big Dee Jay; L'anglais Avec Son Sang Froid; The Ballad Of Bethnal Green; Love In A Mist; A Short Song; Growing Old; I've Got The Blues; Lavender Cowboy; Poor Little Country Girl; I'm In Love For The Very First Time; Evermore; The Heart Of A Man; The Book; It's A Boy; Good Companions; Where There's You There's Me; 'Round The World In Eighty Minutes. Must Close Saturday Records MCSR 3046 [76:02]. This enterprising label mainly known for classic West End cast recordings, have recently re-issued one of their most successful non-cast recording titles. The original Decca LP was a surprise hit in the album charts (where it remained for five weeks, peaking at position 8) in September 1959. The best remembered track, and one that received the most airplay on the BBC Light Programme, was The Ballad Of Bethnal Green, winner of an Ivor Novello award for the most outstanding novelty song of 1959. The songs on this LP captured a witty, irreverent public mood, and although they then seemed a bit risqué, their effect today invokes nostalgia, with the self-effacing charm of Paddy Roberts delivery, accompanied by the rather quaint sounding small group arrangements of Dennis Wilson. This CDincludes the complete 1959 album, plus a generous selection of bonus tracks featuring earlier songs written (or co-written) by Paddy Roberts between 1954 and 1959, a period when he was one of the most successful British songwriters on Denmark Street. He had over 80 published songs (including several Top 10 hits) recorded by popular singers of the era including Anne Shelton, Ruby Murray, Frankie Vaughan, and David Whitfield, all artists included on this CD. There are also Paddy Roberts film songs from An Alligator Named Daisy, The Heart Of A Man, and especially The Good Companions. The five tracks from the latter (in excellent Alan Bunting restored sound) benefit from the arranging skills of Laurie Johnson, who skilfully arranges for large orchestral forces (the Associated British Studio Orchestra conducted by Louis Levy) and an angelic chorus in the 8 minute spectacular 'Round the world, arguably the finest song and dance number staged in a 1950s British musical film. This CD will make you feel very nostalgic about the 1950s, and will raise a smile or two as well. My favourite track (among many) has to The big dee jay - I cannot imagine this being written today! Roger Mellor
BERNARD HERRMANN: "Hangover Square", "Citizen Kane". Another release in Chandos’ acclaimed Film Music series. BBC Philharmonic conducted by Rumon Gamba. Chandos CHAN 10577.
More releases [not necessarily new] noted by Wilfred Askew
RAY CONNIFF The Singles Collection Vol.1 26 tracks incl. Moonlight brings memories; I’ve got my eyes on you; Dear world; La Felicidad; A walk in the Spring; Rain; Look homeward Angel; Sleepy shores; Singalong Song; Loss of love … Collectables COL-CD-7697 [68:37] Vol.2 26 tracks incl. Cuddle up a little closer; And this is my beloved; The world looks good again; Winds of change; Song of the Islands; Muskrat Ramble; Charlotte’s Web; Frost Festival; Delta dawn; Are you lonesome tonight? … Collectables COL-CD-7641 [70:50]
PERRY COMO The Scene Changes ? Perry Goes to Nashville ? with The Anita Kerr Quartet 12 tracks incl. Funny how time slips away; Here comes my baby; Sweet adorable you; I really don’t want to know; Stand beside me … Lightly Latin ? conducted by Nick Perito with the Ray Charles Singers 12 tracks incl. How insensitive; The shadow if your smile; Meditation; Yesterday; Dindi; Baia … Collectables COL-CD-7880 [71:52]
BOBBY HACKETT The Most Beautiful Horn In The World w. Glen Osser’s Orchestral Pipe Organ Moods 12 tracks incl. Lazy afternoon; Love letters; Moonlight in Vermont; Polka dots and moonbeams; Chances are … Night Love w. Glenn Osser’s Midnight Strings 12 tracks incl. Themes from 2nd Piano Concerto [Rachmaninov]; 3rd Symphony [Brahms]; 5th Symphony [Tchaikovsky]; Prince Igor [Borodin]; Samson & Delilah [Saint-Saëns] … Collectables COL-CD-7881 [78:34] Original [US] Columbia recordings from 1962
NEIL HEFTI How to Murder Your Wife and Lord Love A Duck CD1: Original Soundtrack Recording of ‘How To Murder Your Wife’ 22 tracks CD2: Original Album Presentation of ‘How To Murder Your Wife’ and Original Soundtrack Recording of ‘Lord Love A Duck’ Kritzerland KR 20013-3 [54:27 & 57:19] – Limited to 1000 copies
ERNEST GOLD Exodus The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nick Raine [2CDs] World Premiere Recording of The Complete Film Score; also music from ‘It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World’; ‘Ship of Fools’; ‘Judith’; ‘QBVII’; ‘Schindler’s List’; ‘Cast A Giant Shadow’; plus ‘Exodus’: Rhapsody for Cello & Orchestra; Concert Overture Tadlow Music: Tadlow 007 [132:36]
FERNANDO LAMAS With Love Original 1958 Roulette recordings conducted by Glenn Osser 24 tracks incl. You belong to my heart; Love is here to stay; Tenderly; I love Paris; Mam’selle; Anema e core; & 10 bonus tracks incl. The Merry Widow Waltz [with Trudy Erwin]; Indian Love Call [with Ann Blyth] … Flare ROYCD 288 [68:06]
JERRY VALE Time Alone Will Tell & Other Great Hits Of Today [1967] Arr.Cond. Marty Manning10 tracks incl. My cup runneth over; Born free; Love me with all of your heart; Games that lovers play; This is my song … This Guy’s In Love With You [1968] Arr./Cond. Jimmy Wisner 11 tracks incl. A man without love; Honey; Do you know the way to San Jose; The look of love; Can’t take my eyes off you; By the time I get to Phoenix … Collectables COL-CD-7877 [63:42] Original [US] Columbia recordings
We apologise that in our last issue the catalogue details for André Previn’s ‘Two For The Seesaw’should have read Kritzerland KR20012-5.