Reviews from issues of Journal Into Melody prior to 2003 - 2

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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 GardenSeafaring 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 ViennaVienna 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 thisJohn 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 WritingShe’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 ThingsWhy 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 reviewEdmund 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 TangoritaStar 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 FLORENCEANOTHER SIDETake 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 MoviesAlfie, 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 HEYWOODCanadian SunsetLies, 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

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