Keeping Track - Dateline March 2003
WERNER TAUTZ – Time for Music Bing Bang, The Better Idea, On the Road South, Your Tenderness, Piccadilly Walk, Portrait of a Dream, Black Velvet, Tokyo Tea Time, etc… 25 tracksVarious German Orchestras. (Germany) Bliss Records BRA 10011, 77:15 mins. Werner Tautz celebrated his 80th birthday last December, and this great collection of 25 of his compositions is a worthy tribute. Many readers of this magazine will already be familiar with Werner’s tuneful melodies through earlier Bliss Records releases, and they will be aware of his talent for composing bright and tuneful works that are so easy on the ear. This time the emphasis is more on dance and swing music, and once again Werner demonstrates that he is a master of this as well. The music simply bounces along happily from track to track, with some great big band sounds from various German radio orchestras that may well come as a pleasant surprise to collectors who think that the Americans (and perhaps a few British outfits) had a monopoly in this area. Not so! The likes of Kurt Edelhagen, Delle Haensche, Alfred Hause, Horst Jankowski, Erwin Lehn, Werner Müller and even Britain’s Reg Owen, all have a ball playing Werner’s great tunes. The recordings date from 1956 to 1977, and they seem to come from all the top radio stations in Germany. The booklet notes are in German and English, and I have no hesitation in saying that this new CD is going to give a lot of pleasure to folks who enjoy tuneful big band music from a few decades ago. David Ades Bliss CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £14 [US $28] each.
MORE BEWITCHING PIANO Eddie Heywood – Sweet and Lovely, Who’s Sorry Now; Steve Race – So in Love; Ben Light – Perfidia, Tea For Two; Carmen Cavallaro – They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Some Enchanted Evening; Frankie Carle – Running Wild, Sunrise Serenade; Semprini – Kitten on the Keys; Stanley Black – Falling in Love with Love; Vivian Ellis – "Bless the Bride" selection; plus Diana Lynn, Jan August, Barclay Allen, Carroll Gibbons, Felix King, Ian Stewart, Frankie Froba and Eddy Duchin – 24 tracks Memoir CDMOIR 571, 76:38 mins. It would be hard to imagine a better choice of pianists than this, and this recent collection from Memoir will find its way into the hands of many appreciative piano lovers. The Vivian Ellis selection from his hit show "Bless The Bride" is a real gem. Digital sound restoration is in the safe hands of Ted Kendall, proving once again that the dusty grooves of those old 78s contained more magical sounds than we realised at the time. David Ades
THE BIG BEAUTIFUL MALE VOICE Edmund Hockridge – Just Say I Love Her, I Leave My Heart in an English Garden, If I Loved You; Howard Keel – The Girl That I Marry, My Defences are Down; Gordon MacRae – So in Love; Allan Jones – If, Falling In Love With Love; Lee Lawrence – So Ends my Search for a Dream, How Can You Buy Killarney?; David Hughes – With These Hands, A Beggar in Love; plus John Raitt, Teddy Johnson, Vaughan Monroe, Harry Dawson, Lester Ferguson, Georges Guetary, Reggie Goff and Bill Johnson – 24 tracks Memoir CDMOIR 572, 72:45 mins. The title of this CD is a bit of a mouthful, but then it features some very big voices! If you think of your favourite male singer from around 50 years ago, the chances are that he will be included in this collection.David Ades
THE MOZART LOUNGE Stanislaus, A Long Cigarette, Zottos, Halogene, Cindy’s Jump, Blues in Italy, Fake Three, Pluto, Arcadia, Midnight Shadow, Bamba, Jasmin, Wagtail, I’ll Wait for your Love, Three Cats, Moonshot, Haute Couture & You Have Gone Apollo Sound APSCD229, 44:55 mins. Apart from track 7 ‘Fake Three’ by Paul Lewis, the names of the other composers may be a little unfamiliar, although they will mean a lot to the aficionados of Test Card Music: W. Kubiczeck, H. Walther, J. Gleichmann, M. Peiper, M. Gutesha, G. Peguri, T. Schumann, Sapabo, H. Stuck … etc (pity their first names aren’t given in full). If you haven’t yet realised from the title, these recordings emanate from the Mozart Edition Production Music Library, which has already been ‘raided’ in previous releases from Apollo Sound (and ASV). This latest compilation is not really light music, but tuneful, rhythmic pop of the kind that tended to overwhelm us in the 1970s. Perhaps it is aimed more at the ‘serious’ collectors of this kind of repertoire, which will certainly ensure that sales are healthy. Sound quality is good, although I do wonder if some people might feel that the total running time of under 45 minutes is a trifle ungenerous. David Ades Apollo Sound CDs are available from the RFS Record Service for £12.75 [US $25.50] each.
SKYSCRAPERS – SYMPHONIC JAZZ Skyscrapers (John Alden Carpenter), Manhattan Serenade & Manhattan Moonlight (Louis Alter), Two American Sketches (Thomas Griselle), Song of the Bayou (Rube Bloom), New Year’s Eve in New York (Hans Werner-Janssen), Skyward (Nathaniel Shilkret), My Silent Love (Dana Suesse), Buffoon (Zez Confrey) Victor Symphony/Concert Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shilkret Naxos 8120644, 64:23 mins. I was attracted to this CD as soon as I read about it in the monthly Naxos list, and it certainly provides a fascinating insight into one aspect of the American recording scene way back around 1930, when jazz was making such an impact. Many of the works are new to me, particularly the opening number Skyscrapers by John Alden Carpenter, which runs to almost 22 minutes. When I first listened to it I considered it to be pretentious and boring, but then I took it with me on a long car journey, and found myself playing it repeatedly. There really is a lot going for this work, although the main reason why it isn’t better known could be because it lacks the kind of strong romantic theme that Gershwin, for example, would have conjured up. But I find it fascinating, none-the-less. On the other hand, Louis Alter’sManhattan Serenade is a well-known delightful standard, although this is a fragmentary arrangement which comes to annoying abrupt pauses, just when you think the melody is finally going to take off. The American Sketches by Thomas Griselle are far more satisfying, as is Rude Bloom’s Song of the Bayou and that lovely song by Dana Suesse My Silent Love. Perhaps the best-known work is the closing number Buffoon, by that ‘Kitten on the Keys’ man, Zez Confrey; this is a ‘fun’ arrangement! All in all this is an interesting collection, a bit disappointing here and there, but who can really complain at such a bargain price – around £5. Producer David Lennick and sound engineer Graham Newton have worked wonders with these ancient grooves. I urge you to sample it. David Ades
JEAN SABLON J’attendrai, These Foolish Things, La Chanson des Rues, Vous qui Passez sans me Voir, Paris tu n’as pas Change, Symphony, Pigalle, My Foolish Heart, C’est si Bon, etc… 20 tracksNaxos 8120641, 62:57 mins. I have always enjoyed the voice of Jean Sablon, one of the several talented singers of his generation whose fame spread well beyond his native France. So I didn’t hesitate to acquire this new CD, although my initial excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I started to listen. The sound restoration is poor, and I am surprised that a company such as Naxos would release such an inferior product. It makes a nonsense of the blurb inside the booklet, which informs us that … "Naxos has engaged a number of respected restorers who have the dedication, skill and experience to produce restorations that have set new standards in the field of historical recordings." This one certainly slipped through the net: it is simply not good enough. David Ades
VICTOR HELY-HUTCHINSON A Carol Symphony Improvisations on Christmas Carols (Brian Kelly); A Carol Symphony (Victor Hely-Hutchinson); Bethlehem Down (Peter Warlock, arr. Lane); Wassail Dances (Philip Lane); A Christmas Carol Symphony (Patric Standford). City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland. Naxos 8.557099. Surprisingly, this is only the third recording of Hely-Hutchinson’s wonderful Christmas piece but this CD also includes another fine Carol Symphony composed in 1979 by Patric Standford. Also delighting the Light Music ear are excellent works by Brian Kelly, Peter Warlock and Philip Lane. Don’t think for a moment that this disc is only suitable for Christmas because it is, without doubt, all-year round delightful fayre which will give great pleasure to many. Lane’s arrangements of the Warlock piece reminds one of the string version of John Ireland’s The Holy Boy and who is to say it does not deserve equal recognition? Peter Worsley
ENTENTE CORDIALE Light Classics Peter Warlock – Capriol Suite; Dame Ethel Smyth – Two Interlinked French Melodies; Peter Hope – Four French Dances; Joseph Jongen – Two pieces; Charles Lecoco – Overture, The Lady and the Maid; Paul Lewis – A Paris; Jean Gabriel-Marie – Mireio suite; Cesar Franck – Chorale. City of Prague Philharmonic conducted by Gavin Sutherland and Christopher Phelps ASV White Line CDWHL2147, 70:25 mins. Contrary to the expectation generated by the title, the inspiration for this CD is music with a purely French influence which is either composed by the French themselves, or Belgians or the British. Our friends at ASV are right to subtitle this CD ‘Light Classics’ because readers who have purchased previous Light Music CDs in the White Line series might feel that most of the music on offer here is somewhat on the serious side. Probably the best-known work is Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite, and Peter Hope’s charming French Dances may also sound familiar through broadcast performances. Easily the most accessible piece of music in this collection is Paul Lewis’s delightful waltz A Paris which he composed in 1991. Jean Gabriel-Marie’s Mireio suite provençale is a very pleasant surprise, with the opening Prologueconfirming how much an influence Ravel exerted on composers of incidental music around 70 years ago. It would have been nice if the ‘Entente Cordiale’ idea had been exploited to its full potential by including some French musical impressions of Britain … but perhaps there aren’t any. David Ades
ORIENT EXPRESS: The Legendary Journey Captured in Music. DARYL GRIFFITH: Orient Express, KENNETH WRIGHT: Dainty Lady, F. CHARROSIN: Keep Moving, RENÉ POUGNET: Aubade, L. OLIAS: Paris Urchin, FRED HARTLEY: (arr) Five Minutes with Waldteufel, KRUGER HANSCHMANN: Farmer’s Breakfast; In the Park Café, G WINKLER: Spinning Top, KARL KOMZAK, snr: Munchen-Wien, MOZART: La Finta Giardiniera Overture, R STOLZ: Easter Parade in Vienna, KORNGOLD (Arr Artok): Marietta’s Song, SCHNEIDER: Lehar in Three Four Time, KÁLMÁN: Grand Palotas de la Reine, J. G. RENNER: Gypsy Blood, J. KNÛMANN: Roumanian Gypsy Fantasia, H. KROME: Bulgarian Dance, CECIL RAYNER: Fatina, An Eastern Waltz. London Salon Ensemble Meridian CDE 84466 (79'57") This desirable, very generously measured disc charts in light music the progress of the original Orient Express through France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Rumania. We start in London with a specially composed piece of train music by Daryl Griffith, harmonium player in the LSE, and contrasting miniatures by Kenneth Wright and Frederick Charrosin. Paris Urchin is a perky number and along the way there is opportunity for all manner of dance music – waltzes by Waldteufel, Stolz, Lehar and Cecil Rayners (Constantinople, represented by an English writer for silent films!) a Bavarian peasant polka, Komzak’s delicious polka mazurka, Hungarian dances by Kalman and characteristic Rumanian and Bugarian examples (gypsy music has long been a standby of light orchestras). The transcription of Korngold’s famous song seems a touch long in this context, but Winkler’s Spinning top and Mozart’s elegant little overture are especial delights. This attractive, often unusual programme is executed in perfect style. Strongly recommended. Philip L. Sowcroft
New from Meridian is another sparkling CD from the London Salon Ensemble – this time recreating in music a journey on the original Orient Express which ran from London to Constantinople (Istanbul). The cities on the journey are represented either by title, composer, or both. The title tune Orient Express is really rather special as it is a first-rate piece of Light Music composed specifically for the Ensemble by their Harmonium, Celesta and Percussion player, Daryll Griffith. A versatile musician is Daryll, having not only played violin with the BBC Concert Orchestra, but having also conducted it! Having heard several of his many compositions, I have been amazed that for a relatively young man he has a marvellous understanding of the light music idiom. Before leaving London we are serenaded by Kenneth Wright’s delightful Dainty Lady. The theme of the CD provides the Ensemble with a wonderful excuse (as if one was needed) to include Charrosin’s scintillating string fresco Keep Moving– a piece that ‘brings the house down’ at their public concerts. In France we meet a Paris Urchin, a possibly unfamiliar yet enchanting piece of typically 1950s style light music, featuring the accordion of Neil Varley (who is the producer of Brian Kay’s Light Programme on Radio-3). Its composer, Lotar Olias, apparently once submitted an entry for the Eurovision Song Contest! Well, nobody’s perfect! We are then treated to some Waldteufel waltzes (Fred Hartley style). Fred was incidentally Head of Light Music at the BBC from 1940-1944 (not 1946 as stated in the booklet). Other delights include In a Park Café and Winkler’s Spinning Top. As we reach Salzburg, what more appropriate than Mozart’s tiny overture La Finta Giardiniera. On then to Vienna with waltz medleys by Stolz and Lehar, and then to Budapest and Bucharest with some typical gypsy music, including Renner’s Gypsy Blood. After aBulgarian Dance by Hermann Krome, we conclude our journey in Constantinople with an Eastern Waltz by Cecil Rayners – Fatima. There’s something for everyone on this CD, which is superbly played and recorded in natural acoustics. Howard Friend’s informative notes are of great interest; we are also treated to a picture of the London Salon Ensemble as well as a reproduction of an actual Orient Express timetable (assuming that it wasn’t cancelled for engineering works or leaves on the line!). Although this commendable CD is available in the shops for £14.99, it is suggested that you purchase it at a much reduced price direct from the Ensemble. You should contact: Lars Payne, 40 Durand Gardens, London SW9 0PP, England – or telephone him on 0207 735 7948. Brian Reynolds
DENNIS LOTIS Decca Singles Undecided, That’s-a-Why, Settin’ the Woods on Fire, Don’t Let the Stars get in your Eyes, Ma Says Pa Says, I Collect, Wild Horses, etc… 25 tracks Vocalion CDLK4150, 61:29 mins. Ted Heath was fortunate in having several top vocalists who became star performers in their own right. Vocalion has already reissued some classic tracks by Dickie Valentine (CDLK4147), and now it is the turn of Dennis Lotis – happily still appearing regularly on stage with Rosemary Squires. It seems incredible that he has been singing for over 50 years, and these early recordings reveal that he was one of the very best. He didn’t always have very good songs to sing, but it is fun to hear the best (and the worst!) once again in this enjoyable compilation. David Ades
TED HEATH Big Band Dixie Sound That’s a Plenty, I Wish I could Shimmy like my Sister Kate, The Darktown Strutters Ball, etc… Big Band Blues St. Louis Blues, Memphis Blues, Blues in the Night, etc… Vocalion CDLK4155, 77:14 mins. Vocalion continues to serve Ted Heath fans magnificently, with a steady stream of LP reissues. No doubt Ted’s legion of fans will add this latest to their CD collections. David Ades
BRITISH BY ARRANGEMENT Beatlecracker Suite (Tchaikovsky/Lennon & McCartney arr. Arthur Wilkinson); The African Queen (Allan Gray arr. Philip Lane); Nocturne (Borodin arr. Malcolm Sargent); Dances from Terpsichore (Praetorius arr. Philip Lane); Variations (Donizetti arr. Robert Irving), Mendelssohniana (Philip Lane). City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland. ASV White Line CD WHL 2142. Tchaikovsky and the Beatles may sound an unusual combination but after you have heard Wilkinson’s Beatlecracker Suite you will marvel at the juxtaposition of the eight short movements. Philip Lane is a master of arrangement and his continuing fruitful relationship with conductor Gavin Sutherland has again hit the Light Music bullseye. Who is next for the treatment? Edmund Whitehouse
BILLY MAYERL Marigold; Hollyhock; Four Aces Suite (Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds, Spades); The Joker; Hop-o’-my-Thumb; Jazz Master; Railroad Rhythm; The Song of the Fir Tree; Harp of the Winds; Three Dances in Syncopation (English, Cricket, Harmonica); Aquarium Suite (Willow Moss, Moorish Idol, Fantail, Whirligig) (all Billy Mayerl); Wake Up and Dream medley (Cole Porter); Baby’s Birthday(Ronell); Balloons (Magine), Here Comes the Bride medley (Schwartz), Limehouse Blues (Braham). Evergreen Melodies CL2. Released to celebrate Billy’s centenary alongside an article in This Englandmagazine, all the original tracks feature the "Nimble fingered gentleman" himself. Apart from theAquarium Suite which includes his own orchestra playing in the background, they are exciting piano solos, played mostly at the frenetic pace which made the maestro such an exciting entertainer. Also available in shortened cassette form. Eat your heart out, Liberace! Edmund Whitehouse
LITA ROZA Decca Singles The Blacksmith Blues, Allentown Jail, High Noon, Early Autumn, Walkin’ to Missouri, Half as Much, etc… 25 tracks Vocalion CDLK4160, 68:19 mins. Vocalion has already released a CD of two of Lita’s Decca LPs (CDLK4126), but now the spotlight falls on her singles. She had some big hits (Blacksmith Blues and Allentown Jail) and recorded many songs that have survived the years. Of course, this selection finds her with her boss Ted Heath, as well as Reg Owen, Johnny Douglas, Roland Shaw and Bob Sharples. Voted No. 1 Female Vocalist from 1952 until 1955, these 78s are part of Britain’s Pop History; it is important that they should be available. David Ades
CYRIL STAPLETON Decca Singles Collection for full tracklisting see page 48 of JIM 153 – December 2002 Vocalion CDLK4154, 77:57 mins. Fans with fond memories for the BBC’s "Show Band Show" have probably invested already; so these notes are aimed at potential first-time buyers. Much recorded in 1952, Eric Spear’s Meet Mr. Callaghan features Miller-type saxes in this version, while the treatment of Doll Dance could hardly be more Latin-Sixty-ish. Loads of variety in-between-times too; that corkingly brassy Elephants’ Tango and the catchy Italian Theme, the latter an instant recall by me after years, nay decades silence. More nostalgia, should one recall the march which introduced "Highway Patrol"; and more warmly romantic film/TV melodies by Max Steiner and Victor Young. Pop-inflected pieces present shorter, punchily-rhythmic melodic lines; and so on. Many tracks showcase brilliant engineering (Kenneth Wilkinson, perhaps?) as well as musical skills. Some traditionalists might object to the vocal ‘intrusions’, but they are few and one can skip them in the generous 30 tracks. Michael Dutton’s faithful exemplary transfers (I’ve compared where I could) add to an already strong recommendation. Finally, see if you can spot the tiny paraphrase on Great Little Army during track 9! John Govier
JOHNNY KEATING SOUND The Keating Sound Listen, Speak Low, Baghdad Blues, Serenata, etc…Straight Ahead The Preacher, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Hey Girl, etc… Vocalion CDLK4165, 73:31 mins. Johnny Keating was chief arranger for Ted Heath, so he knew a thing or two about Dance and Swing Bands. He also knew that, by the 1960s, the days of the ‘traditional’ dance bands were well and truly numbered. Things had to change, and these two LPs from 1964 and 1965 illustrate graphically how Johnny felt they should change. My goodness, how people sat up and took notice when they heard the first track Listen! It still has the same effect today. Malcolm Laycock’s note puts everything into the right perspective, and if you had any doubts about the quality of the musicians a glance at the credits will reveal that only the top session men were good enough to play these adventurous charts. I missed these LPs the first time around; I am very glad to have them now!David Ades
JACK BUCHANAN Medley (Two Little Bluebirds, It’s Not You, There’s Always Tomorrow, Dancing Honeymoon, And Her Mother Came Too, Who); Everything Stops For Tea; Fancy Our Meeting; From One Minute to Another; Goodnight Vienna; I Think I Can; I’m In a Dancing Mood; etc... Evergreen Melodies CYC. The alleged comment made after Fred Astaire’s first audition was "Can’t act, can’t sing but can dance a little"! The same accusations were made about Jack Buchanan, Britain’s Fred Astaire lookalike. There were many similarities between the two and all these excellent songs from the Thirties go with a swing which make the listener hum along without even realising it. His main leading lady was Elsie Randolph who pops up on five of the tracks with a man she described as "Immaculate in dress and behaviour, totally and unselfishly dedicated to the theatre". Also available in shortened cassette form. Edmund Whitehouse
"Music At Sunset" Beating Retreat - DUNN: The Captain General and Fanfare, Salute for Heroes; HANDEL arr. DUNN: Where ere You Walk; McBAIN: Bugle March; Mechanised Infantry, plus drummings, Heart of Oak, Land of Hope and Glory, Cockaigne, Evening Hymn and Sunset, Rule Britannia and A Life on the Ocean Wave; Music at Sunset - ALFORD: Marches, By Land and Sea and The Vedette and Waltz, Thoughts, ZETHLE: Viscount Nelson March, BRIDGER: The Shanghai Sailor; CLIFTON PARKER: Sink the Bismarck TATTOO ALFORD: The Middy; RAUSCH: Bugle March, Sambre et Meuse; DUNN Royal Flourish No.2 and March, Passing By; HANDEL arr. DUNN: March and Air plus Drummings, Crown Imperial, Jerusalem, and Evening Hymn and Last Post.) Band of HM Royal Marines School of Music / Lt. Col. F. Vivian Dunn. EASTNEY COLLECTION RMHSEC 007, £12.00 each incl. p & p from 60 Mayford Road, London SW12 8SN, England. This is a superb tribute to that fine musician and great gentleman, Sir Vivian Dunn, one of several from Eastney, but this one shows his talent not just as a conductor, but as an arranger and composer. It falls into three parts, the first and third being a recreation of military ceremonies with appropriate music, mostly marches and fanfares, with snippets of Elgar, Parry, Walton and Handel - some moving moments here. In between we have a short concert comprising three marches, two of them by Alford and not among the more hackneyed ones, a film theme (and Sink the Bismarck does stir the blood), a charming waltz reminding us that Alford could compose things other than marches and the sprightly piccolo solo, The Shanghai Sailor. I like Dunn’s own compositions which skilfully incorporate popular melodies, rather as his great predecessor, Alford often did. Excellent performance and recording; need I say more.Philip L. Scowcroft
‘DAYDREAMS’ - The Chamber & Instrumental Music of Sir Arthur Sullivan String Quartet; Daydreams 1 to 6; Idyll for cello and piano; Allegro Resoluto; Slowly Slowly [cello/piano]; Berceuse, Romance for String Quartet; Thoughts 1 & 2; Twilight; Duo Concertante Yeomans String Quartet, James Watson [cello], Murray McLachlan [piano] SOMM CD 233. Sullivan composed so much more than his comic operas with Gilbert and CD companies, even performers, are gradually taking note of this. Indeed, he deserved to be known as a master of "serious" music, though much of this disc of his solo piano and chamber music is light and tuneful enough. The Daydreams are nicely varied, best being the fourth, a waltz re-cycled from a ballet. The two Thoughts are even briefer and lighter in touch. The Berceuse is Sullivan’s own transcription of an air from ‘Cox and Box’. Most substantial are the fairly recently rediscovered one movement Quartet – a student work like theRomance and both showing Mendelssohn’s example – and the Duo Concertante for cello and orchestra. Practically all the piano and cello works date from the 1860s; Slowly Slowly is a transcription by Berthold Tows of an excerpt from ‘The Golden Legend’. Performances are very good, with a special mention for the hard worked M McLachlan. Recording and presentation are first rate.Philip L. Scowcroft SOMM Recordings can be ordered direct from them at: 13 Riversdale Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0QL, England.
DAVID HUGHES Favourite Opera & Operetta Arias On with the Motley, Your tiny hand is frozen, Take a pair of sparkling eyes, etc… Songs You Love Where e’er you walk, Ave Maria, Angels Guard Thee, etc… Vocalion CDLK4166, 78:11 mins. The serious side of David Hughes is represented on these two LPs, the first with the City of Birmingham Orchestra conducted by Louis Fremaux, and the second featuring Gilbert Vinter and his Orchestra and Jack Byfield on the piano. David’s transformation from ‘Pop’ to ‘Opera’ is confirmed in these fine recordings, made not long before his sudden death from a heart attack in October 1972. Examples of his early rise to fame are already available on Vocalion CDLK4134. David Ades
‘NULLI SECUNDUS’ Burton: The Minstrel Boy; Goodwin: Second To None; Ellis: Op. Palllister; Jones: We Are The Music Makers; Barnwell: A New Start; Taylor: Wandering Minstrel; Meldrum: Decadian; Norley: Pegasus Bridge; Brydon: The Dalesman; Torrent: Excelsior; Wolfendale: The Minstrel Boy; Taylor: Oxbridge; Walters: The Castle Guard; Torrent: Flying Colours; Philbin: Crown & Lyre; Burton: Foggy Foggy Dew; Brown: Strident King, On The Countermarch; Hallatt: Scutad; Goodwin: Esprit de Corps; Hopla: The White Rose; Hamilton: Oath For All Corps Comrades; Allen: The Musical Ride; Forsyth: Band Ready; Sale: Duty Calls; Burton: The River Wide Band of the Prince of Wales Division [Clive], Band of the Royal Logistic Corps conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey A Kingston CA Mus Bandleader BNA 5173, 68:13 mins. On sampling this disc one could be forgiven for thinking that most of the existing "tunesmiths" representing the lighter end of the musical spectrum are to be found alive and well and residing within the ranks of the British Army musicians! Here is a splendid collection of 26 brand new rousing and essentially tuneful quick marches composed by various aspiring bandsmen and their more senior officers as entries for the Corps of Army Music March Competition. The vast bulk of the material here is completely original although there are a few borrowings from ‘Trad’ and, in one case, Sir Arthur Sullivan. Considering the limited amount of time available for both rehearsal and recording and the fact that the musicians were totally unfamiliar with the scores, the two bands under the skilful and expert guidance of their conductor, the Principal Director of Music [Army], acquit themselves with distinction and the overall results are pretty impressive. A stimulating, unusual and heartening disc which reflects great credit on the standards demanded and attained at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and well recorded there in the Morris Hall. As to which march subsequently won the Competition, I can only recommend you to buy this disc and find out! Roger Hyslop Bandleader CDs are available from DISCURIO, 46 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD. Tel/Fax 01634 845222, www.discurio.com, or from larger retail outlets such as the HMV Oxford Street stores in London.
KOMZAK, LANNER, MILLOCKER, STRAUSS (JOHANN AND JOSEF), SUPPE, ZIEHRER Overtures, Marches, Polkas, Waltzes Johann Strauss Orchestra of Vienna conducted by Willi BoskovskyEMI Double Forte 72435756762,total timing 120:37 minutes. Much of the material for this very generously filled pair of EMI Double Fortes -26 tracks in all -hails from a 4 LP box set issued during the mid -1970s under the title 'Viennese Enchantment'. Most of the first disc is occupied by fairly standard fare -Suppe's Light Cavalry and Poet and Peasant etc., although there is an unfamiliar Johann Strauss overture - Blindekuh (Blind Man's Buff) and one by Ziehrer entitled Die Landstreicher. The second disc however is a cornucopia of Viennese rarities including two waltzes by Carl Millocker -Carletta and the Traum Walzer from The Army Chaplain and a mouth-watering confection of dance music by Komzak, Lanner and Ziehrer whose sheer fecundity for producing attractive, lilting, enchanting and stirring melodies surely rival the great 'Waltz King' himself. Two minor technical quibbles: the recording sessions used two different halls with noticeably different acoustic characteristics. One, fortunately used for the minority of tracks, produces a bright shallow sound whilst the other venue reveals sound of greater opulence and depth with more warmth from the string section. There are also some disconcerting variations in sound level between individual items which some judicious adjustment of the volume control can easily remedy. Overall however these discs at mid-price are excellent value particularly with that doyen of Viennese musicians -Willi Boskovsky -at the helm! Roger Hyslop
SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN Iolanthe: Overture & The March Of The Peers; Patience: Quick March; Three Sketches from ‘Kenilworth’; Princess Ida: Quick March; The Lost Chord; Danish March [Princess of Wales March]; The Yeoman Of The Guard: Quick March; The Golden Legend: ‘O Gladsome Light’; Pineapple Poll: Suites 1 & 2; The Pirates Of Penzance: March The Band of the Irish Guards directed by Major Andrew Chatburn BA ARCM, psm The Specialist Recording Company SRC106, 68 minutes. Particularly welcome in the compilation under review are the Three Sketches from ‘Kenilworth’ in an arrangement by Herman Finck – he of In The Shadows fame. This work was a masque for chorus and orchestra based on Sir Walter Scott’s description of Elizabeth I’s visit to the town. First performed at the 1864 Birmingham Festival, it was fatally flawed by a weak libretto and quickly disappeared from the repertoire. Herman Finck rescued some of the score in the form of the Three Sketches as heard here and Dennis Wright subsequently transcribed the music for band. As far as one can recollect there are currently no alternative modern recordings currently available. Other rarities are the Danish March [Prince of Wales March] and ‘O Gladsome Light’. The Lost Chord – decidedly not a rarity – comes as a splendidly played cornet solo and it’s good to have arrangements of Sullivan’s music for the Savoy Operas in the form of very convincing quick marches, especially as according to John Humphries’ notes they have lain in the British Library unplayed for well over 50 years! The Irish Guards under their DOM, Major Chatburn, are in particularly fine form whilst the recordings made in The Chapel, The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, are quite magnificent with full, vivid and detailed sound. Military band enthusiasts and Sullivan aficionados alike can buy with confidence. A quality product! Roger Hyslop [available from DISCURIO and larger outlets, as above] The Specialist Recording Company has been set up by Michael Purton, principal horn player with the Hallé Orchestra 1973-1986, with the express objective of recording military bands on state of the art equipment in carefully selected locations so that these fine ensembles can be heard at their very best. Initially SAC are concentrating on producing single composer CDs. For the curious, so far issued in this series are discs devoted to Elgar [SRC101], Bliss [SRC102], and Arnold [SRC103], all employing bands of the Household Division or Royal Artillery.
TONY MARTIN Make With The Magic Singin’ in the Rain, No Orchids for my Lady, Pagan Love Song, Domino, Fascination, At Last At Last, Music Maestro Please, Manhattan, etc… 26 tracks Vocalion CDUS3031, 75:10 mins. Tony Martin was a very good singer in his prime, and his fans will be delighted to have this new collection of his recordings from 1947-52. The thing that immediately strikes you when first playing this CD is the amazing clarity that Michael Dutton has achieved from these old 78s. I have read that there are critics of his work, saying that middle and bass are sometimes less than they would like, but if your own personal preference requires a fuller-bodied sound this can be easily achieved by increasing the bass control on your amplifier – after all, that is why you have bass and treble controls at your fingertips. It is surprising that new Tony Martin CDs are coming along without any duplications (I checked the recent Memoir release), illustrating how many fine recordings he made. Many tracks this time benefit from Henri René accompaniments, and there are also some nice sounds from Earle Hagen and Freddy Martin. Most enjoyable. David Ades
ANNE SHELTON Music Music Music! It Happened in Adano, Greensleeves, If You Ever Fall in Love Again, etc … plus three tracks arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon: Don’t Misunderstand, Come Back to Angouleme & Love Me My Love. 25 tracks, Vocalion CDEA6081, 72:07 mins. She tended to be overshadowed by Vera Lynn, but Anne Shelton had a very good voice and it is to Decca’s credit that they issued many records by both of these talented ladies. This latest selection from Vocalion contains many superb examples of her charm and sincerity. She had some good orchestras accompanying her – Robert Farnon (of course!), Paul Fenoulhet, Jay Wilbur, Caramata and others are included here. Some of the songs have deservedly long been forgotten, but Anne gamely gives of her best each and every time. Once again, the clarity of the transfers is outstanding.David Ades
RADIO & TELEVISION MEMORIES Volume One: Music While You Work Calling All Workers; Radio Newsreel Imperial Echoes Toytown Parade of the Tin Soldiers; Housewives Choice In Party Mood; Children's Choice Puffin' Billy; Sports Report Out of the Blue; Mrs Dale's Diary 1 Harp interlude; Mrs Dale's Diary 2 Dance in the Twilight; The Archers Barwick Green; Listen with Mother traditional chimes; Top of the Form Marching Strings; ITMA introductory theme; Dixon of Dock Green An Ordinary Copper; Meet the Huggetts Horse Feathers; Down Your Way Horse Guards, Whitehall; In Town Tonight Knightsbridge March; Blue Peter Barnacle Bill; Children¹s Newsreel Holiday Spirit; PC 49 Changing Moods No. 2; Grove Family Family Joke; The Appleyards Looking Around; What¹s My Line? Parisian Mode; Emergency Ward 10 Silks & Satins; Billy Bunter Sea Songs; Ask Me AnotherFlying Squad; BBC Film Unit credits Wellington Barracks. Evergreen Melodies CR2 (cassette TR2). This will bring back memories, there are 26 tracks in all, roughly equally divided between TV and radio, in reasonably good transfers from mostly 1940’s and 1950’s originals. Most will be familiar from other recent issues or re-issues – for example, twelve tracks were present, if not necessarily in these versions, in EMI’s 1997 collection "The Great British Experience." One or two of the shorter tracks here are less familiar on CD, like the introductions to ITMA and Dixon of Dock Green and the brief harp interlude (composed by harpist Sidonie Goosens ) from Mrs. Dale’s Diary. Three tunes –Out of the Blue ( Sports Report ), Barnacle Bill (Blue Peter), and Barwick Green (The Archers) still introduce the original programmes. Devotees who want this selection will hardly need my recommendation but irritatingly, as always from this source, there is little or no information as to the performers or date of recording. I suppose the release is aimed more widely at ‘Evergreen’ readers, rather than at specialists in British light music, and on that account I wish it well. Philip L. Scowcroft
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS – Complete Symphonies Numbers. 1 to 9. LPO Choir / Cameron /Baillie / Ritchie /Gielgud , LPO/Boult – DECCA " The British Collection " – 473241 – 2 5 CD Boxed Set (CD’s in individual card sleeves + booklet. While not ‘light music‘ as such , the very Englishness of these works shine through every bar. These classic recordings, originally on the Decca LXT LP label, resurfaced on CD (Decca London and Belfast ) while the Symphony no. 9 was taped by Everest Records in stereo in 1958. Here we get a far better presentation than previously, with good notes on each Symphony and for the first time as a set, the final Symphony is included.The new transfers at 96khz are outstanding: far better than the previous re-incarnations, with plenty of weight and clout. With a device that creates fake stereo on my processor switched in, the results for such early recordings (1952–1958 ) are superb, with reference to the mono recordings of Symphonies nos. 1 – 7. Symphony no. 3 ‘A Pastoral Symphony’ is still considered the best available recording and here the clarity beautifully reflects the composer’s wartime memories of the French landscape, not English, as some writers thought was the case. The organ entry in the ‘Landscape’ movement of Sinfonia Antartica is still magnificent and will interest readers, as the music is based on the composer’s film score ‘Scott of the Antarctic‘. There is some lack of range compared to the modern stereo recordings of Andrew Davis and Boult’s later EMI set, especially in nos. 1 ‘Sea Symphony‘ and 2 ‘London Symphony‘ but this set is well on top of any short list. As a youngster I lived in a house in Kew which belonged to a friend of Vaughan Williams and contained some keyboard instruments belonging to him. The composer visited the house and conversed with my parents. He was a warm hearted ‘big’ man in stature and that likeable nature is reflected in these scores, while good tunes abound. Give these classic recordings a try and you will, I hope, be delighted with them, especially at the modest price asked. Discount mail order suppliers are the most competitive on price. Max Harris
SANDY MACPHERSON I’ll Play to You; Down the Mall; Dancing With Tears In My Eyes; Seventeen Candles; Gaucho Serenade; A Little Rain Must Fall; It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow; Who’s Taking You Home Tonight?; Over the Rainbow; I Don’t Want To Set the World on Fire; Sand In My Shoes; Yours;Londonderry Air; Melody in F; My Hero; Salut d’Amour; etc… Evergreen Melodies C85 (cassette E85). Sandy Macpherson was the BBC theatre organist for more than 25 years during which time he endeared himself to millions on the radio with his quiet unassuming Canadian accent which actually belied a large frame and busy manner. He was a pillar of broadcasting during the war years, particularly in the early days before his purpose-built organ at St. George’s Hall was destroyed in the Blitz. He then moved to Evesham and later North Wales where he inherited Reginald Foort’s giant concert Moller organ which the BBC bought and moved to London after the war was over. These recordings feature all the major instruments Sandy played during his long career. Edmund Whitehouse
"La Bicyclette Bleue" Original sound track from French TV series composed and conducted byMichel Legrand (French Emarcy 159 846-2). Back in the territory he excels in, Orchestral music, Legrand has scored music that is sometimes gentle, beautiful and persuasive, other times we get the epic music provided by Hollywood before hit records were lumped together to provide a film sound track. Forties styled jazz on titles such as "La voyage a Paris" and "Les abris" leads me to suspect the story line is set in wartime France (I have not seen the series!). This is further emphasised on a track like "Paris libere" where a large chorus augments the orchestra, this is music which needs a bigger screen than television can provide, full of string and brass splendour. The title song is destined to be a Legrand composition wheeled out as many times as some of his other classics, we get two versions, one solo piano the other the full might of a large orchestra. The building menace invoked in "La mort du pere" really stirs the soul. There is music for almost all tastes here, which I am sure will become a firm favourite with musical connoisseurs world-wide. I played it almost continuously after receiving it. If like myself you buy few sound tracks, put this one top of your "must have" list. I doubt anything will top it before the year is out. Paul Clatworthy
TV THEMES -Classic Themes from popular Programmes on ABC (Australian)Television -various composers and orchestras. (Australia) ABC Classics 472575-2 123:06 mins. This double CD set contains some sixty-three tracks of theme music from popular ABC TV programmes over the last four decades. Most are from ABC-produced programmes which have become firm favourites with the Aussi public. Many of the themes have not been released on record before. Several short tracks of music currently used with the various station idents we see each day, are also included. Many of the popular British programmes that we have grown to love are also featured - either the original version or one played by a local orchestra. The themes have been grouped together in several categories: News & Public Affairs, Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Lifestyle etc. This reflects the wide variety of programmes we have on ABC TV each week and makes it interesting to hear. Heartily recommended for lovers of TV theme music and TV in general.
Barry Freeman
NATALIE COLE "Ask a woman who knows" I haven't Anything better to do, Tell me all about it, Ask a woman who knows, It's crazy, You're mine you, So many stars, I told you so, Soon, I'm glad there is you, Better than anything, The music that makes me dance, Calling you, My baby just cares for you. POLA 065470-2. Every British member who listened to the radio broadcast on November the 11th and 18th of last year of Natalie Cole in concert with the BBC Radio Big Band (augmented with strings) knows what delights this album contains! For the uninitiated Natalie and co-producer Tommy LiPuma have picked a group of songs, for the most part, not given many airings. The backings are impeccable, just as fine as when she recreated her father’s songs. Four tracks have the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, one has a duet with Diana KraIl others have Roy Hargrove, Gary Foster, Russell Malone and Joe Sample. Arranger credits include John Clayton, Alan Broadbent and Rob Mounsey. Natalie says she likes to grow and experiment "kicking the bar up a little." She certainly does on this album! Paul Clatworthy
JACK MILLMAN "Blowing up a storm" Four more, Khan, We'll be together again, Asphyxiated Swing, Yardbird suite, Stella by starlight, Now hear this, Easy to love, Where can I go without you, With the wind and rain in your hair, Back home in Indiana, Bag's groove, Tom and Jerry, So goes my love, Bolero De Mendez, Just a pretty tune, Cathy goes South, Bambi. Progressive Records PCD- 7085. I slipped a review of another Jack Millman in the December Big Band Roundup although it was not technically a Big Band! I'm playing by the rules this time! The first twelve tracks feature Jack on Flugel, Don Friedman, piano, Don Peterson, bass and Ray Tiedel, drums. Jack's playing and arranging not quite as good as one of his rivals of the time, Shorty Rogers, but still very listenable West Coast jazz, recorded in 1957. The last six tracks are more adventurous as more players are drafted in and Bill Holman, Pete Rugolo, Gerald Wiggins, Gene Roland and Johnny Mandel take over the arranging duties. These tracks were recorded in 1956, a date I will always remember as I spent Christmas stuck in a Devizes transit camp! I could have done with some of this music then! Paul Clatworthy
MÉMOIRES DE KIOSQUE (Bandstand Memories) The Phantom Brigade, The Acrobat, Buffoon, Fandango, Colonel Bogey, Stein Song, Children of the Regiment, etc… 58 tracks on 3 CDs Various Bands (France) EPM 980722. This is the latest enterprising collection from Pierre-Marcel Ondher (affectionately known simply as ‘PMO’), which focuses on the kind of music that could be heard frequently on bandstands and in town centres during the 1930s and shortly thereafter. The bands come mainly from Germany, France, Britain and Russia, and include such famous names as Wingates Temperance, Coldstream Guards, Royal Marines, Black Dyke Mills, American Legion, Fodens Motor Works, Fairey Aviation, etc… PMO has compiled a truly fascinating selection from his own massive private collection, and music lovers owe him a great debt of gratitude for making these historical 78s available once again. It is difficult to imagine that anyone else would be able to put together such an important collection from so many different sources. Perhaps this is aimed at serious collectors of band music; if you fall into this category you cannot fail to be pleased at having the opportunity to acquire so many rare recordings sounding fresh and bright, thanks to the modern miracle of CEDAR. The excellent booklet is only in French, but the very full recording details are not difficult for non-French speakers to understand. David Ades This 3-CD set can be obtained from the RFS Record Service for £23.00 [US $46.00].
NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG: HUMORESQUE. Music from the 1947 Warner Bros. film, directed by Jean Negulesco. Includes "Carmen Fantasie", "Tristan and Isolde Fantasie, " Humoresque by Antonin Dvorak plus 7 other selections.NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG, violin with the LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA conducted by ANDREW LITTON. 59:39. Nonesuch 79464-2. Warner Brothers’ 1947 expose of an artist's life, "Humoresque," gets a well deserved modern day digital recording. For this modern traversal, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg gives ample evidence of her enormous talent. The variety of the selections amply shows off Sonnenberg's genius. Along with selections by Bach, Lalo and Dvorak, all played with individual elegance come some interesting turns on two pop songs by George Gershwin in which Nadja's partner is impressive singer Judy Blazer. Franz Waxman's famous "Carmen Fantasie" is played with a dominating presence by Salerno-Sonnenberg. And to top things off is an emotionally shattering performance of Waxman's "Tristan and Isolde Fantasie" which has to be to be believed. Andrew Litton provides expansive yet sympathetic accompaniments. Every film music fan should own this amazing release! Richard Jessen
RETO PAROLARI and the GERMAN SYMPHONIC POPS ORCHESTRA Great Moments of Light Music Friedrich Schr?der – Overture ‘Hochzeitsnacht im Paradies’; Hans Bund – Erinnerung an ein Ballerlebnis’; Ernst Fischer – Eile mit Weile, Auf der Gamsjagd in Tirol; Willy Richartz – Waltz from ‘K?lnisch Wasser’; Werner Heymann – Selection of his music for films; Gerhard Winkler – Chianti; Josef Rixner – ‘Bagatelle’ overture, Spanish March; Ludwig Schmidseder – Habanera. (Switzerland) Amos CD5967, 58:20 mins. Almost single-handedly, Reto Parolari is keeping the flag of Light Music flying in his native Switzerland, and it is good to know that his influence is spreading well beyond the borders, notably into Germany. The ‘great moments of light music’ in this collection will be better known to European ears, although readers of this magazine will not need any introduction to the works of Ernst Fischer, Gerhard Winkler and Josef Rixner. The other composers are equally capable of producing some beautiful sounds, and this entire CD is both a wonderful voyage of discovery and a pure joy. I think that this is the best CD I have heard so far by Reto Parolari, and the German Symphonic Pops Orchestra (of Leipzig) perform enthusiastically under his baton. Warmly recommended to all light music enthusiasts. David Ades
FIESTA! Tico Tico No Fuba; Granada; The Girl From Ipanema; Brazil; Besame Mucho; Sweet and Gentle plus 14 other selections. ERICH KUNZEL AND THE CINCINNATI POPS ORCHESTRA. Telarc CD-80235. 75:02. Erich Kunzel and his forces in Cincinnati have recorded a real pleasure packed CD! The majority of the arrangements are by Tommy Newsome with Warren Barker, Carmen Dragon, Charles Koff, Richard Hayman and John Bambridge contributing to this sparkling 1990 release. Tommy Newsome's best arrangements have a combination of suavity with a sly, dry wit which is evidenced in "Sweet And Gentle." "Tequila" is Newsome's most exotic score with only tuned percussion taking the lead. "The Girl From Ipanema" is a quietly sensual impression of that eternally young, tall, bikini clad woman. Bambridge turns in a beautifully score for "Besame Mucho" that charms as much as it beguiles. The Carmen Dragon/Warren Barker scores date from the Hollywood Bowl Symphony LP's of the 50' s with a visceral "Tico Tico" and a highly dramatic "Granada". Doc Severinsen plays with red blooded lustiness in "La Virgen de la Macarena". And let's not forget Eric Knight's pulsating score of "Lambada" which will win awards for most played track! Richard Hayman's hilarious "Mexican Hat Dance" is remarkably fresh and cheeky! Kunzel inspires vigorous and energetic performances from his excellent Cincinnati musicians. Richard Jessen
INTERNATIONAL NOVELTY ORCHESTRA plus Quartet, Harry Robbins (xylophone) and other Groups 5 CDs issued in Australia by FRANK BRISTOW FBCD86-90. In the notes accompanying these CDs (which are all available separately), Frank Bristow explains that the idea was first discussed some years ago with his friend, the late Stuart Upton, the then Editor of the now defunct Vintage Light Music Society magazine. For all his expertise and experience, Stuart was unable to provide any information about the 12 to 14 players who made up these groups. Respected French record producer Pierre-Marcel Ondher recently said that it is now impossible to discover anything about that combination. The name The International Novelty Orchestra has been used for both British and American ensembles over the years, but this CD series is specifically about a delightful British studioband who recorded for Regal Zonophone mainly during the 1930s. The group played novelty pieces, waltzes and occasionally hits of the period. Many are what is now regarded as ‘traditional’ light music of the ‘palm court’ variety, although occasionally some tracks will surprise with their infectious rhythmic vitality. Many tracks have (unnamed) vocalists; keen British dance band fans will recognise the likes of Sam Browne. Sadly there isn’t room to list the contents, but each and every CD contains many pieces that are sure to delight those who are attracted to this style of music. The transfers are clean and sympathetic to the original sound. This is the kind of mammoth recording project that could only be undertaken by a dedicated band of true enthusiasts. We are indeed fortunate that there are people around like Frank Bristow and his colleagues. David Ades
Frank Bristow’s CDs are only available from him in Australia, but you can also order and pay through his contacts in England and the USA:
Frank Bristow, 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, AUSTRALIA – e-mail:
PAUL DESMOND: BOSSA ANTIGUA. Bossa Antigua; The Night Has A Thousand Eyes; O Gato; The Girl From East 9th Street; plus 7 more slections. PAUL DESMOND, alto sax with JIM HALL, EUGENE WRIGHT, CONNIE KAY, others. RCA Victor/BMG 0902668689-2. 59:34. In the 1960's, Bossa Nova was a shot in the arm for both the jazz and pop music worlds. Nowhere else is that made more plain than on this legendary re-release by alto saxist Paul Desmond. Things begin in a softly engaging groove with "Bossa Antigua" which means "Old Thing" (a witty referral to the phrase "same old thing") which has an attractive solo by Paul Desmond and one of the best solos by Jim Hall on guitar. The alternate take of this selection ("Samba Cepeda") remains stuck in a static groove. The same problem occurs with "O Gato" which takes off magnificently on the released version but merely stands still in its tracks on the alternate take. The big surprises are the two takes of "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes": the first is an all out jazz treatment while the alternate is an overtly bossa nova version full of life. "The Girl From East 9th Street" is an Americanized version of "Ipanema" without a single reference to its famous sister. The booklet not only includes Desmond's facetious liner notes but credits Percy Heath, George Duvivier and Milt Hinton as session musicians (they do not appear!). This is a re-release of historic proportions worthy of the legend and artistry of Paul Desmond.Richard Jessen
TRIO TIME – How Beautiful Is Night Kerry Dances, Lulu’s Back In Town, Yesterdays, Small Talk, Solar, How Beautiful is Night, Sweet and Lovely, Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve seen, What is This Thing Called Love, Ask Me Now, Blues for Holly Ann, The End Of a Love Affair, Over The Rainbow, Beatrice, Oh, Lady Be Good, On Green Dolphin Street. Ted Beament Piano/ Adrian MacintoshDrums/ Paul Bridge Bass. Calligraph Records CLGCD 036. At the November RFS Meeting I introduced a recording of one of Bob’s compositions "How Beautiful is Night" in a setting that was both unusual and delightful; it brought about a number of enquiries regarding the album. Ted Beament has been around the British jazz scene for a good few years and has backed many a visiting American musician including Sonny Stitt and Harry Edison. In 1995 he joined Humphrey Lyttelton and recorded with "Humph" and Helen Shapiro. It was at a Humphrey Lyttelton gig, at a local jazz club, that I found out about this CD which Ted had for sale. I spoke to Ted about the album’s title which he readily admitted was a favourite of his "that guy writes such lovely tunes; I really would like to meet him". When I explained I would be sending Bob a copy his face beamed and he signed a copy with the words "I hope you like it". I hope I did it justice, he remarked to me. The album is a collection of standards, with one or two jazz favourites added to the mix. Nice to see Small Talk in a new recording, and Ted’s arrangement of Kerry Dances is a delight. This is a very accessible album, each member of the trio contributing equally to the whole and highlighting the detail of each piece. This is never more evident than in How Beautiful is Night which Ted begins as a straight piano solo. The bass and drums then enter with a gentle, almost latin beat, allowing the piano to explore the melody line, as "Humph" says in the CD notes: "it’s four and half minutes of enchantment". If you don’t usually buy this sort of album why not treat yourself. It really is a joy. Oh! and what of Bob Farnon’s reaction, I can tell you he was absolutely delighted; and did he do the piece justice ? – "Oh Yes" said Bob admiringly "he most certainly did". Albert Killman
Calligraph Records can be obtained for £12 from all good record shops,or by mail order from:3 Ainsdale Close, Links View, Northampton, NN2 7NQ, England; postage and packing £1.50 [outside UK £2.50].
CHARLIE BYRD: BRAZILIAN BYRD (Music Of Antonio Carlos Jobim). Jazz 'n' Samba; Corcovado; The Girl From Ipanema; Dindi plus 8 selections and one alternate take. CHARLIE BYRD, guitar with orchestra. Columbia Legacy CD CK 52973. 37:04. The Bossa Nova era of the 1960's had two highly popular guitarists before the public: Charlie Byrd and Laurindo Almeida. Both had been pioneers in the idiom in the 1950's as well as studying with Andres Segovia, famous Spanish classical guitarist. On this album, recorded on three dates in 1964 and 1965, Charlie Byrd is partnered with Tommy Newsome as arranger/conductor. Things get off to a rousing big band chart of "Jazz 'n' Samba" with Byrd swinging as hard as the big band behind him. Byrd's classical training is very much evident on a mournful "Corcovado" and "Dindi" which he imbues with a soft edged Romanticism. "The Girl From Ipanema" receives a perky arrangement that acts as a perfect foil for Byrd's rhapsodic rendition of the vocal line. For this recording, Byrd arranged three selections of which "Engano" is the most effect with its rolling chords set against a sparce orchestral background (the alternate take is taken at a way too fast tempo). Charlie Byrd and Tommy Newsome both were working magic at these sessions which is very apparent of their special rapport with one another. This highly recommended reissue comes with Dom Cerulli's original informative liner notes. Richard Jessen
Late Arrivals from EMI
Just as we were putting the final touches to this feature, a batch of new releases arrived from EMI Gold. Sadly space to list all the titles is a problem, but the following details should point you in the right direction.
BIG BAND MILLION SELLERS featuring Laurie Johnson, Colin Busby, Ted Heath, Don Lusher and Kenny Baker playing String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, April in Paris, Lullaby of Birdland and many more titles associated with the Big Band Era. 22 tracks, EMI 581 5972. These are not recreations of the original sounds of the bands that first made these tunes famous, but more recent interpretations.
THE VERY BEST OF KENNY BAKER Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey, You Made Me Love You, Satchmo, Georgia, Carnival Time, And the Angels Sing, I Can’t Get Started, What’s New, etc… 18 tracks, EMI 581 4822. Here is the late, great Kenny Baker, fronting a fine big band, and you’ll also spot solos from the likes of Tommy Whittle, Don Lusher and Roy Willox.
BIG BAND CLASSICS C Jam Blues (Duke Ellington), Jumpin’ at the Woodside (Count Basie), One o’Clock Jump (Benny Goodman), In the Mood (Colin Busby), Cute (Don Lusher), Begin the Beguine (Joe Loss), What’s New (Kenny Baker), Red Silken Stockings (Sid Phillips & Betty Driver), Tampico (Stan Kention and June Christy) etc… 21 tracks, EMI 581 5982. Duke Ellington and Coronation Street’s barmaid Betty on the same CD? I’m lost for words … and I could quote some other amazing examples! Quite honestly, I think that the net has been cast far too wide in this collection, and whoever buys it (for whatever reason) is probably going to dislike at least half of the tracks.
THE VERY BEST OF TED HEATH Opus One, East of the Sun, Obsession, Intermission Riff, Hot Toddy, etc… 24 tracks, EMI 581 4802. We’re on safer ground here, although (like the CDs mentioned above) the promotional details give no clue as to the source of the recordings. If you want theoriginal Decca Ted Heath hits, going back to the days of 78s, you’ll discover them elsewhere. But if authenticity is not your hang-up, you’ll find much to enjoy here. The playing is impeccable, as you’d expect. David Ades
QUEEN’S HALL LIGHT ORCHESTRA conducted by Robert Farnon, Philip Green, Sidney Torch & Charles Williams - Volume 3 All Sports March (Robert Farnon), Paddle Boat (Joyce Cochrane), Melody of the Stars (Peter Yorke), Going for a Ride (Sidney Torch), State Occasion (RF), Soliloquy (Haydn Wood), Valse d’Amour (Tony Lowry), All the Fun of the Fair (Percy Fletcher), Music in the Air (Byron Lloyd), Sunset at Sea (Charles Williams), Waiata Poi (Alfred Hill), Comic Cuts (ST), Pale Moon (Frederick Knight Logan), Cubana (CW), Ecstasy (Felton Rapley), Grand Parade (Clive Richardson), Song of Capri (Mischa Spoliansky), Spring Song (HW), My Waltz for You (ST), Fiesta (Mark Lubbock), The Awakening (Robert Busby), Kings of Sport (Jack Beaver), Fiddler’s Folly (Len Stevens), Casanova Melody (Michael Sarsfield), Grandstand (RF), "Dan Dare" themes - Commandos (CW), Radio Location (CR), Searchlight (CW). Vocalion CDEA6094
BRITISH STRING MINIATURES Volume 2: Set of Act Tunes and Dances (Henry Purcell); Serenade for the Birthday of Frederic Delius (Peter Warlock); Air and Dance (Delius); Serenade (Matthew Curtis); Suite – The Spanish Lady (Sir Edward Elgar); Serenata Concertante (Philip Lane) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland ASV CDWHL2136
BRITISH LIGHT OVERTURES Volume 2: Plymouth Hoe (John Ansell); Overture 125 (David Gow); Farnham Festival Overture (Sir Richard Rodney Bennett); The Moor of Venice (William Alwyn); A Scots Overture (John Gardner); The Lamprey (Michael Gryspeerdt); Scaramouche (Peter Hope); A Cleveland Overture (Anthony Hedges); A Snowdon Overture (Gareth Glyn) Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland ASV CDWHL2137
JOHNNY DOUGLAS ORCHESTRA I won’t dance, Yesterdays, A fine romance, The Carioca, They can’t takle that away from me, The way you look tonight, I’m putting all my eggs in one basket, etc.. (22 tracks taken from the Decca LPs ‘Cheek to Cheek’ & ‘A Handful of Stars’ Dulcima DLCD118
TRIBUTE TO ERIC COATES London Bridge, The Enchanted Garden, By the Sleepy Lagoon, Cinderella, Second Symphonic Rhapsody – Bird Songs at Eventide & I Heard You Singing, FootlightsEDWARDIAN FAVOURITES Melodies by Paul Rubens, Josef Strauss, Lionel Monckton & Edward German Pro Arte Orchestra conducted by Stanford Robinson Vocalion CDLK4183
MUSIC OF LECUONA Siboney, Danza Iucumi, Jungle Drums, Gitanarias, Maria my own, Malaguena, Always in my heart, Andalucia, La comparsa, High in Sierra PLACE PIGALLE Domino, Why do you pass me by, At last at last, Autumn leaves, C’est si bon, La mer, Waltz of Paree, Chez-moi, Boom, Mademoiselle de Paris, When the world was young, Au revoir Stanley Black, his Piano and Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4176
BRITAIN’S CHOICE March from ‘Colour Suite’ (Gordon Langford), A La Claire Fontaine (Robert Farnon), Suite of English Folk Dances (Ernest Tomlinson), March from ‘A Little Suite’ (Trevor Duncan), The Boulevardier (Frederic Curzon), The Watermill (Ronald Binge), Tabarinage (Robert Docker), ‘The Ring of Kerry’ Suite (Peter Hope) PERCY GRAINGER Country Gardens, Molly on the Shore, Londonderry Air, Handel in the Strand, Mock Morris, Shepherd’s Hey. Quilter Children’s Overture,Toye The Haunted Ballroom, Armstrong Gibbs Dusk, Balfour Gardiner Shepherd Fennel’s DanceThe Light Music Society Orchestra conducted by Sir Vivian Dunn Vocalion CDLK4182
MUSICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND The Carousel Waltz, Clowns’ Dance, Visions d’Art, Circus Polka, Masquerade – Waltz, La Ronde, Coney Island, Gopak, Prater Fest, Dance of the Comedians FAMOUS EVERGREENS Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Ave Maria, Songs Without Words No. 4, Waltz (Brahms), Santa Lucia, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ – waltz, Jealousy, Clair de Lune, Moto Perpetuo, Intermezzo from ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’, Dance of the Hours Sinfonia of London conducted by Robert Irving and Douglas Gamley Vocalion CDLK4181
EVENING IN PARIS Mademoiselle de Paris, Love’s last word is spoken, My prayer, Vous qui passez sans me voir (Why do you pass me by?), Pigalle, La vie en rose, Boom, Ca c’est Paris, J’attendrai, Valentine, Clopin clopant, La Seine, Parlez moi d’amour, Can-can EVENING IN ROME Santa Lucia, Serenade in the night, Mattinata, Luna rossa, Tell me you’ll not forget, Mamma, Come back to Sorrento, La montanara, O sole mio, The echo told me a lie, Catari catari, Vieni sul mar, Anema e core, Funiculi funicular Frand Chacksfield and his Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4167
TRIBUTE TO RON GOODWIN CD 1: Jet Journey, Blue Star, Skiffling Strings, Lingering Lovers, Colonel Bogey and the River Kwai March, Summertime in Venice, Red Cloak, The Melba Waltz, The Messenger Boy, The Girl from Corsica, Swedish Polka, Under the Linden Tree, Concetta, On the Waterfront, The Headless Horsemen, Midnight Blue, The Song of the High Seas, The Laughing Sailor, Tropical Mirage, Handyman, Three Galleons, Guadalcanal March, The Little Laplander, Wagon Train, When I Fall in Love, Bluebell Polka, Song from the Moulin Rouge, Josita, Elizabethan Serenade. CD2:original Ron Goodwin compositions and film scores – final tracklisting still to be confirmed as we went to press Ron Goodwin and his Concert Orchestra EMI [full details in Journal Into Melody – June 2003]
NAT KING COLE Love Songs When I Fall in Love, Unforgettable, Very Thought of You, Too Young, Let’s Fall in Love, The More I See You, Stardust, These Foolish Things, etc… 24 tracks EMI 581 5132
TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC
Hits I Missed & Al Jolson Classics Vocalion CDLK4168
Great Film Hits & Pop Hits Vocalion CDLK4170
BOB SHARPLES ORCHESTRA Contrasts in Hi-Fi & Dimensions in Sound Vocalion CDLK4169
MANTOVANI ORCHESTRA Italia Mia & Verzaubter Klang als Germany Vocalion CDLK4173
SYDNEY LIPTON ORCHESTRA Sweet Harmony & Dancing at Grosvenor House Vocalion CDLK4175