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KEEPING TRACK
Dateline December 2003
BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC DISCOVERIES VOLUME
5 Kaleidoscope (Peter Hope); Pastoral Reflection
(John Fox); Inauguration (Paul Lewis); Adagio
Serioso; Rondoletta (David Lyon); Music for
Strings (Brian Douglas); Capriol Overture (Gavin
Sutherland); Clarinet Concerto (Handel arr. Barbirolli);
Haunted Ballroom (Geoffrey Toye); Overture on
North Country Folk Tunes (Thomas Pitfield). City
of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gavin Sutherland
Sanctuary Group CDWHL 2144. Producer Philip Lane has
again unearthed several new shining trinkets but this time
largely from the more modern musical treasure chests. How
gratifying to know that many contemporary composers still
believe in melody and it is a fitting tribute to Thomas
Pitfield that we can hear more of the music referred to
in his obituary. Geoffrey Toye’s Waltz from
The Haunted Ballroom will be familiar to many as
will some of Handel’s Clarinet Concerto played
by Verity Butler – except of course that Handel never
wrote it because the clarinet did not exist at the time
– we have Sir John Barbirolli to thank for the amalgamation
of various violin and other Handellian pieces. Paul Lewis
and David Lyon are in good form while Peter Hope is eminently
recognisable; even conductor Gavin Sutherland gets in on
the act. Edmund Whitehouse
STANLEY BLACK Some Enchanted Evening
Falling in Love with Love, The Man I Love, So in Love,
The Desert Song, Why Do I Love You, Body and Soul, Easy
to Love, I’ve Got You Under my Skin, The Night is Young
and You’re so Beautiful, All the Things you Are, Some
Enchanted Evening, Love for Sale, Lover Come Back to Me,
You and the Night and the Music Summer Evening Serenade
Gaviotta, Serenade to Eileen, Siciliano, From Here
to Eternity, Memory, Desire, Starlight Serenade, Carnet
de bal, Le Grisbi, Magic Circles, Melody of Love, Estrellita
del sur. Vocalion CDLK4186. This is a superb
collection from Stanley Black, featuring one LP of great
show tunes, while the second album contains many light music
gems from the 1950s. Highlights include Carnet de Bal,
Le Grisbi and Ray Martin’s Magic Circles.
Don’t miss this one! David Ades
RONNIE ALDRICH Two Pianos – Today
You Only Live Twice, A Whiter Shade of Pale, Georgy
Girl, Something Stupid, A Man and a Woman, My Cup Runneth
Over, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, Release Me, Barefoot
in the Park, Alfie, Music to Watch Girls By, This is my
Song Soft & Wicked Last Tango in Paris,
You’re so Vain, Aubrey, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Clair,
Call Me, Goor Time Charlie’s Got the Blues, Oh Babe
What Would you Say, Killing me Softly with his Song, Last
Song, Theme from ‘The Valachi Papers’, It Never
Rains in Southern California with the London Festival
Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4188. Happily Ronnie Aldrich
is now becoming properly represented on disc once again,
and this time the emphasis is on selections of contemporary
popular songs from around 40 years ago. Many have stood
the test of time, and they all sound fine given the polished
Aldrich treatment. David Ades
ERNEST GOLD and BERNARD HERRMANN Film
Themes of Ernest Gold It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad
World, The Young Philadelphians, Judgement at Nuremberg,
The Last Sunset, Inherit the Wind, Pressure Point, A Child
is Waiting, On the Beach, Saddle Pals, Exodus, Too Much
Too Soon. London Festival Orchestra conducted by Ernest
Gold. The Great Movie Thrillers (Music by Bernard
Herrmann) Psycho, Marnie, North by Northwest, Vertigo,
A Portrait of Hitch (from The Trouble with Harry). London
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bernard Herrmann. Vocalion
CDLK4178. These two Decca albums provide a feast of film
music, although one has to admit that keen collectors will
probably already have other recordings of much of this repertoire.
However it is always good to have the composer conducting
his own works, so this is a valuable new release. David
Ades
JOHNNY DOUGLAS AND HIS CONCERT ORCHESTRA
"Just Pure Gold" Catch a Falling Star,
The Story of a Starry Night, A Wonderful Guy, La Vie en
Rose, Cherokee, Hello Young Lovers, All in a Golden Afternoon,
I Feel Pretty, The Song is You, Oh What a Beautiful Morning,
Seven Golden Bells, A Summer Place, Allez-vous en Go Away,
Green Leaves of Summer, Carousel Waltz, I Still See Elisa,
When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love, Lucy’s Theme
from ‘Parish’, The Girl That I Marry, Out of my
Dreams, This Nearly Was Mine Dulcima DLCD119. 21 tracks
arranged by Johnny Douglas taken from his Decca LPs ‘Golden
Strings’ and ‘The Broadway Waltzes’. Purists
will be disappointed that these two albums in total lasted
longer than the time available on a CD, necessitating the
‘loss’ of several numbers, but these lovely recordings
should surely be in everyone’s collection. David
Ades
PHILIP MARTIN piano "The Maiden’s
Prayer" Rustle of Spring, Humoresque, May Night,
The Harmonious Blacksmith, Spring Song, Chanson Triste,
Poeme, Poupee Valsante, To a Wild Rose, Narcissus, etc…
24 tracks Hyperion CDA67379. The highly entertaining
(and informative) booklet notes by Jeremy Nicholas tell
us that this CD is dedicated to the memory of Hyperion’s
founder, Ted Perry, who died on 9 February 2003. This was
Ted’s own pet project, describing it as "…a
disc dying to be made." The subtitle "…gems
from an old piano stool" could hardly be more descriptive;
many of these works would have been very familiar to our
ancestors around one hundred years ago, who relied upon
the piano for their musical entertainment in the home. But
few would have heard them performed as expertly as Philip
Martin, who treats them all with the utmost respect, even
though some of them may now be regarded as rather ‘corny’
through their frequent use as silent films music, or as
the basis of modern popular songs, where the lyric writer
decided to ‘borrow’ his melody from the classics.
Indeed many tracks could be used in a musical quiz –
the melodies are so familiar, but the titles (like so much
light music) are elusive. This is a delightful CD in so
many respects, and lovers of piano music should embrace
it warmly. David Ades
BILLY MAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘All
Of Me’ All of Me, My Silent Love, When My Sugar
Walks Down The Street, Fat Man Boogie, Lean Baby, I Guess
I’ll Have To Change My Plan, Walking My Baby Back Home
(vocal: Nat King Cole), Charmaine, When I Take My Sugar
To Tea, etc… 26 tracks Memoir CDMOIR576 73:54 mins.
What can you say about Billy May that hasn’t already
been written by his many admirers? He is one of the great
arrangers and bandleaders of the last century, and the early
days in the life of his fine orchestra are represented in
these memorable 78s dating from 1951 and 1952. This collection
has been intelligently compiled by Gordon Gray, with some
superb remastering by Ted Kendall. Malcolm Laycock’s
excellent booklet notes will probably tell you things about
Billy that you didn’t know before, and it all adds
up to a quality production that is warmly recommended. David
Ades
PAUL WESTON Orchestra Music for Romancing
My Romance, Poor Butterfly, Oirchids in the Moonlight,
Gone With The Wind, etc.. Music for the Fireside Love
Walked In, Something to Rememebr You By, Tenderly, September
in the Rain, etc… EMI 5813582, 72:03 mins. Our
friend Ray Purslow of The Record Centre, Birmingham, has
been responsible for advising EMI on the reissue of many
of the better collections that have surfaced from them in
recent years. Unfortunately this particular CD hasn’t
been a particularly happy experience for him, because the
Americans at Capitol sent over a mono copy of the second
LP, instead of stereo. One number – There Will Never
Be Another You – appears twice, in both mono and
stereo! But this is still very enjoyable music, and you
can compare a few of the tracks with the new John Wilson
versions, as reported elsewhere in this issue. David
Ades
COPLAND: ORCHESTRAL WORKS. Fanfare
For The Common Man; Three Dance Episodes from "Rodeo;"
The Red Pony Suite; A Lincoln Portrait. ADLAI STEVENSON,
Narrator; EUGENE ORMANDY, LOUIS LANE, ANDRE PREVIN, conductors.
(USA) Sony Essential Classics SBK 62 401. (64:23 mins).
"I felt that it was worth the effort to see if I couldn’t
say what I had to say in the simplest possible terms."
Thus wrote Aaron Copland (1900-1990) who has been called
the Norman Rockwell of American classical music. This CD
represents his best known style: lean and athletic in sound
with widely spaced harmonies that communicate immediately
any listener. The first work is "Fanfare For The Common
Man," commissioned by Eugene Goossens for the Cincinnati
Symphony during its World War II series of specially written
fanfares. Eugene Ormandy and his Philadelphians bring a
good deal of opulent, soft grained nobility to their rendition.
"Rodeo" and "An Outdoor Overture" are
played with gusto and sharp edged playing by Louis Lane
and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. "The Red Pony"
suffers slightly from unfocussed recording and odd moments
of sloppy playing under Previn’s direction. Yet it
has an inner vitality that’s very refreshing. "A
Lincoln Portrait" has had many distinguished narrators
on record. However, Adlai Stevenson brings a warm friendliness
mixed with an eloquence to his narration missing from all
other versions. Eugene Ormandy elicits a strongly warm sound
from The Philadelphia Orchestra, making this one of the
most moving performances on this CD. Only one howler exists
in the otherwise well done booklet notes: for "The
Red Pony" description, Billy Buck is NOT Jody’s
grandfather but the gruff ranch hand. The mastering of these
1959-1965 originals is deeply luxurious. For the beginning
listener, this an excellent introduction to one of American
music’s beloved icons. Richard Jessen
GORDON LANGFORD’S ORCHESTRAL CLASSICS
Fanfare & Ceremonial Prelude; Concertino for Trumpet
& Orchestra; Four Movements for String Orchestra; A
Song for All Seasons; First Suite of Dances; Greenways;
Spirit of London; Hippodrome Waltz; Pastorale and
March (both from Colour Suite). BBC Concert
Orchestra conducted by Ruman Gamba Chandos CHAN 10115.
Ernest Tomlinson rates this CD of his old friend very highly
indeed and that alone should be good enough for the rest
of us mere mortals. Appropriately, Hippodrome Waltz
is about the Hippodrome, Golders Green, now home to the
BBC Concert Orchestra, where the young Langford was first
taken by his parents to experience pantomimes and concerts.
The inspiration he gained there is still with him today
and this splendid new disc is the answer to why he has remained
so popular. There is no real necessity to discuss the other
works in detail because if you like Ronnie Binge, Ernest
Tomlinson, Trevor Duncan and similar light music composers
then you will thoroughly enjoy these works too. How wonderful
to know that such serious tuneful music is there for everyone
to enjoy and isn’t it about time the BBC sat up and
took a bit of notice? Perhaps RFS members could drop a few
more hints about the music we love? I do my bit regularly
so what about a few more? This CD would be a good one to
quote at them. Edmund Whitehouse
‘HONEYMOON FOR THREE’ Songs
by BILLY MAYERL You’re Not Too Bad Yourself,
Apart from Business, Steak and Kidney Pudding, It Must Be
You, I Breathe on Windows, Two of Everything etc… 24
tracks Alex Hassan, piano with Robert Petillo, tenor
and Alison Taffs, mezzo-soprano Shellwood SWCD28, 68:46
mins. Billy Mayerl is so well-known as a successful composer
of catchy piano novelties, that it often comes as a surprise
to many that he was also adept at orchestral works, and
songs for stage musicals. This new collection from Shellwood
concentrates on the latter, with some charming performances
from all three performers. One has to say that it is all
very English (although Billy’s parents were immigrants!)
and none of the songs became big hits. Most of them come
from shows produced in the 1930s, with a few from Billy’s
earlier career in the 1920s and one particularly pleasant
number Resting from the mid-1940s, which was recorded
by none other than Richard Tauber. This CD is an affectionate
tribute compiled by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. It can
best be described as the kind of music that would have been
heard as a vocal interlude in a ‘Palm Court-type’
concert on many seaside bandstands before World War 2. If
this kind of repertoire is your cup of tea you’ll be
thoroughly captivated, although you may find that you will
appreciate the music more if you sample it in small doses
from time to time. David Ades
STEVE CONWAY ‘The Best of All’
I Could Never Tell, Show Me The Way, Carnival in Costa
Rica - Film Tunes Selection, Would You Believe Me, After
All, No Orchids For My Lady, I’m Spending The Evening
With Friends Of Mine, If All The World Belonged To Me, Honey
Child, It’s Magic - Film Selection, Beside You, The
Wedding Of Lilli Marlene, Church Bells On Sunday Morning,
The Hours I Spent With You, Best Of All, So This Is Love,
All My Life, Would I Love You, All Alone with my Heart,
Confetti, While You Danced Danced Danced, Chez Moi, With
All My Heart And Soul. Sepia 1015. The Sepia label,
according to their website intro, was launched in June 2002
with the aim of restoring to the catalogue neglected or
almost forgotten quality music of yesteryear. The issue
of this Steve Conway disc is, therefore, most welcome, filled
as it is with wonderful songs, accompanied by maestros of
melody such as Jack Byfield, Reginald Killbey, Philip Green,
George Melachrino, Ray Martin, Peter Yorke and even Roberto
Inglez, each conveying their own distinctive style which
is very much in evidence on this disc. All My Life additionally
features The Hastings Girls Choir. The standard of transfers
on the Sepia CD is generally very good and it is hard to
believe these songs were recorded 50 plus years ago. A short
informative booklet is included. The month and year of the
recordings are given although matrix numbers are omitted.
Several CDs of Steve Conway are now available. There is
one sponsored by This England magazine; others have
been issued by Pulse and Memoir. Steve Conway tracks are
also included on Peter Yorke discs from Crystal Stream,
Sanctuary Living Era and Vocalion where he is the featured
singer. Unfortunately this does result in significant duplication
of tracks. However this Sepia issue is recommended if the
compilation appeals and you do not already have the music
on other discs. Further details of Sepia issues, including
selections from the original Broadway cast recordings of
Song of Norway and Roberta, can be found on the Sepia website
at www.sepiarecords.co.uk/
Their CDs are available for around £6.99 from UK record
stores or online at Sepia Records. Brian Stringer
WINIFRED ATWELL Hall of Fame
Melodies in the style of other famous pianists including
Bill Snyder (Bewitched), Eddie Heywood (Soft Summer Breeze),
Fats Waller (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Carmen Cavallaro
(Manhattan), George Shearing (I’ll Remember April)
etc. …plays Gershwin Nice Work if You Can Get
It, Love Walked In, Somebody Loves Me etc and Rhapsody
in Blue with Ted Heath Orchestra Vocalion CDLK4177.
It may be hard for the younger generation to realise just
how big a star Winifred Atwell was when at the peak of her
success. She really enjoyed great popularity, especially
when playing her pub-style "other" piano (as on
the famous Pot Black theme), but on these 2 Decca
LPs she is revealing that she was also a trained and highly
competent pianist. Perhaps the fact that she is mimicking
other pianists on the first album means that her own personality
is disguised; the second collection of Gershwin is a better
example of her work. David Ades
HUMPHREY LYTTELTON ‘Snag It’
Weary Blues; Sunday Morning; Sleepy Time Down South;
Georgia On My Mind; Maple Leaf Rag; Come On and Stomp, Stomp,
Stomp; Careless Love; Ice Cream; Snag It; I Like to Go Back
in the Evening; Dallas Blues; Cakewalkin’ Babies; Trouble
in Mind; Panama Rag; Low Down Dirty Shame Blues; On Treasure
Island; Trog’s Blues; Wolverine Blues; Suffolk Air;
Down Home Rag; Apex Blues; Onions; Blues for an Unknown
Gypsy’ Travellin’ Blues’ It’s Over Now;
Get Out of Here and Go On Home Humphrey Lyttelton
and his Band, 1948-52 ASV Living Era CDAJA 5462. If
you heard the BBC radio programme "Humph at 80"
then you will know that this remarkable octogenarian is
still as busy as ever but keeps his residence a secret from
everyone, even those involved in "I’m Sorry I
Haven’t a Clue". It was not always thus and this
collection of 26 vintage Dixieland jazz tracks brings back
memories of jiving teenagers in London’s post-war West
End when Humph was at the forefront of British revivalist
jazz. Never one to follow convention he totally ignored
the Musicians’ Union ban on foreign artists and not
only invited Sidney Bechet to appear on stage but even had
the cheek to make two illegal recordings with him (Sleepy
Time Down South and Georgia On My Mind)! Other
busy revivalist beavers appearing with Humph on this CD
include Wally Fawkes, George Webb, Keith and Ian Christie,
and Micky Ashman. It’s sure to make your feet tap.
Peter Worsley
THE BAND OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS :
Marche Militaire La Ronde (Gounod); Andalusian Fresco
(Durand); Strike up the Band (Gershwin); Jeannie with the
Light Brown Hair (Foster); Northumberland Airs (Trad.);
State Occasion (Farnon) ;An Age of Kings (Bliss); Deep River
(Trad); Milanollo (Hamm); Black Eyes (Trad.); Fanfare and
Soliloquy for Band (Sharpe); Winds on the Run (Osterling);
Three Blades of Toledo (Sharpe); Cherokee (Noble); Figaro
(Mozart), Royal Windsor (Bayco). Castle PLS CD540 (previously
released on MACD 176) (57.53mins) This budget priced CD
comes with no notes, no information on recording dates or
locations, no listed timings for individual tracks and quite
extraordinarily, with no conductor at all credited! That’s
the Downside! On the credit side we have an interestingly
varied programme and with the exception of Track 11 –
Sharpe’s Fanfare and Soliloquy where the sound
is squeeezed and pinched – the engineering is well
managed and often approaches demonstration standards. Particularly
welcome for the readers of JIM is the inclusion of Robert
Farnon’s State Occasion which receives a satisfyingly
good performance. A warm welcome too for Frederic Bayco’s
fine, stirring and dignified Royal Windsor march.
It would be interesting if any reader can furnish more details
of the provenance of this recording – are there any
serving or ex-Coldstreamers out there who might help? A
number of arrangements here are by Lieutenant Colonel Trevor
Sharpe so could these sessions date from his tenure with
the band? Meanwhile, worth a fiver of anyone’s money!
Roger Hyslop
NAT TEMPLE Nattering Around (Temple),
Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin), Make Believe (Kern), Sugar
(Mitchell/ Alexander/ Pinkard), It’s the Talk of the
Town (Symes/ Neiburg/ Livingston), Concerto for Clarinet
(Shaw), Canzonetta (Perry/Temple), On the 5.45 (Warren),
American Patrol (Meacham), etc.. This England (Evergreen
Melodies) C86. In Britain the name ‘Nat Temple’
is probably still familiar to many people old enough to
remember Bernard Braden’s radio series in the 1950s.
But before that he had worked with bands such as Geraldo,
Harry Roy, Ambrose and Lew Stone, building up a fine reputation
for his clarinet playing. This affectionate collection has
been assembled from various sources, and includes his own
Canzonetta with Geraldo in 1942. Nat celebrated his
90th birthday this July. David Ades This
England CDs cost £8.95 (which includes UK postage). Write
to: Evergreen Melodies, PO Box 52, Cheltenham, GL50 1YQ,
England – tel. 01242 515156 or online at sales@thisengland.co.uk
Credit cards accepted.
VIKKI CARR LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE.
20 tracks including It Must Be Him; Can’t Take
My Eyes Off You; With Pen In Hand. VIKKI CARR with
the BOB FLORENCE ORCHESTRA. (USA) Collectables COL-CD-7515.
91:41. A wonderful concert recording finally sees the light
of day on CD! Recorded live in 1973 at the Greek Theatre
in Los Angeles over a three day engagement, this performance
is now heard for the first time in the correct order in
which is was heard by those who were there in the audience.
Vikki Carr is in great form throughout, singing not only
her biggest hits but also a medley of four songs from one
of her great albums "En Espanol." The rest of
the performance consists of brand new songs sung with all
of the depth and authority only Ms. Carr can bring to a
song. She’s joined by the breathy voice of Randy Marr
who provides his guitar accompaniment. Marr also sings a
brilliant solo on "I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her
Now." Bob Florence provides strong accompaniments to
Ms. Carr’s vocals assisted from some of L.A’s
best musicians such as Bob Cooper, Bill Perkins and Bobby
Shew - all members of the "Tonight Show" band
(all shouting Ed MacMahon’s "Hiyo!" when
introduced!). The booklet contains the gorgeous original
concert photos plus a beautiful inlay photo of Vikki Carr
in casual attire. The miking gives us a great sense of presence
on both Ms. Carr’s effervescent voice as well as the
excellent musicians and singers (which include Jackie Ward).
A vivid performance by one of America’s greatest treasures!
Richard Jessen
ROSEMARY CLOONEY: THE LAST CONCERT.
Overture; Sentimental Journey; I’m Confessin’
That I Love You; Just In Time; Happiness Is A Thing Called
Joe; You Go To My Head; Rockin’ Chair; Ol’ Man
River; The Singer; They Can’t Take That Away From Me;
God Bless America – with the Honolulu Symphony
Pops Orchestra Conducted by Matt Catingub. (USA) Concord
Records CCD-2166-2. (44:51 mins). The world lost one of
the truly greatest artists on 29 June 2002, when Rosemary
Clooney passed on. Rosie always left one wanting more at
the end of a concert and this CD, recorded live on 16 November,
2001, presents her in great form. The main focus is on ballads
which suited the immediate post 9/11 mood America was going
through at the time. "Sentimental Journey" sets
the mood with other favorite standards. The last three songs
are tributes to Frank Sinatra and Irving Berlin. "God
Bless America" sums up personal triumphs in everyone’s
life in the opening verse and this is so with Rosie’s
interpretation. That she should end her last concert with
this song speaks eloquently of how much Rosemary Clooney’s
service to American, (and, indeed all music) will mean to
each succeeding generation. Richard Jessen
MARIAN McPARTLAND TRIO LIVE AT SHANGHAI
JAZZ. Scratchin’ In The gravel plus 11 other
tracks. MARIAN MCPARTLAND with RUFUS REID and JOE MORELLO.
(USA) Concord CCD-4991-2. A dash of Debussy, mix with Milhaud,
baste with Bill Evans, let it cook and - VOILA! - you have
Marian McPartland! Add bassist Rufus Reid and drummer extraordinaire
Joe Morello and one has this delightful date at the Shanghai
jazz Festival in Madison, NJ on 24 April, 2001. Things start
off on the right foot with a hard driving "Scratchin’
In The Gravel" on which McPartland, Reid, and Morello
all demonstrate their considerable talents. The music of
Duke Ellington has been a constant influence on McPartland
ever since her days at the Hickory House in the 1950's and
she shows her fondness for the Duke by gently caressing
the melodic line of "Prelude To A Kiss." The biggest
pleasure is hearing McPartland playing her meditative piano
solos and none is better than "Black Is The Color Of
My True Love’s Hair," which lovely beyond words.
The whole set is one swinging delight and should be an essential
part of any music lover’s library. Richard Jessen
CARL MICHAEL ZIEHRER – Selected
Dances and Marches Vol. 4. Weaner Mad’In –
Walzer; Augensprach – Polka Mazur; Duck’ dich,
Manderl Marsch; Liebesgcheimnis – Polka; Liebeswalzer;
FrauenLogik – Polka Mazur; Ohne Sorgen – Polka
schnell; Natursanger – Walzer; Ein Blumchen im Verborgenen
– Polka Mazur; Buberl Komm! – Walzer; Konig von
Sachsen Huldigungs – Marsch; In Reih’ und Glied
– Polka Francaise; Seculo Nuovo, Vita Nuovo –
Walzer. Razumovsky Sinfonia conducted by Christian Pollack.
Marco Polo 8.223817 (77.14 mins). Anyone on the lookout
for a CD of bright, cheerful and attractively scored light
music to escape perhaps briefly from the rather sombre world
we all have to inhabit in these troubled times, will be
well rewarded in investing in this generously filled and
vividly recorded Marco Polo disc of Volume 4 of the dance
music of Carl Michael Ziehrer. He was one of the principal
rivals to the Strauss family dynasty and was nothing if
not prolific with opus numbers stretching well into the
five hundreds. The best known item in this collection is
undoubtedly the Weaner Mad’In (Viennese Girls) Waltz
which comes complete with whistling effects presumably produced
by members of the orchestra both during the introduction
and towards the end , whilst Natursanger ( Nature Singers
) Waltz – a lovely lilting piece , comes with added
bird song effects. That this well planned collection contains
two military marches should come as no surprise when one
learns that Zeihrer was a bandleader no less than three
times in his long career! Recommended but with a plea to
Marco Polo to get round to the dance music of Joseph Gung’l
and Paul Lincke whose waltzes in particular were often a
mainstay of many a light orchestra’s broadcast repertoire
throughout the "golden age " of BBC Radio. Roger
Hyslop
DICK McINTYRE and his Harmony Hawaiians
Vol 5. Kailua – with vocalists Ray Kinney, Gary
Speare & Danny Kuaana. Kaneohe, Hilo March; Kukuna
Oka La; Kuu Ipo; Kehaulani; Palolo; Under A Tropical Moon;
My Hawaiian Souvenir; On The Beach At Kualoa; It Happened
At Waialae; Our Last Hawaiian Moon; Nani Wale Ka Mahina;
Kolopa; Anapau; Kaleponi; Hula Lullaby; Nanakuli Hula; Naughty
Hula Eyes; Uhe Uhene. (Australia) Cumquat CQCD 2747.
What will our friends from down under be getting up to next?
Here is an excellent CD drawn from yet another enterprising
Australian catalogue, comprising easy listening music (predominantly
Hawaiian of which this CD forms part) and various eras of
Jazz, with a particular focus on Australian artists. Time
was when Hawaiian music featured regularly in the BBC schedules
with groups such as the South Sea Serenaders, the Paradise
Island Trio and Roland Peachey. Sadly those days are long
gone. It is heartening, therefore to find a small company
reviving Hawaiian music in quite a big way. The Dick McIntyre
CD consists mostly of tracks far removed from the over-recorded
songs with which we have become so familiar in Hawaiian
music circles, such as Aloha Oe and Hawaiian War Chant.
Those who have fond memories of Andy Iona and Dick McIntyre
will find a treasure trove of their music in the catalogue
where they already share five volumes each and the project
is ongoing. There are too many CDs to list details here,
and I suggest that if the genres of music provided are of
interest, you should have a look at Bruce’s excellent
web site where you can also hear samples of the music. We
must be grateful to the growing dedicated band of enthusiasts
who are making available once again hard to find recordings
of artists and music that are unlikely to see the light
of day via a major record company. A few years ago this
sort of project would have seemed no more than a dream.
I shall no doubt be returning for lots more cumquats…
Brian Stringer
Available from www.cumquatrecords.com.au/
or by writing to address shown below - price $27.50 (around
£13.00 Sterling) via Credit Card. A printed catalogue is
available for those who do not have access to the website.
You can write to: Cumquat Records, PO Box 963, Central Park
Post Office, Burke Road, Malvern East, Victoria, 3145, Australia.
Customers ordering for the first time may be fortunate enough
to receive a couple of interesting free sampler CDs.
SIR THOMAS ALLEN More Songs My Father
Taught Me I heard you singing, Will you go with
me, A Cradle Song, The Green Hills o’ Somerset, Mother
Machree, Roses of Picardy, Because, Down by the Sally Gardens,
etc… with Malcolm Martineau, piano Hyperion
CDA67374, 79:01 mins. Now that we are in the 21st
century, no longer can we hear our elderly relatives talking
about the Victorian times when home entertainment meant
singing round the parlour piano. But clearly the songs from
that period created a big impression, because so many still
receive the occasional performance today. Sir Thomas Allen
is obviously enjoying taking some time off from playing
leading roles in the top opera houses of the world, and
this CD is likely to win him many more admirers. The excellent
booklet notes by Andrew Lamb give not only the lyrics but
also potted biographies of the composers. This is a worthy
successor to the first volume on CDA67290. David Ades
TRIBUTE TO ERIC COATES /EDWARDIAN FAVOURITES
Tribute to Eric Coates – London Bridge; The
Enchanted Garden; By the Sleepy Lagoon; Cinderella; Second
Symphonic Rhapsody – Bird Songs at Eventide/I Heard
You Singing; Footlights Edwardian Favourites –
Paul Rubens Melodies; Josef Strauss Pot-Pourri; Lionel Monckton
Melodies; Edward German Melodies Pro Arte Orchestra/Stanford
Robinson Vocalion 2-CD set CDLK4183 (1:42:06 total time).
Following the death of Eric Coates, Pye were quickly out
with a fine memorial album. Austin Coates provided the sleeve-notes;
and one of his father’s major scores – "The
Enchanted Garden" – received its first recording.
Scores, maybe hundreds of our readers will have these works
already – some of them, perhaps, in several versions.
Further good reason for adding this CD to your library may
well be found on its Siamese twin! "Edwardian Favourites"
features "Robbie" (BBC colleagues mostly knew
him thus), as a lively arranger: I particularly enjoyed
his treatment of those prolific tunesmiths Paul Rubens and
Lionel Monckton. With two exceptions – "Sleepy
Lagoon" and "Footlights" – stereo tapes
are the source of everything: the original LP releases were
mono only. The original sleeve-notes are also used. I hope
that Mr. Dutton will give us some more Pro Arte material
in due course: Gilbert Vintner’s "World of Light
Music", for an instance. John E. Govier
PERCY GRAINGER / BRITAIN’S CHOICE
CD 1: Percy Grainger – Country Gardens ; Molly on
the Shore ; Londonderry Air ; Handel in the Strand ( David
Parkhouse – piano ); Mock Morris ; Shepherds Hey ;
Childrens Overture Op 17 (Quilter) ; The Haunted Ballroom
(Toye); Dusk (Armstrong Gibbs) Shepherds Fennel’s Dance
( Balfour Gardiner); CD 2 : March from the Colour Suite
(Langford); A La Claire Fontaine ( Farnon); Suite of English
Folk Dances (Tomlinson); March from ‘A Little Suite’
(Duncan); The Boulevadier (Curzon); The Watermill (Binge);
Tabarinage (Docker); Suite – The Ring of Kerry (Hope).
The Light Music Society Orchestra conducted by Sir Vivian
Dunn KCVO. OBE, FRAM. Vocalion CDLK 4182 (93.49 mins).
This double CD set from Vocalion conveniently groups together
all the recordings Sir Vivian Dunn made for EMI in 1970
with the Light Music Society Orchestra. Thus it should appeal
not only to the many admirers of Sir Vivians’ art but
to all those who respond to high quality light music delivered
in ‘Rolls Royce ‘ performances. Roger Quilter’s
sparkling Children’s Overture is delivered with
an enchanting wide-eyed gleam and well sprung rhythms and
is distinctly to be preferred to the rival Marco polo alternative
with the Czechoslovak RSO under Adrian Leaper (British Light
Music – Roger Quilter 8.223444). The second CD opens
with a well spirited account of Gordon Langford’s March
from the Colour Suite. Robert Farnon’s A
La Claire Fontaine is marvellously atmospheric and according
to Derek Oakley’s biography of Sir Vivian, ‘Fiddler
on the March’, R.F. publicly acclaimed this recording
as "by far the finest he had heard ". Mr. Oakley
also mentions that Sir Vivian included this piece as his
sixth choice on 6th November 1971 when he was
Roy Plomley’s guest on BBC Radio’s ‘Desert
Island Discs’. This is a highly desirable addition
to the Vocalion catalogue and with bright and vivid sound,
a fine and worthy tribute to the talent and genius of a
great and unique musician who made an indelible and lasting
mark in both the military band world and the cause of music
in general. Roger Hyslop
For close on 23 years I purchased most
of my LPs – and, latterly, my earliest CDs – from
an independent classical record shop in Birmingham: small,
yet widely known and highly respected among West Midlands
record buyers. The proprietor and his staff were unfailingly
helpful and reliable, musically knowledgeable and utterly
impartial; so when these two albums, then new, featured
in a prominent shop display, it spoke volumes for their
quality! Now, well over thirty years on, here together are
two of British Light Music and the LP Era’s greatest
glories; and sounding, if anything, finer than ever. Come
to think of it, this notice could quite easily have consisted
of one word only: essential!
John E. Govier
TWO SIDES OF RON GOODWIN: CD1 –
The Early Years – Popular Singles Jet Journey,
Blue Star, Skiffling Strings, Lingering Lovers, Colonel
Bogey and the River Kwai March, Summertime in Venice, Red
Cloak, The Melba Waltz, The Messenger Boy, The Girl from
Corsica, Swedish Polka, Under the Linden Tree, Concetta,
On the Waterfront, The Headless Horseman, Midnight Blue,
The Song of the High Seas, The Laughing Sailor, Tropical
Mirage, Handyman, Three Galleons, Guadalcanal March, The
Little Laplander, Wagon Train, When I Fall in Love, Bluebell
Polka, Song from Moulin Rouge, Josita, Elizabethan Serenade.
CD2 – Original Compositions from Films and LPs
633 Squadron, Love Theme from 633 Squadron, The Trap, Those
Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Lancelot and Guinevere,
London Serenade, Return My Love, Where Eagles Dare, Mercury
Gets the Message, Cafè Royal Waltz, Decline and Fall,
Frenzy, El Morocco Tea Rooms, Operation Crossbow, Jumping
Jupiter, Monte Carlo or Bust, India, Miss Marple’s
Theme, The Milky Way, Kill or Cure, The Girl With the Misty
Eyes, Departure, Aces High Ron Goodwin and
his Concert Orchestra 2-CD Tribute Album EMI
582 5502 Although Ron Goodwin is taken from
us, his unique contribution to British and World Music remains,
inspiring and indestructible. By all means, hang on to your
original singles and LPs as I shall mine, for old times’
sake; but on no account whatever pass up this splendid,
fully worthy memorial to THAT MAGNIFICENT MAN AND HIS MUSIC
MACHINE. John E. Govier
THE BOURNEMOUTH MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA
Merry Middies, Raindrops, Clatter of the Clogs, Crocus
Time, Dance of Seville, A Fairy Ballet, Zip Zip, Intermezzo
Pizzicato, Dicky Bird Hop, Echoes of the Valley, Whispering
Pines, Fluttering Birds, Gee Whiz, Rosewood Ripples, Idylle
Bretonne, Slippery Sticks, Language of the Nightingale,
Oriental Dance, Jolly Whistlers, Dance of the Nymphs, The
Merry Brothers, The Two Imps, Rippling Streams, Carlsbad
Doll Dance (Australia) Frank Bristow FBCD104, 76:45
mins. Except for Intermezzo Pizzicato, which is conducted
by its composer Montague Birch, all of the titles on this
charming CD are conducted by the legendary Sir Dan Godfrey.
These 78s were recorded by Columbia in the Pavilion or at
the Winter Gardens in Bournemouth between 1927 and 1934,
and they capture a period of English seaside musical entertainment
that would finally disappear following the outbreak of the
Second World War. A few brief attempts may have been made
to resurrect this kind of genteel music-making during the
1940s and 1950s, but by then the world had changed too much.
Happily through the wonder of sound recording (assisted
by today’s excellent remastering techniques –
in this case in the capable hands of one of the very best
sound engineers, Alan Bunting) we can still marvel at the
highly professional musicianship of the performers, and
the composers who created such attractive novelties for
them. The name J. Gennin crops up several times, as does
T. de la Riviera and W. Byrne. Ernst Slaney is credited
on both xylophone and cello – could he be related to
the composer Ivor Slaney? In fact the xylophone is prominent
on several tracks, usually performed by W.W. Bennett. Arthur
Jackson has contributed the fascinating booklet notes, helping
to make this a most desirable collection that should attract
everyone who is passionate about traditional light
music, as it used to be played. David Ades
MORTON GOULD AND HIS ORCHESTRA ‘An
MG Round-Up’ High Noon, On Top of Old Smokey,
Wagon Wheels, I’m and Old Cowhand, Riders in the Sky,
Tennessee Waltz, Home on the Range, Buckaroo Blues, Last
Round-up, Cowboy Rhapsody, On the Sunny Side of the Street,
Diane, Avalon, 12th Street Rag, La Mer, Tell
Me That You Love Me, Speak to Me of Love, Tea for Two, Through
Your Eyes to your Heart. (Australia) FRANK BRISTOW
FBCD105, 78:04 mins. To make my prejudices known at the
outset, can I just say that cowboy songs, especially of
the Tin Pan Alley variety, have never been my favourite
music, even in Morton Gould settings. He does the best he
can with the first ten tracks, of course, but even his own
compositions, Buckaroo Blues and Cowboy Rhapsody,
can’t escape the general air of ennui inevitable with
this sort of material. If you don’t share my tastes
(or lack of taste, however you feel about it) you can, of
course, decide for yourself! The popular standards on the
last nine tracks are more traditional Gould, although over
the top in one or two cases, La Mer and 12th
Street Rag for instance. The CD as a whole is a bit
of a curate’s egg … in fact Frank Bristow does
hint that he is more or less scraping the bottom of the
barrel. Though I must say that in the present musical climate
no light music album should be ignored. Arthur Jackson
Frank Bristow’s CDs can only
be obtained direct from him in Australia: Frank Bristow,
2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, Australia –
e-mail: franbris@ozemail.com.au
Arrangements can be made for British members to pay with
a sterling cheque.
READER’S DIGEST ‘The Wonderful
World of Music’ Reader's Digest UK's long running
series of "themed" collections of light/popular all orchestral/instrumental
music in 3 CD boxsets titled "The Wonderful World of Music"
appears to have restarted again. I thought the series had
come to an end when I received my 12th 3-CD boxset sometime
last year, so I was delighted to receive an unexpected parcel
during the summer from Reader's Digest containing another
3 CD boxset called "Sounds to Soothe" (catalogue number
RDCD3431-3). Then soon afterwards, another parcel arrives
from Reader's Digest containing another 3-CD boxset. This
time titled "The Early Years" - catalogue number RDCD3541-3.
This means that so far Reader's Digest in the UK have released
14 CD boxsets in the ‘Wonderful World of Music’
beautiful orchestral music series. As there are three CDs
in each boxset, that makes a total of 42 CDs of "our kind
of music" and that doesn't include a couple of boxsets of
beautiful orchestral music Reader's Digest have released
in the past outside the ongoing ‘Wonderful World of’
series. Regarding "The Early Years" 3-CD boxset, there is
just under an hour of music on each CD. The total price
is £28.95 including postage and packing. You get the usual
glossy booklet (approx 24 pages) with full details on every
track. The first CD is called "Twilight Dreams". The second
CD is called "Through The Years" and the third CD is called
"Forever In Your Heart". As with all these CDs, the sound
quality is excellent. You also get the usual mix of artists/orchestras
eg. on the Early Years 3-CD set, you have Roland Shaw and
his Orchestra, Fracis Goya, his Guitar and Orchestra, Larry
Sinclair and his Orchestra, Romantic Strings and Orchestra,
Frank Chacksfield, Roger Williams, his Piano
and Orchestra, Douglas Gamley and his Orchestra, Robert
Mandell and his Orchestra, Nick Ingman and his Orchestra......etc
etc. Well I can't wait to receive the 15th 3-CD boxset from
Reader's Digest. How long can they keep this series going?
Not that I am complaining, I hope this superb series of
beautiful orchestral music never ends. For some reason,
Reader’s Digest UK do not mention "The Wonderful World
of Music" CD collection on their website! I highly recommend
these CDs to everyone. Unfortunately, they are not available
to anyone living outside the UK, I assume for copyright
reasons. If you live in the UK, you can contact Reader's
Digest on 08705 113366 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday
and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Chris Landor
THE CATS AND THE FIDDLE We Cats Will
Swing For You - ASV Living Era AJA5475 We Cats Will
Swing For You; Killin’ Jive; I’d Rather Drink
Muddy Water; Gang Busters; Thursday Evening Swing; Nuts
To You; Till the Day I Die; Mr Rhythm Man; Please Don’t
Leave Me Now; When I Grow Too Old to Dream; Public Jitterbug
No. 1; I Miss You So; That’s Jack; Gone; You’re
So Fine; Swing the Scales; Hep Cat’s Holiday; I’ll
Always Love You Just the Same; One is Never Too Old to Swing;
I’m Singing so Help Me; I’m Gonna Pull My Hair;
I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire; Blue Skies;
Another Day; Stomp, Stomp; Life’s Too Short. If
you can imagine a cross between Fats Waller, the Mills Brothers
and King Louis the Ape singing in the cartoon film Jungle
Book then you will just about capture the sound of this
relatively unknown American group whose recording dates
were virtually synonymous with the Second World War. It
is also interesting to note that the phrase "Hep Cat"
is older than many of us imagined. The Cats were the four
singers and the Fiddle was their double bass accompaniment.
The only other instrument was an acoustic guitar but the
resulting sound was both melodious and pleasant. An unusual
CD and a revealing find for those who enjoy close harmony.
Peter Worsley
ENSA COMPLETE CONCERTS featuring
radio broadcasts by Henry Hall, Geraldo, RAOC Blue
Rockets, Robert Farnon and Lou Preager. Rex Records
REXX300. We mentioned this 2-CD collection in our last issue
(page 5) because of the Robert Farnon connection, but it
has been suggested to us that we should also indicate that
the other broadcasts included will be fascinating for many
readers. The names of the vocalists will sell this release
to many – Frances Day, Johnny Green, Dorothy Carless,
Western Brothers, George Melachrino, Beryl Davis, Dick James,
Carole Carr and Edna Kaye – to name just some.
Three more 2-CD sets have followed from
Rex, which we list for your information:
REXX301 Charlie Kunz – his
famous piano medleys: perhaps a bit too much to digest in
one go, but enjoyable to visit in small doses
REXX302 Spike Jones and his City Slickers
– a lot of collections by this zany American band
are already available, but if you haven’t yet acquired
any you’ll probably find many of your favourites here
REXX303 Family Favourites –
quite simply a very varied compilation of popular 78 from
just over 50 years ago. Sadly the famous signature tune
With a Song in my Heart by Andre Kostelanetz and
his Orchestra has been edited. DA
TROISE AND HIS MANDOLIERS Play to Me
Gypsy - ASV Living Era AJA5492 Speak Easy; Play to
Me Gypsy; Nights of Gladness; In the Hills of Colorado;
La Paloma; Hungarian Dance No. 5; Beside My Caravan; Dark
Eyes; Serenade; Ballerina; Café in Vienna; Zampa;
Old Monastery Bell; Destiny Waltz; Serenata; Argentina;
Gypsy Moon; Serenade No. 1; Beside the Singing Waters; Sorrento;
Gypsy Dance; Hawaiian; Havana Heaven; El Relicario; Lady,
Sing Your Gypsy Song. If you cannot afford to take your
wife to a Neapolitan restaurant then all you have to do
is buy some pasta at the local supermarket, turns down the
lights in your dining room and put this latest disc on your
CD player. The singer is Don Carlos and the flavour is almost
authentic because Pasqual Troise really did come from Naples,
even though he spent most of his life in the UK, initially
with Sidney Firman’s BBC Radio Dance Band. The sound
is more than just mandolins with at least one piano accordion
taking most of the melodies. The sound transfer is good
with the recordings dating from the Thirties before he turned
into Troise and his Banjoliers for the radio programme Music
While You Work. Edmund Whitehouse
PHIL KELSALL at the Wurlitzer Organ
of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool "Shall We Dance?"
Grasmere GRCD 117 (also on cassette GRTC 117). There
are a few artists who can be assured that every new recording
they release will receive a warm welcome from devoted fans.
Phil Kelsall certainly falls into this category, and this
new collection of popular tunes split up into 23 medleys
– and played in strict-tempo for dancing – will
be echoing in dance halls around the world for a long time
to come. Dance records have always been steady sellers (remember
the page after page of 78s by Victor Silvester, Joe Loss
and Harry Davidson in the catalogues half a century ago?),
and talented performers like Phil Kelsall manage to appeal
to two kinds of audience, because his attractive arrangements
are also good to listen to at home. David Ades
ROB MCCONNELL TENTET Music of the
Twenties Thou Swell; Remember; Lover Come Back
To Me; Can’t We Be Friends; Always; I Can’t Believe
That You’re In Love With Me; Indian Summer(time);How
Long Has This Been Going On; You Do Something Go Me; With
A Song In My Heart; What’ll I Do. (Canada) Justin
Time JUST 196-2. This is the third CD release by
the Rob McConnell Tentet since its formation at the end
of 1997, and right off the top the tight ensemble work on
Thou Swell reminds the listener just what a great
group this is. Rob’s liner notes, as usual, are both
informative and very amusing, and add an extra dimension
to the enjoyment of this CD. The eleven tracks allow everyone
in the group to have several solos, and on Thou Swell,
Rob notes that finally he was able to find a way to feature
every member of the band on one tune. Bassist Steve Wallace
is showcased on Rick Wilkins’ Remember, the
only chart not penned by the leader himself, and in Lover
Come back the alto sax of P.J. Perry moves from a pensive
opening into an up-tempo display of virtuoso playing, to
which Dave Restivo adds his own touches of brilliance.
Can’t We Be Friends features great work from Rob
and Terry Promane on trombones. Guido Basso chose Always
for his solo opus, and makes an old tune into a thing of
beauty. While Rob’s liner notes for I Can’t
Believe… only mention Dave Restivo’s sparkling
solo, Rob’s own contribution is also very worthy of
mention. Alex Dean’s solo on Indian Summer(time)
is slightly more restrained than usual, but no less inventive
(Rob describes it as ‘the less troubled Alex Dean’!),
and Steve Wallace’s fine-toned bass solo is the kind
you don’t talk through. At the end, Rob inserts the
Summertime segment, with a modest tribute to Miles
Davis and Gil Evans, with Guido Basso doing a great imitation
of Miles. Terry Promane’s status as one of Canada’s
best trombone players is underlined in his solo on How
Long Has This Been Going On, to which are added the
sleek tenor sax ruminations of Mike Murley, who comes back
later on in With A Song In My Heart to show that
he’s equally fluent at twice the tempo in half the
time. On this chart, Dave Restivo goes from fills to thrills,
to offer some very imaginative and nimble keyboard explorations.
Oh, and you might find yourself, as I did, hearing the verse
of Without a Song for the first time, and thinking
what a great tune it is in itself. Can’t recall Andre
Kostelanetz ever playing it. Alex Dean lets loose a bit
more, but never substitutes flash for creativity, on You
Do Something To Me, which is driven along impeccably
by Terry Clarke, who gets to exchange fours with Alex toward
the end – and is, throughout the CD, the time rock
on which the Tentet firmly stands. Finally, trumpeter Steve
McDade, after contributing his fine ensemble work throughout
the CD, gets his own chance to shine on What’ll
I Do, which he does with a finely burnished performance.Fans
of Rob McConnell will buy this one anyway, and won’t
be disappointed. For those who don’t know the name
– try listening to Thou Swell, and you’ll
know just what to expect from the rest of the CD. I don’t
think you’ll be disappointed either. Pip Wedge
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA – AN ANGLO-AMERICAN
MEDLEY SOUSA: Hands across the Sea, ANSELL:
Plymouth Hoe, BERLIN: Puttin’ on the Ritz, CESE: Little
English Girl, CARMICHAEL: Hoagy Carmichael in Concert, ARNOLD:
English Dances No.s 6 & 8, HOWE: The Guards Division,
arr. LOWDEN: The Big Band Bash, GRUNDMAN: The Blue and the
Gray, STECK: Royal Review, arr. PRYCE: Don’s Days’
Hits, FILLMORE: The Klaxon, MYDDLETON: The Boys of the Old
Brigade The Band of the Guards Association directed
by Geoff Broome – Irish Guards (Retd.) The
Specialist Recording Company RHC01 (72’31"). One
is sometimes reminded that waiting for recordings of a favourite
piece of music is not dissimilar to waiting for a bus –
nothing for ages than three come along almost together.
John Ansell’s stirring seascape ‘Plymouth Hoe’
was recently included in a compilation CD to mark the 25th
Anniversary of the International Military Music Society
(CHEVRON CHVCD12), and then resurfaced again as a component
of British Light Concert Overtures Vol. 2 by the Royal ballet
Sinfonia conducted by Gavin Sutherland (ASV CD WHL2137).
Here it is again in a sparkling performance by the Band
of the Guards Association, but this Anglo American musical
medley offers many other attractions including two of Malcolm
Arnold’s delightful English Dances, whilst the Guards
Division March by Jimmy Howe – a former distinguished
DOM of the Scots Guards, ingeniously interweaves snatches
of the various regimental marches of the various components
of the Household Division into his score. Older listeners
may recognise Arnold Steck’s ceremonial march as it
was used many years ago as the signature tune of BBC Television
News. The Band of the Guards Association is made up of the
former musicians from the seven regiments of Her Majesty’s
Household Division, and one of the most impressive features
of this disc is, given the different style of playing demanded
in a programme of this nature how effortlessly and with
consummate ease this ensemble switches convincingly from
military to big band and back again. Beautifully refined
playing is there in abundance when appropriate, whilst there
is nothing inhibited in the approach to the more extrovert
numbers. Intonation is always impeccably reliable. This
recording reflects great credit to all involved in its production
and if I may briefly mount a favourite hobby horse of mine
– what a tragedy that so many first class military
bands are denied access to the airwaves of our national
radio network – even brass bands get a better deal!
This disc is nonetheless recommended with all possible enthusiasm
for all those who relish and enjoy superb wind band playing.
Roger Hyslop Specialist Recording Company
CDs are available from Discurio, 46 High Street, Rochester,
Kent, ME1 1LD, England (tel/fax 01634 845222).
MAX SCHÖNHERR (1903-1984) 2-CD
collection of his music from the archives of Austrian Radio
Die Grosse Wiener Rundfunkorchester conducted by
the composer (Austria) ORF CD 327. Earlier in
this issue (page 36) you will have read the sad news of
the passing of Prof. Karl Grell, whose activities as a record
producer in recent years have made many fine recordings
from the Austrian Radio archives available to a wide public
once again. This collection is his final project, intended
to celebrate the centenary of the distinguished Austrian
composer and conductor. His name may not be well-known outside
his homeland, although our friend Alexander Schatte points
out that the only important biography about his life and
work was written and published in England. The collection
includes several suites, plus many shorter works –
often polkas or waltzes. Clearly Max Schönherr was
a master of light concert music, and these two CDs (each
lasting over 70 minutes) will give a great deal of pleasure
to admirers of ‘straight-forward’ light music
performed by a large orchestra who are looking for something
they haven’t heard before. David Ades
TROISE AND HIS MANDOLIERS ‘Play
to me Gypsy’ Argentina; Ballerina; Beside
My Caravan; Beside The Singing Waters; A Cafe In Vienna;
Dark Eyes; Destiny Waltz; Gipsy Moon; Nights Of Gladness;
Old Monastery Bell; La Paloma; Play To Me, Gipsy; Serenade
(Notturno D'Amore); Serenade [Serenata] (Toselli); Serenade
No.1(Heykens); Spanish Gipsy Dance; Speak Easy; Zampa Overture
- With Don Carlos – Vocals Sanctuary-Living Era
CDAJA5492. The release of CDs featuring mandolin ensembles
are fairly rare nowadays. This new Troise from original
Rex 78s recorded between 1934 and 1936 is therefore most
welcome. The CD features a mix of light music, popular songs,
and light classical items, adapted for the Mandoliers. Several
items feature Irish operatic trained tenor Christopher Thomas
Birrell O'Malley who used the much shorter pseudonym of
Don Carlos when he sang with the Mandoliers which sounds
much more cosmopolitan and more in keeping with the group's
musical style. Flapper issued a CD of the Mandoliers a few
years ago which should still be available; fortunately only
six tracks on the new CD appear on the earlier Flapper,
so there is still a good deal of material which is appearing
for the first time in digital format making the purchase
worth while even if you have the earlier CD. The sound quality
on the current issue is generally very clear with negligible
background noise, although perhaps not quite up to the stunning
quality of issues like Pink Champagne on the same
label. Informative notes on the contents are provided by
Ralph Harvey, and the attractive cover design is very colourful….pity
there is no photograph of the Mandoliers as a group, however.
Troise was also well known for his Banjoliers. At least
24 Banjoliers tracks were recorded on the Decca Music While
You Work label, so I suspect it would not be too difficult
to put together a CD. Meanwhile we are indebted to ASV for
making these historic recordings of the Mandoliers available
once again for us to enjoy. Brian Stringer
THE ROMANTIC HARMONICA MUSIC OF PAUL
LEWIS ‘Serenade & Dance’ The
Secret World of Polly Flint, Woof! Fantasy, Two Miniatures,
Impromptu for Harmonica and Harp, Spring Suite, Tea for
Three, Pavane, Seal Morning, Serenata, A Somerset Garland,
Norfolk Rhapsody, Serenade and Dance, The Benny Hill Waltz
James Hughes – harmonica, Elizabeth Jane Baldry
– harp, The Delamere String Quartet conducted by Paul
Lewis Campion CAMEO 2024. Happily the music of Paul
Lewis is now readily accessible, thanks to the recent Campion
CD of his television music (CAMEO 2018 – reviewed in
JIM 153), and several of his works which have appeared in
various Sanctuary Group compilations in their White Line
series (the latest example being the first CD in this feature).
Partly due to his work providing the incidental music for
the TV series "Woof!", he has become more and
more interested in the harmonica, originally through the
great Tommy Reilly (who played on the earlier "Woof!"
episodes), and more recently with James Hughes, who is one
of today’s leading exponents on the instrument. Paul
also has a great love for the harp, and the magical sounds
of Elizabeth Jane Baldry are an added bonus in this delightful
collection. Here is music which will soothe and charm –
and bring the occasional smile. Bravo Campion for releasing
this CD! David Ades
SIGMUND GROVEN (Harmonica) ‘Over
the Rainbow’ Over the Rainbow, Send in the
Clowns, Londonderry Air, Irish Medley, The Entertainer,
Ribbon of Sand, etc.. (17 tracks) (Norway) Grappa GRCD
4195. Fans of the harmonica have a second CD to enjoy in
this issue, thanks to our good friend Sigmund Groven (both
Sigmund and Paul Lewis are members of the RFS). Sigmund
was one of Tommy Reilly’s many students, and it is
nice to see that this collection includes Tommy’s arrangement
of Gavotte from ‘Mignon’ and his Golden
Girl which he co-composed with James Moody – who
has also arranged some other numbers. Sigmund also composes,
as you can hear on Homeward Bound and Song of
the Harmonica. This enjoyable CD may be difficult to
fin in record stores, but we’ll be pleased to put you
in touch with Sigmund if you’d like to buy a copy.
David Ades
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN – A TRIBUTE
TO RON GOODWIN Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying
Machines – March, Freefall, Monte Carlo or Bust –
Selection, Luftwaffe March – Aces High, Theme from
‘The Trap’, Prisoner of War March, Frenzi, City
of Lincoln March, Suite: Time Traveller, 633 Squadron, Where
Eagles Dare, Battle of Britain March, The White Rabbit,
The Headless Horseman, Force Ten from Navarone, Tall Ships,
September 15th 1940, Those Magnificent Men in
Their Flying Machines – Selection The Band of the
Parachute Regiment directed by Captain Paul Goodwin MBE
BA (Hons) Dip. Mus. (Open) ARCM LRSM BBCM psm BANDLEADER
BNA5178 (70’30"). A timely and most welcome salute
from the military band world to the late and estimable Ron
Goodwin comes not altogether inappropriately from the Band
of the Parachute Regiment. Many of the expected favourites
are here in this compilation of his work, but the value
of this disc is considerably enhanced by the inclusion of
a number of rarities, many of which were the result of special
commissions. Foremost amongst these being the ‘Suite:
Time Traveller’, which came from and was first performed
by Bromley Youth Music Trust in 2002 in honour of H.G. Wells
who had lived in the town and is commemorated by a blue
plaque inset into the wall of the local Alders Store in
the High Street. The stirring City of London March was a
commission from the BBC and received its first outing by
the BBC Concert Orchestra and The Central Band of the RAF.
Ron Goodwin wrote White Rabbit for the Bournemouth Symphonic
Brass whilst Tall Ships was the result of The Royal Tournament
Series of works for Wind Band and first performed in 1996
by the massed bands of HM Royal Marines at that years Royal
Tournament – a greatly and much missed by many people
military ‘spectacular’. September 15th
1940 as its name suggests was commissioned by The Central
Band of the RAF to commemorate the 50th anniversary
of the Battle of Britain. The Parachute Regiment Band give
a good account of themselves of the recording made in Flagstaff
House, Colchester, whilst acceptable is a little tight and
unyielding and would have benefited from greater transparency.
The band would have been heard to deservedly more impressive
effect in a more flattering and sympathetic acoustic. Nonetheless,
a desirable and enterprising addition to the Goodwin discography
which should have wide appeal to all his many admirers.
Incidentally, by one of those strange quirks of coincidences
not only does the D.O.M. carry the Goodwin appellation but
also the Bandmaster – one WOI Steve Goodwin! Roger
Hyslop
MICHAEL BUBLE Fever, Moondance,
Kissing a fool, For once in my life, How can you mend a
broken heart, Summer wind, You'll never find another love
like mine, Crazy little thing called love, Put your head
on my shoulder, Sway, The way you look tonight, Come fly
with me, That's all. (USA) 143 Records-Reprise
9362-48535-2). Another contender for Sinatra's crown
steps forward! He has plenty of back up! Arrangements
by Bill Holman, David Foster, Don Costa, Johnny Mandel,
Billy May, Don Costa and John Clayton, backed on one track
by Barry Gibb, on others, star musicians (often with a string
section). A quick perusal of most of the titles shows singers
in the past have already made hits of the songs (often
with the same arrangements!). That said he looks (on the
sleeve) a heart throb in the mould of Chet Baker, has a
voice not unlike a subdued Bobby Darin (when he was one
of the singers trying to fill the gap left by Sinatra's
exit from Capitol Records). I hope I will be proved wrong
but by trying to entertain in many different styles of music
could be a mistake. Main hope for the producers and artist
is that the new generation will not know the originals and
hail his talent as the male equivalent of Diana Krall. Paul
Clatworthy
DEODATA "Skyscrapers" Title
track, Flap, Rudy's, Soccer game, The first stone, Elizeth,
The Byrd, The gap, Down the hill, Boy meets girl, Carly
and Carole. (USA) IRMA 509563-20 - available Compact
Disc Club. CD releases by the Deodata Orchestra are not
as prolific as I would like so it's a shame that this selection
includes two tracks already out, the title track and "Carly
and Carole" (twice before!) By way of compensation you get
nine tracks I have not heard before, five written by Deodata,
two by Marcos Valle, one each by Mascarenhas and Alves.
Deodata sitting on some tracks at a Hammond organ goes a
little over the top (Fairground style!) but when playing
piano is a delight, Sergio Mendes fans will find plenty
of music to enjoy but I enjoy my Deodata more with strings
in attendance! Paul Clatworthy
GARY McFARLAND – STEVE KUHN "The
October Suite" One I could have loved, St Tropez
Shuttle, Remember when, Traffic patterns, Childhood
Dreams, Open Highway. (USA) Impulse 654413-2. Most readers
know I like my strings lush but Gary was such an inventive
writer I am prepared to make an exception! Another mitigation
is that we lost Gary far too early, so his recordings are
not exactly available in quantity! This album utilises only
four strings, four woodwind, drums, bass and harp plus the
piano of Steve Kuhn. A similar line-up was used on some
of Gary's other albums, "Does the sun really shine on the
moon", "Scorpio and other signs", "The In sound" and "The
Gary McFarland orchestra". The last named (which had Bill
Evans as guest soloist) would have made a nice pairing with
this release as we get just over thirty minutes worth! That
said it would also pose the question: did Steve Kuhn hear
the earlier recorded Bill Evans vehicle and say "I would
like some of that!" Gary was never schooled in string writing
but his melody lines and ardent romanticism shines through
on every track. The first title Gary wrote for a film "13".
It is revamped on track five under the title, "Childhood
dreams". The remaining four tracks Gary wrote especially
for the recording. Another gem from the "Impulse" back catalogue
gets a very welcome reissue. Paul Clatworthy
SHORTY ROGERS AND HIS GIANTS Bossa
Nova – Jazz Waltz Lorito's samba, No more
sadness, Melancholy samba, One note samba, Sugar loaf, Empashgi's
samba, Love is a rose, Only you, Cry your sadness, Only
one love, Little brown boy, I'm gonna go fishin', Greensleeves,
Walk on the wild side, Witchcraft, Be as children, Jazz
waltz, Echoes of Harlem, A taste of honey, Terrence's farewell,
The streets of Laredo. (USA) COLLECTABLES COL-CD-7504.
Two LP transfers from the Reprise label originally released
in 1962 will undoubtedly get a new audience second time
around. Shorty did the rounds of many labels but always
gave his all (which was plenty, whether playing, arranging
or composing). He embraced the "Bossa" era as good as any,
his own unique style bringing new life to a genre then dominated
by guitar and saxophone. They are still part of the set-up
but Shorty injects extra flavours into the twenty one tracks.
Paul Clatworthy
THE BOB FLORENCE LIMITED EDITION Whateven
Bubbles Up Dukeisms, Nerve endings. Chelsea Bridge,
Running with scissors, Kissing bug, Never let me go, Q&A,
Whatever bubbles up. (USA) SUMMIT RECORD DCD 360. I
got a copy of this CD via Ralph Enriquez, and by the time
this review is printed one of the suppliers listed at the
end of last issue’s "Big Band Roundup" (JIM 155 page
68) will be able to supply. Five originals by Bob plus two
Billy Strayhorn and the beautiful ballad "Never let me go"
make up Bob's latest outing from his new home since the
demise of the "Mama" label. Eighteen albums on by his own
Big Band and the spark is still there! Rich and invigorating
sounds from a star studied orchestra who delight in showing
what a Big Band is all about. Bob's solo piano on "Never
let me go" is wonderful but I would have liked to hear some
voicing from the complete band. That said, chalk up another
hit for the Bob Florence sound. Paul Clatworthy
RUBY BRAFF AND STRINGS Swinging
on a star, Pennies from heaven, Love walked in, Old folks,
Goodnight, my love, Moonlight becomes you, I married an
angel, Please, Love thy neighbour, April in Paris, Go fly
a kite, In the wee small hours of the morning, All alone,
I get along without you very well, You're sensational, Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-
Loo-Rai, My heart stood still, White Christmas. ARBORS
RECORDS ARCD 19219. Ruby recorded half of this CD twenty
or so years ago for the proprietor of the Pizza Express
Jazz club The arranger for the strings was Neil Richardson,
recommended to Ruby by Robert Farnon. It met with great
acclaim at the time of issue on LP and as a limited edition
soon became a collectors item. Recently Mat Domber got permission
to reissue as a CD and took the decision to add eight more
newly recorded tracks arranged by Tommy Newsom. The new
tracks feature a smaller string section but complement the
earlier recordings in every way, not least in the choice
of songs. Ruby's cornet playing is just as elegant as ever
and he points out this album will please jazz and orchestral
fans alike, sometimes lush, sometimes muted sometimes swinging,
all the ingredients essential for good listening. Paul
Clatworthy
SYMPHONIC IMPRESSIONS OF OMAN (Lalo
Schifrin) Prelude and Variations,Molto pia animato,
Allegro vivace, Andantino, etc… London Symphony
Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin. Scherzo Music
028. No Jazz to meet the Symphony Orchestra this time! It’s
Lalo in classical mode, inspired by the traditional music
of the region. It mentions the Oman Ministry of Information
but does not say in what capacity. It was recorded in October
2001 and confirms Lalo is master of his craft in any type
of music. Sometimes pensive, sometimes majestic, always
palpably exciting – when something’s this perfect
you wonder why anyone else bothers. This CD demands serious
attention. Paul Clatworthy
BRITISH FILM CLASSICS 2 CDs of
themes, preludes etc. from various Chandos collections of
music by leading British film composers Chandos CHAN241-12.
Jeff Hall has mentioned this new collection in his Film
Music Bulletin, so this is just to remind you that over
140 minutes of glorious film music is available at a bargain
price. Many favourites are here (featuring composers like
Ron Goodwin, Arthur Bliss, Richard Rodney Bennett, William
Alwyn, Eric Coates, William Walton … etc) but the compilers
have also sensibly included some less well-known works which
provide a nice balance plus some pleasant surprises. Sorry
we can’t spare the space for a full tracklisting here,
so look our for this in your local record store, or visit
the Chandos website (www.chandos.co.uk)
for all the details. David Ades
A few late arrivals are given a Quick
Spin…
MICHAEL BALL ‘A Love Story’
This Guy’s in Love With You, What Are You Doing the
Rest of Your Life, I Wish You Love, I Wish I Were in Love
Again, etc.. EMI/Liberty 07243 5919492. Michael Ball
is one of the best present-day British singers, and the
titles above will give you an idea of the quality songs
on his new CD. If you fancy some modern vocals this Christmas,
you could do far worse than this. DA
SORTIES D’ARTISTES Music by
André Messager (France) Les Verres Luisants
LVL 005. We have mentioned this talented French group of
enthusiastic musicians previously, and their latest collection
salutes the work of a composer who gained an international
reputation for Véronique, Madame Chrysanthéme
and other operettas around 100 years ago. An attractive
booklet (in French) provides an ideal accompaniment to some
delightful performances. DA
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Orchestral
and choral music performed by The Hallé Orchestra
conducted by Carl Davis with Claire Rutter, soprano and
Choir Sanctuary/Hallé CD HLL 7504. In time
for Christmas comes this delightful seasonal offering, with
works by Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride, of course),
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Morton Gould’s
setting of The First Nowell and Jingle Bells),
and a generous helping of other pieces by the likes of John
Rutter, J.S. Bach, Tchaikovsky and even Sir Paul McCartney.
DA
Latest Releases from Vocalion …
MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH THE STARS (Anne
Shelton, Dickie Valentine, Stargazers, Vera Lynn, etc..)
CDLK4199
DICKIE VALENTINE ‘Here is DV’
and Singles 1950-58 CDLK4217
EDMUNDO ROS ‘Broadway Goes Latin’
& Hollywood Cha Cha CDLK4223
KATHY KIRBY Singles CDLK4215
MARGARET WHITING Capitol singles CDLK4214
MARK WYNTER EP & singles CDLK4191
TED HEATH singles CDLK4198
TED HEATH London Palladium Vol. 3 &
Final Swing Session CDLK4203
TED HEATH Fever & Sound of Music
CDLK4209
SHOW TIME My Fair Lady, Sound of Music,
Camelot, Gypsy, Oliver (Cyril Stapleton, Edmund Hockridge,
etc.) CDLK4218
STANLEY BLACK Intimate Percussion &
Exotic Percussion CDLK4208
TONY KINSEY QUINTET Jazz at the Flamingo
CDLK4213
CATERINA VALENTE I Happen to Like New
York & Valente on TV CDLK4193
Production Music
ELIZABETHAN & BAROQUE DRAMA Chappell
Recorded Music Library CHAP 292. The lion’s share of
the music on this new production music CD has been composed
by RFS member Adam Saunders; the rest are authentic Elizabethan
songs arranged by Richard Cheetham. The music is performed
by the Academy of Ancient Music and the Orchestra of the
Renaissance. Adam tells us that they were very fortunate
to secure the services of these ensembles, which are two
of the best of their kind in the world. Chappells wanted
to have something unique in their library, which would give
a truly authentic sound for period drama, historical and
architectural programmes. Clearly the result is most impressive,
although Adam admits that he had to do a lot of research
before he actually put any notes on paper. I suspect that
Adam may well find himself in demand for more work of this
kind in the future. David Ades Chappell
CDs are only available from the RFS Record Service, price
£9 [US $18] each.
In Journal Into Melody 143 (June
2000 – page 62) we reported on some new CDs issued
by BMG Production Music in Italy, which proved popular
with many collectors of this kind of music. We are pleased
to report that a further batch of 8 CDs are now available,
containing some interesting (and often funky!) Italian sounds
as before. Some of the composers may be familiar –
Angelo Francesco Lavagnino, Ennio Morricone, Pino Donaggio,
Franco Micalizzi, Nino Oliviero, Luigi Zaninelli, Carlo
Savina, Gianni Ferrio, Domenico Modugno, Gianni Marchetti,
Marco Tiso … and many more. The CD titles give a good
indication of the contents.
BPM3010 Amazing Adventures
BPM3011 Rome By Night
BPM3012 Neorealism – Italian Post-War
Cinema
BPM3013 Children
BPM3014 War
BPM3015 Classic Western
BPM3016 Crime & Spy Themes Vol. 2
BPM3017 Love Themes Vol. 2
The earlier 9 CDs are also still available,
and we are pleased to advised that we have now secured fresh
supplies of the eight Atmosphere Music CDs of Paxton
Mood Music 78s (full listing is available from us). In the
past couple of years we have had to disappoint several members
who were seeking these CDs, so this is your opportunity
to acquire them at long last. We can also now supply the
later Atmosphere CDs from the Ember catalogue (see
also JIM 143). BPM and Atmosphere CDs are only available
from the RFS Record Service for £9 [US $18] each, plus postage
and packing as usual.
Just in time to meet the Editor’s
deadline come the four much delayed Percy Faith 2-on-1 reissues
on Collectables from the States. THE COLUMBIA ALBUM OF VICTOR
HERBERT [COL 7565] is another of those albums one never
expected to find on CD. All the old favourites are here
such as Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life, March Of The Toys,
and A Kiss In The Dark – a total of 23 glorious
melodies in sparkling string laden 1958 vintage stereo.
Brass and woodwind feature in NEW THING,
coupled with CLAIR [COL7561], released in 1974 and a product
of a new trend dictated by the then CBS recording policy.
Standout tracks are Chuck Mangione’s Hill Where
The Lord Hides, the engaging Washington Square,
and a stringy Stranger On The Shore. On the second
album from a year earlier, the title tune itself is disappointing
with female voices, but there is some good stuff including
that fine Moody Blues tune Knights In White Satin.
Of particular interest is 2001, Faith’s adaptation
of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss. Regrettably,
Sony does not provide any track background information.
BON VOYAGE/CAREFREE [COL 7563], from the
early 60s, couples a collection of "Paris and Rome
favourites,’ like Guaglione, Anema E Core,
Petite Fleur and Under Paris Skies, with a
selection entirely written and arranged by Faith. This includes
Go-Go-Po-Go, which was the "B" side of
Summer Place, the delightful Brazilian Sleigh
Bells and Goin’ Home Train as well as the
title track. A most welcome return for a well-loved album
On his admirable Percy Faith Discography
website, Alan Bunting describes Gene De Paul’s score
for the musical LI’L ABNER [COL 7564], recorded mono
only in 1957, as "superb". Unfortunately Sony
Stateside has coupled it with a BROADWAY BOUQUET from a
mono master rather than stereo. If you cannot wait for the
promised re-pressing, this wonderful album is still available
in stereo on Sony in Britain, paired with the equally attractive
COUNTRY BOUQUET. One up to the Brits! Peter Burt
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