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KEEPING TRACK
Dateline June 2008
Orchestral
ERIC COATES "Sound And Vision" Sound
And Vision (ATV March), From the Countryside – Suite, Holborn
March, Moresque, Four Ways Suite, Valse from "The Three
Bears", The Eighth Army March. Music for Voice
and Orchestra The Mill O’Dreams, Song of Summer, Your
Name, Green Hills of Somerset, I Heard You Singling, The
Fairy Tales of Ireland, Bird Songs at Eventide. BBC
Concert Orchestra conducted by John Wilson, with Sir Thomas
Allen (baritone) and Richard Edgar-Wilson (tenor). Dutton
Epoch CDLX 7198 71:03 mins. Michael Dutton’s wonderful
support of British music seems to continue unabated. With
the major record companies now largely part of huge international
conglomerates, the days when the likes of EMI and Decca
could be relied upon to foster British composing talent
now seem just a distant memory – with the very occasional
odd exception. The demise of Sanctuary, and the apparent
reduction of new releases from Chandos and Hyperion could
well have added to the gloom, were it not for Dutton’s Epoch
label. Almost single-handedly this label is providing us
with unexpected treats on a regular basis, and it is to
be hoped that readers of this magazine are taking full advantage
of what is on offer. John Wilson – in a matter of ten years
or so – has become one of Britain’s brightest recording
talents, and when he is teamed up with the magnificent BBC
Concert Orchestra the results are always superb, and quite
frequently astounding. The first twelve tracks in this new
CD feature Eric Coates as the familiar master of light orchestral
music. Where else could one expect to hear such a varied
and delightful collection of 20th century music?
The remaining ten tracks remind us that Coates launched
his career as a writer of popular ballads, although he never
completely abandoned the genre since there are two late
examples – from 1938 and 1943. No self-respecting lover
of Light Music can possibly fail to add this new release
to their CD collection. David Ades This
CD is available from the RFS Record Service.
CONTINENTAL ENCORES/MANTOVANI MANHATTAN
More Than Ever, La Vie En Rose, Under Paris Skies, O
Mein Papa, April in Portugal, Arrivederci Roma, Anema e
Core, La Mer, I Only Know I Love You, Autumn Leaves, Answer
Me, Poppa Piccolino, Give My Regards to Broadway, Autumn
in New York, The Bowery, Harlem Nocturne, Slaughter on Tenth
Avenue, Manhattan Serenade, Take the ‘A’ Train, Manhattan
Lullaby, Maria, Somewhere, The Belle of New York and Tenement
Symphony
Mantovani and his orchestra (Vocalion, CDLK 4370),
timing 73:04 mins.
Another fine addition to Vocalion’s increasingly comprehensive
series of Mantovani reissues. This release compiles two
further albums from the light music’s legend vast Decca
discography. "Continental Encores" was
the very first stereo album I heard (49 years ago!), and
its re-emergence on CD will be welcomed as overdue by many
Mantovanians, for whom some of the tracks will be among
their all-time favourites. Memories of the 1950s are stirred
by Papa, Answer and Poppa – all tunes that
are unlikely to be heard today. As one might expect, accordionist
Emile Charlier is featured throughout. In addition to its
musical merits, Colin Mackenzie describes the album in Monty’s
biography (Melrose Books) as "technically an excellent
recording, well balanced, well miked, in full stereo with
a wide deep soundstage."
The second album, from 1964, is also atmospheric with every
track a winner – the standouts for me being Cecil Milner’s
arrangements of Rodgers Slaughter, Strayhorn’s Train,
and The Bowery, a rousing waltz featuring a lovely
jangle piano. Among the splendid Roland Shaw arrangements
are the jazz-inspired Nocturne and the big final
number conjuring up images of winding fire-escapes and TV
antennas. The Lullaby is Monty’s own composition,
as are the arrangements of the two "West Side Story"
pieces.
Peter Burt All Vocalion CDs are available
from the RFS Record Service.
LEROY ANDERSON: ORCHESTRAL MUSIC VOLUME ONE
Bugler’s Holiday, Blue Tango, The First Day of Spring,
Belle of the Ball, Clarinet Candy, Chicken Reel, Fiddle-Faddle,
China Doll and more
BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin with
Geoffrey Biegel, Piano (Naxos, 8.559313) 61:54
One of the many musical centenaries marked this year is
the birth of Leroy Anderson, the American master of light
concert music, and here we have a very welcome addition
to his discography. Nicely recorded at the Watford Colosseum
in 2006, there known: Arietta and the brooding Balladette,
and a quartet completely unknown, to me at least: Governor
Bradford March (a first recording), The Golden Years,
The Captains and the Kings and the Piano Concerto
in C Major. Classical Jukebox is not
an Anderson original composition but enjoy his amusing arrangement
of Music! is a good mix here with a number of familiar
tracks, a couple probably not so well-Music! Music!,
which was a million seller for Teresa Brewer in the early
1950s. Older readers may consider this track, with its simulated
‘stuck groove’ of unblessed memory, worth the low price
of the CD. The piece that will probably most encourage Anderson
aficionados to buy is the 19-minute long concerto. It was
first performed in 1953 but was withdrawn following mixed
reviews and Anderson’s own dissatisfaction with the first
movement. We are told in Richard Ginell’s detailed liner
notes that the composer warmed to the work more in his later
years and after his death, in 1975, his widow Eleanor decided
to release the work as he left it. It is definitely worth
a listen – the second and third tracks are both engaging.
With the ever versatile BBC Concert Orchestra and its ‘big
name’ conductor, this new disc is strongly recommended,
even as a supplement to whatever other Anderson albums you
may already have. If you like this, then read on!
Peter Burt
LEROY ANDERSON: ORCHESTRAL MUSIC VOLUME TWO
Woodbury Fanfare, A Harvard Festival, Forgotten Dreams,
Whistling Kettle, Horse and Buggy, The Waltzing Cat, Home
Stretch, The Girl in Satin, March of the Two Left Feet,
Waltz Around the Scales, Lullaby of the Drums, Jazz Legato,
Jazz Pizzicato, Song of the Bells, Song of Jupiter and Suite
of Carols for String Orchestra
BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin with
Alistair Young, Piano and David McCallum, trumpet (Naxos,
8.559356) 54:51
So here’s more already – the next instalment of pieces
including some the composer did not release and which his
family have now made available. There are half-a-dozen items,
some with very catchy titles that I looked forward to hearing
for the first time. Fanfare features four trumpeters,
Festival is a revision of the piece that gave Anderson
his entrée to the Boston Pops in 1936 and definitely
has a ‘classical’ feel, beginning with some telling celli
and finishing on a super tune with added organ; Whistling
was a student piece for violins and violas of 1:44 mins
duration with a sound that reminds me of bagpipes; Waltz
was the composer’s very last original orchestral work;
and Lullaby is, perhaps, more a gentle march than
a lullaby, and I think my favourite among the new items
– but then I’m a sucker for the sound (however fleeting)
of French horns. Richard Ginell’s expected exemplary notes
refer to March, another piece unknown to me, as a
‘madcap fast polka’. Pizzicati, from 1938, is the
earliest example of Anderson’s work extant. With a good
mix of new, familiar and not-quite-so-familiar items this
is another excellent compilation and one can only look forward
to more of the same. At under an hour I suppose some may
claim short measure, especially with the longest item, Carols
(12:27), unlikely to be played a lot at this time of
year, but at the price – I paid £3.99 including p&p
online – for such a quality product one really can’t complain.
Peter Burt All Naxos CDs are available
from the RFS Record Service.
STRINGOPATION
Charles Williams – Girls In Grey, Space Ship, Quebec
Concerto, Side Walk Exhilaration, The Beggar’s Theme; Philip
Green – Ragamuffin, Pan-American Panorama, Running Off The
Rails, Spinning Wheel, Stringopation, Gaelic Fantasia; London
Promenade Orchestra – Dancing Dolls; Sidney Torch – Cornflakes,
Domino, Elfinette, Fiddlin’ For Fun, All Strings and Fancy
Free, Guaracha, Speakeasy; Ray Martin – Gipsy Fiddler, Muriella;
Frank Chacksfield – Gin Fizz, Pulling Strings; Louis Levy
– Moto Perpetuo; Kingsway Symphony Orch / Camarata – I Love
Thee. Vocalion CDVS 1954, 73:49 mins. Twenty years ago
we would have given our eye teeth to be able to buy a CD
like this. The fact that keen collectors will probably have
90% of these titles in their collections speaks volumes
for the way in which Light Music has been re-established
as an important part of the musical scene. If only the BBC
would wake up to what has happened! This is the second collection
of Light Music Classics on offer from Michael Dutton at
the bargain price of around £3. OK – you don’t get any booklet
notes, but just be grateful that you can get your hands
on this superb collection of Light Music for such a small
sum. Even if you already have most of these tracks, I still
recommend a purchase. Personally I like it when someone
else selects music for me to hear; familiar favourites somehow
seem fresh and new when played in a different order. This
is a priceless ‘snapshot’ of the British Light Music scene
in the middle of the last century, at a time when it seemed
inconceivable that it would go into such decline by the
1980s. Happily that decline has been arrested, and collections
like this can only help to alert new generations as to what
they might be missing if they only rely upon the radio for
their musical enjoyment. David Ades
SIX NEW GUILD RELEASES REVIEWED
Firstly, I must offer my sincere apologies for the lack
of any GUILD reviews in JIM 175; this was entirely due to
the pressures of earning a living, but I hope to make amends
in the following paragraphs.
GLCD 5140 – MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE VOLUME II
[full tracklisting in JIM 175, page 62]. Hard on the heels
of Vol. I – and bearing the next consecutive number – comes
its splendid new companion. The beauty of the KALEIDOSCOPE
format is that it enables compositions of so many styles,
different orchestras and time-eras to be assembled into
a very enjoyable programme without any of the constraints
which, perforce, are imposed on a ‘themed’ CD. All of the
recordings date from the period 1946-1956, surely THE
‘Golden Age’ of Light Orchestral Music. There is a reasonable
mix of Commercial and Publishers’ material, roughly ⅓rd
and ⅔rds respectively. The selection begins appropriately
enough with another composition entitled Kaleidoscope,
(this one being by Dolf van der Linden) and includes a few
real gems of a slightly more ‘serious’ nature, e.g. the
Overture Down The Solent (Rapley), the Theme from
the film The Broken Horseshoe (W. Burns), Sea
Reivers and Oriental Dances (G. Bantock), Columbine
(Leighton Lucas) and three pieces from Edward McDowell’s
Woodland Sketches – (but curiously not this composer’s
best known tune To A Wild Rose, which is taken
from that suite). Worthy of particular mention is
Bewitched (Rodgers and Hart) by Felix King, his piano
and orchestra; this appears to be a note-for-note replication
of the famous Bill Snyder c. 1949 interpretation of the
well-known song from the show Pal Joey. Was this
a deliberate attempt to produce a British ‘cover version’
of the USA hit recording, bearing in mind that it was then
virtually impossible to obtain 78s from the States, due
to post WWII import restrictions? On a lighter note, there
are some old favourites, like Maurice Grew’s Jay Walker
and George Melachrino’s Bobby Sox Bounce. There is
a group of ‘shorts’ – pieces which would often be used in
film and TV advertising and promotional features, and the
disc concludes with four items under the heading Drama,
Menace and Excitement. (Any resemblance to RFS meetings
is purely coincidental!). These were used in melodramatic
and even horrific moments in drama productions – e.g. Trevor
Duncan’s Inhumanity, which was the closing music
for the first two series of the famous 50s BBC TV serial
Quatermass. I am bound to say that this particular
format works so well that I hope there will be more similar
volumes in due course.
GLCD 5141 – GLOBE TROTTING [tracklisting
JIM 175, page 65].
The next release returns to the Themed format and
commences with a very typical – and appropriate Trevor Duncan
composition, Broad Horizon, which – with its high-register
strings and big, heroic, orchestration – beautifully sets
the scene for a 77 minute round-the-world trip. This takes
in France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, then
ventures farther afield to Egypt, the Orient, Madagascar,
India, then on to Cuba, Mexico and finally Manhattan, before
returning to England – via Norway – and closing with Jack
Beaver’s Journey’s End. David Ades has managed to
combine a good variety of styles, orchestras and conductors,
including one or two making their GUILD debut. The booklet
notes mention the song Faraway Places With Strange Sounding
Names (not included on the CD however). It’s true that
when these recordings were made – mostly in the 50s but
a few date from earlier – the pieces in this collection
were just that; merely names. These days ‘Globetrotting’
has become a favourite pastime for millions! On the face
of it, some of the titles might seem to make strange bedfellows
e.g. Lovers in Paris (Logist), Flamenco Love (L.
Wagner) and Tahiti Tango (Martin) are in distinct
contrast to pieces like Ketelby’s In The Mystic Land
Of Egypt, Victor Herbert’s Chinese Serenade,
and a particular favourite of mine, the Three English
Dances by Roger Quilter, but it all works surprisingly
well. It’s good to hear Jimmy McHugh’s Cuban Love Song
in a different arrangement from the well-known version which
was the signature tune of Edmundo Ros, whilst the inclusion
of the selection from the show Song Of Norway, based
on melodies by Edvard Grieg, is most welcome. This is another
carefully-crafted programme which deserves to find many
new friends.
GLCD 5142 – The 1950s – Volume 5 SUNNY SIDE UP [JIM
175, page 67]
To quote from the booklet notes, "this selection has
been chosen with the aim of recalling the cheerful, bright
and breezy style of music that ..... seemed prevalent in
the 1950s". Although the decade was not without its
downsides, (rationing and shortages at the beginning, the
threat of global nuclear war at the end), the compositions
– and orchestras – of the period have, as I have remarked
before, a glossier, more sophisticated and often more optimistic
sound than their predecessors of the 40s; truly children
of their respective times. On this CD, the balance is tipped
in favour of ‘consumer’ recordings, with 18 of the 30 tracks
having originated on British and American commercial labels;
the remainder started their careers in the recorded music
libraries of Synchro, Chappell, Weinberger, Impress, Paxton
and Bosworth. The selection "kicks off" with the
eponymous title Sunny Side Up (De Sylva, Brown and
Henderson) in that wonderful Farnon arrangement which became
famous as the playout tune for many of Kenneth Horne’s shows
on the late-lamented BBC Light Programme. Next up is an
early, and excellent, piece by the gifted German composer
and arranger Bert Kaempfert – Las Vegas – (not to
be confused with the Laurie Johnson opus of the same name)
– although here Mr K is masquerading under the pseudonym
of ‘Bob Parker’. DA’s notes also refer to Kaempfert’s "...
easy listening style that .... often relied upon a rhythmic
beat described in Germany as ... ‘crackling bass’ ".
I would add that I have also seen it referred to as ‘click
bass’ and I believe that it was pioneered by virtuoso bass-guitarist
Lasli Geisler. The conductors form a truly international
lineup:- Dolf van der Linden from the Netherlands, Johnny
Gregory (of Italian extraction), Ray Martin, who hailed
originally from Vienna, the Odessa-born Monia Liter, the
French Franck Pourcel, together with Americans Van Phillips,
Mahon Merrick, Bernie Wayne, George Liberace, David Rose
– and Frank Sinatra, (in an unlikely but apparently successful
role) – all rub shoulders with the home-grown talents of
Ron Goodwin, Ambrose, Louis Voss, Elliott Mayes and Geoff
Love. This is an imaginatively-assembled and very enjoyable
CD, which has all the makings of another GUILD winner.
GLCD 5143 ANIMAL ANTICS [JIM 175, page 70]
As the booklet notes are quick to point out, the title
of this collection is misleading; not all the tracks refer
to animals, as there are plenty of birds and insects thrown
in for good measure! Never mind, the resulting programme
is another example of the prolific programming skills of
David Ades, aided and abetted by Alan Bunting who, apart
from his main task of technical supremo restoring these
recordings – (and as has been remarked upon several times
before, doesn’t he make a superb job of it?) – has an important
second role in collaborating with David to select the contents
of each new release. So here we have, in the menagerie department,
a Little Pink Horse a Waltzing Cat, Donald
Thorne’s ‘take’ on those three well-known sightless rodents,
two different frogs and Sidney Torch’s arrangement of Friml’s
Donkey Serenade, with a little Sympathy thrown
in for good measure. Then we come to a veritable aviary,
including a Nightingale, a Flamingo, a Meadow
Lark and a Skylark, Gilbert The Goose,
a whole Reel of Chickens (!) and some Marching
Penguins. The insect world gets a look-in too – David
Rose’s My Dog Has Fleas is in good company with Paul
Linke’s Glow Worm, Ettore’s Butterfly Fantasy
and Whitney’s Mosquitos’ Parade. This list is by
no means exhaustive, (see full track listing elsewhere),
but it gives more than a flavour of this excellent collection,
which concludes with the eponymous track Animal Antics
(Colin Wark), in a recording by the London Palladium
Orchestra made in 1931 – except that you’d never know, because
it sounds so amazingly good.
I often take new CDs for review in the car on long business
trips, and these four have kept me more than happy on a
recent lengthy journey from North London to South Wales
and back again.
GLCD 5144 CHILDHOOD MEMORIES – VOLUME 2 [please
see full tracklisting elsewhere in this issue].
There is always a danger with a second volume of a CD on
a particular theme that it will suffer from ‘the second
cup of tea’ syndrome (i.e. it doesn’t taste as good as the
first one!) – but thankfully this never seems to happen
with the GUILD series. Volume I of CM is often to be found
in my CD player and I have to confess to having badgered
DA for many months to create a follow-up! Well, he’s certainly
‘come up trumps’ again with this one, and we are treated
to another 27 wonderful tracks, a few of which were suggested
by yours truly. Amongst those are Josef Engelman’s Tales
From A Fairy Book, a worthy stable-mate to his Children’s
Playtime Suite featured on the earlier CD. I have been
in contact with musician Guy Rowland – (who knew Engelman’s
son Harry, also a composer) - and he has a copy of the original
sheet music of this work. He was able to confirm that the
title of track 12 – shown as Rumpelstickins is just
a tad incorrect. Although the generally accepted form of
this fabled character’s name is RUMPELSTILTSKIN, for some
unaccountable reason it is shown on the printed music as
Rumpelstilkins. When Bosworth issued it on
their 78 disc, (BC1009), they then managed to turn a letter
‘l’ into a ‘c’. It, therefore, reads Rumpelstickins
on the label; it was also registered with the PRS in this
form, and has been faithfully copied into the booklet notes!
However, it doesn’t detract from another excellent little
opus from this almost forgotten composer. Other particularly
notable tracks include José Fontaine’s Dance Of
The Pirates, Bob Farnon’s Toyland Tattoo, See-Saw
by Douglas Brownsmith, Pirouette by Henry Croudson
and Charles Williams’ Drummer Boy. We are treated
to three different marionettes:- Gilbert Vinter’s Dance
Of The Marionettes; Sleepy Marionette, another
Charles Williams’ composition (which I fancy is a re-incarnated
Funeral March Of A Marionette by Charles Gounod);
and Dolf van der Linden’s Marionette March. I must
plead ‘guilty’ to having had more than a little bit to do
with the final track; this is Fred Hartley’s Scherzetto
For Children, which was the warm-up ‘intro’ music for
BBC Children’s Television in the early 50s. DA was very
anxious to include this item and AB has magnificently improved
my rather sub-standard recording, which was originally made
available to me by Andrew Emmerson. Whilst profuse apologies
are tendered in the notes for including a recording which
is ‘...far from perfect’, these are totally superfluous!
Anyone hearing this restoration will wonder what all the
fuss is about, so successful is the final result; methinks
they protesteth too much!! This CD is a more-than-worthy
companion to Vol. 1, and a fine addition to the GUILD series.
GLCD 5145 SCENIC GRANDEUR [tracklisting earlier
in this issue]
Here we have another example of a very definite theme,
again with an eponymous title – track 3 Scenic Grandeur
by a certain Mr Farnon! Yet again DA has ‘pulled out all
the stops’ and put together an impressive collection of
descriptive pieces, which conjure-up images of mountain
ranges, seascapes, morning mists and sunsets – or indeed
many other manifestations of natural beauty. Light Music
composers such as Bob Farnon and Trevor Duncan poured out
many such pieces to satisfy the enormous demand for this
type of mood music, and many others ‘had a go’ too – Len
Stevens, Ernest Tomlinson, Gideon Fagan, Tony Lowry, Peter
Yorke, Bruce Campbell, Charles Williams, Clive Richardson,
Jack Beaver and Dolf van der Linden are all represented
here, and there are more besides, with a total of 23 tracks.
It will come as no surprise that the majority of these (15)
are taken from publishers’ discs, with the balance being
made-up of commercial recordings largely from the USA. Of
particular note are another Farnon track, Open Skies,
Great Panorama (Perry – actually Ernest Tomlinson),
Gideon Fagan’s Pastoral Montage (used for the BBC
TV Windmill interlude), Tony Lowry’s Seascape
and Bruce Campbell’s Cloudland. In fact they’re
all fine pieces, although because of the very specific
nature of the subject matter, there is a markedly similar
‘feel’ to many of the compositions. It may be that listeners
would wish to ‘dip-in’ to individual tracks, rather than
play the entire CD from start to finish. It’s rather like
having a box of posh liqueur chocolates – lovely as they
are, you might not want to eat the whole lot in one go!
The programme is not unlike the earlier CD Reflections
Of Tranquility; it’s certainly in marked contrast to
some of the more upbeat offerings in this series, and is
another fine addition to the GUILD series. Tony Clayden
All Guild Light Music CDs are available from the RFS
– price £8 each [US $17] plus postage.
HOLLYWOOD RHAPSODIES & NIGHT MUSIC
Love theme from ‘The Robe’, Selena’s waltz, Nightfall,
Thème romantique, Jubilee trail, The moonlight song,
Love theme from ‘The Glenn Miller Story’, Spring madness,
Theme for Cynthia, Geraldine, Lost moment, BonSoir / The
High and the Mighty, Moonlight and roses, Passion tango,
Never say goodbye, Smile, The ‘Rear Window’ theme, The song
from ‘The Caine Mutiny’, Magnificent obsession, Glamour
waltz, Rendezvous in Tunis, Last night when we were young,
Twilight interlude
Victor Young and his Singing Strings [Vocalion CDNJT
5201]
It is good to have this new 2-on-1 of the Chicago born
composer, arranger, violinist and conductor recorded in
1954 and 1956, the year of his passing. Victor went to Hollywood
in 1935 to form his own orchestra for film work and made
many recordings with the orchestra of light music and as
backing for singers. He also composed such well-known pieces
as Golden Earrings, My Foolish Heart, The
call of the faraway hills and Around the World in
Eighty Days. Although he wrote many songs and for around
350 films, Young the composer is only represented on this
CD by three items – Jubilee trail [from the film
of the same name], Geraldine, and Bon Soir
[from ‘Perilous Journey’] – but there are tracks
from other film music luminaries: Arlen, Korngold, Newman,
Mancini, Steiner, Tiomkin, Waxman and the underrated Chaplin.
I must admit to not recognizing many of the films for which
the music was composed but that has not stopped me enjoying
the music. Composer Harry Sukman is the piano soloist on
Spring madness [from ‘Belle La Grande’],
Theme for Cynthia, Lost moment [from the film
of the same name] and Twilight interlude as
well as his own Nightfall from ‘Gog’, a 1954
low-budget sci-fi movie. The alto sax of Benny Carter can
be heard on Rendezvous in Tunis. Written in 1925,
Moonlight and roses has been a favourite tune of
mine since I were but a lad. An all-round recommendable
release.
Peter Burt
AMBROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Arranged and Conducted
by LAURIE JOHNSON
"Latin America After Dark" Siboney,
Walter Winchell Rhumba, Vuelve, Tenacion de Amor, Cae Cae,
Volvere, etc… 12 tracks "Starlit Hour – the
Music of Peter DeRose" Deep Purple, Autumn Serenade,
Let’s Dream Together, American Waltz, Lilacs In The Rain,
Blue September, etc… 12 tracks EP: Slide Rule,
Whistlin’ Willie, Marching Through Georgia, Bluebell Polka.
Vocalion CDNJT 5202. By the mid-1950s music lovers in Britain
were starting to take note of Laurie Johnson. We had several
78s on Polygon, plus a few singles on HMV (some on their
International label) then a batch of interesting releases
on MGM. It turned out that these latter ones were recorded
specially for the American market, and when the two LPs
on this CD came out in Britain they were in EMI’s MGM International
catalogue. I am very pleased to see that Mike Dutton commissioned
booklet notes from Tony Middleton. The Wally Stott collection
(CDEA 6127) was issued without any notes at all, and it
would have been a crying shame if Laurie Johnson’s massive
contribution to these recordings had gone uncredited. Observant
collectors will notice that a few of the tracks on this
new CD have already appeared in the Guild Golden Age of
Light Music series, but I would urge everyone who shares
my admiration for Laurie Johnson not to hesitate, but snap
this one up as quickly as you can! The arrangements and
the playing are simply superb, and to make them sound even
better try giving the bass control on your amplifier a slight
boost! David Ades All Vocalion CDs are
available from the RFS.
‘ORIGINALS’ FRANCK POURCEL
Volume 1 25 tracks from 1952 to 1956 including
Limelight, Blue Tango, Moulin Rouge, Wonderful Copenhagen,Grisbi
Blues, Mon Coeur est un Violin, April in Paris, Madamoiselle
de Paris, etc… EPM [France] 986232
Volume 2 Frou Frou, Una Casa Portuguesa, Johnny
Guitar, I Love Paris, Lisbon Antigua, etc… 22 tracks EPM
986402
Volume 3 Port au Prince, Carousel Waltz, Malaguena,
Around the World, etc… 21 tracks EPM 986412
Volume 4 Whatever Lola Wants, Clown on the Eiffel
Tower, Just a Gigolo and the Les Baxter suite "La
Femme" 22 tracks EPM 986422
In recent years some of Franck Pourcel’s reissues have
been the subject of litigation in the French courts, but
hopefully these four new collections are legitimate. Indeed
the brief notes inside each CD state that the recordings
have been remastered by his estate, and are therefore the
originals (hence the title of the collection). Volume 1
concentrates on Pourcel’s early years; Vol. 2 also harks
back to the 1950s, with tracks from 1950 to 1957; Vol. 3
comes from 1957 in the series "Amour, Danse et Violons"
and the LP "L’Inimitable"; finally Vol. 4 reflects
Franck’s ‘musical journey in America’. Somewhat unusually
the promotional copies received were in the form of a single
CD for volume 1, whereas vols 2, 3 & 5 were combined
in a (flimsy) box with the catalogue number EPM 986392.
It appears that these three volumes are not available separately
– at least not at the time of writing this review. David
Ades These CDs are available to special order
from the RFS.
Brass/Military Bands
MILITARY BAND FAVOURITES - BANDSTAND FAVOURITES
Strike Up the Band, The Golden Mile, Calling All Workers,
The Westminster Waltz,
Sabre Dance, Anything Goes, Stage Centre, Rhapsody in
Blue, La Rejouissance, Skye Boat Song, Czardas, Yankee Doodle
Dandy, Scarborough Fair, Greensleeves. Tie a Yellow Ribbon,
The Polecat Polka, Bells Across The Meadow, Adagio, Alexander's
Ragtime Band and Nessun Dorma
Various Bands (MusicMasters)
This review departs a little from the usual, in that the
CD is not really new (released in January 2007), and your
reviewer downloaded it from the Internet which didn't include
its catalogue number! However, it is a British release and
should be tracked down with ease or it can be downloaded
from www.emusic.com for a very reasonable fee. The CD is
an interesting and wide variety of music genres, including
Farnon's Westminster Waltz and Coates' Calling
All Workers - all given the military band treatment;
brass and woodwind replacing the strings. The bands used
in this selection are all well-known and top class British
bands, including The Blues and Royals, Coldstream Guards,
HM Royal Marines, Royal British Legion, Life Guards, Royal
Yeomanry and the Queen's Lancashire Regiment. It’s quite
a musical treat for military/brass band buffs to jump from
Sabre Dance to The Polecat Polka! I was delighted
to hear Alexander's Ragtime Band played in true ragtime
style by the Band of the British Legion. The producers have
done a great job getting this material together, they are
all recent stereo recordings and I can't say I was disappointed
with any of the selections.
Graham Miles
CARMEN SYMPHONY
The Presidents Own United States Marine Band (Naxos,
8.570727) 79:00
Well Naxos keep surpassing themselves in quality and unexpected
finds! This is a stunning band record that I have recently
purchased. This CD is a real pleasure - just listen to track
22 - it takes your breath away with a live performance of
the Stars and Stripes including a flute solo played
by Master Sergeant Gail Gillespie. Superlative is the only
word that comes to mind - put this track on full volume
to start the day!
Malcolm Lewis
SYMPHONIC BRASS
The Black Dyke Mills Band (Naxos, 8.570726)
If anybody ever thought that we didn’t lead the world in
this genre, then just listen to this recording made in Morley
Town Hall. The sound is exceptional and even more so when
you have the conducting and arranging honours by Nicholas
Childs and his brother Robert - pure gold. Just listen to
the 1812 Overture arranged by Robert and you have
a rival for the old classic Mercury recording conducted
by Dorati. I would add, in my opinion, that the guns are
more realistic.
Malcolm Lewis
"A Dream Realised" The Music of LESLIE STATHAM
[Arnold Steck] The Band of the Welsh Guards Specialist
Recording Company SRC 112, 71:38 mins.
For some years as a longstanding admirer of the Band of
the Welsh Guards I have been agitating for a recording devoted
to the music of Leslie Statham, their Director of Music
between 1948 and 1962, who wrote many of his compositions
under the name of Arnold Steck.
The original dream was that sufficient of his music could
be brought together to fill an LP but just as that seemed
a possibility we moved into the CD era with its much greater
capacity. All seemed lost but gradually more pieces were
found and then through the good offices of Mrs Statham we
discovered that there were over 80 published items. Major
Statham had given me so much pleasure, without ever knowing
it, and continued to do so with the legacy of his fine music
that it is was my wish to see as much of his music as possible
brought together on one CD as a tribute to him and for the
public of today and tomorrow to enjoy.One of the major concerns
was the commercial viability of such a CD but after careful
thought and running through most of the music Major Davd
Cresswell rose to the challenge and set up the sessions
with Mike Purton of Specialist Recording Company who have
already issued a number of single composer CDs by the Band
including one of Edward German.Mike is renowned for the
care and accuracy of his recordings and this was rapidly
confirmed as he picked up details and nuances which were
inaudible to most but which will ensure that the finished
product is of the highest quality. He has used the chapel
at Chelsea Barracks for other recordings and this was again
the venue. The first item was a haunting arrangement of
Men of Harlech, still as a march but far removed
from the usual brash approach. There followed a succession
of marches in various styles and descriptive pieces, some
well known but others being heard for the first time by
all concerned.Although tiring, Monday’s session on 5 February
2007 ran smoothly with some 60 per cent of the intended
music "in the can" by the end of the day. This
promised an early finish on Tuesday but it was to prove
rather more eventful despite starting quite normally. We
were warned to expect three parties who wished to view the
chapel as part of the sales process for Chelsea Barracks
and it was agreed that these would be accommodated in breaks
in the recording. What was not expected was a helicopter
which seemed to hover, move away only to return followed
a little later by a second, both landing on the Parade Square.
This held up proceedings for some minutes but having just
resumed a 21 gun salute to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s
accession started. To add to the interest we had a planned
visit by Sian Price who was filming one of a series
of TV documentaries for BBC Wales, this one featuring the
Band with whom she will be going to Bosnia shortly. She
took a number of shots mainly in close up whilst Royal
Review was being played; it appeared in the broadcast
as the band preparing for an important concert in front
of the Prince of Wales! We assumed the afternoon would be
quiet – until an over enthusiastic drill sergeant decided
that the ideal place to put his squad through their paces
was right outside the chapel. The band sergeant-major, resplendent
in full practice dress (extremely unmilitary!), despatched
himself rapidly and persuaded the culprit of the error of
his ways! Some real gems were revealed. Marches such as
Birdcage Walk and The Guardsman are well known
but Freedom of the City was a real revelation and
Heroes Return could have come from Sousa’s pen so
well was the style captured. Of the descriptive pieces Broadacres
and Skeleton in the Cupboard were outstanding with
the Happy Days Suite conveying perfectly the atmosphere
of such times. The band produced a splendid sound and purchasers
of the CD are in for a treat when they hear it. From time
to time there have been calls for recordings devoted to
a single military composer other than Sousa or Alford and
here we have just a production; it is hugely entertaining
in its own right, but if record companies are to produce
more of this type they need support from the buying public.
All concerned are to be congratulated on their efforts and
the hope must be that this CD will open the eyes of a wider
public to the quality of the music of Leslie Statham, one
of the Army’s most significant composers. Light music of
the mid 20th century it unashamedly is, but superbly
crafted and beautifully executed; the faithful recording
and caring production of Mike Purton and his team should
ensure that here is a CD which will find a place in the
library of every lover of military band music – as well
as those who are already familiar with light music arrangements
of Statham’s compositions.
Alan Hardwick
[Reprinted from Band International (IMMS) by kind permission
of the Editor and the Author]
Editor: orchestral versions of works by Leslie Statham
(under his pseudonym Arnold Steck) have appeared on the
following Guild CDs:
GLCD5143 Morning Canter
GLCD5132 Riviera Rhapsody
GLCD5147 Royal Review
GLCD5126 Skeleton In The Cupboard
Keyboard
ORGAN-IZED
Pedro the Fisherman, French Café Medley, Cuban
Boy, All the Things You Are, Port Au Prince, Film Medley,
Autumn Leaves, The Avengers Theme, High Wire, Early Autumn,
Sunrise Sunset, Another Day Tomorrow, Can You Feel the Love
Tonight and Cinderella Samba
Tony Whittaker
ORGAN-ized is an organ/piano-based easy listening album,
this is stated at the top of the front CD inlay card and
it certainly lives up to its statement! Tony effortlessly
moves from tune to tune with his own musical arrangements
making this a CD to sit back and enjoy, with certain tracks
that are not usually or rarely heard. The only track I,
personally didn’t enjoy was Can You Feel the Love Tonight
– the combination of keyboards did not sound up to the standard
of the rest of the CD. His own compositions Another Day
Tomorrow and Cinderella Samba made delightful
additions. The tunes were recorded entirely on Kurzweil
and Korg Keyboards.
Gillian Endacott
PURE NOSTALGIA
Jolson medley, Pure Nostalgia medley, South of the Border/Bluesette
medley, It's All in the Game, Blue Danube Waltz, Baby Elephant
Walk, Phantom of the Opera medley, Days of Wine and Roses,
Out of Town/Candy Man medley, Masquerade, Scottish medley,
The Skye Boat Song, Moonlight Serenade, Wartime medley,
Summertime, Warwick Waltz, They Can't Take That Away from
Me, Rosina, As Time Goes By and South Pacific medley
Tony Whittaker playing the Compton 3/11+Melatone
at Fentham Hall, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull
This entertaining CD is Tony’s debut recording on the theatre
pipe organ and would make an excellent addition to anyone’s
collection of keyboard CDs. His style and interpretation
of the varied tunes on this CD make for easy listening and
a must for the ipod owner. Again Tony has included two of
his own compositions Rosina and Warwick Waltz
on this 2007 release.
Gillian Endacott
Both the above albums can be purchased directly from
Tony Whittaker - £11.00 per CD including P&P (UK only)
Send cheque/PO to: Tony Whittaker Musical Service, 49 Hollystitches
Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 9QA, England.
Vocal
NIGHTINGALE FROM SAVANNAH
Connie Haines (Sepia, 1107) 75:10
It has been a real delight to discover the singing talents
of Connie Haines on this excellent release from Sepia Records.
Although her recordings with the orchestra of Harry James
and Tommy Dorsey have been readily available, few of her
much sought after titles as a single artist have seen the
light of day – until now! The CD highlights her versatility
as it offers 27 numbers from across the musical spectrum
ranging from Stormy Weather, The Man I Love
and My Man through to Silly No- Silly Yes,
Ol’ Man Mose and Pink Shampoo. Recordings
date from 1946 to 1953 with accompaniment by such names
as Ray Bloch and his orchestra and Bob Crosby and the Bobcats.
All in all a great CD to dip into when you are feeling down
as Connie, with her subtle southern twang, radiates warmth
and sings with great joy. Top marks once more to Sepia for
sound quality, informative liner notes and stylish design.
Simon Endacott
SONGS FROM YEARS GONE BY
Swing Low, Steal Away, Deep River, Were You There, Go
Down Moses, Nobody Knows The Trouble I See, The Ashgrove,
Idle Days In Summertime, Speak To Me My Own Beloved, Ye
Banks And Ye Braes, Oh My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose, Barbara
Allen, Drink To Me Only, A Brown Bird Singing, The Lark
In The Clear Air, The Old House.
Ramon Remedios (Tenor) David Snell (Piano) President Records
PRCD 161
Liverpool-born and Guildhall School of Music–trained, Ramon
Remedios has sung with the Welsh National and Scottish Opera
companies, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden – and many
European Opera Houses. He has made several UK television
appearances and a number of CDs – in both cases often in
association with Rick Wakeman. This recording takes him
in a new direction and is his first collaboration with RFS
member David Snell, who has swapped his harp – and conductor’s
baton – for the role of arranger and accompanist. The programme
combines mostly traditional songs from the British Isles
with six spirituals; the latter are unusual, inasmuch as
they are rarely – if ever – performed by a Tenor. It’s a
novel idea and, helped by David’s sensitive arrangements,
the pieces are certainly shown in a different light from
the conventional basso profundo renditions with which
we are all so familiar. These days, songs such as these
are seldom performed or recorded and it’s, therefore, heartening
to see two such fine artists reviving a sadly neglected
and almost forgotten genre with this very enjoyable selection.
Tony Clayden
THE BLUEST KIND OF BLUES
Denny Dennis (Sepia, 1108) 77:18
A double treat from Sepia as not only do we have 26 tracks
showcasing the smooth vocals of Denny Dennis (1913-1993)
but six of them are with Robert Farnon and his orchestra
dating from March 1948. These tracks may now be sixty years
old but they sound timeless. The numbers arranged and conducted
by Robert Farnon are After All, Judaline, Every
Time I Meet You, Glen Echo, I’d Love To See You Home Tonight
and By the Way. Denny is a versatile vocalist and
the songs on this CD reflect this highlighting his baritone
voice and relaxed vocal style. The recordings date from
between 1939-1949 and the other main orchestras featured
are those of Stanley Black and Phil Green. Congratulations
to all involved on a class production which is stylishly
presented.
Simon Endacott
THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING
Jane Russell (Sepia, 1110) 65:41
One of the last surviving Hollywood leading ladies of the
‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood - Jane Russell and it is her vocal
talents which are spotlighted in this new release from Sepia
Records. The title track is a great opening and is one of
twelve tracks from a 1957 album entitled The Magic of
Believing that Jane recorded with her good friends Connie
Haines and Beryl Davis. All ‘inspirational’ songs ranging
from religious ballads to rocking numbers with a message,
these sound fresh and lively and are infectiously enjoyable.
The three ladies harmonize beautifully and the sound quality
is excellent – it could have been recorded yesterday. The
remaining thirteen tracks offer a great variety of songs
which Jane performs in her attractive and clear vocals –
all lyrics can be heard. Excellent sound quality again with
catchy arrangements from the likes of Nelson Riddle and
George Cates. Particular favourites of mine were One
Arabian Night and If You Wanna See Mamie Tonight
plus two duets with Johnny Desmond from 1954. As expected
from Sepia, there is a well illustrated and informative
inlay booklet. Highly recommended.
Simon Endacott
SONGS FROM THE ZIEGFELD FOLLIES
Vivian Blaine (Sepia, 1106) 75:23
Hats off to Sepia Records who added another excellent title
to their ever-growing catalogue in the form of a 2 on 1
from Vivian Blaine (1921-1995); the popular star of 20th
Century Fox musicals of the 1940s and best known for creating
the role of Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls".
"Songs from the Ziegfeld Follies" and "Songs
from the Great White Way" are to companion albums that
were recorded in September/October 1956 for the Mercury
Records label with orchestra conducted on both by the talented
Glenn Osser. Blaine adds her own unique touch to the 24
show tunes featured bringing warmth to the more intimate
numbers whilst not afraid to sing out the more up-tempo
songs m- she is aided by some very good orchestrations.
As suggested, the first album offers songs featured in the
various Ziegfeld Follies shows from 1912-36. A Pretty
Girl is Like a Melody is the opening track and contains
a charming spoken introduction from Vivian. Other well known
numbers include I Can’t Get Started, Shaking the
Blues Away and Mandy. I much enjoyed Suddenly
(Rose-Harburg-Duke) which was a new tune to me.
The second album showcases a host of well known songs such
as People Will Say We’re in Love, But Not for
Me and How Are Things in Glocca Morra which are
all performed to the same high standard. With the added
bonus of three songs plus excellent CD remastering by RFS
member Robin Cherry and an extremely well designed and attractive
booklet, this release is a real winner and a worthy tribute
to the talents of Miss Blaine.
Simon Endacott
IT’S MAGIC
Buttons and Bows, Maybe You’ll Be There, Nature Boy,
Dark Moon, Cock-Eyed Optimist and many more
Bing Crosby (DSOY746) 81:30
These tracks, on a double CD and totalling 33 in all, are
taken from air checks that Bing made with the John Scott
Trotter orchestra whilst the US musicians were on strike
in 1948. I expect Cab Smith has this already, but if not,
he will be heading for his nearest record store!
Paul Clatworthy
Continental and International
FETE AU VILLAGE SICILIEN ET NAPOLITAIN (OVER MOUNTAINS
AND THROUGH VALLEYS)
49 tracks including Terra mia Pupetta inamorata; De
Riposto à Mascali, Piccola Monella, Meluccio, Sicilia
mia, La Danza Antica. Il Bacio, Scintille Sérénade
Napolitaine Tarantella per Fischiett, Marche Florentine,
Canzoniero Napolitano, Oride Canzoniero Napolitan; Florentine
March
Various artists (Marianne Melodie 061591)
Another winner from Pierre-Marcel Ondher’s collection.
Some of the tunes will be familiar to readers; but there
are a host of unfamiliar but appealing tracks. There is
a very distinct cosmopolitan flavour about this set with
delightful ocarina flutes, orchestras, string ensembles
and mandolin orchestras playing beautiful melodies. Listening
to Florentine March by a mandolin orchestra, make
a refreshing change from hearing versions by military bands
or orchestras. The compilation focuses on music from South
Italy, Naples and Sicily. Many of the tracks feature folk
dances with very melodic catchy tunes. There are two rather
unusual tracks from an early Decca LP, Il Bacio and
Napolitan Nights by the Marimba Serenaders.
These were originally issued on Decca LF 1044. This group
features several marimbas accompanied by mandolins and various
other instruments. Much of this compilation is drawn from
continental 78 labels or early LPs such as Odeon, Durion,
Fonit etc which would be very hard to find today. There
is a short set of notes by Ralph Harvey, the remaining documentation
being provided in French. A very attractive period style
painting similar to the excellent Guild covers, adorns the
front of the booklet. The transfers have been made with
great care to a high standard. A bargain, if this kind of
continental light music appeals.
Brian Stringer This collection was also previously
reviewed in JIM 168, June 2006. Available to special
order from the RFS Record Service, or direct from www.mariannemelodie.com
or from Marianne Melodie BP 102 – 78372 Plaisir Cedex, France.
Tel 00 33 0892.350322 preceded by country code.
FETE AU VILLAGE BAVAROIS (VILLAGE FAIR IN BAVARIA –
OVER MOUNTAINS AND THROUGH VALLEYS VOLUME TWO)
44 tracks including Ländler de Hallertau, Schützenliesl
Polka, Le Chemin du Coeur, Danse du Berger Munichois, Rheinländer
du Coucou, Clarinette-Polka, Les Violettes du Kochelsee,
Polka d'Egerland, Hoppla! Hoppla! Troupeau de chamois, Polka
de Hacketau, En route vers le Tyrol, Riante Münich,
Petite Suzanne, Salut à Oberammergau
Various artists including Rudi Knabl, Alfons
Bauer their zithers and orchestras, Max Greger’s
Sextet, Orchestre Munichais de Thomas Wendlinger etc. (Marianne
Melodie 031 084)
This is yet another set in the series from Pierre-Marcel
Ondher’s collection. In the early 1950’s, I remember calling
in at my local record store and seeing all the wonderful
distinctive orange labeled popular Polydor 78’s and mono
LPs (which I couldn’t afford) displayed in the shop window.
It is good to have in this collection many of the orchestras
and ensembles of that period which have been sadly neglected
over the years. Munich based Alfons Bauer and Rudi Knabl,
were very competent zither players and recorded with their
own excellent orchestras. There are also items by Max Greger’s
sextet, presumably an offshoot of his orchestra. There is
a generous sprinkling of ‘oompah bands’ and various virtuoso
accordion ensembles but little in the way of yodeling, (fortunately!!)
the CDs being mainly instrumental. Although you may think
that you are not familiar with many of the listed titles
it is quite likely when you start to listen you will recall
tunes you heard on the radio in the dim and distant past
or on a trip to Bavaria. If Tyrolean/Bavarian cum Viennese
music is to your taste then this attractive set is a must.
It would take a million years to find the recordings assembled
here at 78 record bazaars etc. Again the booklet contains
a short English summary by Ralph Harvey who had some involvement
in the compilation plus a delightful period style painting
on the booklet front.
Brian Stringer Available from www.mariannemelodie.com
or from Marianne Melodie BP 102 – 78372 Plaisir Cedex, France.
Tel 00 33 0892.350322 preceded by country code.
CHITARRA ROMANA
Tango Delle Rosa, The Woodpecker Song, Torna a Surriento,
Only Love Me, Arriverderci Roma, Como Prima, Chitarra Romana,
Volare, Mattinata, Sicilian Tarantella, Nights of Splendor,
Torero, Chitarra Romana, Just Say I Love Her, Mattinata,
I Have But One Heart, Tra Veglia E Sonno, You’re My Treasure,
Oh Marie, The Woodpecker Song, Tango of the Roses, Gilda,
Anema E Core and Luna Rosa
The Guitar Kings directed by Al Caiola (Cumquat
Records)
Under the direction of Al Caiola, the guitars and mandolins
of the New York Guitar Kings transport us back to
sunny Napoli, Here are melodies delighted music lovers through
the 1950s. The recording is splendid.
Brian Stringer Available directly from
Australia: http://www.cumquatrecords.com.au
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Besame Mucho, Mambo Jambo, My Shawl, Piel Canela, You
Belong to My Heart, Jungle Drums, El Rancho Grande, Poinciana,
Magic is the Moonlight, Serenata, Ritual Fire Dance, Yours,
Adelita, Sabras Que Te Quiero, Quien Sera, Duerme, Jurame,
Amor, Tres Palabras, La Malaguena, Coo Coo Roo Coo Coo Paloma,
Jesuita En Chihuahua, Cuatro Vidas and Estrellita
The Guitar Kings directed by Al Caiola (Cumquat
Records)
Spanish and Mexican standards performed by a ten piece
guitar ensemble. Members may recall the mid 1950’s when
Al Caiola’s records were heard on the radio so this CD will
bring back happy memories. The mellow sound is far removed
from the wailing electronic guitars that we have to suffer
today. Very pleasant summertime music attractively arranged.
As this CD won’t be around too much longer, if this appeals,
don’t delay ordering.
Brian Stringer Available directly from
Australia: http://www.cumquatrecords.com.au
Dance Band/Nostalgia
ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET
This is Romance, You Oughta Be in Pictures, Fair and
Warmer, All I Do is Dream of You and many more
Ray Noble featuring Al Bowlly (DSOY742) 52:22
Yet another dusted off ‘oldie’. Ray started as principal
arranger for the BBC Dance Orchestra led by Jack Payne and
was later made Director of light music for HMV Records.
This CD, containing 18 tracks, focuses on his career as
one of the leading Dance Band Orchestras of the 1930s and
really is nostalgia with vengeance along with the added
vocals of Al Bowlly.
Paul Clatworthy
MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK – Vols. I and II
Issued by Frank Bristow – Victoria, Australia
These CDs have previously been the subject of brief reviews
in JIM by Edmund Whitehouse. However, not all details were
given. In particular, incomplete information was provided
about titles and performers; some of the latter are making
their debut on CD, although they all appeared on the programme
during its twenty-seven year run.
Volume I
Calling All Workers (Coates)
Band of the Grenadier Guards/Major F J Harris
Toytown Tattoo (Cardewe)/Louis Voss Grand Orchestra
Polly (Zamecnik)/Harold Collins Orchestra
Coon Band Contest (Pryor)/Troise and His Banjoliers
Harry Wood Hits/Primo Scala
Double or Nothing – selection (Johnson, etc.)/Jack Simpson
Samun – Symphonic Foxtrot/Harry Fryer Orchestra
Alpine Festival (Hartley)/Fred Hartley Orchestra
Tessoro Mio (Beccuci)/Ronnie Monro Orchestra
Knuckledust (Blackmore)/Harold Collins Orchestra
Corn On The Cob (Scott-Wood)/George Scott-Wood Band
Those Were The Days/Jack Coles Music Makers
Dance With A Dolly (Shand etc.) )/Al Collins Band
Trolley Song (Martin etc.) George Elrick Band
Boo Hoo (Lombardo etc.) George Elrick Band
A Feather In Her Tyrolean Hat George Elrick Band
Coon Corn Rag (Vecsey)/Troise and his Banjoliers
A Little On The Lonely Side (Robertson) /Oscar Rabin Band
There Goes That Song Again (Styal etc.) Oscar Rabin Band
East Of The Sun (Bowman) /Cecil Norman and Pat Dodd
Careless (Quadling etc.) Cecil Noprman & Pat Dodd
Light And Shade/Harold Collins Orchestra
Leroy Steps Out – Selection (Kreisker/Zalva) Richard Crean
Orchestra
Six Hit Medley/Primo Scala
With A Smile And A Song (Churchill etc.) Reg Pursglove Orchestra
Sing Song Medley No. 3/Jimmy Leach Organolions
Gung’l In The Ballroom/W Reynolds Orchestra
Love Dance Intermezzo (Felix etc.) David Java Orchestra
Volume II
Calling All Workers (Coates)/Fred Alexander Players
In The Arena (Groltzsch)/Louis Voss Orchestra
Last Tango (Mulka)/Bernard Monshin Orchestra
Songs Of Old England/Troise Banjoliers
Showboat – Selection (Kern) Jack Leon Orchestra
Kiss In The Dark (Herbert) Ronnie Munro Orchestra
Parade Of The Pirates (Brotton)/R & MW Band
Temptation Rag (Lodge)/George Scott-Wood Band
Wood Nymphs (Coates)/London Coliseum Orchestra
Careless Cuckoo (Bucalossi)/Harry Davidson Orchestra
Linger Awhile – Medley/Roland Peachey Orchestra
How Soon (Lucas etc.) Jack White Band
Memories Of The Early Twenties/Primo Scala Band
Salad Days – Medley (Slade etc.)/Tommy Kinsman Band
Friml In The Ballroom/W Reynolds Orchestra
Marigold (Mayerl) Jimmy Leach Organolions
Teddy Bears’ Picnic (Brotton) Troise Banjoliers
Tick Of The Clock (Perry) Harry Davidson Orchestra
You Are My Sunshine (Davis etc.) /Cecil Norman and Pat Dodd
Dardenella (Bernard etc.) Cecil Norman & Pat Dodd
Singalong Medley/Primo Scala Band
Mad About Music – Film Selection/Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra
Choristers’ Waltz (Phelps)/Harry Davidson Orchestra
Waldmere March (Casey etc.)/Harry Foyer Orchestra
Lonely Troubadour (Miller etc.) /Falkman and His Apache
Band
In Caliente (Dixon etc.)
Whilst these two fine releases neatly compliment the two
GUILD MWYN discs – (there is no duplication of recordings)
– there is one significant difference. i.e. the FB CDs contain
material from both commercial recordings and the special
DECCA MW series, whereas the GUILD issues contain
only recordings in the latter category. I should also mention
the booklet notes, which provide comprehensive details about
the performers and indeed the BBC programme itself; this
was so much a part of the daily lives of so many and is
sadly missed to this day by enthusiasts of broadcast radio.
Tony Clayden
Frank Bristow’s CDs are ONLY available direct from him
at 2 Cross Street, Brighton, Victoria, 3186, Australia.
Tel. 03-9528-3167. E-mail: franbris@ozemail.com.au
Credit cards and PayPal are accepted, but no cheques – details
on request. Please visit Frank’s website for details of
other CDs in his catalogue: www.musicfromthepast.com
THE GENIUS OF GEORGE GERSHWIN
Various artists (DSOY741) 120:00
Most, if not all, of the Gershwin music contained in this
two CD package have been recorded in many new issues. For
me, this compilation is a historical document! Twelve of
the tracks are Gershwin himself playing piano solo, the
remainder with various orchestras. The groundbreaking orchestral
pieces Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F and
An American in Paris are here along with many of
the tunes that Gershwin wrote for stage and screen.
Paul Clatworthy
FRANCES DAY "Golden Girl of the 1930s" featuring
recordings with Geraldo, Ray Noble, Carroll Gibbons, Louis
Levy, Benjamin Frankel, Jay Wilbur, Al Bowlly, Bud Flanagan,
John Mills, etc… 49 tracks, AVID Easy AMSC 926 - 2 CDs
157 mins. This warm tribute to a lady who seemingly had
the world at her feet – particularly during the 1930s –
has been compiled by Hugh Palmer, who has been responsible
for so many enjoyable collections on LP and CD of music
from this period. Frances was American, but she came to
London in 1924 where she found her fame and fortune in London.
These well-filled discs include her commercial recordings,
radio broadcasts and film soundtracks. The singers and orchestra
leaders with whom she worked read like a ‘who’s who’ of
British show business of the mid-20th century,
up to 1955 when she attempted to get into the hit parade
with Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road accompanied
by Frank Cordell. If you remember Frances you’ll love this
collection. David Ades
"The real sound of R.& B and Boogie Woogie"
(DSOY 737) 21 tracks. 61:28 "More of the real sound
of R & B. and Boogie Woogie" (DSOY 739) Also
21 tracks. 60:38. Two albums exploring the sounds of the
Forties and Fifties forerunners of the "Rock and Roll"
that followed, cursed by many in this Society but nevertheless
a good insight into people who later found fame by moving
on into more modern sounds such as Lionel Hampton, Woody
Herman, Ray McKinley, Benny Goodman, Buddy Collette, Helen
Humes and Count Basie. Unless you follow this style of music
other names involved have been lost along the way! The first
named CD has a track "Down the road apiece" which
I doubt Henry Mancini ever heard, but the opening notes
are very "Peter Gunn". Helen Humes sings "St
Louis blues" with a small jazz group. A bigger band
led by Andy Kirk steam through "Hey! lawdy mama"
with a vocal by June Richmond. The second collection has
not the interest of the first, obviously the compiler’s
second choice! "Tempo and swing" is well named,
fast and furious! The amusing lyrics of "Vote for Mr
Boogie" sound like parts of Labour’s election manifesto.
I have not followed this style of music very much but it
certainly was unexpected to hear a harp used on "With
a twist of the wrist"! Both collections sound as if
put together in a hurry as some titles do not match their
allotted number and "Down the road again" appears
on both! Paul Clatworthy
MARCHES IN SWINGTIME
Ted Heath – Entry of the Gladiators, Blue Skies March,
Cossack Patrol; Ray Anthony – National Emblem March, Sound
Off; Ralph Flanagan – Stars and Stripes Forever; Tex Beneke
– St Louis Blues March; Sauter-Finegan – Doodletown Fifers;
The Squadronaires – March of the Movies; Jack Parnell –
When the Saints Go Marching In; Phil Green and his Basin
Street Band – Anchors Aweigh; etc… 26 tracks. Memoir
CDMOIR 594, 72:26 mins. The abridged tracklisting details
above will give a clue of what is on this CD, and I must
say that the novel idea works very well! This is a fun collection,
which not only reminds us of some great swing marches of
the past, but also springs a few welcome surprises. John
Snell was responsible for the original idea, and Ted Kendall
has performed his usual magic with the remastering. As if
all that wasn’t enough, there is an informative and entertaining
booklet note by Malcolm Laycock, which is a model of what
such things should be – but often aren’t! Most enjoyable.
David Ades Memoir CDs are available from
the RFS Record Service.
"Fine and Dandy" BENNY GOODMAN quintet and
sextet (DSOY 745) 14 tracks"39:41. I cannot honestly
say I was agog with excitement when I received this because
I am not a fan! Some tunes are taken at such.a pace they
sound like 33 played at 45 also some tracks employ, the
dreaded "Squeeze box" making it even more Iess
appealing. The only Goodman I really enjoyed was his London
date arranged by Wally Stott and Peter Knight. This outing
was recorded between 1946 and 1947 all on the transcription
service complete with announcements. For followers only!
Paul Clatworthy
"Penny serenade" (Rare recordings from
the nineteen thirties) (DSOY 738) 20 tracks 66 (Various
artists) Singers involved Al Bowlly, Cyril Grantham, Dorothy
Carless and Sam Browne. Ten titles feature the Geraldo orchestra
which fans may have versions elsewhere. Undemanding pleasant
listening for 80 to 90 year olds who probably remember first
time around. 70 year old recordings painstakingly restored
from acetates or lacquers, was it worth the effort? Ill
get back to you on that! Paul Clatworthy
A few late arrivals …
"Bugatti Step" ALEX HASSAN, piano A mixture
of syncopated marvels including works by the likes of Harry
Engleman, Billy Mayerl, Roy Bargy, Carroll Gibbons and Lennie
Hayton. Shellwood SWCD35.
"Fidgety Digits" Digitally restored 78s
featuring some of the best pianists of the light music idiom
from the 1920s to 1940s. Virtuoso performances from Lothar
Perl, Donald Thorne, Billy Mayerl, Raie De Costa, Arthur
Sandford, Monia Liter and many more. Shellwood SWCD36.
TOMMY STEELE Some of his hit singles plus LPs "The
Tommy Steele Story" and "The Tommy Steele Stage
Show". Rex REXX 118.
SKIFFLE AT ITS BEST A particularly British phenomenon
of the 1950s featuring Lonnie Donegan, Ken Colyer, Johnnie
Duncan and all the rest. Rex REXX 316 [2 CDs].
Finally some recent releases noted by Wilfred Askew
HOW THE WEST WAS WON
Featuring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Jimmie Driftwood.
Tracks include Shenandoah, Bound for the Promised
Land, Green Grow the Lilacs, Billy the Kid,
Skip to My Lou, Red River Valley etc (Bear
Family, BCD16634) 83:35
CARMEN CAVALLARO — THE EDDY DUCHIN STORY/EDDY DUCHIN
REMEMBERED
Two albums from 1956. Tracks include Shine On Harvest
Moon, Chopsticks, Dizzy Fingers, La
Vie En Rose, I Won’t Dance, Ill Wind,
Love Walked In, The Way You Look Tonight etc
(Fine and Mellow, FM604) 75:27
MICHEL LEGRAND AND HIS ORCHESTRA – CASTLES IN SPAIN
Original 1956 recording. Tracks include Espana,
Jungle Drums, El Gato Montes, Malaguena,
El Choclo etc (Cherry Red, ACMEM116) 44:04
LEO REISMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ
Featuring vocalists Fred Astaire, Lee Wiley and Sally Singer.
Tracks include Lost in a Fog, I’ve Got You On My Mind,
Easter Parade, St Louis Blues, The Piccolino, Lucky Seven
etc (Flare, ROYCD254) 71:50
DANNY POLO AND HIS SWING STARS – THE COMPLETE SETS
24 tracks which include That’s A-Plenty, Mozeltov, China
Boy, Jazz Me Blues, Mr Polo Takes a Solo, If You Were the
Only Girl in the World etc (Retrieval, RTR79051) 69:48
URBIE GREEN BIG BAND AND SEXTET – THE COMPLETE PERSUASIVE
TROMBONE
Original Command recordings. Tracks include At Last,
My Silent Love, I Can’t Get Started, It Could Happen to
You, Skylark, No Moon At All, Love Letters etc. (Lonehill
Jazz, LHJ10308) 71:47
WAYNE KING AND HIS ORCHESTRA – THE WALTZ KING
Two CD set. Tracks include My Buddy, Moon Love, Lonely
Acres, Close, Trees, A Kiss in the Dark, The Blue Skirt
Waltz, I Love You Truly, Sleepy Time Gal, Carolina Moon
etc. (Jasmine, JASCD467) 134:48
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