KEEPING TRACK
Dateline December 2008

GEORGE MELACHRINO: THE MELACHRINO STRINGS AND ORCHESTRA with SEMPRINI Soft Lights and Sweet Music

Introduction and Song of the orchid from the film "No Orchids for Miss Blandish", Rhondda Rhapsody, Love’s roundabout, Sleigh ride, Ecstasy Tango, The Melba Waltz, Golden violins, Park Avenue Waltz, A Girl called Linda, Vanessa, Meet Mister Callaghan, La Rosita, Waltz of Paree, Padam Padam, The sword and the rose, Shadows / Soft lights and sweet music, The touch of your lips, Theme from ‘The Last Rhapsody’, I’ll see you again, Love’s old sweet song, Beautiful dreamer, Ah! Sweet mystery of life, Theme from the film "The Story of Three Loves", Love walked in, Goodnight sweetheart

Vocalion CDVS 1956 [76:38]

With 26 tracks of classy numbers played by one of the leading light music orchestras of all-time given "the supreme magician of CD re-mastering" Mike Dutton’s treatment and all for only £2.99 in the shops [that’s 11½p per track], this must be a front runner to receive the accolade of "Bargain CD of the Year." The first 16 tracks are singles released between 1946-57 and the second 10 comprise the 1954 LP after which the CD is named. William Hill-Bowen, for many years Melachrino’s right-hand man, wrote Park Avenue Waltz, and is the harpsichordist featured on Vanessa and Meet Mr Callaghan – great to hear that particular piece again. The fondly remembered Albert Semprini ["Old ones, new ones, loved ones, neglected ones"] is the pianist on the themes from ‘The Last Rhapsody’, and the film "The Story of Three Loves" – Rachmaninoff, of course. No liner notes, although that is probably no surprise on such a low-priced album. Peter Burt

50 YEARS OF THE MUSIC OF LAURIE JOHNSON – Volume 2

CD 1 – Music from the TV series "The Professionals"; CD 2 – TV themes from "Jason King", "Top Secret", "Echo Four Two" and "Ren & Stimpy" ("Happy Go Lively" from the KPM mood music library); Early singles "Drum Crazy", "Jamboree", "Lullaby Of The Leaves" and "Winter Wonderland"; Film scores from "The First Men In The Moon Suite" and "Ibsen’s Hedda Suite"; Concerto for Trumpet, Tenor Sax and Orchestra. CD 3 – Royal Military Spectacular "Three Paintings by Lautrec Suite", "Colours for Concert Band Suite" and Concert Hall works "The Battle of Waterloo" and "The Wind In The Willows" (tone poem).

Edsel EDSD 2021 3 CDs (box set) [217:46].

Earlier in this issue you will have read Peter Burt’s praise for the first volume in this series in his "Back Tracks" column. I have been collecting Laurie Johnson’s recordings for over fifty years, so you could say I am also biased! But who can fail to be impressed by the sheer musicianship, and astonishing versatility displayed in these three CDs. And don’t forget that this is just the second volume in an ongoing project, which makes Laurie’s massive contribution to music even more astounding. Perhaps the big selling point for TV addicts will be the music from "The Professionals" stretching over 52 cues. Laurie has worked personally to unearth these from his own private collection, otherwise they would probably have been neglected and, perhaps, lost forever. The famous "Professionals" theme is there, of course, but it is all the other music cues that are so fascinating. The second CD focuses on Laurie’s TV themes, early singles, film scores and concert hall work. The final piece features The London Big Band and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Laurie Johnson, with Guy Barker (trumpet) and Tommy Whittle (tenor saxophone). Malcolm Laycock’s booklet note says it all: "The work received a standing ovation at the concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I think it is one of Laurie’s great achievements, a work of outstanding emotional depth and resonance which connected to everybody in the audience at the concert. It is simply sublime, it soars, it is triumphant, it is inspiring". Laurie had his grounding in military music and it is clearly very important to him. The third CD concentrates on this side of his creativity, and features The London Brass Chorale and The Band of the Coldstream Guards conducted by Laurie Johnson – Three Paintings by Lautrec Suite; RAF Central Band and RAF Squadronaires conducted by Laurie Johnson – Colours For Concert Band Suite and The Battle of Waterloo. The final track is actually orchestral, with Laurie conducting his tone poem The Wind In The Willows. I know that it is Laurie’s wish that his music should be available to those interested at a reasonable price. He is not out to make money from this project, which is obvious when you see that each CD inside the box set has its own booklet, crammed with notes and photographs. Many of us would happily pay £30 for a set like this, but you should be able to find it for a fraction of this price. On behalf of your legion of admirers, all I can really say is a heartfelt and sincere "Thank-you, Laurie – for everything". David Ades This 3-CD set is available from the RFS Record Service price £10.

LEROY ANDERSON Orchestral Music Volume 4

BBC Concert Orchestra / Leonard Slatkin; Kim Criswell [soprano], William Dazeley [baritone]

Irish Suite, To a wild rose, Summer skies, Scottish Suite, Blue Tango, Forgotten dreams, Belle of the ball, Alma mater, A Christmas Festival

Naxos 8559381 [60:26]

Among the highlights of 2008’s albums has been this series by the classically trained composer whose records made the pop charts. The, by now, familiar mix is here with concentration on Anderson’s arrangements, as well as revisions or alternative versions of his own output, including Alma Mater, a reworking of his 1939 suite Harvard Sketches [recorded on Vol.3 - Naxos 8559357]. The Scottish Suite was written a handful of years after the better known Irish Suite. Three of its four pieces have been heard before but this is a world première recording for the complete suite. It’s good, with some rollicking horns on the ‘new’ piece, Bonnie Dundee. First time on disc, too, are the vocal versions of Anderson’s Tango, Ball and the Robert Wendell arranged Dreams – none of which are much to my liking on a first hearing. The lyricist is Mitchell Parish of Stardust, Deep Purple and Sweet Lorraine fame. A fifth world première is Anderson’s orchestration of Edward MacDowell’s Rose. Leonard Slatkin has got the music just right and the BBC musicians excel throughout. For this release Naxos have sensibly put the seasonal music at the end of the disc. Richard S. Ginell’s liner notes are as admirable as ever. Peter Burt

THE MUSIC OF GRANT FOSTER

Novaya Rossia State Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Anissimov; featuring Mira Yevtich [piano], and Maria Safaryanc [violin]

Celebration Overture; Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra; Ballade for Piano and Violin; Four Voyages for Piano – Buenos Aires, Moscow, Venice, Marrakesh

Bel Air Music BAM 2041 [65:00]

I am indebted to Gramophone critic Andrew Lamb for making me aware of this wonderful music. Andrew began his review stating "This is amazing! Where has Grant Foster been all these years?" A more pertinent question may be why don’t we get the chance to hear and buy more lovely music like this? The answer is probably that it doesn’t suit the musical snobs to admit that anything hinting of melody is worthy of their attention. If some of the noise that invades the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall is anything to go by they must be in their element each summer; fortunately the rest of us don’t have to go along with them. Rant over ... now on to the music! The CD opens with Celebration Overture performed by the Orchestra. This establishes Grant Foster’s credentials as a composer capable of matching any of his contemporaries, especially those working in the movies. But Mr. Foster creates his music far from Hollywood – in Sydney, Australia, where he was born in 1945. In previous years he has lived and worked in Paris and London, but he is now back home where he teaches music and has a small, but enthusiastic following locally; hopefully this release may make the rest of the world sit up and take notice. The Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra features Mira Yevtich as the soloist, and it is particularly enjoyable watching her perform the work on the accompanying DVD, which must be considered as a kind of bonus (let’s hope the idea spreads!). Her playing is both gentle and dominant, and I suspect that the composer will have been delighted with her interpretation. This work certainly rewards repeated listening, although it is instantly appealing on the first hearing. The rest of the CD is without the orchestra, leaving Mira Yevtich to take centre stage. She is joined by Maria Safaryanc in the Ballade for Piano and Violin, but she is alone in the Four Voyages – reminding us that we are missing so much because we rarely hear solo piano playing of such quality these days. I make no apology for the length of this review – it simply deserves it. In fact I could say a lot more (and there are plenty of interesting facts in the booklet notes), but it is better to let the music speak for itself. If you are looking for something fresh and new to add to your collection – and you are willing to be adventurous – you need look no further. David Ades

[Available from Amazon and other retailers; or from the RFS Record Service for £14.] CD plus DVD of the Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra

MANTOVANI AND HIS ORCHESTRA Gems Forever/ Mantovani Memories

All the things you are, True love, I could have danced all night, You keep coming back like a song, A woman in love, This nearly was mine, Summertime, Something to remember you by, An affair to remember, Love letters, The nearness of you, Hey, there! / Smoke gets in your eyes, What a wonderful world, The Trolley Song, Sweet Leilani, Try to remember, Sunrise, sunset, The Anniversary Waltz, In the still of the night, Once upon a time, Embraceable you, How are things in Glocca Morra?, You’ll never walk alone

Vocalion CDLK 4374 [76:00]

Mantovanians, especially, are indebted to Mike Dutton as these two immaculate albums on one disc bring the number of the light music luminary’s CDs from Vocalion [mostly comprising two LPs] to 27. ‘Gems’, in early stereo from 1959 [it had been issued in mono in 1958 under a different title], pays tribute to American composers and, probably thanks to Stateside fans, was a million seller by the mid ‘60s. The opening melody is, to quote Colin Mackenzie in his liner notes, truly "sumptuous." Other stand-out moments include the fine trumpet of Stan Newsome on the Gershwin classic, the combination of a vibraphone with the high strings on True love, and the bell effect from the strings on the alluring Something to remember.

‘Memories’ originates from a decade later and opens with a typically lush version, arranged by Monty himself, of what is often reckoned to be the greatest popular song ever written. I wonder why In the still of the night was omitted from the original CD? Cecil Milner has included a chorus in his arrangements of Wonderful, Sunrise, and Walk but it complements the orchestral sound. Trolley, Sweet and Try are three of the interesting Roland Shaw arrangements to be found on the album. On the Mantovani Fan Website [www.hallowquest.com], Scott Raeburn rates this as one of Vocalion’s best ever re-issues. If you are not normally in the market for Mantovani CDs, why not give yourself a treat for Christmas? Peter Burt

FILM NOIR

City of Prague Philharmonic arranged and conducted by Carlos Franzetti

Girl talk, Last tango in Paris, The voyage of the damned, I want to live, Still time, A place in the sun, Taxi driver, The bad and the beautiful, Tango Fatal , Alfie

Sunnyside SSC 1180 [45:31]

Superb choice of film music with evocative sympathetic scoring for a fine orchestra; only one flaw, the soloist, sax player Andy Fusco. He blows too hard and often gets lost in a flurry of notes trying to prove how fast his fingers are. Stan Getz is no longer with us but there are many players currently around who could do better justice to the thought put into the arranging. The times when Andy does not try to dominate the orchestra make for a better listen. Paul Clatworthy

NIGEL HESS: CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA

Lang Lang [piano], London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren-Green

UCJ 1774850 [23:57]

At last April’s London RFS Meeting Nigel Hess gave advance notice that this CD would appear during the summer, so many readers may already have been on the look-out for it. The work was commissioned by Prince Charles in memory of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth – affectionately known to the nation for five decades as ‘The Queen Mother’. According to the booklet notes Prince Charles wanted something that audiences would enjoy at a first hearing, and there is no doubt that Nigel Hess has succeeded brilliantly. But at the same time there is so much in this beautiful work that becomes more pleasing following repeated listening – it is certainly a work worth getting to know. The Chinese pianist Lang Lang demonstrates that he fully deserves his international reputation, and it is incredible to think that he made his debut as recently as 2003. This is a truly lovely piece of music, whether or not you are familiar with the influences that prompted its creation. Each new work from Nigel Hess further strengthens his claim to be one of England’s foremost contemporary composers, but he is such a modest man that such words would never pass his lips! The short total time of the CD (there are no other works included) is reflected in the price. UK readers should be able to find copies around £6. David Ades

‘DREAMTIME’ – Light Music Classics Volume 3

El relicario [My memoirs] – Morton Gould; Tic-tac-toe, On the Alamo, It had to be you – Hugo Winterhalter; The girl with the Spanish drawl [Wow! Wow! Wow!], Caribbean night – Percy Faith; Belle of the ball – Leroy Anderson; Sicilian tarantella [Fischiettando], Overnight – Victor Young; The call of the faraway hills, The Melba Waltz [Dreamtime] – Victor Young Singing Strings; Fiddlesticks, Rendezvous – Tutti Camarata; High Strung, Sadie Thompson’s song[Blue Pacific blues] – Axel Stordahl; I get a kick out of you – David Rose; ‘Dreamtime – The Strings of Stordahl’: As time goes by, A blues serenade, It’s easy to remember, That old feeling, Imagination, What is there to say?, Love letters, I’m getting sentimental over you – Axel Stordahl

Vocalion CDVS 1957 [71:55]

Another super bargain-priced CD from Vocalion, and all that David Ades wrote about ‘Stringopation’ [CDVS1954] in the June JIM applies here. This time the spotlight falls on some great American orchestras recorded between 1950-57, with Axel Stordahl’s delightful 1953 late-night listening LP, after which the release is named, bringing the album to a close. Other highlights for me are the two exuberant Faith tracks, the French horns and pizzicato strings on Tic-tac-toe, the Irish-sounding Tarantella, Victor Young’s haunting Faraway Hills, and the lilting Melba Waltz. But every track has something to commend it. Mike Dutton can keep this series going for as long as he likes. I did not expect any liner notes, so was not disappointed. Peter Burt

MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES

Gaumont British Symphony, Louis Levy; Hallé Orchestra, William Walton; London Symphony Orchestra, Muir Mathieson; Music from the Movies Orchestra, Louis Levy; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Muir Mathieson; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Hollingsworth; Philharmonia Orchestra, Ernest Irving

Music from the movies – march [Levy], Spitfire fugue [Walton] from film "The First of the Few"; Seascape [Parker] "Western Approaches"; Calypso music [Alwyn] "The Rake’s Progress"; The last walk [Williamson] "The Edge of the World"; Waltz into jig [Greenwood] "Hungry Hill"; Incidental music from "The Overlanders"[Ireland]; Prelude from "49^th Parallel" [Vaughan Williams]; Theme music from "Cure for Love" [Alwyn]; Romance [Green] "The Magic Bow"; Theme from "Esther Waters"[Jacob]; Derby Day 1886 [Jacob] "Esther Waters"; London scene [Wilkinson] "The Weaker Sex"; Sleeping car train, Waltz from film "Sleeping Car to Trieste" [Frankel]; Dinner at Lady Datchett’s [Williamson] "Woman Hater"; Joanna’s theme, Alec’s theme, Title music from "High Tide at Noon, Title music from "The Spanish Gardener" [Veale]; Theme and incidental music from "Yangtse Incident" [Lucas]; Incidental music from "The Loves of Joanna Godden" [Vaughan Williams]

Vocalion CDEA 6146 [75:13]

All the music on this well-filled CD was heard in British movies [did we call them that in those days?] from 1937 to 1957; the earliest being the familiar first track and the latest being the two watery films, "High Tide at Noon" and "Yangtse Incident." Many of the items appear on CD for the first time. It is good that they should be remembered as there are some fine tunes here – melodic, dramatic, evocative – several by composers best known to classical music buffs, and probably many are more memorable than the films for which they were written. Lewis Foreman’s booklet notes are full of information; I was particularly interested to read about John Veale, a name previously unknown to me. Reginald Leopold, later of BBC Radio’s "Grand Hotel" fame, is the solo violinist on Philip Green’s Romance. Once again a Vocalion release commendable for its choice of material and digital re-mastering. And at budget price especially well worth acquiring. Peter Burt

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC PREMIERES – VOLUME 5

Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conductor Gavin Sutherland, Barry Wordsworth¹; BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Roderick Dunk ² Roy Budd – Tricolour Overture; Francis Chagrin – Aquarelles [Portraits of Five Children]; Paul Carr – Concerto for Oboe & String Orchestra, Air for Strings¹; Gavin Sutherland – Clarinet Concerto; Richard Addinsell – Ring Round the Moon Suite²

Dutton Epoch CDLX 7209 [79:37]

Yet again Mike Dutton has demonstrated his admirable dedication to contemporary British music. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to add music like this to our collections. Each of these works is a most welcome addition to the available catalogue of recorded music, and they all have their own special appeal. To be precise, the Francis Chagrin Aquarelles and Richard Addinsell’s Invitation Waltz are not, strictly speaking, premières, but who can complain at these fine new recordings by the precious BBC Concert Orchestra. I say ‘precious’ deliberately, because this orchestra is so important to Britain’s musical culture, yet you sometimes get the impression that it does not receive the support from the musical establishment that it deserves. If we lost it, that would be a tragedy – hence my word ‘precious’. We must not allow a repeat of the act of cultural barbarism when the BBC axed the BBC Radio Orchestra. To return to the repertoire, who can ever have imagined that we would be offered Richard Addinsell’s full suite Ring Round The Moon. Heartfelt thanks to Philip Lane for reconstructing it. The booklet notes are both informative and revealing, and this entire production is top quality. We must support new releases like this. David Ades Dutton Epoch CDs are available from the RFS Record Service price £10.50.

THE GREAT SOUNDS OF THE PIANO ACCORDIAN BANDS –

Geraldo; Eric Winstone; Roberto (George Scott-Wood); Primo Scala; The London Piano Accordian Band

CD1: The Poor People of Paris (PS); So Tired (LPA) ; Wrap Yourself In Cotton Wool (EW) ; Bluebell Polka (PS); Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (EW); Moonlight Avenue (LPA); Isle Of Capri (PS); I Know Why (EW); Take Me To Your Heart Again (LPA); Jealousy/Romanesca (EW); Old Timer (G); Lullaby Of The Volga (PS); Medley: Flame Of Desire/Sunshine and Roses/Tom Thumb’s Drum/Rhymes (G); Roll Along Covered Wagon (PS); Memories Of Spain (EW); Sleepy Time In Sleepy Hollow (G) … and more

CD2: If Could Paint A Memory (EW); Johnny Ragtime; On Treasure Island (PS); Rose O’Day (EW), All For A Shilling A Day (R); The Rose In Her Hair (PS); When Night Is Through (EW); Alpine Valse (R); Grinzing; A Street In Old Seville (G); Underneath The Arches; Here Comes The Rainbow (PS); Medley: Sweet And Lovely/Put Your Little Arms Around Me/Cuban Love Song/You Forgot Your Gloves (G); Lady, Sing Your Gypsy Song; Hey! Mabel (EW) … and more

Rex REXX 321 [76:08 & 77.19]

In 2004 I drew attention to a two-CD set on the Rex label, ‘Time for Accordion’ (REXX 305), featuring various accordion bands and soloists that saw their heyday during the 1930’s/50’s. That set (still available) was notable for the inclusion of bands which had hitherto not seen the light of day since their original issue on 78’s. I ended my review "More please!!" My wish it seems has now been granted. The current set is a worthy successor, and focuses primarily on the bands listed above. Like Primo Scala and Scott-Wood, the Eric Winstone Accordion Band and his smaller accordion groups broadcast frequently on BBC radio during the 1940’s. It is high time these commercial recordings were reissued since the ensemble has been unjustly neglected. It has a very distinctive sound which sets it apart from standard accordion band fare since it includes strings and flutes, etc. Tracks have vocals by Cyril Grantham and a young Julie Dawn. Other singers on the CDs are Alan Kane, The Keynotes and Phil Phillips. The Geraldo ensemble also has a lighter touch and is a very different set up from the Latin-style Gaucho Tango Band of the 1930’s which also hosted three or four accordionists. Of the Primo Scala tracks one or two are duplicated on other CD issues by the artist. However some transfers from the Embassy label sold exclusively in Woolworths appear on CD for the first time. These represent some of the last recordings made by the band before Harry Bidgood’s untimely death in 1957. A significant proportion of the 50 tracks on this 2-CD set have never been released on LP or CD before and have been well re-mastered from the original shellacs. This is an enterprising issue and a welcome addition to the catalogue at budget price. Brian Stringer

JACK SIMPSON AND HIS SEXTET Jack’s the Boy For Work

Rise and Shine; Only Passing Clouds; Track 3; Once Upon a Winter Time; I Got Rhythm; Oasis; Take it Away; The Boogie Woogie Piggy; Stampede; The First Day of Summer; Chatanooga Choo Choo; I’d Give the World; Oh Lady Be Good; Mirage; Is It Too Late; Sweetheart We’ll Never Grow Old; Watch the Birdie; Time May Change; Stagecoach; Did You Ever Get That Feeling in the Moonlight; I’ve Got You Before My Eyes; I Cried for You; Jack’s the Boy For Work

Sunflower SUN 2176 [68:57]

Jack Simpson’s swing sextet/septet/band used to broadcast on the BBC’s "Music While You Work." He has been unjustly neglected by the music companies who have brought us so many other wonderful restorations in recent years; a CD was issued by Vocalion in 2007 (CDEA 6122), which was very welcome, and since this latest Sunflower release duplicates only a few of the tracks that appear on the Vocalion it is worth acquiring. For a sextet, Jack Simpson provides great diversity of styles. The group sometimes play in swing mood with a style reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli, at other times he reverts to a more romantic mode. Of course Jack is renowned for his dazzling renderings on both xylophone and marimba of which several examples are provided on this CD. He played in many of the outstanding bands of his day such as those of Phil Green, Ambrose and Freddy Gardner. The group comprised well-known musicians such as Reg Leopold, Oscar Grasso on violins, accordionists Scott-Wood or Phil Green plus guitarists such as Ivor Mairants from Geraldo’s band plus a double bass player. At a later stage Stanley Black joined the group on piano as did Aubrey Franks on sax. Betty Kent was one of the group’s regular vocalists, though some tracks on this CD are purely instrumental. The CD is woefully lacking in specific track details, although there are informative sleeve notes by Barry McCanna. The transfers are excellent with clear and full bodied sound. Unfortunately Sunflower CDs are not easy to come by. This one is not on the HMV or Amazon websites. If you require a copy I suggest you try The Great Music Company on 01280 823568 or go to their website at www.greatmusic.co.uk. It should only cost you around £5. Brian Stringer

LEE GIBSON Here’s to Love

Lee Gibson with Andy Panayi [flute and alto sax]; James Pearson [piano]; Sam Burgess [bass]; Chris Dagley [drums]

No moon at all, Easy to love, The nearness of you, Every little thing, Love dance, Joy spring, The shadow of your smile, Not like this, Come back to me, Here’s to life, Just friends

Spotlight SPJ CD 578 [56:06]

Although not really my kind of music [I received this in my new role as pro tempore Keeping Track editor] I can recognize an extremely musical singer when I hear one, whatever the form. Miss Gibson, who is an Associate Professor at the Guildhall School of Music, sings on this album what I would call fairly "straight" jazz, without too much improvisation, at which I understand she is "formidable." She is highly regarded in the jazz world and Sheila Tracy writes in the liner notes: "I have watched her progress from a good singer, which she always was, to a quite exceptional one who is now world class." The backing group sounds, too, are more than acceptable. Dave Gelly writes interestingly about the songs and Robin Cherry is responsible for the CD mastering. If you are not normally into jazz but fancy a representative album in your collection, then you could do a lot worse than to go for this one. I would think that readers of Paul Clatworthy’s column need not hesitate. Peter Burt

MY FAIR LADY Original Broadway Cast 1956

including bonus tracks ‘Lyrics By Lerner, Music by Loewe’: A jug of wine, Almost like being in love, The heather on the hill, There but for you go I, Love of my life

Naxos 8.120876 [72:07]

This is it, the original recording that took the musical theatre world by storm. It has come up as fresh as paint with transfers and production by David Lennick and digital restoration by Graham Newton. We can thrill again at Julie Andrew’s crystal clear singing voice and marvel at her transformation from guttersnipe to lady. We can admire anew the beautiful enunciation of Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway’s wonderfully comical cockney portrayal of Higgins. Franz Allers conducts Loewe’s scintillating score, and there is a welcome additional item not found on the original LP: The Embassy Waltz played by Percy Faith and his Orchestra. So dim the lights, sit back, relax, and wallow in a joyous experience from beginning to end.

Ray Pavene

ALMA COGAN Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Alma Cogan! Songs from "Take It from Here" and Other Gems

Intro: Take it from here, Isn’t life wonderful, What a perfect combination, If I had a golden umbrella, Mr Taptoe, The little fir tree, Sittin’ in the sun, A purple cow, Tennessee wig walk, Man, Pride of the Nancy Lee, Flirtation Waltz, and 60 other tracks

Sepia 8003 [2 CDs: 61:20 & 71:57]

Popular music was the poorer for the passing of Alma Cogan at the all too early age of 34 in 1966. A favourite from my late teenage years, Alma made her first record in 1952 and became known as "The girl with a laugh in her voice" from her bright and breezy style with such numbers as I can’t tell a waltz from a tango, The naughty lady from shady lane, Where will the dimple be?, Dreamboat [a 1955 No.1 hit], and Willie can – all may be found here. Alma became the first female vocalist to have her own TV series in Britain, 1959-61. The majority of tracks derive from the popular BBC radio show "Take It From Here" which starred Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield and Dick Bentley, who duets with her on What a perfect combination. Included are previously never heard before versions of Alma’s more familiar recordings as well as songs making an appearance for the very first time. I was fascinated to hear Cornflake Jones, a vocal version of Sidney Norman’s (Norrie Paramor) novelty piece Cornflakes. Bandleader Billy Ternent [plus his orchestra] joins her on That’s what a rainy day is for and I love the way you say goodnight; and Banjo’s back in town was recorded in February 1956 unaccompanied due to a musicians’ strike! These well-filled CDs remind us that Miss Cogan was one of our greatest popular music divas ever. There is an excellent booklet, including a piece by Alma’s MD Stan Foster, to back up the music. Re-mastering is in the capable hands of Robin Cherry, and there is a modicum of surface noise. Unless you find of the sound of applause irritating, this is a recommendable release. Peter Burt

BING CROSBY AND FRIENDS

30 tracks

Sounds of Yesteryear [DSOY752]

This is culled from Crosby’s radio shows including Bob Hope, Patti Page, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Peggy Lee, Danny Kaye and many others. Judging by the audience laughter, some of the entertainment was visual. Many of the songs have now left the play lists but Crosby completists will love this CD. Paul Clatworthy

DEANNA DURBIN Mad About Music: Rarities and Gems

I love to whistle, A serenade to the stars, When I sing, Carmena waltz, The old refrain, Begin the beguine, Pale hands I loved, Say a pray’r for the boys over there, Russian Medley, Nessun Dorma, Always, Gimme a little kiss, will ya, huh? Night and day, Lover … and 9 other titles

Sepia 1117 [78:08]

Canadian born Deanna [Edna Mae at birth] Durbin had a big following in the late ‘30s and early-mid ‘40s and not for nothing was she known at one time as "The Queen of Universal Pictures." She wanted to be an opera star and her voice is a bit too operatic for my liking. Her many fans, however, will not be disappointed by this very well-filled album, all songs from movies. I loved the tango accompaniment on In the spirit of the moment. The glossy CD booklet is well up to Sepia’s high standards with very informative notes and mostly coloured photos/illustrations. Ray Pavene

JANE MORGAN Sings Showstoppers

Give my regards to Broadway/The Yankee Doodle Boy, Dancing in the dark, You’ll never walk alone, Toyland/Moonbeams, I love Paris/C’est magnifique, The Merry Widow Waltz, The surrey with the fringe on top, Hello young lovers, Hey there, A pretty girl is like a melody/Say it with music, So in love, They didn’t believe me … and 15 other titles

Sepia 1119 [76:06]

Before listening to this CD I must admit to knowing next to nothing about Miss Morgan, her earlier album ‘An American Songbird in Paris’ [Sepia 1098] not having come my way. What I know now is that this album gave me unalloyed pleasure from beginning to end. She has a remarkably pleasing lyric soprano voice that one could listen to for hours. Recorded in 1958, the selection of songs could hardly be bettered. The orchestra is directed by Frank Hunter, with some tasteful arrangements, and other musicians heard are The Troubadors [sic] directed by Marty Gold, and the piano duo of Ernest Bragg and Buddy Weed. On You’re just in love, from "Call Me Madam", the duettist is Michael Stewart. Since listening to this release I have discovered that Jane is a product of the Julliard School of Music and had chart success in the late ‘50s with Two different worlds, alongside Roger Williams, Fascination [from 1957 with three million sold by 1965], The day the rains came and With open arms. For me, then, quite a discovery and a release to treasure. Peter Burt

MARK MURPHY Love Is What Stays

Stolen moments, Angel eyes, My foolish heart, So doggone lonesome, What if, The interview, Once upon a summertime, Stolen moments, Love is what stays, Too late now, Blue cell phone, Did I ever live

Verve B0008906-02 [64:13]

The photo on the CD says it all: "I’ve been around but the music keeps me going." Mark’s singing has a sweet and sour contrast bringing a new layer of edginess to each song. The presence of awesome trumpet player Till Bronner, soloing and sometimes arranging, is a real bonus. Special accolades are due for the string arrangements of Nan Schwartyz, arranger for many American T.V. shows, the Boston Pops and many other singers, earning her Grammy nominations. She has obviously heard a few Johnny Mandel charts along the way! Paul Clatworthy

BOB CATS The Complete Bob Cats Volume 2

20 tracks

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY751 [57:41]

BOB CATS The Complete Bob Cats Volume 3 It’s All Over Now

39 tracks on 2 CDs

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY753 [56:31 & 50:51]

If my review of Volume 1 [see JIM 177] had already been published, these would probably not have been sent for review. Played back to back the compositions seem to merge into a steady relentless chug with little change in tempo. Your feet may start to twitch but the brain gets numb minute by minute. If you did get Vol.1 and enjoyed it, the music continues. Personnel are much the same; good players all playing their hearts out. Each to his own is all that I can add to my last review. Paul Clatworthy

PINOCCHIO

Sepia 1118 [76:47]

Sepia’s customary high standard booklet notes claim that this is "one of the merriest and most unusual collections" in their catalogue. The first 14 tracks are from ‘Pinocchio’ televised on U.S. NBC Television in October 1957. It is narrated by Mickey Rooney, who starred in the title role, with Fran Allison, Jerry Colonna, Stubby Kaye, Martyn Green and Gordon B Clarke. The music is by Alec Wilder and the lyricist is William Engvick, who wrote the English words for The song from Moulin Rouge [Where is your heart]. ‘Mickey Rooney Sings’ on the next eight tracks includes Yankee doodle boy, Give my regards to Broadway and Top hat, white tie and tails. ‘Fran Allison Sings.’ completes the CD with six tracks, four of which are for the kiddywinks. Certainly a bit different but enjoyable nevertheless. Ray Pavene

JASCHA HEIFETZ VIOLIN VIRTUOSO

Korngold: Violin concerto; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole; George Gershwin: Prelude Nos. 1-3, Summertime, A woman is a sometime thing, My man’s gone now, It ain’t necessarily so, Tempo di blue, Bess, you is my woman now; Trad.: Deep River; Weill: Moderato assai [from "The Threepenny Opera"]; Benjamin: Jamaican rumba

Regis RRC 1296 [74:07]

The main attraction of this disc for JIM readers will probably be the popular pieces occupying the last 27 minutes and I have found myself repeatedly playing these dozen tracks. Emanuel Bay is the pianist on the Gershwin and Weill [Mack the Knife] items, Milton Kaye on the Benjamin and trad. As the very good 8-page booklet notes by Peter Avis remind us, Erich Wolfgang Korngold provided the scores for some 20 films, two of which were to win him Academy Awards and two more, Academy nominations. In fact, the concerto is based on music contained in four of his film themes – although it is not clear which came first. What is clear is that Heifetz, who died in 1987 aged 86, was a fabulous musician and this disc, available at a giveaway price if you shop around, bears witness to his being truly the ‘King of Violinists’

Peter Burt

WALLERMANIA - Tribute to Fats Waller ALEX HASSAN piano

Wallerama Medley, Palm Garden, Alligator Crawl, Happy Feeling, etc.. Shellwood SWCD 37 [68:13]

Alex Hassan has become one of Shellwood’s ‘regulars’, and this time he turns his attention to the great Fats Waller. Many of his famous hits form part of medleys, of which there are five in this collection, plus Waller’s 1940 "London Suite" with individual tunes honouring Piccadilly, Chelsea, Soho, Bond Street, Limehouse and Whitechapel. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Alex Hassan has immersed himself in popular piano music from the 1920s and 1930s, and the glorious sounds from that far-off era flow effortlessly through his gifted fingers. David Ades

JUST A LITTLE THING CALLED RHYTHM – Rhythmic Piano Rolls 1917-1936 Pianolist: Julian Dyer

Who, It’s De-Lovely, I’m Lonely Without You, Sweet Man, Moonlight on the Ganges, Sunny Side Up. Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man etc… 24 tracks

Shellwood SWCD 38 [75:39]

For the technically minded, Julian Dyer is playing a standard 88-note Aeolian Company ‘Pianola’. Piano rolls were the music industry’s answer to those aspiring pianists who simply weren’t very good! For us today they offer the chance to hear the kind of music that was enjoyed by our grandparents – and their parents – in the original arrangements. If you like syncopated piano this is just for you. David Ades

FRANCK POURCEL Platinum Collection

Chariot (I Will Follow Him), La Vie En Rose, Mon Dieu, The Magnificent Seven, Unforgettable, Blue Tango, Singing In The Rain, Saturday Night Fever, Concorde, Penny Lane, She, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, etc… 60 tracks

EMI France 3-CD box set 5099923570122 [178:44]

This latest offering of Franck Pourcel recordings has been compiled by RFS member Serge Elhaik, and it is taken from various LPs for Capitol USA from the 1960s to the 1980s. The informative booklet is in French, and some familiar numbers are listed only by their French titles, so you will encounter some surprises along the way! During this period Franck was adapting his earlier style to suit the changing music scene. As Ralph Harvey was quoted as writing in our last issue (page 66):

"Throughout the years Franck Pourcel has used imagination without gimmickry. It is true that his most recent recordings have introduced a ‘beat’ element which has disturbed some of his more traditionalist followers in France. Popular music, however, does not and cannot stand still and provided Franck keeps the sense of good taste he has shown over the past twenty-five years he has every reason to move with the times." Franck clearly did succeed in walking what some might call a musical tightrope, as his continuing popularity has confirmed. David Ades

The following new releases were noted just as we went to press. If any reviews are subsequently received, they will appear in a future issue. [Details taken from record company publicity].

DEBBIE WISEMAN – Different Voices

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Debbie Wiseman

Naxos 8572022

"How about composing a new Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra?" suggested Ian Maclay, the general manager of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I’ve always loved composing for full symphony orchestra, so this was a challenge that simply had to be met! I conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the first live performance at London’s Cadogan Hall with Hayley Westenra adding her special touch to the song and Stephen Fry narrating in his own inimitable fashion. The result of that live performance is this CD. It was a truly memorable and exciting experience, and I hope you enjoy listening to different voices as much as I enjoyed composing the piece. – Debbie Wiseman

MIKLOS ROZSA Orchestral Works Volume 1

Three Hungarian Sketches, Hungarian Serenade, Overture to a Symphony Concert, Tripartita.

BBC Philharmonic Conducted by Rumon Gamba

Chandos CHAN 10488

Miklós Rózsa is one of the giants of the film world with scores for Hollywood films such as Ben Hur, Quo Vadis, and El Cid. Once settled in Hollywood, Rózsa was able to negotiate a beneficial contract which allowed him to spend the summer months at his Italian retreat writing his concert music, while during the winter months composing music for films in Hollywood. The conductor Rumon Gamba comments, ‘Having made many discs of film music by composers whose concert works are well known, such as Malcolm Arnold and Vaughan Williams, I thought it would be interesting to turn to a very well-known film music composer and profile his concert works, which have perhaps been overshadowed by his big screen successes’. The film music of Miklós Rózsa is extremely exciting, passionate and intoxicating, and deserves to be better known. Gamba conducts the BBC Philharmonic in four works, all influenced in some way by Rózsa’s Hungarian roots.

BEST OF LONDON

2-CD collection of music associated with London. Light music tracks include: Eric Coates London Suite (excerpts), London Calling, London Again Suite (excerpts); Haydn Wood London Cameos Suite, Horseguards Whitehall; Sidney Torch London Transport Suite; Robert Farnon Westminster Waltz; Philip Lane London Salute -etc.

Naxos 8572098-99

AARON COPLAND: Dance Symphony / Symphony No. 1 / Short Symphony

Bournemouth Symphony, Alsop
Naxos 8.559359

LEROY ANDERSON Orchestral Music Volume 5

Goldilocks; Suite of Carols (version for woodwinds)

BBC Concert Orchestra Conducted by Leonard Slatkin

Naxos 8559382 [52:14]

FREDDY GARDNER The Essential Collection

Avid AVC 947 2-CD set

"He embroiders his improvisations with lyrical phrases and ravishing glissandi"..... so wrote broadcaster and writer Hector Stewart way back in the fifties when men were actually called Hector! Seriously though, we at AVID just think he was a damn fine reedsman! Equally at home on clarinet as he was with the entire saxophone family, our latest Essential inductee is the superb, yet perhaps unheralded saxophonist Mr Freddy Gardner. Freddy was in huge demand as a session musician during his heyday in the thirties, he was indeed the man they all called for. Benny Carter used him to head up his reed session when he was in the UK recording for Vocalion. You can hear the results on a couple of tracks herein. As well as tracks with Benny Carter we also feature Freddy’s contributions alongside Ike Hatch and Valaida as well as six medleys recorded as Freddy Gardner & His Mess Mates. Also featured is work with The Royal Navy Mariners including three rare ENSA broadcast titles. 51 superbly re-mastered tracks in all reveal that Freddy could sure blow Sweet or Hot and we can witness his crowning glory as he takes it home with Peter Yorke & His Concert Orchestra featured on no less than eight magnificent tracks.

EDDIE BARCLAY Meet Mr. Barclay & Paris For Lovers

Vocalion CDNJT 5204

Eddie Barclay, Gallic orchestra leader and founder of Barclay records, is the subject of this Vocalion release, which compiles two of his mid-1950s light music albums. In "Meet Mr Barclay" the focus is, in the main, on music from the movies, and Mr Barclay runs his orchestra through impeccably played, spellbinding renditions of Hernando’s Hideaway (from the ‘The Pajama Game’), Merry-Go-Round (from ‘French Can-Can’), Rififi (from ‘Du Rififi Chez les Hommes’) and Le grisbi (from ‘Touchez pas au Grisbi’) among others. As you would expect, in "Paris for Lovers" the accent is on romantic French melodies, and maestro Barclay does not disappoint in his selection of tunes that include gorgeous arrangements of I Love Paris, Under the Bridges of Paris, Under Paris Skies, Paris Stay the Same, I’ll Be Yours (J’attendrai) and more.

Werner Müller & His Orchestra : Echoes of Italy & Great Strauss Waltzes

Vocalion CDLK 4373

German orchestral maestro Werner Mueller makes his ninth appearance on Vocalion with two further albums drawn from his extensive Teldec catalogue, both of which demonstrate that he was a master of light classical music repertoire in addition to the Latin and big band idioms for which he was best known. "Echoes of Italy" presents several timeless melodies from the land of song, including numbers that found international fame once English lyrics had been written for them: Quando, M’innamoro (A Man without Love), Ti Guarderò Nel Cuore (More), Alla Fine Della Strada (Love Me Tonight). Müller also turns his attention to works by composers such as Toselli (Serenade No.1, Op.6), Rossini (Finale from ‘William Tell’) and Tchaikovsky (Capriccio Italien, Op.45), and these and every selection in the album are treated to typically exquisite Müller orchestrations. "Great Strauss Waltzes" is, as the title suggests, dedicated to the undisputed master of the waltz, Johan Strauss. Classics including the Accelerations Waltz, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Roses from the South, Blue Danube Waltz and many more are given new leases of life under Müller’s expert direction.

Finally some more recent releases noted by Wilfred Askew.

BILL EVANS Piano and Orchestra Theme From "The VIPs"

Theme from "Mr Novak", Theme from "The Caretakers"; More, Walk on the wild side; The days of wine and roses; Theme from "The VIPs", Hollywood, Sweet September, On Green Dolphin Street, The Man with the golden arm, Laura, On Broadway

Verve 176135-7 [31:30]

THE VOICES OF WALTER SCHUMANN The Voices Of Christmas

Sleigh ride, God rest ye merry, gentlemen, The Christmas Song, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, What child is this?, Rise up shepherd and foller, The first snowfall, Fum, fum, fum, Christmas tree, Christmas in Killarney, The First Noel, Frosty the snowman, Lully,Lully,Lu … and 6 other titles

Collectors’ Choice CCM-867 [41:02]

SY OLIVER AND HIS ORCHESTRA / BILLY MAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA Arrangements Of Jimmie Lunceford In Hi-Fi [Spanish Import]

[Oliver] Dream of you, Ain’t she sweet, Organ grinder’s swing, My blue heaven, By the river Saint Marie, I’m walking through heaven with you [May] Uptown Blues, Annie Laurie, Charmaine, Coquette, Well all right then, Blues in the night [Oliver and May separately] For dancers only, Margie, Four or five times, ‘taint what you do, Cheatin’ on me, Rhythm is our business

Lone Hill Jazz LHJ 10336 [77:47]

DICK STABILE AND HIS ORCHESTRA Many Faces

Who’s sorry now, Cloudburst, Just you, just me, Tenderly, Many faces, I’ll see you in my dreams, The gypsy in my soul, Dream, Hong Kong Cha Cha, Come back to Sorrento, Don’t blame me, Pavanne, Poor butterfly, We’ll be together again, For you, Do I love you … and 8 other titles

Montpelier MONT CD 046 [62:22]

BUDDY COLE Hammond Organ/ Bösendorfer Piano with Orchestra conducted by Pete King Have Organ Will Swing / Plays Cole Porter

That old black magic, Memories of you, Between the devil and the deep blue sea, Early autumn, I hear music, They can’t take that away from me …and 6 other titles / So in love, What is this thing called love, I get a kick out of you, All through the night, Get out of town …and 7 other titles

Warner Bros albums from 1958.

Collectables COL-CD-7865 [71:26]

THE BILLY COTTON BAND SHOW Saturday Night Sing-A-Long

Stick it on the wall Mrs Riley, I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts, The yellow rose of Texas, Friends and neighbours, Poppa Piccolino, A-hunting we will go, I love the sunshine of your smile, London calls, Big head, Domani, If I were a blackbird, Play me hearts and flowers, The petite waltz, Rain, The Dam Busters … etc.

Double CD with the Ember LP of the same name plus 40 bonus tracks.

Acrobat FADCD 2017 [148:15]
NINA ROTA "La Strada" and "Le Notti Di Cabiria" Film Sountracks
Cherry Red ACMEM 123 CD [74:40]
ELMER BERNSTEIN "Sweet Smell Of Success" Film Sountrack
Cherry Red ACMEM 132 [70:15]
HENRY MANCINI "A Touch Of Evil" Film Soundtrack
Cherry Red ACMEM 134 CD [50:57]

KEEPING TRACK
Dateline September 2008

Orchestral ANDRE KOSTELANETZ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS

You Took Advantage of Me, Waltzes medley, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Little Girl Blue, Over and Over Again, I Could Write a Book, Loneliness of Evening, Oklahoma medley, Mimi, My Funny Valentine, South Pacific medley, With a Song in My Heart etc

Andre Kostelanetz Orchestra (Sounds of Yester Year, DSOY748) 2CD set 84:37

An album that should be played while reading Dick O’Connor’s excellent article ‘The Kostelanetz Arrangers’ in JIM December 2007. Kostelanetz had almost total control of the final recording so trying to pin down any arranger to a particular tune is almost impossible. The remastered recordings on this CD are his complete ‘Columbia Album of Richard Rodgers’ and is a fine sample of both the work of Rodgers and Kostelanetz. Some lesser known Rodgers tunes are included which is a bonus but as far as albums devoted to Rodgers music go, I still think Stanley Black’s album arranged by Roland Shaw takes some beating! Paul Clatworthy

LEROY ANDERSON ORCHESTRAL MUSIC VOLUME THREE

Harvard Sketches, Melody on Two Notes, Mother’s Whistler, The Penny Whistle Song, The Phantom Regiment, Plink, Plank, Plunk, Promenade, Sandpaper Ballet, Sarabande, Serenata, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Seventy-Six Trombones, Sleigh Ride, Suite of Carols for Brass Choir, Wintergreen for President, The Typewriter, A Trumpeter’s Lullaby and The Syncopated Clock

Leonard Slatkin and the BBC Concert Orchestra (Naxos 8559357) 61:49

This could be reckoned the best yet in the excellent first complete cycle of Anderson’s orchestral music. The four world premiere recordings (the first three listed above and Wintergreen) fill 11½ minutes of the CD. There are some strange non-musical sounds on Mother’s Whistler, unexplained in Richard S Ginell’s otherwise comprehensive booklet notes. Most of the remaining pieces come into the ‘familiar’ category with Sleigh Ride probably being the most familiar of all. All have that imaginative Anderson touch, none more so than The Typewriter. It is interesting, too, to hear his arrangements of other people’s pieces in Old MacDonald - great fun this - and 76 Trombones. The Suite of Carols comprises nine timeless numbers including In Dulci Jubilo, Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming, I Saw Three Ships and We Three Kings. It is, again, a pity that the Christmas track was not put at the end of the disc. Slatkin’s conducting and the orchestral playing are as fine as ever. Although not initially intending to collect every volume, I am now hooked. They’re coming so fast now, number four may well be out before you read this! Peter Burt

JOHNNY DOUGLAS AND HIS ORCHESTRA "The Living Strings"

"Where Did The Night Go?"

In The Still of the Night: title track, Deep Purple,Whispers in the Dark, I Wished on the Moon, Unchained Melody, Wonderland by Night, Blue Velvet, Moon Over Miami, Under a Blanket of Blue, Serenade in the Night. Where Did the Night Go title track, Fanny, Anyone would Love You, F.D.R. Jones, Wish You Were Here, Have I Told You Lately, Restless Heart, Who Knows, Once of These Fine Days, I Have to Tell You.

(Dulcima DLCD 121) 69:50.

The late Johnny Douglas’s own label Dulcima has reissued these two RCS Camden LPs from 1964 and 1963 respectively, and very welcome they are. RCA producer Ethel Gabriel worked on the Melachrino Strings’ 'Moods in Music' series and in the late 1950s developed the Living Strings as a package for RCA’s budget label, Camden, using various orchestras, mainly from Europe. The albums were all centred on a theme: the sea, the West, Broadway, night music. The recordings made by The Living Strings became a mainstay of easy-listening radio and commercial venues. Johnny Douglas, one of England’s masters of string arranging, was the primary arranger and conductor for the series recorded in England. He brought great songs to a new life with his arrangements of a mass of pure velvety strings, mellow brass and superb solos played by the cream of the British musicians of that era. Collectors have waited a long time for these recordings to be made available again, so this new Dulcima CD is especially welcome. David Ades

MALCOLM ARNOLD conducting his own scores

Film music from "Nine Hours To Rama" and "The Lion"

(Vocalion CDLK 4371) 60:22

The earlier of these films, "The Lion" (made in 1962) is set in Africa, while the second "Nine Hours From Rama", covering the day in 1948 when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, comes from 1963. Therefore we have examples of Malcolm Arnold’s ideas of African and Indian music – rather different from St. Trinians! Both scores work well when experienced in the cinema, but for purely listening pleasure at home I personally prefer "The Lion", where the full-bodied Arnold sound from his film composing years is far more evident. This is an important addition to the currently available catalogue of film music. David Ades

Brass and Military Band

BANDSTAND IN THE PARK – VOLUME TWO

(See track listing page 65 of JIM 176) (Guild, GLCD 5147)

I eagerly awaited the arrival of this latest addition to the Guild series as older recordings by brass and military bands are as scarce as the proverbial hen's teeth! I wanted to see if volume two achieved the high standard of volume one (as Tony Clayden observed 'the second cup of tea syndrome’). I need not have worried; David Ades has come up trumps again (as usual) with a diverse and interesting collection from days when every town and village boasted its own band. William Lang's cornet playing on Jenny Wren is top class, but that is only to be expected from the Black Dyke Mills Band, magnificent 50 years ago and still going strong! However, the standout for me are the two offerings from the Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy; Royal Review by Leslie Statham under his 'Arnold Steck' guise; and Tony Lowry's rollicking Golden Spurs, tracks which, in their original form, were both sides of a Chappell 78. How good to hear these again. I'm pleased that Sousa's High School Cadets by the Grand Massed Bands is included. Australian collectors will have this on one of Frank Bristow's earlier CDs, but it deserves the wider audience, bringing together memories of Hanwell Silver, Lewisham British Legion, St. Hilda's and St. Pancras Brass under the masterful baton of James Oliver. Kenneth J. Alford is represented with The Great Little Army, and Bob Farnon, Ronnie Binge, Eric Coates and the well known Roger Barsotti all make the list with great bands like Fodens, Grenadier Guards and Central Band of the RAF all there. Borodin's Prince Igor Ballet Dances from the BBC Wireless Military Band brings up the rear with a memorable performance, having earlier featured on the CD with the restful Evensong. Devotees, please buy this in droves, then we can urge David for a volume three in due course. Graham Miles

Vocal

WARM AND SINCERE

Kitty Kallen (Sepia, 1114) 74:10

Another welcome helping of Kitty Kallen from Sepia! This second volumes accompanies the 2003 release ‘Our Lady Kitty Kallen’. There are 27 recordings ranging from 1949-1957. With the usual fine remastering by RFS member Robin Cherry, this compilation features such favourites as In the Chapel in the Moonlight, True Love, East of the Sun and Little Things Mean a Lot along with some titles new to me such as Let’s Make the Most of Tonight, The Second Greatest Sex and Hideaway Heart. Kitty is accompanied by orchestras directed by Sid Feller and Jack Pleis, who both do sterling work. A very nice collection, with a certain resemblance to our very own Joan Regan in her vocals. Even includes a recent photo of the lady herself in the well designed and plush CD booklet. Adam Endacott

MEL TORMÉ MEETS THE BRITISH

Mel Torme with the Orchestras of WALLY STOTT, TED HEATH, ROLAND SHAW and CYRIL STAPLETON. (Sepia 1113) 56:58

Limehouse Blues, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts, These Foolish Things, Geordie, My One and Only Highland Fling, White Cliffs of Dover, Danny Boy, Let There Be Love, Greensleeves, Try a Little Tenderness, London Pride – plus bonus tracks: Walkin’ Shoes, Cuckoo In The Clock, Hooray For Love, Shenandoah Valley, Waltz for Young Lovers, I Don’t Want to Walk Without You, Time Was, Ev’ry Which Way. (Sepia 1113) 56:58. Mel Tormé’s British recordings from 1956 and 1957 caused quite a stir in popular music circles at the time, and it’s good to be able to hear ‘the velvet fog’ once again in these fine digital restorations of that landmark Philips album. We may have lost the regular releases of vintage material from Sanctuary Living Era, but happily Sepia can be relied upon to keep coming up with interesting new issues. Furthermore, when they reissue an LP they always seem to add additional tracks so that buyers get value for money. On top of that the CD booklets are generously filled with notes and photos. The only missing element is information about the original catalogue numbers, but that is a minor criticism. This new CD will be warmly welcomed especially for the Wally Stott charts, which range from lush orchestral to exciting big band. David Ades

I had always imagined Mr Tormé’s singing to be a taste I did not wish to acquire but having listened to this CD sent to me for review [now there is a first!] I’m almost a fan. The label, too, was only a name to me and this is the first of their albums I have heard. It is a quality product at the upper end of the budget-priced market and they are to be congratulated. The first dozen tracks listed above are all enhanced by Wally Stott and his Orchestra, as are Time Was and Tormé’s own Ev’ry Which Way. The guitar of Ivor Mairants is featured on Tenderness. Ted Heath and his Music accompany on Walkin’ Shoes and Johnny Mercer’s The Cuckoo in the Clock. Cyril Stapleton and his Orchestra and the Roland Shaw Orchestra share the remaining four tracks. There are informative liner notes by Tony Middleton. And Robin Cherry’s re-mastering brings these tracks up as fresh as the proverbial paint. Peter Burt

ALAN DALE SINGS

Alan Dale (Sepia, 1115) 75:20

A compilation from an unknown vocalist to me, Alan Dale. Once again Sepia has issued a most enjoyable collection and has brought a long forgotten name back into the public domain. With 27 tracks, this CD is great fun with plenty of upbeat numbers and a good mixture of songs from the punchy first track, Waiting for the Robert E Lee, through to Moonlight and Roses and even Robin Hood (although I do prefer Dick James on this one!) Orchestras supporting include Dick Jacobs, Ray Bloch and Percy Faith and recording dates range from 1947-1956. Mentioning Percy Faith, it is I’m Late from the Disney film ‘Alice in Wonderland’ which is the stand out track and Mr Faith is doing his usual excellent job as the accompanying orchestra. An enjoyable crooner and another unique title to add to the Sepia Record range. Adam Endacott

THROUGH THE YEARS Volume One 1950-1951

Autumn Leaves, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, A Perfect Day, May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You, With My Shillelagh Under My Arm, Sentimental Music, Silver Moon, Copacabana, Quizas, Quizas, Quizas [Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps], and more

Bing Crosby [Sepia 1111] 74’43"

It’s a long time since I listened to a Crosby CD and this, as one would expect, is full of good things. In his detailed liner notes Malcolm Macfarlane tells us that in 1950 Bing had eleven records making the hit chart and he came third in the USA movie box office stars poll. 1951 marked the 20^th anniversary of his debut as a solo act. Incidentally, it is interesting to read the quotes on the original recordings taken from reviews in The Gramophone magazine – imagine that happening today! Among the 25 tracks, finely re-mastered by Robin Cherry, Axel Stordahl provides an excellent orchestral arrangement on the opening classic, there are four with the Andrews Sisters, including the charming Hawaiian ‘green’ Christmas song Mele Kalikimaka, Frank Loesser’s If I Were a Bell with Patti Andrews, and a delightful Silver Bells [one of five seasonal titles] with Carole Richards, and Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra accompany on another quartet of tracks. Three titles feature John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra, a name associated with tasteful arrangements for Bing over 15 years. Other orchestras involved are those of Vic Schoen, Sonny Burke, Ken Darby and Matty Matlock. The Bando Da Lua accompany on the last two items. But it is not just the singing and playing that are the quality products here. Well done, Sepia, looking forward to more of the same. Peter Burt

The Sepia Records CD range are available directly from Sepia and cost £7.99 per CD (including P&P – unless otherwise noted). Cheques are welcome, made payable to Sepia Records Limited and Paypal payment only via their website www.sepiarecords.com which also features their entire catalogue. Sepia Records Limited, 96 Tubbs Road, London, NW10 4SB, England. They are also available from the RFS Record Service, price £8.50 each.

LIONEL MONCKTON : SONGS FROM THE SHOWS

Ronald Corp and his Orchestra and Chorus (Hyperion, A67654)

This new CD shows what a great composer and lyricist Lionel Monkton was – he is right up there with Sullivan and Kern! On this recording the two soloists could not be bettered just listen to Two Little Sausages, a patter song to stand the test of time with the best. Catherine Bott has a delightful voice but goes one better with her use of her acting skills with the accents she is able to bring to Try Again Johnnie from ‘A Country Girl’, set in Devon and the Yorkshire of Mary from ‘Our Miss Gibbs’. Add to this the style of Richard Stuart and the back up from Ronald Corp and his chorus and orchestra and you have a winning CD of the year! This CD should be in the Christmas stocking of all lovers of light music - play it after Christmas lunch, a pleasant joy for both old and young. Malcolm Lewis

Dance Band/Nostalgia

BING AND BOB

You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Old Folks, My Reverie, Tea for Two, Yes Indeed, Jingle Bells, San Antonia Rose, It Makes No Difference Now, Delores, Pale Moon, Lazy, Let’s Start the New Year Right, I’ve Got |Plenty to Be Thankful For, I’ll Capture Your Heart, When My Dream Boat Comes Home, Walkin’ the Floor Over You, Big Noise from Winnetka, Two Sleepy People, Begin the Beguine, Long Time No See, Your Easy to Dance With, I Can’t Tell a Lie, Stompin’ at the Savoy and Swing Mr Charlie

Bing and Bob Crosby (Sounds of Yester Year DSOY749) 68:20

Compiler John Bennett has put together all the tracks Bing Crosby recorded with his brother Bob and his orchestra plus nine other tracks recorded between 1936 and 1942. Guests featured on five tracks are The Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Connee Boswell and Fred Astaire. A chance for nostalgia buffs to turf out well worn records (if so inclined!)

Paul Clatworthy

THE COMPLETE BOB CATS (Volume one of three)

Stumbling, Who’s Sorry Now?, Coquette, Fidgety Feet, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Can’t We Be Friends?, Martha, Home on the Range, Gypsy Love Song, Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life, March of the Bob Cats, Palesteena, Slow Mood, Big Foot Jump, The Big Crash From China, Five Point Blues, Speak to Me of Love, Big Bass Viol, I Hear You Talking, Call Me a Taxi, The Big Noise from Winnetka, Looping the Loop, Beguine, Hindustan and Long Time No See

The Bob Cats (Sounds of Yester Year DSOY750) 71:34

This collection takes in many titles I’ve never heard of! Not being a fan of jazz this old makes it hard to be objective! I can say it’s a very spirited jamboree well played by Yank Lawson, Matty Matlock, Nappy Lamare, Eddie Miller, Billy Butterfield, Bob Haggart and other players of the same calibre. I liked three of the slower tunes, Can’t We Be Friends?, Slow Mood and Five Point Blues but the same pattern that the more frantic numbers dished out left me cold! I will not be seeking the other two volumes!

Paul Clatworthy

Finally some recent releases noted by Wilfred Askew

GUYS AND DOLLS

Featuring Vivian Blaine and Frank Sinatra. Contains all the original music from the 1955 film and other bonus tracks. (Blue Moon, BMCD3507) 79:59

FERRANTE AND TEICHER — THE SOUND OF TOMORROW TODAY!

Two albums from 1956, not for the faint-hearted, more for space age/exotica fans. Tracks include What is This Thing Called Love?, The Breeze and I, African Heroes, Lover, Brazil, Orchids in the Moonlight, Siboney, La Cucaracha etc (Cherry Red, ACMEM124CD) 68:17

THE BRASS RING – LOVE THEME FROM THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX/LARA’S THEME

Two albums from 1966. Tracks include My Foolish Heart, Moment to Moment, Moon River, Secret Love, Laura, California Dreamin’, Born Free, Dear John etc (Collectors’ Choice, CCM840) 56:31

CARMEN CAVALLARO – PLAYS ELLINGTON/COCKTAILS WITH

Two albums from 1965 and 1956. Tracks include I’m Beginning to See the Light, Satin Doll, Solitude, I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart, Till, All the Way, Just in Time, I Remember it Well etc (Fine and Mellow, FM603) 72:21

LAWRENCE WELK – INTO THE FIFTIES

Two CD set - tracks include Bubbles in the Wine, The Lingering Song, Devil Lips, Rice, The Game of Love, Namely You, Bells Are Ringing etc (Jasmine, JASCD477) 125:15

LENNY DEE – IN DEEMAND

Two CD set – tracks include My Buddy, Bye Bye Blues, When Day is Done, Where or When, I Get Ideas, High Tide Boogie, Crazy Organ Rag, Them There Eyes etc. (Jasmine, JASCD468) 145:57

JACKIE DAVIS – JUMPING HI-FI HAMMOND

Two CD set. Tracks include Time Was, I Hear a Rhapsody, Where in the World, Darn That Dream, Coffee Time, Long Before I Knew You, All of You, Wish etc. (Jasmine, JASCD472) 136:19

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 20^th 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, VOL.1

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 mins

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 is a good mix here with a number of familiar tracks as listed above, a couple probably not so well-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 his amusing arrangement of Music! Music! Music!, which was a million seller for Teresa Brewer in the early ‘50s. Older readers may consider this track with its simulated "stuck groove," of unblessed memory, worth the low price of the CD. But 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. And if you like this … there is more to come.

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 20^th 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 20^th 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-20^th 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

KEEPING TRACK
Dateline March 2008

Orchestral

FROM FABULOUS BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD’S REEL THING

The Fantasticks medley, September Song, Night and Day, It Might as Well be Spring, Mary Poppins medley, Fiddler on the Roof medley and 24 other tracks

Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra (Deutsche Grammophon, 4776124) 150:56

This is the fourth volume in the 2-CD sets in the Arthur Fiedler Legacy Series and the one most likely to appeal to JIM readers. The first three are largely classical ─ albeit mostly light ─ and volume five is out-and-out symphonic pop from the 60s and 70s; although all are recommendable in their way. On the first CD, in addition to those listed above, there are medleys from "Man of la Mancha", "Company" and "Hair", as well as individual items from "State Fair" and "Godspell". The opening medley includes the lovely Try to Remember. Among the items on the second CD are medleys from Disney’s "Robin Hood" and " The Happiest Millionaire" together with Michel Legrand’s themes for "Portnoy’s Complaint" and "Summer of ‘42", Nino Rota’s love themes for "The Godfather" and Zeffirelli’s "Romeo and Juliet", and Henry Mancini’s Days of Wine and Roses. Paul Simon’s Mrs Robinson is particularly bouncy. It is interesting, too, to hear Fiedler’s only take on his successor John Williams’ themes for "Star Wars" and "Jaws". The majority of the arrangements are by Richard Hayman with a handful by Eric Knight. Everything is performed in the manner one would expect from the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra’s second chair players under the man who conducted them and their predecessors from 1930 until 1979, and who opined that the most thrilling sound was that achieved by a full orchestra. If you subscribe to Mr Fiedler’s philosophy of big orchestral arrangements of popular music you will love this ‘twofer’. The majority of tracks were recorded in the early ‘70s; some are previously unreleased on CD. With good sound, available online for around a tenner (including postage), these are immensely desirable discs.

Peter Burt

GYPSY SOUL/STEREO SHOWCASE

The Heart of Budapest, Czardas (Monti), Golden Earrings, Theme from "Villa Rides", "Carmen": Gypsy Dance, Gypsy Carnival, The Singer Not the Song, Hejre Kati, Gypsy Flower Girl, Hora Staccato, Zapateado, Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 and eight other tracks

Mantovani and his Orchestra (Vocalion, CDLK 4351) 75:49

"Gypsy Soul" is the CD I have been waiting for. Recorded in 1968, but not issued in the UK, (as "Gypsy") for two years ─ five in the USA ─ it is a fine mix of melodies associated with the gypsy people, some Roland Shaw film orchestrations (Maurice Jarre’s Theme my favourite), and choice items from Bizet and Liszt. Monty’s biographer Colin Mackenzie quotes album producer Tony D’Amato on Hungarian Rhapsody: "(Ronald) Binge, who seemed to know how far pyrotechnically he could take an orchestra, stretched the ensemble to the limit in this instance, secure in the knowledge that Mantovani’s skills as a conductor and interpreter of music would match with bravura all the many technical challenges set forth." The evocative opening number uses the cimbalom, a sort of Hungarian dulcimer. Monty’s own Gypsy Flower Girl is not out of place in this company. Mr Mackenzie contributes his usual informative booklet notes ─ something entirely absent from the original release. "Stereo Showcase" is a fascinating ‘sampler’ album from 1959 which Decca asked Monty to record exclusively for the American market. This was done in order to exploit the then new stereo recording process and gain all important stereo album sales in that territory. We hear the great man himself presenting each piece and explaining how the stereo process enhances his music. Among the tracks are three on my Desert Island short list: Greensleeves, Some Enchanted Evening and Village Swallows.

Peter Burt

SONGS HITS FROM THEATRELAND/THEME FROM "CARNIVAL" AND OTHER GREAT BROADWAY HITS

If I Loved You, Wunderbar, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, Bewitched, I Talk to the Trees, Some Enchanted Evening, Out of My Dreams, Stranger in Paradise, C’est Magnifique, Almost Like Being in Love, Hello, Young Lovers, They Say it’s Wonderful / Theme from "Carnival", I Feel Pretty, You are Beautiful, Shall We Dance?, Till There Was You, I Know About Love, Do Re Mi, Till Tomorrow, So in Love, Ascot Gavotte, My Heart is so Full of You

Mantovani and his Orchestra (Vocalion, CDLK 4356) 71:31

This 2-on-1 is superior standard Mantovani fare ─ carefully selected compilations of choice material immaculately played. The first album was a 1958 stereo re-recording of a best-selling mono LP from three years earlier ─ I think this may have been the very first 12-inch LP that I bought! Some of the tracks, like the Cole Porter "Kiss Me Kate" number, have remained favourites to this day. The rarely heard soprano saxophone is used on Bewitched. The second album appeared Stateside in 1961. What wonderful tunes the shows of that era contained and how Monty does them full justice. The "Theme from "Carnival", I Know, So in Love and If Ever are all new to the UK on CD. Colin Mackenzie’s immensely informative liner notes complete the package.

Peter Burt

IMMORTAL SERENADES

Serenade op.6 no.1(Toselli), Serenade from "The Fair Maid of Perth", Serenade "The Student Prince", Serenade "Don Giovanni"(Der Vieni Alla Finestra), Serenade (Pierne), Barcarolle "Tales of Hoffman", Love theme "Romeo and Juliet", Serenade "Les Millions d’Arlequin, Serenade "Don Pasquale (Act III), Serenade "Ständchen" from "Schwanengesan", Serenade "Angel’s", Serenade to a Mandarin, Mephistopheles’ serenade, Siciliano "Cavelleria Rusticana"

Frank Chacksfield and his Orchestra (Vocalion, CDLF 8132) 42:14

Mr Dutton has done it again and chosen for reissue on this CD at budget price one of my all-time favourite albums, released in 1959, and one of the best Frank Chacksfield ever recorded. Here are some gorgeous melodies from classical greats like Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Schubert and Berlioz, as well as Bizet, Toselli, Romberg, Pierné, Offenbach, Drigo, Donizetti, Braga and Mascagni, arranged by Leon Young, who also has his own Serenade to a Mandarin included, played by a light orchestra on top form. Every track is a standout one for me and I doubt if any album will give me more pleasure in 2008. Pity there are no liner notes.

Peter Burt

OUR MAN IN LONDON/LISBON AT TWILIGHT (HIGHLIGHTS)

Greensleeves, A Foggy Day, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Sally in Our Alley, The White Cliffs of Dover, Waltz Medley from "Blithe Spirit", Roses of Picardy, The Haunted Ballroom, Small World (from "Gypsy"), Beautiful Dreamer, Moon River, Starlight, Tennessee Waltz, Body and Soul, The Sweetest Sounds/ Lisbon at Twilight, Barco Negro, The Lonely Beach, Song of the Sea, April in Portugal, Villa Villa, Ladies of Lisbon, Una Casa Portuguesa

The Melachrino Orchestra conducted by George Melachrino (Vocalion, CDLK 4337) 76:09

What a joy to find two Melachrino RCA albums, from 1963 and 1958 respectively, reissued on a Vocalion 2-on-1. As you can see from the listings above, the original LP of "Our Man in London" had British tunes on one side and American ones on the other. It is a very attractive programme of alluring tunes. Richard Addinsell wrote the Waltz Medley. The sonics are rich and spectacular. Completing the CD are eight tracks from "Lisbon at Twilight" featuring the guitars of Ivor Mairants and Raul Nery. A couple of inaccuracies have crept into the composer credits but not in the liner notes ─ there are none! I would like to have known the name of the occasionally used pianist. Can we now expect further Melachrino albums like "Under Western Skies" and "Music for Dining"?

Peter Burt

SPELLBOUND

The theme from "Limelight", Incidental music from "Limelight", Luxembourg Polka, The Shadow Waltz, Tango Tonight, Deep Purple, The Theme from "The Glenn Miller Story", Footsteps in the Fog, Spellbound, The Bandit, The Song of the High Seas, How Deep is the Ocean?, All the Things You Are, Venezuela, Postman’s Knock, Romance (from "The Magic Bow"), The Last Rose of Summer, A Kid for Two Farthings, The Lily Watkins Melody, Mr Pastry’s Polka, The Dizzy Duckling, Catwalk, Teenager, The Night Ride, The Cat from Coos Bay, Cat Slick, Lucky Strike

Wally Stott and his Orchestra (Vocalion, CDEA 6127) 77:42

Until now the only Stott CD I could find listed on the internet has been the classic "Christmas By the Fireside". So it is great that Mike Dutton has brought us this compilation of 27 instrumental tracks (I understand that seven have appeared on Guild) recorded between 1951 and 1956.mStellar trumpet player Kenny Baker and violinist Max Jaffa are featured on two tracks each ─ Kenny’s contribution being worth the price of the CD ─ and the Rita Williams Singers are the vocalists on Tango Tonight, one of four Stott originals, the others being The Night Ride, Cat Slick and Lucky Strike. I believe the last track was often used to play out "The Goon Show". The Wally Stott Novelty Ensemble performs Mr Pastry’s Polka and The Dizzy Duckling. The arrangements are invariably imaginative throughout the disc. Other top tracks for me include The Cat from Coos Bay, which I’ve not heard since it was regularly played on Radio (RAF) Wyton over 50 years ago, the Chaplin melodies, the smile inducing Luxembourg Polka, the stirring melody from Richard Rodger’s "Victory at Sea" and the engaging A Kid for Two Farthings. An immense welcome then, for this budget-priced disc by the artist we now know as Angela Morley. Its reissue encourages me to think that there may yet be a chance of getting "London Pride" on CD. With nearly 80 minutes music for around £6, it seems churlish to mention the absence of liner notes. Are they, like neckties, going out of fashion?

Peter Burt

STRINGS AND THINGS

Body and Soul, Chinatown My Chinatown, By the Fireside, Zither Rhythm on Anton Karas, The Girl Without a Name, Cuckoo Cuckoo, Shuffle to Buffalo, Stardust, Red Wing, I Go Rhythm and more

Various artists (Rex, Rexx115) 65:16

A real cornucopia of tracks ranging from the violin to the zither! Sound quality varies from track to track and it is an interesting mixture of sounds. It is certainly not one of the best compilations I have come across and it does become rather tired if listened to from start to finish. However, a highlight for me is the lively version of Chinatown My Chinatown by Bobby Maxwell and his Swinging Harps. It is good to have a few more tracks by Semprini and another version of one of my favourite songs Little Red Monkey. Artists include Joe Venuti, Bob Haggart, Arthur Young and more. Buy a copy and judge for yourself!

Adam Endacott

Big band

A LEGENDARY PERFORMER

Moonlight Serenade, Sunrise Serenade, Little Brown Jug, In the Mood plus eighteen other selections.

Glenn Miller (RCA Bluebird, 0693-2-RB)

For many true music lovers, the Glenn Miller big band was simply the greatest. To still more, it typified an era filled with optimism about the future. This energy is captured faithfully on this re-issue of the original late 1970's ‘Legendary Performer’ series save that two numbers have been inexplicably left out: Elmer’s Tune and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Still, this remains one of the best releases of this band which always managed to sound even more impressive on its live dates. Take, for example, In the Mood, a time honoured classic played with more potency and life than the plodding original studio recording. The last Chesterfield broadcast of September 1942 is heard here with Juke Box Saturday Night, highlighting the various styles of the Ink Spots and Harry James himself playing on trumpet. An extra addition to Glenn and the band’s efforts is the audience. Nothing will ever replace the rhythmic hand clapping to the intro of Tuxedo Junction or band mates yelling encouragement to each other during Little Brown Jug. This CD constitutes a valuable introduction to one of the most musical icons of the big band era: Glenn Miller.

Richard Jessen

THAT SENTIMENTAL GENTLEMAN

Hawaiian War Chant, Song of India, Marie, Well Get It! plus 21 other selections.

Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra (Collectables, COL-CD-2813)

Tommy Dorsey may have been called "That Sentimental Gentleman" but when called upon, he could provide a hard swinging ‘killer diller’. This particular collection is made up of live radio broadcasts spotlighting that hard driving style with a few of the lovely mood settings that made up the sentimental side of Dorsey’s recordings. Buddy Rich is heard to great advantage on Hawaiian War Chant and a dynamically frenzied Quiet Please. Ziggy Elman is heard playing his signature piece And The Angels Sing while Frank Sinatra is heard at his early crooning style on Marie as well as his last broadcast performance with TD, a superb The Song Is You followed by the only Dick Haymes vocal with the band on Daybreak. Even Sy Oliver gets a chance to sing on Jimmy McHugh’s Exactly Like You while Jo Stafford shares the spotlight as one of The Pied Pipers on Margie and as the end attraction of a medley which ends with I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. This CD is taken from a near mint LP pressed by RCA’s Black Label in 1956 and this is apparent by some bumps and a very bad needle skip on Zonky - so don’t throw out your LP of this set just yet! The sound follows the misguided practice of swamping everything in echo to get rid of any crackle and bump making this an almost shrill sounding CD. By turning back the treble, the listener will be satisfied by this marvellous collection by one of the top bands of a great era in all music.

Richard Jessen

Classical

GOTTSCHALK

Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2, Escenas Campestres Cubanas, Célèbre Tarentella, etc.

Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Rosenberg with Soloists (Naxos 8.559320)

This is something of a discovery. Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869) was an American child prodigy pianist as well as a composer; dubbed, among other things, "the Chopin of the Creoles". There is great variety in his works, some anticipating the ragtime and jazz of half a century hence. This 77-minute disc is absolutely chock-full of memorable and catchy tunes. I doubt whether you will ever have heard symphonies like the two here, and La Casa del Joven Enrique por Méhul – Gran Overture is particularly fine. Escenas (13:23) is a one-act opera and Ave Maria is nicely sung. Although you will find this in the shops in the classical browser, I hope that other JIM readers will give it a spin at the low Naxos price and not be disappointed.

Peter Burt

Keyboard

WESTEND CELEBRATIONS

West Side Story medley, Memory, There’s No Business Like Showbusiness, Sunrise Sunset/If I Were a Richman, Phantom/All I Ask of You, Deadwood Stage/Secret Love, Les Miserables medley, Hello Dolly!, Miss Saigon medley, Close Every Door/Any Dream Will Do, Food Glorious Food/As Long As He Needs Me and The Sound of Music medley

Jean Martyn (Jean Martyn Records) 66:08

This new CD is a release by Jean Martyn playing the Yamaha EL 900 organ. "Queen of the Keyboards" is the name by which Jean has become known by her legion of fans both at home and overseas. Jean’s range of music is vast, ranging from classical composers to modern day music and her many recordings demonstrate her talents on piano and electronic and theatre organ. This latest instalment in her collection of albums is excellent, and clearly displays her versatility in the world of show business. She herself is celebrating 25 years as a professional musician and this is captured as the music unfolds from these spectacular shows.

Jean Martyn’s list of available CDs can be seen at www.jeanmartyn.co.uk If you do not have access to the internet, the CD can be purchased by sending a cheque to the value of £11.00 (including P&P) – made payable to Mr Bob Ware, 7 Westhall Close, Brewood, Staffs ST19 9EY.

Gillian Endacott

HITTING THE HAMMOND

A Skye Blue Shirt and a Rainbow Tie, Goodbye Sweetheart, American Patrol, Delaway’s Dilemma, Tiptoe Through the Tulips, Small Talk, Gitanerias, Some Like It Hot, Sunny Side Up, Rag medley, Over the Rainbow, When I Needed You Most, Mean to Me, A Little Bird Told Me, S’posin’, Opus 1, Organising the Blues, Beyond the Blue Horizon, Face of an Angel, The Candy Dancers Ball, Hysterics Rag, Kind, Painting the Clouds With Sunshine and The Golden Ring

Various artists (Rex, Rexx117)

It maybe a new CD but the historic recordings are from over 35 years ago – as stated in the sleeve notes by Bernie Tyrrell as a "golden musical era!" This compilation will be liked by readers who enjoy the Hammond organ accompanied with other instrumentalists and vocalists, but disliked if bought to enjoy pure Hammond organ. It is a reasonably priced compilation disc released by Rex Recordings and artists include among others Jerry Allen, Robin Richmond, Chris Hamalton and Harry Farmer.

Gillian Endacott

ANOTHER SIDE

Take the ‘A’ Train, All the Things You Are, Evelyn Queen of the Racquet Club, Phyllis, Chelsea Bridge, How Deep is the Ocean?, The song from "Mash", The Shining Sea, You Are There, You Must Believe in Spring, Laura, Stella By Starlight, Emily, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, Sentimental Journey, A Mirror Image, Elegy, Westlake, Take Me Home, The Trouble with Hello is Goodbye, I Will Say Goodbye and Auld Lang Syne

Bob Florence (Mama, MMF1029) 53:48

Available from Jazz n’ Blues Records (see Big Band Roundup). Bob Florence, a piano and a well chosen set of songs by some of his favourite composers. Bob’s playing is delicate and sometimes dreamy but holds you enraptured throughout – one to play in your quieter more reflective moments. Bob does not copy anyone but fans of Bill Evans will relish this recording.

Paul Clatworthy

THE LISTEN AND DANCE COLLECTION Phil Kelsall at the Wurlitzer Organ of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Grasmere GRCD 128. Yet another 2-CD collection from the talented Phil Kelsall, who has now produced so many recordings and videos that even his most loyal fans much be wondering what on earth he will do next! By now you’ll know what to expect. David Ades

AND FRIENDS

Besame Mucho, Fast Forward, Old Friends, Free Parking, Night Walk, A Tribute to Bud, Winter Landscapes, Tin Tin Daeo and Hymn to Freedom

Lalo Schifrin (Aleph) 63:21

Available from Compact Disc Club. Lalo has written so much to enjoy over many years, many will forgive the over indulgence of this album. To me, it sounds like a private party where musicians of high calibre just enjoy playing. As a listener, I found the pointless drum rolls and double bass solos a little wearing. James Moody’s sax playing raises more interest than the other six players, Lalo’s piano playing only peaks occasionally and the originals chosen do not linger in the mind in the same way as his big band outings but that is just me!

Paul Clatworthy

The George Shearing / Robert Farnon album, "On Target" has been re-issued by Universal

as part of a 4 CD set "George Shearing with Niels-Henning Orsted Peterson and Louis Stewart; THE MPS SESSIONS " Universal 1745068.

Sa Majesté L’Orgue de Cinema featuring Reginald Dixon, Sidney Torch and other famous Cinema Organists (France) Marianne Melodie 071861 2-CD set. This is the latest brainchild of Pierre-Marcel Ondher, who is doing a magnificent job in France keeping alive quality light and popular music from past decades. This time he is focussing on those great organists, mainly from the 1930s, who were such an exciting feature of visits to the cinema in those far-off days. The first CD contains many legendary names such as Reginald Foort, George Wright, H. Robinson Cleaver, Al Bollington, Joseph Seal, Terence Casey and Charles Smart. The second CD is devoted to Reginald Dixon and Sidney Torch, and it contains many of the titles that made them famous. The informative booklet contains detailed recording information, but I should mention that it is entirely in French. I hardly need to comment on the quality of the restorations, because our friend PMO always gives us a first rate product. Highly recommended for all organ enthusiasts. David Ades

Soundtracks

TRAPEZE/THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Two original film soundtracks on one CD

Various artists (Sepia, 6001) 51:59

This limited edition CD (pressing of only 1500 copies) is a real joy and most particularly as it is the release of another Malcolm Arnold film score. "Trapeze", from 1956, tells the tale of two trapeze artists and Arnold certainly captures the sights and sounds inside the big tent at the circus. Lola’s Theme is a standout track for me and is both very melodic and haunting compared to the other end of the scale Juke Box is a lively piece of swing! Accompanying this soundtrack is "The Greatest Show On Earth", made in 1952, again set in the circus world. Victor Young was the Musical Director and it features two of his compositions. The score also sets the scene and you are back in the circus arena in your very own front room! This does not have such variety as "Trapeze" but enjoyable nonetheless. Sound quality is excellent and it comes with a lavish glossy colour booklet, which is the high standard we have come to expect from Sepia Records. The CD is available directly from Backtrack www.backtrackrye.com or through Sepia’s own website www.sepiarecords.com

Adam Endacott

"THE PRISONER" Original Soundtrack

Network 7959000 This 3-CD collection is strictly to enthusiasts only, because it is a collection of themes and underscores composed for the cult TV series, although some of it was never used. The first CD has 38 tracks by Robert Farnon, but apart from the titles music (rejected by Patrick McGoohan) this isn’t the Bob we know and love! Those who must have everything associated with this series have been well served with CDs and videos in the past, and they will lap this up – even with a price tag in the region of £30. The booklet contains reproductions of the original notes by Eric Mival, one of the Music Editors. David Ades

"THE BLOB" (Ralph Carmichael) plus production music from the Valentino Music Library by Roger Roger and others. MMM-1955.

"THE INTRUDER" (Herman Stein) plus complete score from "Career For Two" and other miscellaneous pieces. MMM-1956

These two latest CDs from Monstrous Movie Music offer world premiere releases of scores that movie buffs will welcome. As we have indicated before, this company employs high production standards, and their detailed booklets are almost worth the price alone! Sadly pressure on space precludes more detailed reviews this time, but you can find much more information (including how to purchase the CDs) by visiting the website: www.mmmrecordings.com David Ades

News has reached us of a new UK CD label dedicated to quality music at a price that gives value for money. Stage Door Records take pride in presenting nostalgic recordings with　top quality remastering, period artwork, unusual and rare selections. There first four titles are ‘Shirley Bassey: The Early Years’, ‘Wish You Were Here (OBC)’, ‘On Your Toes/Pal Joey (1950s studio recordings)’ and ‘New Faces of 1956/Selections from Mrs Patterson (featuring Eartha Kitt)’. Their website is www.stagedoorrecords.com

Vocal

THE VERY BEST OF

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Music To Watch Girls By, Can’t Get Used to Losing You, Moon River, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, On the Street Where You Live, Up, Up And Away, Happy Heart, Born Free, Spooky, The Impossible Dream and more

Andy Williams (Sony BMG, 08697211802) 72:29

Issued last Christmas on the back of the Marks & Spencer TV advert (incidentally the liner gives 2007 as the publication date for this track), there are no surprises here unless one needs a reminder of the quality of Andy’s singing. This budget-priced CD contains 25 largely quality songs, the earliest being a sprightly House of Bamboo from 1958. There is a very good 1995 version of Stranger on the Shore; most are from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Already owning a ‘Best Of’ album, I was surprised how little duplication there is here. It is well worth investigating as, apart from the vocalising, the accompaniments are never less than interesting. It is a shame that arranger(s) and MD(s) get no credit.

Peter Burt

GET THE PARTY STARTED

Get the Party Started, The Living Tree, I Will Survive, I Who Have Nothing and nine other songs

Dame Shirley Bassey (Lock Stock and Barrel Records, LSBRCD005)

Some artists have a remarkable rapport with audiences of all ages and musical tastes. This is very true with Dame Shirley Bassey whose career has stretched over five decades. This particular recording is no exception! Aimed at a dance oriented, young, vital age group, Dame Shirley nevertheless shows us that age hasn’t slowed her down. Anyone who has the courage to do Pink’s Get This Party Started and deliver it convincingly deserves an award of the very highest order. Not only does Bassey sing with total understanding of the words but also with a devil may care attitude. The Living Tree is sung with a very deep poignancy underlining a bitter farewell to a useless relationship. The other songs are all retreads of favourites common to all of Dame Shirley’s worldwide fans updated with a dance beat. This is a great CD for either dancing (recommended for the young) or just as one more evidence that Dame Shirley Bassey remains one artist who will forever be changing yet remains a highly potent artist for generations to admire.

Richard Jessen

SAP

Used to Dream, Sap, Like They Care, Arms of Three, Captain of Me and five other songs

Beth Arentsen (Arentsen LLC)

Every so once in awhile, a superb vocalist emerges off the pop music scene. One of the finest is Beth Arentsen, lead singer of the Latin/dance group P-1. Following Alicia Keys’ example of piano based songs, Arentsen has written songs of a deeply personal expressing abuse (Like They Care), love lost and found (Sap), relationships (Used To Dream and Spider). One song, Ode is used as an opening verse to Conquistadora, a plea for a simpler meaning of life. These very probing songs may not be to everyone’s taste. However, for the brave, this CD represents a highly rewarding experience into a new world by an upcoming singer/songwriter/performer well worth more exposure. This CD is available from either CD Baby or from Beth Arentsen’s own website at www.betharentsen.com

Richard Jessen

ONCE UPON A TIME On the Street Where You Live, Call Me Irresponsible, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square*, All Or Nothing At All, If I Love Again, Dancing In The Dark, I Could Write A Book, In The Wee Small Hours*, The Song Is You, An Affair To Remember, Day In Day Out, Even You And I*, You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, I’ll Take Romance, Tender Is The Night, How About You, Once Upon A Time Colin Dean OMM001, 52:30 mins. Every now and then something comes along to surprise you, and this CD certainly falls into this category. Chris Dean is a trombone player turned bandleader, and now it seems that he wants to add singing to his talents. The big surprise is the three tracks with the backing arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon (marked with a star*). You will have first heard them on the Eileen Farrell CD "Here" – note that Nightmood is now Even You And I. How has this happened? Derek Boulton probably knows the answer – he managed Bob and also Chris Dean! An interesting experiment, and Chris Dean has a pleasant enough voice. David Ades

LET’S GET LOST: THE SONGS OF JIMMY MCHUGH

Let’s Get Lost, Don’t Blame Me, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Where Are You plus eleven more songs

Wesla Whitfield (High Note Records, Inc. HCD 7065)

It’s always a pleasure to listen to a truly musical compact disc. What makes this one even better than most is the slightly edgy but always warm vocals by Wesla Whitfield, a great interpreter in the pantheon of great artists. She is backed by her husband, pianist Mike Greenhill and quintet of fine people: Ken Peplowski (clarinet and saxes), Gary Foster on saxes and clarinet, Michael Moore on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums. McHugh was one of those fine songwriters whose melodies are instantly memorable. Whitfield and her husband provide unique and original performances which vary quite a lot from the norm. On the Sunny Side of the Street is performed at a slow, sensual pace which brings out all of the longing inherent in the lyrics. There are also some unknowns on this disc such as It’s Me Remember which receives its first recording. This poignant ballad was co-written with Dorothy Wayne and only exists in manuscript and a demo recording. As with all of her recordings, this one is very well recorded with no sense of claustrophobic miking and with clear, even balances between the voice and instruments. Words cannot describe just what a perfect CD we have for our ears. All that can be said is chalk up another great one by the great Wesla Whitfield.

Richard Jessen

SWINGIN’ ON BROADWAY Chim Chim Cheree, All I Need Is The Girl, This Can’t Be Love, Anything Goes, On The Street Where You Live, Who Will Buy, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, and8 more

Gary Williams Superbreak BOS6816. A new Gary Williams CD is always welcome, and this time he has picked some fine numbers by top composers such as Porter, Rodgers, Gershwin etc. There are also a few surprises (I’m undecided about the opening track Chim Chim Cheree – perhaps it’s still too soon to forget what Dick Van Dyke did to it!) This collection finds Gary in jazz territory, backed by a talented small group of musicians with the lion’s share of charts by Clive Dunstall and Andrew Cottee. Late night cocktail listening par excellence. David Ades

HERE I GO AGAIN Taking a Chance on Love, Let’s Eat Home, Lady Is A Tramp, Angela Eyes, Cheek To Cheek, The Nearness Of You, Just You and Me, You Are Too Beautiful, and five new compositions by Nicola Farnon.

Nicola Farnon "The more I know about Robert Farnon the more I realise what an amazing man he really was" - the words of Nicola in a note she sent us with her new CD. It seems that anyone with the name Farnon is bound to have some musical talent, and we know that Nicola was so pleased that she made contact with her famous relative a few years ago. Bob encouraged her, and he would have loved this new collection of lovely tunes sung with real feeling. There is also some exciting playing from the jazz musicians providing the backing, and Nicola really lets herself go on some of the tracks! Anyone wishing to know more about Nicola can visit her website at www.nicolafarnon.com If you’d like her new CD just send a cheque for £11.50 (payable to Nicola Farnon) to her at 71 Burcot Road, Sheffield, S8 9FD, England.

CD round-up by Wilfred Askew

THE SEARCHERS – MAX STEINER

The original soundtrack to the John Ford classic western with the score composed and conducted by Max Steiner. (Cherry Red ACMEM107) 68:34

DAVID NIXON’S THE THREE MUSKETEERS — MUSIC BY MALCOLM ARNOLD

Features Arnold’s music from The Three Musketeers ballet, symphonies, dances etc along with music from the films "Hobson’s Choice", "Roots of Heaven" and "David Copperfield".

(Quartz, QTZ2056) 79:52

GYPSY CREASM AND GINGER NUTS: SOUNDS THAT SWEPT THE SUPERMARKETS

Artists include Vic Flick, Alan Moorhouse, Pete Moore, Harry Stoneham, Howard Blaikely, Tony Evans and Tony Osborne. All original Rediffusion tracks. (RPM, RPM328) 72:12

HENRI RENE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – MUSIC FOR BACHELORS

Original RCA recording. Tracks include I’m Confessin’, I’ll See You in My Dreams, Be My Love, Easy to Love, Time On My hands, La Vie En Rose, I Cried For You etc

(Rev-Ola, CRREV223) 32:07

LES BROWN AND HIS BAND OF RENOWN: LES BROWN’S IN TOWN

Two original albums from 1956 and 1964. Tracks include Harlem Nocturne, Nina Never Knew, On a Little Street in Singapore, The Piccolino, Goodbye, Domino, PS I Love You, Till Then, One Note Samba etc

(Jazzbeat, 518) 73:45

FRANKIE CARLE, HIS PIANIO AND ORCHESTRA: SILVER AND GOLD

Two disc set of original RCA Victor recordings. 55 tracks which include Beg Your Pardon, Loch Lomond, Please Mr Sun, Two Sleepy People, Young At Heart, Laura, Bewitched, I Could Write a Book, Nola, Half As Much etc

(Jasmine, JASCD462) 156:43

JANE MORGAN – AN AMERICAN SONGBIRD IN PARIS

Original recordings between 1949-1957. Tracks include: I’ll Be Seeing You, I Can Dream Can’t I?, It Might As Well Be Spring, Let’s Go Steady, Better Luck Next Time, I Didn’t Know What Time It Was, Eyes of Blue etc.

(Sepia, 1098) 77:07

ART MOONEY – GREATEST HITS AND MORE

Original MGM recordings between 1947-1956. Tracks include: Beautiful Eyes, The Big Brass Band from Brazil, Daydreams, No Regrets, Rock and Roll Tumbleweed, The Girl I Left Behind etc.

(Sepia, 1094) 69:56