CLASSICAL
FEATURE ITEM: WILLIAM SCHUMAN: THE SYMPHONIES AND SELECTED ORCHESTRAL WORKS - Seattle Symphony; Gerard Schwarz, cond. (5 CD) (Naxos)
August marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of American composer William Schuman, described by the New York Times as "probably the most powerful figure in the world of art music." Schuman, who died in 1992, was also the president of the famed Juilliard School of Music, so his influences on music throughout the 20th century is inestimable. This new five-disc set repackages all of Schuman's symphonies and other orchestral works of note in one nice, attractive package. Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony do the music justice, proving to be persuasive advocates of Schuman's powerful music. And at a Naxos price, how can you resist? 50.00
JOHN RUTTER: FANCIES - The Cambridge Singers; The City of London Sinfonia; John Rutter, cond. (Collegium)
From the John Rutter Edition of Collegium Records, Fancies is the title track from this collection that has been around for a few years now, but still sounds great. Fancies is a 6-track work for choir and chamber orchestra by John Rutter; also included is the Five Childhood Lyrics for unaccompanied choir by Rutter; When Icicles Hang for choir and orchestra by Rutter; and the lovely Suite Antique for flute, harpsichord and strings by Rutter. The latter work was performed by the Niagara Symphony at their January Masters concert and is a lilting 6-track work that is wonderfully gentle and graceful. Rutter is easily the best-known name int the world of choral music today, but the Suite Antique shows you another side of the master of music, without lyrics. 15.00
BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 7 - Leopold Stokowski and his Symphony Orchestra; Symphony of the Air; All-American Youth Orchestra; International Festival Youth Orchestra (Cala)
Love him or hate him, there's no denying "Stokie" made his mark on classical music during much of the last century. He almost seemed to go on forever, dying at the age of 95 in 1977; he had signed a recording contract taking him to his 100th birthday, but alas, he never made it. The Leopold Stokowski Society in collaboration with Cala Records has taken it upon themselves to reissue many of the Maestro's wonderful recordings, and this is the final CD in the series, numbering 35 in all. This disc shows Stokowski in the classical and modern repertoire, as well as a champion of youth orchestras and a noted transcriber. The Beethoven Symphony No. 7, performed at the January Masters concert with the Niagara Symphony, is the centrepiece here, but it is joined by music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Gluck and Ben Haim. This is the first stereo release on CD, and the sound is magnificent. Stokowski's style might be from another age, but his recordings are ageless! 18.00
ORGAN RECITAL - Michael Unger, on the Marcussen & Son Organ of the Musashino Civic Cultural Hall, Tokyo (Naxos)
Canadian-born Michael Unger is a mult-award winner, including First Prize in the 2008 Sixth International Organ Competition Musashino-Tokyo, Japan, and First and Audience Prize in the 2008 American Guild of Organists' National Young Artists Competition. This new Naxos disc includes music that follows a sort of spiritual progression from death to life. Composers included in the program range from Buxtehude and Bach to Litaize, Widor and Messiaen. 12.00
JEAN SIBELIUS: SYMPHONY NO. 2 IN D MAJOR, OP. 43/POHJOLA'S DAUGHTER - London Symphony Orchestra; Sir Colin Davis, cond. (LSO Live)
The inspiration for Sibelius' Second Symphony can be traced back to a trip to Italy in 1901, at the suggestion of his friend, amatuer musician Axel Carpelan. However, revisions to the work delayed the premiere first to January of 1902 and finally to March of 1903. From the beginning, it was a popular work, stamped with Sibelius' trademark 'national' flavour throughout. The Niagara Symphony performs the work at their final Masterworks concert this seaon, on April 11th. This Direct Stream Digital recording is from the popular LSO Live label, the recording arm of the London Symphony Orchestra. 15.00
AN INTRODUCTION TO BEETHOVEN - Various Artists (Chandos Intro)
This recent line of bargain-priced "Introduction to" CDs from Chandos feature a single composer on each disc; this Beethoven disc features complete performances of the Overture to "The Creatures of Prometheus", Op. 43; Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67; and the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, 'Emperor', which will also be featured on the April 11th programme with the Niagara Symphony. The Piano Concerto, performed by pianist John Lill with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Walter Weller, is a work that dates from 1809 and which received its premiere in 1811 at Leipzig. The moniker 'Emperor', though not of Beethoven's doing, is certainly appropriate given the majestic nature of this major keyboard work. 15.00
LEONARD BERNSTEIN: MASS - A THEATRE PIECE FOR SINGERS, PLAYERS AND DANCERS (1971) - Jubilant Sykes, Celebrant; Asher Edward Wulfman, boy soprano; Morgan State University Choir; Peabody Children's Chorus; Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Marin Alsop, cond. (Naxos)
Bernstein was asked by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to compose the inaugural piece for the opening of he John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., premiering in September 1971. Bernstein wrote an inspired work, with additional words by Stephen Schwartz of Godspell fame. I still have Bernstein's original recording my my personal collection, but this new recording featuring the exhuberant Jubilant Sykes, is certainly a Bernstein Mass for a new age. 12.00
SIR JOHN STAINER: THE CRUCIFIXION FOR TENOR, BASS, CHOIR AND ORGAN - Stephen Farr, James Gilchrist, Simon Bailey; Choir of Clare College, Cambridge; Timothy Brown, cond. (Naxos)
This is far and away the best-known work by Victorian-age British composer Sir John Stainer, who literally mirrored the Victorian era by living from 1840 to 1901. The Crucifixion dates from 1887 and was written primarily with amateur singers in mind, and the work proved so popular Stainer was knighted by Queen Victoria. Perfect for pre-Easter listening, this fine recording on the Naxos label dates from 2005 and is a perfect companion to the March 27/28 performances by Choralis Camerata in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. 12.00
LISTEN TO THE LAMBS: THE MUSIC OF R. NATHANIEL DETT - Nathaniel Dett Chorale; Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, cond. (Marquis Classics)
With Black History Month coming up in February, you can't get a much more authentic-sounding disc of African-American music of the last century than this one, featuring choral works and spirituals by R. Nathaniel Dett, who was born in Drummondville, Quebec in 1882 and died in 1943 in Michigan. Dett was the first African-American to receive a bacholor's in music from the Oberlin College Conservatory in 1908, and he remained attached to one academy or another throughout the remainder of his life. Dett has an accomplished educator as well as composer for both voice and piano, with his best-known choral work based on the spiritual Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Here, we have everything from Ave Maria to O Holy Lord to the title track, Liston to the Lambs, all performed with great love and affection by the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. 22.00
RACHMANINOV: SYMPHONY NO. 2 IN E MINOR, OP. 27 - Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Leonard Slatkin, cond. (Naxos)
In the wake of Rachmaninov's First Symphony's disastrous premiere, the composer took an entire decade before beginning work on his Second Symphony, painstakingly revising it before conducting the triumphant premiere in 1908. This Symphony is literally overflowing with Rachmaninov's new-found assurance as a composer, from its brooding opening to the vigorous grandeur of it's conclusion. It has been a mainstay in concert programmes the world over, helped perhaps in no small part due to Eric Carmen's shall we say "borrowing" the main theme from the third movement for his hit song from the 70s, Never Gonna Fall in Love Again. Carmen's shlock notwithstanding, the work is one of the most romantic works in the symphonic repertoire, and this brilliant new recording with the Detroit Symphony on the Naxos label is really quite impressive. 12.00
EDVARD GRIEG: PIANO MUSIC OF EDVARD GRIEG - Sandra Mogensen, piano (Independent)
A regular performer at St. James's Anglican Church in Stratford, Ontario, Music Niagara audiences will hear Mogensen this summer as well. Her first volume of piano music by Scandinavian composer Edvard Grieg is beautifully recorded and an absolute joy to listen to. The highlight for me is the familiar Holberg Suite, better known in an orchestral arrangement. Here, it takes on a lighter-than-air persona, lovingly played by Mogensen. Her website states she hopes to raise enough funds to record a second volume of Grieg's works; I hope she does, as she sheds an entirely new light on this delightful music. 20.00
HANNIBAL LOKUMBE: DEAR MRS. PARKS - ORATORIO - Janice Chandler-Eteme, soprano; Jevetta Steele, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Deas, bass; Taylor Gardner, child soprano; Rackham Symphony Choir; Brazeal Dennard Chorale; Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Thomas Wilkins, cond. (Naxos)
Originally comissioned by the Detroit Symphony in 2005, Dear Mrs. Parks marked both the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery bus boycott and - as it happened - the year of Park's death. While she didn't live to hear it performed, Lokumbe apparently sang some of the libretto to Mrs. Parks who "just gave me a smile" he says. The work, released in February to mark Black History Month, blends full orchestra, choir and four vocal soloists in a work influenced by blues, jazz, African and Gospel music. 12.00
L'ACCORDEONISTE - Kimberly Barber, mezzo-soprano; Peter Tiefenbach, piano; Mary-Lou Vetere, accordion; featuring the New Berlin Ensemble (L'Accordeoniste)
Here is one of the most interesting independent releases of 2009, featuring all-Canadian talent, including Niagara's own Mary-Lou Vetere. A cross between lieder, cabaret songs and tango, this delectable recording features tracks such as There's Nothing Quite Like Money; Berlin im Licht-Song; The Sailor's Tango and La Vie en Rose. The production values are exceptional and the performances equally so. And to hear our own Mary-Lou play the accordion on this disc, well, that's just icing on the cake...enjoy! 20.00
EASY-LISTENING PIANO CLASSICS: DEBUSSY & RAVEL - Various Artists (2 CD)(Naxos)
A new series of two-disc sets from Naxos, each one presenting easy-on-the-ears compositions by many well-known composers, either in composer programs, as is the case here, or in theme sets such as 'Romantic Expressions'. In the Debussy and Ravel set featured here, most of the selections are short piano pieces - some familiar, some not-so familiar - by both composers. Included are pieces by Ravel such as Miroirs for piano and the Menuet Antique for piano; works by Debussy include the Children's Corner Suite for piano and the Suite Bergamasque for piano. Nice listening sets for whatever you're doing! 20.00
JAZZ
THE COMPOSER OF DESAFINADO PLAYS... - Antonio Carlos Jobim, piano & guitar; Orchestra arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman. (Verve)
When the bossa nova boom began in the early 60s, the man at the forefront of the movement was Antonio Carlos Jobim, a quiet, unassuming man who wrote magical tunes with an infectious beat, and often performed them with some of the greatest jazz musicians of the era. Think of Astrud Gilberto's recording of The Girl from Ipanema and Stan Getz' recording of Desafinado and Jobim was there doing his thing. The music on this disc is all Jobim, and includes some of the biggest hits from that era: How Insensitive, Quiet Nights, One Note Samba and of course, The Girl From Ipanema. The piano and occasional guitar of Jobim is set upon a lush backdrop of strings arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman, and the combination is unbeatable. If you want just one bossa nova disc in your collection this is the one. 22.00
LE WORLD...CUBA 50' - Various Artists (3CD) (Suave)
Today when you think of Cuban music, what you hear is totally different from what is featured on this wonderful three-disc set. This is light-years away from The Buona Vista Social Club and its contemporaries, but that is not a bad thing. This is early Cuban jazz performed with style and wit by masters of the genre a generation ago. All of the artists featured in this package would have been household names in Cuba back in the 50s, and some even would have been known in North America as well: Benny More; Rolando La'Serie; Israel Cachao; Peruchin; Perez Prado and many others. If you long for music with an exotic twist to take you away from your everyday world, this is the set for you, at a price you'll not believe! 20.00
THE BEST OF CHET BAKER SINGS - Chet Baker, vocals & trumpet (Pacific Jazz)
As successful as Chet Baker was as a trumpeter, many still prefer the sweet, gentle sound of his voice as he sang a number of jazz standards with simple clarity. A prime exponent of West Coast cool jazz in the early to mid 1950s, he was also blessed with boyish good looks that, paired with his vocals, made many a lady take notice back in those days. Alas, drugs eventually took over his life and his died tragically in Amsterdam in 1988. This Best of collection brings together his classic vocal performances from 1953 through 1956, including songs such as I Get Along Without You Very Well and You Don't Know What Love Is. If you remember Chet Baker, you surely remember these performances, and they sound as fresh and interesting today as they did when he made them over fifty years ago. 15.00
PINK - DIANA PANTON TRIO + 1 (Independent)
Hamilton, Ontario resident Diana Panton released her third CD, titled Pink in October of last year, and it is quickly showing why she is one of the rising young stars to watch in Canada. A tasteful collection of jazz standards, Pink includes songs like Wouldn't It Be Loverly and My Ideal, as well as Tea for Two and Five Minutes More. The music may be of a bygone era, but the performances are timeless: Diana surrounds herself with first-rate talent including Guido Basso on cornet, flugel horn, and trumpet; Reg Schwager on guitar; and Don Thompson on bass, piano and vibraphone. The result is a very easy to listen to, gently swinging set that never intrudes and always complements whatever you are doing. I have listened to this disc several times in the last couple of days and never tire of the feel-good attitude of Pink. You'll love it, too! 20.00
SCOTT HAMILTON WITH STRINGS - Scott Hamilton, tenor saxophone; Bob Maize, bass; Roy McCurdy, drums; String Orchestra arranged and conducted by Alan Broadbent. (Concord Jazz)
If Scott Hamilton's Late Night Christmas Eve is the definitive Christmas curl-up-in-front-of-the-fire-with-someone-special disc, Scott Hamilton with Strings is the definitive any-other-time-of-the-year-same-effect disc. It is simply ravishingly beautiful, with Hamilton's restrained yet expressive tenor sax solos, set in front of a lush but never overbearing string orchestra lead by Alan Broadbent, who also supplies piano solos. All the tracks are key on this disc, from My Foolish Heart (Track One) to Tonight I Shall Sleep With a Smile on My Face (final track). This will quickly become one of your favourite CDs! 15.00
BEAUTY AND THE BEAT! - Peggy Lee, vocals; George Shearing, piano (Capitol Jazz)
Newly restored from the original studio sessions from 1959, we now find, after all these years, there never was a live studio audience after all for this recording. The original album and first issue on CD indicated it was recorded live at the 1959 Miami Disc Jockey Convention, and contained some spoken intros by Lee and the usual applause and audience sounds,. But in reality, the tracks were laid down in the studio around the same time and the extra noise was added to make it sound like it was recorded there. Oh, they did perform together at the convention, but this recording was not made there. I have the first issue on CD, and comparing it to this newly restored version, this sounds much more cohesive and definitely cleaner. Lee and Shearing only recorded together once, and this one time shows them at the peak of their creative powers. Enjoy it all over again! 15.00
ELLA...OF THEE I SWING - Nikki Yanofsky (CD & DVD) (Universal)
Nikki Yanofsky is everywhere these days, and with good reason. The fresh-faced 16 year old scored the plum job of singing "Believe", the big song for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. But she shows her swinging side on this jazzy homage to the lady who blazed the trail for her and so many others so many years ago, the great Ella Fitzgerald. Her debut disc was recorded when Nikki was only fifteen but shows her talent is refined far beyond her years. This 18-track disc is not a mere tribute disc to Ella, it shows the influences of Ella as interpreted by Nikki, and the results, on everything from 'At Last' to 'Deed I Do' speak for themselves. We'll be hearing more from this young lady for sure! 22.00
NAT KING COLE SINGS/GEORGE SHEARING PLAYS - Nat King Cole, vocals; George Shearing, piano with the Quintet and String Choir (Capitol)
February 15th marked the 45th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest voices of the last century, Nat King Cole. He died of cancer in 1965, and many if not all of his recordings are still in print somewhere in the world, with this being one of my particular favourites. It dates from 1962 and shows Cole and Shearing in fine form, with silky smooth arrangements by George Shearing and Ralph Carmichael. The sound is very smooth and understated, although the bonus tracks on the end tend to disrupt the mood a little bit. No matter, original twelve tracks more than make up for it, with key tracks including Pick Yourself Up, Let There Be Love, Azure-Te and Serenata. Open a bottle of fine wine with someone special while you listen to this disc; you won't be disappointed! 20.00
DESIRE - Tierney Sutton Band (Telarc)
While the songs in this eleven-track set are mostly jazz standards, like It's Only a Paper Moon and My Heart Belongs to Daddy, the opening and closing tracks feature lyrics lifted from sacred religious and spiritual texts. The Tierney Sutton Band has carved a nice little niche out in the jazz world, and this new release will increase their popularity through extensive airplay and their ever-growing fan base. 22.00
ESSENTIAL STANDARDS - Vince Guaraldi (Concord Jazz)
How can you not love a guy with enough confidence in himself to proudly sport a handlebar moustache, eh? Long associated with the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas, Guaraldi produced some great recordings besides that now-classic album, and many of those sides appear on this new collection from Concord, including his hit recording of Cast Your Fate to the Wind. Other key tracks include: Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise, Since I Fell for You and Corcovado. 15.00
THE BRAZILIAN SCENE - Luiz Bonfa (Verve)
I absolutely LOVE this album! It has been out of print for years, and I still remember keeping a tired old lp copy around just because it sounded so good on a summer's day. It still does, as you sit on the patio sipping your favourite cocktail. Or around a fireplace once you move indoors if you like. This is the essence of the bossa nova performed by a true master of the art, surrounded by some very talented friends. Along with songs popular when this first came out in 1965, like Lennon-McCartney's 'Yesterday', there are lovely Bonfa originals like 'Moonlight in Rio'. Great to hear it again! 15.00
AMOR - Amanda Martinez (Independent)
I fell in love with the sound of Amanda Martinez on her debut disc, Sola, especially after hearing her perform live at the Elora Festival a couple of summers ago. The former host of Cafe Latino on Toronto's Jazz FM is back with a new collection of seductively passionate recordings paired with Kevin Laliberte's tasteful guitar stylings. Amor was launched back in October with a short tour, but I hope we see and hear more of Martinez as the summer jazz festival season gets underway. 22.00
ALL FOR YOU: A DEDICATION TO THE NAT KING COLE TRIO - Diana Krall Trio(Impulse!)
Recorded in 1996, this is a much earlier sounding Diana Krall, much different from the lushly-orchestrated recordings she is better known for now. That being said, this is an enormously satisfying disc, and has long been one of my favourites, It shows a more swinging, jazzy side to Diana, accompanied by a group of musicians who are totally in tune with what she's doing: Russell Malone on guitar, Paul Keller on bass, Benny Green on piano on If I Had You, and Steve Kroon on percussion on Boulevard of Broken Dreams. My favourite tracks are Frim Fram Sauce and Hit the Road Jack, both of which celebrate the music of the Nat Cole Trio, but don't try to imitate it. This is a great-sounding disc! 15.00
POPULAR/CROSSOVER
BEATLES GO BAROQUE - Peter Breiner and his Chamber Orchestra (Naxos)
First recorded by Breiner and Co. in 1992, this ever-popular Naxos recording has been reissued in their Light Classics series, and it is a most welcome addition to the line. The music of the Beatles, shorn of their lyrics, are arranged in the style of J.S. Bach, Vivaldi and Handel, and they sound so totally right and fresh, it's almost as if the Beatles had thought of it themselves all those years ago. Breiner's imaginative and tasteful arrangements still sound good today, and the recording should remain popular for years to come. 12.00
40 YEARS OF SUNNY DAYS - Lighthouse (CD/DVD) (Ole/Universal)
The year 2009 marked the 40th anniversary of the legendary Canadian band Lighthouse, and to commemorate the event, this CD/DVD 2-disc set celebrates the band's music with 16 original tracks, all remastered. The DVD features the same classic tracks in all new performances shot in high definition at Q Studios. The original audio recordings are the real jewels, however, and they are all here: One Fine Morning; Sunny Days; Pretty Lady and many more. Not your average CD/DVD package, from not your average rock band! 25.00
SOUNDS OF VANCOUVER 2010: OPENING CEREMONY COMMEMORATIVE ALBUM (EMI Music Canada)
EMI Music was quick off the mark with the two commemorative discs bookending the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. Both the Opening and Closing ceremonies were captured on individual discs issued shortly after the broadcasts, and both discs are chock full of a variety of music you'll remember from the ceremonies that opened and closed the Games. On the Opening Ceremonies disc, music ranges from Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado singing Bang the Drum and Nikki Yanofsky singing her stirring version of O Canada, as well as Donald Sutherland featured on the Hymn to the North with the Vancouver 2010 Orchestra. On the Closing Ceremonies disc, performances range from Eva Avila, Nikki Yanofsky and Derek Miller on Let's Have a Party and Michael Buble crooning The Maple Leaf Forever. Great keepsake discs at a great price! 20.00 each.
CRAZY LOVE - Michael Buble (143/Reprise)
Burnaby B.C. native Michael Buble has gone from strength to strength with each new release, and 2009's Crazy Love is easily his best yet. Showing the influences of Ella, Sinatra and others whose recordings he was introduced to by his grandfather in his formative years, Buble has become very much his own man, melding all those influences into a lightly swinging, totally at ease voice that captivates fans wherever he appears. This collection includes some great standards like Cry Me A River and All of Me, along with another Buble original, Haven't Met You Yet, which shows his strong songwriting ability, and a nice duet with St. Catharines' own Ron Sexmith on Ron's own tune, Whatever It Takes. This is a classy, fun-filled album you'll enjoy for years to come. 20.00
MOMENTS TO REMEMBER - The Mantini Sisters (Trio Music)
Although this independent release by Niagara-area favourites The Mantini Sisters has been out for ten years now, it still sounds fresh and still reflects the many talents of these three ladies. Most of the selections feature simple, straightforward arrangements with the trademark harmonies of the Mantini Sisters performing classic songs like 'Sentimental Journey' and 'Mr. Sandman'. If you have ever attended one of their performances and have yet to get a copy of this for yourself, do yourself a favour and get it - you won't be disappointed! 20.00
THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION - The Righteous Brothers (Polydor)
Even after all these years, the voices of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield still echo of simpler times, with wonderful melodies and exceptional production values that still sound fresh today. In this new collection of their classic hits, 21 tracks in all, we have their two number one hits: You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' and (You're My) Soul and Inpsiration; as well as Unchained Melody, which became a hit both in 1965 and 1990. Rounding out the package are their early Moonglow recordings and a solo selection from each, and comprehensive liner notes including a new interview will Bill Medley. 22.00
STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT - Frank Sinatra/Nelson Riddle Orchestra (Concord Records)
Concord Records has been reissuing some pretty interesting recordings from the past lately, and this classic 1966 Reprise album by Frank Sinatra, long out of print until now, makes a welcome return to the catalogue. Frank triumphantly returned to the top of the pop charts with this disc, featuring the title track written by Bert Kaempfert from the movie "A Man Could Get Killed". 'Strangers in the Night' was the only track on the disc not arranged by Nelson Riddle, but the rest show his trademark arrangements still sound great today, even with the addition of organ, as was his custom in the mid-to-late 60s. The other hit track from this disc, 'Summer Wind' has always been one of my favourites and shows a totally confident and in-control pairing of Frank and Nelson. Newly remastered and with three bonus tracks, you'll enjoy this disc all over again! 22.00
A MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY - Loreena McKennitt (2 CD) (Quinlan Road)
This new release features two discs highlighting live performances from Loreena's 2009 Mediterranean tour with a collection of previously-released studio recordings, all of which will make this set very attractive to Loreena McKennitt fans. Disc One is titled 'The Olive and the Cedar' and comprises studio recordings previously released; Disc Two, titled 'From Istanbul to Athens', features live performances from her 2009 Mediterranean tour including five songs not featured in previous 'in concert' releases. Loreena is a savvy marketer of her music, and this new set proves the point once again. 25.00
BERT KAEMPFERT TURNS US ON! - The Anita Kerr Singers (Collector's Choice)
Back in the 1960s, if an album was recorded in Nashville, the backup vocals were mostly done by Anita Kerr and her vocal group, The Anita Kerr Singers. Moving to Hollywood in 1965, Kerr wanted to make a break musically and after much searching, found a new record label with Warner Bros. and a new album concept: a tribute to the music of Bert Kaempfert, who was riding a wave of popularity even when this album came out in 1967, with hits for Frank Sinatra as well as many others. Kerr chose most of the music for this album from his hit tunes for other artists, including LOVE; Strangers in the Night; Spanish Eyes; Danke Schoen and others. Her own composition, For Bert, rounds out the collection. A little dated for sure, but still sounding great after all these years. 22.00
SAMMY'S SWINGINEST SIDES - Sammy Davis Jr. (Collectors' Choice)
Five years before joining the Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr. signed to Decca, and he quickly moved to # 1 with his debut album, Starring Sammy Davis Jr. in 1955. His Decca years were clearly his swinginest, as evidenced by this new collection of his Decca recordings from the 50s, some of which have not been available on CD for some time. Tracks include Hey There; Something's Gotta Give; That Old Black Magic; Love Me or Leave Me; Earthbound; New York's My Home and many more. 14 tracks in all. 18.00
PARIS FOR LOVERS/AVEC MOI A PARIS - Maurice Larcange, accordion & the Claude Martine Orchestra & Chorus (Vocalion)
There has always been something so, shall we say, 'romantic' about music from Paris, or even music that sounds like it would be heard in a Parisian cafe. You get both on this classic Vocalion reissue of an old London Phase 4 Stereo release, two original albums on one CD. Paris for Lovers dates from 1970 and Avec Moi a Paris, featuring Larcange with a group of accordionists, dates from 1962. Paris for Lovers is the better-sounding of the two albums, benefitting as it did from a full orchestra and chorus, but both bubble over with the joie de vivre we associate with Paris, and Larcange is simply amazing when it comes to drawing every nuance out of his instrument. This is not polka accordion, by any means. Grab a bottle of wine, a baguette and a special somone, and enjoy... 22.00
PUTUMAYO PRESENTS: FRENCH CARIBBEAN - Various Artists (Putumayo)
First released in 2003 in an ongoing series of inventive world music recordings from New Orleans-based Putumayo Records, French Caribbean features artists and repertoire from a number of Caribbean islands, including some Haitian musicians. For that reason, the label has decided to re-release the CD in 2010, with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each CD going to the Red Cross to help in Haitian relief efforts throughout the year. Five of the tracks feature Haitian musicians, so for that reason alone, this CD represents a nice way to do something for the people of Haiti and yourself at the same time. 22.00
NOSTALGIA
THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC: THAT'S LIGHT MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT - Various Artists (Guild Light Music)
This compilation is largely inspired by the great Conrad Salinger, one of the creators of the sound of the Hollywood musicals in their heyday. Today, unfortunately, his name means nothing to most people. But his That's Entertainment is perhaps second only to Irving Berlin's There's No Business Like Show Business as a great show business anthem, and it leads off this nostalgiac collection in a performance by the Conrad Salinger Orchestra conducted by Buddy Bregman. There's always a great assortment of artists on these discs, and this one is no exception. Performances include Wally Stott (or, Angela Morley); Percy Faith; Andre Kostelanetz; Richard Hayman; Ronald Binge; Alfred Newman; The Melachrino Orchestra and Max Steiner and his Orchestra with the Incidental Music from Steiner's score to Since You Went Away. 20.00
THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC: A BOX OF LIGHT MUSICAL ALLSORTS - Various Artists (Guild Light Music)
I love pretty much every disc in this extensive series of nostalgia discs from Swiss-based Guild. This newest collection features everything from The Hot Mikado to Alfred Newman's theme for A Letter to Three Wives. Also included is another Eric Coates 'Phantasy'; this time it's The Three Bears. Featured artists range from Robert Farnon and his Orchestra to the Queen's Hall Light Orchestra, and the Alfred Newman Orchestra to Angela Morley and her Orchestra, when still known as 'Wally Stott'. Remembering a simpler time... 20.00
BEST OF JACKIE GLEASON & HIS ORCHESTRA - Jackie Gleason (Curb)
While many will remember Gleason for his comedic skills, especially on The Honeymooners TV series and his own Jackie Gleason Show, many more will remember his famous "mood music" albums of the 50s and early 60s. They provided the soundtrack for many men's romantic overtures way back when, and with good reason. This is lush, romantic orchestral music with a touch of class, especially the tracks featuring Bobby Hackett. This isn't a long disc, but still a good, enjoyable listen. Tracks include I'm In The Mood For Love, Deep Purple, Alone Together and seven more. Go ahead, you deserve it! 18.00
ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS MUSIC TO BE MURDERED BY/CIRCUS OF HORRORS - Orchestra conducted by Jeff Alexander/Muir Mathieson (DRG)
This disc is just so much fun, I couldn't help putting it on and giving it a listen! Alfred introduces each track on the first album featured here, Music to be Murdered By, with his usual droll dialogue; the music, although sounding rather dated now, conjures up all sorts of fun images to go along with Hitchcock's commentary. Pieces include 'I'll Never Smile Again' and 'After You've Gone', along with the Alfred Hitchcock TV Theme, the Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounod. The second album featured here is the soundtrack to Circus of Horrors, featuring on one track a vocal by 'Mark Anthony', alias Tony Hatch, of all people. Both collections are a lot of fun, at Halloween or anytime. 22.00
MIFFOLOGY - Miff Mole (ASV/Living Era)
Before Jack Teagarden made his mark, Miff Mole was probably the leading jazz trombonist of his age. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Miff Mole made a string of recordings with various groups, although when he died in 1961, he was largely forgotten by the jazz community. This exceptional collection of his material from 1927 to 1944 includes performances by Miff Mole and his Molers, Red & Miff's Stompers and Miff Mole & his Nicksielanders, among others. Many of his better-known recordings are here, including Peg O' My Heart and Ballin' The Jack. 20.00
COMMERCIAL BREAK: THE OLD TUNES FROM THE NEW ADS - Various Artists (ASV/Living Era)
This is a fun collection of vintage recordings used over the past while to help sell products in the U.K. So although many of the products won't be familiar over here, such as Anchor Butter and Boots No. 7, the music, largely from North America, certainly will be. Who knew, for example, Glenn Miller's classic 'In The Mood' has been used to hawk Walkers Doritos or The Grasshopper's Dance was used to sell milk? Other artists included in this set are Al Bowlly, Ted Lewis and his Band; Benny Goodman and Eddie Cantor. The real gem is the final track, used to promote NPI Pensions of all things: 'As Time Goes By' from the original soundtrack of 'Casablanca' with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman with Dooley Wilson at the piano. And no, Humphrey never said "Play it again, Sam" in the movie; it was actually "Play It, Sam!" What a great vintage set! 20.00
VOICES OF THE VALLEY: MEMORY LANE - The Fron Male Voice Choir, featuring the voice of Vera Lynn (Decca)
Just imagine: the Forces' Sweetheart singing her great wartime hit, We'll Meet Again, against a backdrop of 60 hearty Welshmen, known collectively as the Fron Male Voice Choir. That's the magic that leads off this disc of memories: Dame Vera Lynn at the age of 22, her voice digitally joined musically with the choir. The Fron Male Voice Choir was formed in 1947 in ther aftermath of the Second Wold War, a community project designed to help alleviate the suffering caused by the war. Dame Vera was their original pin-up, believe it or not! If you love Dame Vera and you love the grand sound of a Welsh Male Voice Choir, this disc is a must-have! 22.00
THE INVENTOR: GREAT GUITAR INSTRUMENTALS - Les Paul, guitar (Microwerks)
Few guitarists today have not been influenced in one way or another by Les Paul, and no other guitarist has been so closely connected to his chosen instrument than Les Paul. He was an inventor, all right: as a jazz player, guitar designer and as a studio technique trailblazer. Les Paul did it all, and did it with style and class. The 14 tracks contained on this disc date from 1948 to 1953 and show his jazz side before he teamed up with vocalist wife Mary Ford on a series of huge pop hits for Capitol. Tracks include Lover, Brazil, What Is This Thing Called Love and Lady of Spain, among others. Get this disc and remember a true guitar legend in his prime! 22.00
WE'LL MEET AGAIN: THE VERY BEST OF VERA LYNN - Vera Lynn (Decca)
Released last fall in the U.K. to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II, this new package of Vera's classic hits went straight to number one on the U.K. charts, denying the Beatles that coveted spot when their newly-remastered box set was released. Now 92, Dame Vera Lynn is said to be amazed at the popularity of the disc, and grateful for all the people who remember her so fondly even after all these years. How could they not? All the great recordings are here: (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover; Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart; Dream; Yours and Harbour Lights. 20 tracks in all, each and every one of them a gem. A disc to remember, and never forget. 20.00
BEST OF BROADWAY - Various Artists (2 CD) (Naxos Musicals)
This wonderful collection of Broadway musical memorabelia features recordings made between 1943 and 1955, and includes the voices of Ethel Merman, Ezio Pinza, Gertrude Lawrence, Alfred Drake, Mary Martin, Carol Channing and many others. The two-disc set features popular selections from such Broadway musicals as "Oklahoma!", "Kismet", "Porgy And Bess" and "Guys And Dolls", among others. As usual, David Lennick's remastering is magnificent, and the set includes a 16-page booklet including full synopsis and background information on each musical. 30.00
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY - Bob Hope (ASV/Living Era)
Original mono recordings from 1938 to 1952, this compilation, released to mark Hope's Centenary in 2003, is chock full of memories. Included are his theme song, of course, and Two Sleepy People. But also some great vintage comedy routines and some great guest stars including Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour, Margaret Whiting, Judy Garland, Jane Russell, Doris Day and many others. Hope, known to many as "ol' ski nose", was not everyone's cup of tea, but there's no denying he was a comedy force to be reckoned with for much of the 20th century. 20.00
IT'S TURNED OUT NICE AGAIN - George Formby (Naxos Nostalgia)
I have always enjoyed the music of George Formby; I don't know why, really. It just seems to make me feel good, especially on those days when nothing seems to go right. Which makes the title of this disc especially appropriate, actually. The recordings date from 1932 to 1946 and includes many classic Formby sides like "The Old Kitchen Kettle" and "She's Never Been Nice Since Then". Just listen and enjoy! 15.00
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