The carefree years of childhood have for centuries provided inspiration for writers and composers, and Light Music has been an ideal genre in which they can exploit their fantasies. Roger Quilter’s Children’s Overture is probably the best-known work in this selection, but equally enjoyable are the bright and breezy contributions by the likes of Robert Farnon, Bruce Campbell, Edward White, Ray Martin and Charles Williams. Some of these melodies will be familiar to those whose schooldays were in the middle of the last century, when instantly appealing tunes such as these were heard frequently on the radio and in early television programmes.
"Since the introduction in 2004 of the GUILD label series “THE GOLDEN AGE OF LIGHT MUSIC” it has been my great pleasure to review the marvellous programme of compact discs compiled by David Ades and Alan Bunting and with the latter contributing outstanding sound restoration." "...Childhood Memories offers the chance for a really satisfying nostalgic wallow! The mood for a “journey back in time” is set by the opening selection, Robert Farnon’s, Playtime and there follows 26 more tracks of charming melodies. David Ades has drawn a lot of tunes from the splendid libraries of the music publishing companies, Boosey & Hawkes, Bosworth et al and these particular recordings will surely please the more discerning light music collector. With titles like Clockwork Clown, Tinkerbell and Model Railway the tunes certainly evoke many childhood memories." Brian Belton
