This selection has been chosen with the aim of recalling the cheerful, bright and breezy style of music that – over fifty years later – our memories tell us seemed prevalent in the 1950s. Typically the entertainment profession at the time was trying to provide an antidote to the post-war misery and austerity that was still afflicting so many countries. Listening to these happy sounds one can be forgiven for forgetting that the early 1950s witnessed rationing and shortages of most luxury items. Of particular interest are examples of light music featuring the young Bert Kaempfert, Franck Pourcel, Cyril Ornadel and Mahlon Merrick alongside established favourites such as Ray Martin, Robert Farnon and Sidney Torch.
"...Ernest Tomlinson, the grand old man of British light music, once said that what makes light music what it is, is that it’s music where the tune is more important than what you do with it. This disk is full of great tunes with colourful orchestrations, and a real sense of fun and enjoyment. Starting with a bright and breezy Robert Farnon arrangement of Sunny Side Up – where Farnon proves that a full orchestra can really swing like a dance band – this disk is a delight.
One of the joys of this collection is the mixture of well known, and less well known, composers. The programme has been put together with such great care that one never tires of the fact that there is hardly any respite from the high spirits. And what high spirits they are." "...This disk is an absolute must for all lovers of light music and anyone who enjoys a good tune. A super issue."
Bob Briggs
