Although the title of this collection rightly suggests that there is a wealth of ‘Light and Lively’ music on offer, there are some more gentle – even restful – numbers to provide a welcome contrast. The opening track, Robert Farnon’s famous Derby Day, finds the master of light music in top form, although the competition is tough from the likes of Percy Faith, Helmut Zacharias, Florian ZaBach, Richard Hayman, Frank Chacksfield, Ray Martin, Acquaviva, Frank Cordell, Mishel Piastro, David Rose and Sidney Torch. Among some special gems are the Gérard Calvi instrumental which became a worldwide hit as One of those Songs when lyrics were added; also a marvellous ‘Hollywood-sounding’ tour-de-force from Joe Leahy with his Theme from Studio X.
"...As usual, each track is full of interest and packed with good things – these Guild Golden Age releases are just like a box of favourite chocolates, there’s always another with a satisfying centre to make you come back for more. I’m addicted to this series and you should be too!"
Bob Briggs
