Narciso Yepes - Gonzalo Soriano: Concierto de Aranjuez - Nuits dans les Jardins d'Espagne

I must have 20 odd versions of the Aranjuez Concerto by Rodrigo and, regardless of how many times I hear it, I still love this piece of music. It is so evocative of Spain, although Rodrigo's inspiration appears to have been the gardens of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (the residence of the King of Spain) which is near to the capital Madrid, which is not the most romantic of places. When I hear the concerto I think of Andalusia. The orange and lemon groves of Granada and Cadiz; the azure skies that hurt the eyes with their brilliance; the immense heat of Summer and the temperate warmth of Winter;  the wonderful smells, the food and drink, everything that is Spain. 

This album is quite old and, thus, the recording does contain some scratches, but don't let that deter you from listening. Yepes does wonderful things here, as does Gonzalo Soriano (on piano) during his performance of 'Nuits'. If, like me, you love all things Spanish the then this album is for you. 

Various Artists: Heritage - The Music Of Britain

I've been loathed to upload this curious album of patriotic, xenophobic nonsense but, here we go anyway. A double record from Spire that spouts all the insular, narrow-minded clap-trap that certain aspects of the British establishment do so well. This is the album equivalent of the far-right wing of the Conservative party or UKIP. Bilious renderings of 'Sailors Hornpipe', 'Rule Britannia', 'Elizabethan Serenade' etc are interspersed with songs and tunes that are supposed to represent Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To be frank, I can't imagine anyone from Ireland wanting to be represented by Britain anyway but, when It's done like this, it is almost piss-taking. 'Cockles and Mussels', 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling', and on the Scottish, Welsh front; 'Roamin' In The Gloaming', 'Amazing Grace', and 'Men of Harlech', 'All Through The Night'. It's definitely of its time (being brought out in 1977) but that doesn't excuse the utter bilge that is on this album. Listen to it if you will; some may like this. Personally I don't. 

Pat

riotic

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Various Artist: Alaj Volim U Kolu Igrati / Croatian Folk Songs And Dances

Folk music from (1966) communist Croatia, made in 'the former' Yugoslavia by the Jogoton label. This is a piece of cold-war memorabilia that needs to be shared. If you've never heard any eastern European folk music then this is as good a place as any to start. Sorrowful songs, bright dances with exotic rhythms and time signatures and exquisite performances that will pull on your heart-strings long after you've finished listening. 

Guy Mitchell: Showcase Of Hits

Liner states. One of the most eminently satisfying performers of the day. Guy Mitchell's reputation for exuberant, happy-go-lucky interpretations of cheerful, finger-snapping songs second to none. Not for him the distorted, gimmick-infested treatment accorded to their songs by many of today's singers - but a straightforward approach, coupled with a natural inborn gaiety which blends into the very essence of his material. 

You could say that, or you could say that Guy is late 50s middle-of-the-road filler, with no substance to any of the tracks other than, they are nicely arranged. I wouldn't cross the road for this one but I will listen again to make sure my opinion is the same. 

Stan Kenton And His Orchestra: Kenton At The Tropicana

This album, like so many others, does exactly what it sets out to do. It impresses with the immense musicality of the performers. It wows with the complexity of it's arrangements but mostly it brings a smile to the face. I've not even attempted to chop up the album here as, there's a lot of talking between tracks. So what you get are two side of non-stop, unbridled jazz class.

Teresa Brewer & The World's Greatest Jazzband: Good News

Well this is a jazz super group indeed, with the likes of Bud Frreeman, Buddy Pizzarelli, Yank Lawson and many more you're assured of fine playing. This album has the feel of ol' time New Orleans jazz which makes for a relaxed listen, although I'm not keen on the voice of Teresa Brewer, who sounds like a mixture of Minnie Mouse, Marilyn Monroe and Annie Lennox on Helium. Other than that, this album is not half bad. 

Singing Saxophones: Singing Saxophones

Singing saxamaphones, what more can you want on a late Sunday evening? I'm sat here swaying from side-to-side listening to nice arrangements of tunes such as 'The Skaters Waltz', strangely called 'Lucky Luke' and a light-jazz version of 'Tavern in The Town' that lulls you into a stupor. It's music played in a smooth, romantic style with no sharp edges or bits that stick out. One for the grannies.