CDLF 8130

Mantovani, the undisputed King of light orchestral music, makes yet another appearance on Vocalion, this time with his 1961 Decca album Songs of Praise. In partnership with his regular arranger, Cecil Milner, Mantovani produces rich, spellbinding orchestral renditions of hymns such as Nearer my God to Thee, The Holy City, Abide with Me and The Lord’s My Shepherd among others. Also included is Rock of Ages, which originally only appeared in the American version of the album. For some of the hymns, the Sammes Chorus accompanies Mantovani’s orchestra, adding a further to dimension to what is a characteristically gorgeous Mantovani album.

CDLF 8133

CDLK 4127

CDLK 4139

CDLK 4141

"Stanley Black was a jazz pianist and British dance band arranger who matured into a successful composer of film scores as well as a prolific creator of mostly instrumental thematic easy listening albums. Gershwin Goes Latin and Friml and Romberg in Cuban Moonlight are definitive examples of Black's excellent approach to lounge music. The Gershwin songs work well with Latin American percussion; Black 's handling of the piano is dependably tidy and personable. The Cuban Moonlight album uses melodies composed by Czech-born Rudolf Friml and the Hungarian Sigmund Romberg to conjure moods for reflection, relaxation or noctambulation. Highlights include Gershwin's 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off', Romberg's 'Lover Come Back to Me' and Friml's 'Donkey Serenade'."
Arwulf Arwulf, All Music Guide

CDLK 4142

CDLK 4157

CDLK 4159

CDLK 4164

CDLK 4168

CDLK 4169

CDLK 4173