CD Reviews

Kudoes from the U.K.  

Journal into Melody
The official magazine of The Robert Farnon Society,
includes reviews of CDs released from around the world. 
December 2005.  Edition: 166

THE PALM COURT ORCHESTRA / Charles Job – Grand Hotel
Secrets, The Lost Chord, Silverheels, Idylle, Fascination, Folies Bergeres, Kashmiri Song, Narcissus, Wedgewood Blue, Hetty Wainthropp Theme, Serenade Passionnee, etc… 19 tracks(71:36) Canada CD003. In British Columbia Charles Job and his talented musicians are fast becoming something of a musical institution, and the fact that their CDs are reaching a wider audience is certainly doing no harm to their hard-earned reputation. Their latest offering boasts several top composers who will need no introduction to admirers of the kind of music associated with the ‘Palm Court’ style – among them Charles Ancliffe, Arthur Sullivan, Edward Elgar, Paul Lincke, Albert Ketèlbey, Rudolf Friml and Percy Fletcher. There is much to admire in this recent release, and the playing is well up to this ensemble’s usual high standards, which is praise indeed. Nodding towards more recent offerings is Nigel Hess’s theme music for the Hetty Wainthropp TV series, which I gather has received the composer’s own seal of approval. But the balance is firmly in favour of the kind of genteel music favoured during the early years of the last century, and it would be hard to find a more satisfying release than this among recent CD offerings.

David Ades, editor

Hetty Wainthropp Composer Praises New CD

In a congratulatory message to Charles Job on the new CD, British composer Nigel Hess says:  “Definitely my type of music. I really enjoyed [your latest CD]. Please pass on my congratulations and admiration to [soloist] Louis Ranger – he makes a great sound!”

Nigel Hess compositions are heard on many of North America and Britain’s most popular television series. As well as Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, music lovers will recognize Nigel Hess’ name from the credits of television’s New Tricks, Maigret, Ballykissangel, Vanity Fair and A Woman of Substance. His latest feature film score was for Ladies in Lavender starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

The Final Word

Great CD. Enjoyed it very much—best music ever! Thank you!
Joan C., Victoria