LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!

Chris Barber's band is, quite simply, one of the most popular bands in the entire history of jazz. The world tour celebrating its 40th birthday went on for almost two years, and it is now in its 46th year. Barber himself celebrated his 70th birthday recently with gala broadcast on BBC Radio Two. The band's continuing success depends partly on the nostalgic appeal of its most famous numbers and a fair number of them are contained here, among them chart hits such as "Petite Fleur" and "Whistling Rufus" and traditional jazz favourites such as "High Society" and "Panama Rag". These recordings derive from the late 1950s and early 60s, when the band featured the inimitable, singing clarinet of Monty Sunshine and the astonishing authentic blues vocals of Ottile Patterson. The superb trumpet of Pat Halcox drives the whole thing along wonderfully--as it continues to do to this day.--Dave Gelly

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Three highly sought after concerts, one of which has never been reissued before. The classic Chris Barber line-up at its peak in the Trad boom. Part of the on-going 'Record Supervision Collection' series of classic British jazz reissues. Three highly regarded and much sought after albums brought together on one double CD. One of the concerts (Copenhagen) has never been issued in any form before. There is an added bonus of two previously unissued tracks from a previous concert.

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

By the time this music was played in 1957, the jazz Roman circus known as Jazz At The Philharmonic (JATP) had been going strong for 14 years. The form has survived and burgeoned to this day and, as can be heard here, it drew in some of the most elegant and tasteful soloists. The two leaders meshed well together and were obviously happy in their work, as both are at their best throughout the 73 minutes on the disc. Johnson had played on the first JATP recordings at a time when he had radically changed the approach to jazz trombone playing. He had sacrificed the full tone possible on the instrument to substitute an agility and speed that matched the saxophone players. Well, almost. For no one could come near to the eloquence of Stan Getz in full flight. The outstanding track has to be his solo feature on "It Never Entered My Mind", one of the classic jazz improvisations. The rhythm section is the Oscar Peterson Trio augmented by drummer Connie Kay. The original LP issue has been augmented by six extra tracks from a second concert. Your collection needs this album. --Steve Voce

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

Bop trombone and a cool tenor make great music, 28 Aug 2008
Norman Grantz is one of those figures to whom jazz fans owe a huge debt of gratitude for preserving much of the high quality music we are able to enjoy today. A fine example is this CD, recorded in 1957 at two concerts,in Chicago and L.A. and shows what we would be missing. The named artists both at the top of their careers blend supremly well musically. Sadly we hear the same set played at each venue however there is the bonus of an additional solo number from each player in the L.A. concert. The Oscar Peterson trio plus Connie Kay on drums provide a coherent and appopriate setting in a CD which should be part of every jazz colection.

With all the splashy advertising and glossy press brouhaha to divert attention from the music to the concept, the question remains--can these boys actually sing? Yes they can, is the answer, and there are some things they do quite beautifully. Their own three-part a cappella arrangement of "Danny Boy" is simple and emotionally effective, and Matthew Gilsenan's plain performance of "The Quiet Land of Erin" to a solo harp accompaniment is gorgeous. The singers mostly perform in a warm but plain style that avoids operatic tics or vocal excess, but when the music veers into power-ballad territory (which it frequently does) they tend to fall back on the necessary tenorial technique to negotiate the higher passages--and the fact that the music is often not as good as their ability to sing it is revealed. Still, if you liked the theme music to Titanic there's plenty here to keep you amused. --Warwick Thompson

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

Bop trombone and a cool tenor make great music, 28 Aug 2008
Norman Grantz is one of those figures to whom jazz fans owe a huge debt of gratitude for preserving much of the high quality music we are able to enjoy today. A fine example is this CD, recorded in 1957 at two concerts,in Chicago and L.A. and shows what we would be missing. The named artists both at the top of their careers blend supremly well musically. Sadly we hear the same set played at each venue however there is the bonus of an additional solo number from each player in the L.A. concert. The Oscar Peterson trio plus Connie Kay on drums provide a coherent and appopriate setting in a CD which should be part of every jazz colection.

The Celtic Tenors, 17 Nov 2003
Quality of CD: clear, clean sounds
Voice Quality: Absolutely heavenly.
Choice of lyrics: Brilliant
General: Fantastic voices and great harmony.
Waiting for third album to be available.

The Celtic Tenors, 20 Aug 2003
Having heard this group support Dionne Warwick, ha to find their cd's and so purchsed from Amazon. Good music, slightly operatic but performed differently. Anntunes are good and if you cna see them live, go - you will enjoy

I found this CD absolutely amazing., 18 Mar 2002
I found Celtic Tenors CD to be excellent, your found yourself be drawn into their music, their voices was the best I have heard yet and am looking forward till their new CD. I would recommend anyone to buying this.

A roller-coaster!!, 16 May 2001
I certainly agree with the reviewer who found the songs lively and even brooding - the great fun and energy they have when singing live is well captured in this album, and nicely interwoven with emotionally charged songs. Irelands Call best typifies this great roller-coaster ride of a CD which has a wide appeal and whets the appetitite to see them live once more!!

Wonderful!, 07 Feb 2001
This first cd-album by The Celtic Tenors - a group of young Irish tenors who have been performing together very successfully for the past couple of years - is a joy to listen to. Especially moving are tracks No 1, Caledonia, and No 6, The Quiet Land of Erin, and indeed Danny Boy (No 3). We certainly look forward to hearing more from these charming lads - whom we were very happy to see in concert when vising Dublin during the Summer. On that occasion their rendering of Ireland's Call (track No 9 on the album) nearly brought the house down! It was fantastic to see how three young lads and a song could rouse such feeling.

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

Bop trombone and a cool tenor make great music, 28 Aug 2008
Norman Grantz is one of those figures to whom jazz fans owe a huge debt of gratitude for preserving much of the high quality music we are able to enjoy today. A fine example is this CD, recorded in 1957 at two concerts,in Chicago and L.A. and shows what we would be missing. The named artists both at the top of their careers blend supremly well musically. Sadly we hear the same set played at each venue however there is the bonus of an additional solo number from each player in the L.A. concert. The Oscar Peterson trio plus Connie Kay on drums provide a coherent and appopriate setting in a CD which should be part of every jazz colection.

The Celtic Tenors, 17 Nov 2003
Quality of CD: clear, clean sounds
Voice Quality: Absolutely heavenly.
Choice of lyrics: Brilliant
General: Fantastic voices and great harmony.
Waiting for third album to be available.

The Celtic Tenors, 20 Aug 2003
Having heard this group support Dionne Warwick, ha to find their cd's and so purchsed from Amazon. Good music, slightly operatic but performed differently. Anntunes are good and if you cna see them live, go - you will enjoy

I found this CD absolutely amazing., 18 Mar 2002
I found Celtic Tenors CD to be excellent, your found yourself be drawn into their music, their voices was the best I have heard yet and am looking forward till their new CD. I would recommend anyone to buying this.

A roller-coaster!!, 16 May 2001
I certainly agree with the reviewer who found the songs lively and even brooding - the great fun and energy they have when singing live is well captured in this album, and nicely interwoven with emotionally charged songs. Irelands Call best typifies this great roller-coaster ride of a CD which has a wide appeal and whets the appetitite to see them live once more!!

Wonderful!, 07 Feb 2001
This first cd-album by The Celtic Tenors - a group of young Irish tenors who have been performing together very successfully for the past couple of years - is a joy to listen to. Especially moving are tracks No 1, Caledonia, and No 6, The Quiet Land of Erin, and indeed Danny Boy (No 3). We certainly look forward to hearing more from these charming lads - whom we were very happy to see in concert when vising Dublin during the Summer. On that occasion their rendering of Ireland's Call (track No 9 on the album) nearly brought the house down! It was fantastic to see how three young lads and a song could rouse such feeling.

class jazz, 07 Mar 2008
jack teagarden is a jazz star up there with louis armstrong.his singing , playing and backing on clarinet by henry cuesta are a pleasure to listen to.one for the music library.enjoy.

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

Bop trombone and a cool tenor make great music, 28 Aug 2008
Norman Grantz is one of those figures to whom jazz fans owe a huge debt of gratitude for preserving much of the high quality music we are able to enjoy today. A fine example is this CD, recorded in 1957 at two concerts,in Chicago and L.A. and shows what we would be missing. The named artists both at the top of their careers blend supremly well musically. Sadly we hear the same set played at each venue however there is the bonus of an additional solo number from each player in the L.A. concert. The Oscar Peterson trio plus Connie Kay on drums provide a coherent and appopriate setting in a CD which should be part of every jazz colection.

The Celtic Tenors, 17 Nov 2003
Quality of CD: clear, clean sounds
Voice Quality: Absolutely heavenly.
Choice of lyrics: Brilliant
General: Fantastic voices and great harmony.
Waiting for third album to be available.

The Celtic Tenors, 20 Aug 2003
Having heard this group support Dionne Warwick, ha to find their cd's and so purchsed from Amazon. Good music, slightly operatic but performed differently. Anntunes are good and if you cna see them live, go - you will enjoy

I found this CD absolutely amazing., 18 Mar 2002
I found Celtic Tenors CD to be excellent, your found yourself be drawn into their music, their voices was the best I have heard yet and am looking forward till their new CD. I would recommend anyone to buying this.

A roller-coaster!!, 16 May 2001
I certainly agree with the reviewer who found the songs lively and even brooding - the great fun and energy they have when singing live is well captured in this album, and nicely interwoven with emotionally charged songs. Irelands Call best typifies this great roller-coaster ride of a CD which has a wide appeal and whets the appetitite to see them live once more!!

Wonderful!, 07 Feb 2001
This first cd-album by The Celtic Tenors - a group of young Irish tenors who have been performing together very successfully for the past couple of years - is a joy to listen to. Especially moving are tracks No 1, Caledonia, and No 6, The Quiet Land of Erin, and indeed Danny Boy (No 3). We certainly look forward to hearing more from these charming lads - whom we were very happy to see in concert when vising Dublin during the Summer. On that occasion their rendering of Ireland's Call (track No 9 on the album) nearly brought the house down! It was fantastic to see how three young lads and a song could rouse such feeling.

class jazz, 07 Mar 2008
jack teagarden is a jazz star up there with louis armstrong.his singing , playing and backing on clarinet by henry cuesta are a pleasure to listen to.one for the music library.enjoy.

JAZZ LEGEND'S TRIUMPHS, 29 Mar 2004
This triple set celebrates the career of the admired musician during his most productive period from 1928-1947. With warmly unique trombone style heavily influenced by the blues but mixed with a hint of Dixieland, Teagarden set the standard for all his contemporaries. By occasionally adding vocals, his personality developed in a similar way to Louis Armstrong. His links with many band formations and musicians; Goodman, Eddie Condon, Paul Whiteman, Joe Venuti, Coleman Hawkins and Bobby Hackett: singers - Lee Wiley, Hot Lips Page, Johnny Mercer amongst them: songs, I'VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES, THE SHEIK OF ARABY, THAT'S A SERIOUS THING and ST LOUIS BLUES, provide just a few clues to what is contained amongst the 72 tracks which never fails to entertain and boasts great sound quality.

CELEBRATION OF TEAGARDEN - THE JAZZ LEGEND, 21 Mar 2004
This triple set celebrates the career of Jack Teagarden, the admired musician during his most productive period from 1928-1947. With warmly unique trombone style heavily influenced by the blues but mixed with a hint of Dixieland, Teagarden set the standard for all his contemporaries. By occasionally adding vocals, his personality developed in a similar way to Louis Armstrong. His links with many band formations and musicians; Goodman, Eddie Condon, Paul Whiteman, Joe Venuti, Coleman Hawkins and Bobby Hackett: singers - Lee Wiley, Hot Lips Page, Johnny Mercer amongst them: songs, I’VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES, THE SHEIK OF ARABY, THAT’S A SERIOUS THING and ST LOUIS BLUES, provide just a few clues to what is contained amongst the 72 tracks which never fails to entertain and boasts great sound quality.

At the height of the swing era, small-group jazz sometimes found itself neglected by record companies. Thus began the rise of the devoted independent label willing to record music without great sales potential. This CD combines excellent material from unrelated sessions recorded in 1938 and 1940 by the Hot Record Society. Jack Teagarden's octet--which includes a number of Duke Ellington sidemen, including Rex Stewart, Barney Bigard, and Ben Webster--emphasizes Teagarden's lyricism, as on the rich dirge of "St. James Infirmary," here extended to the unusual length of four minutes. The uniquely laconic clarinetist Pee Wee Russell leads a lively Dixieland octet and trio, both featuring James P. Johnson and the inspired drums and voice of New Orleans's Zutty Singleton. --Stuart Broomer

LIKE BRITISH TRAD JAZZ? THEN BUY THIS!!, 18 Nov 2008
20 toe-tapping tracks for only £2.98! You can't go wrong and will enjoy the best it can get!!
All the great jazz classics are on here including THE haunting "Petite Fleur" with Monty Sunshine, along with some cracking live tracks AND 6 numbers featuring the fabulous voice of Ottilie Patterson.
If "April Showers" alone doesn't get your feet a jiggin' then you must be a piece of wood........man!
There's not one bad track on this album, which all come from the mid to late 1950's and it finishes with a rousing last track of a live version of "You Rascal You"; so buy it NOW Daddio and get in the groove!



Many facets of Early Chris Barber from the Pye-Nixa Vaults, 16 Feb 2001
Castle have again raided the Pye Nixa vaults for their latest Chris Barber retrespective.

There are concert recordings from 1956 and 1958; and studio tracks from the same period.

For the first time Castle have included 2 Skiffle numbers with Dickie Bishop and Johnny Duncan; and many with the Band's Blues Singer Ottilie Patterson; and one track with American Blues men Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

The records show the Band's full repetoire, and is excellent value with 38 tracks.

Castle Still have more tracks from Pye Nixa as yet unisssued, so there should be more to come!

Classic Vintage Barber, 21 Nov 2008
I agree entirely with the previous reviewer in his praise of this CD. As a Barber fan from the band's beginning in the mid fifties, I bought almost every record they released (without listening first!) including the three concert LPs making up the CD. I bought mono versions,not owning stereo equipment at the time. They are given a new lease of life in clear digital stereo sound which is a great achievment by the engineers, given the relatively "primitive" recording conditions. My favourite (and I suspect most other people's) has to be the German concert especially when the original sleeve notes tell of the recording difficulties encountered!
The band, as always, was in superb form on all the tracks, but my favourite is "Gotta Travel On" which captures the bouncy, melodic and highly accomplished sound of 1959 with exciting solos from the front line. I think this is the only version of the tune Chris recorded, which is strange, given his many new recordings of band favourites.
Anyway,happy listening. It brings back memories of one's long-lost youth!!

Outstanding - a must, 13 Apr 2006
Of all live recordings this one is up with the best (Berlin Deutschhalle, East Berlin, Nurnberg, Fairfiel Halls)- all concert locations on this 2 CD set find the pre "Jazz and Blues" line up at its liveliest with that springing forward momentum with which the Barber bands surpassed their UK trad contempories. The rapport with the audiences produces a driving excitement seldom matched on so many tracks.

A fine 'Mass' and a disappointing 'Shadows', 14 Sep 2006
I bought this CD after being impressed by the Naxos disc of `John Rutter's Requiem. That was something of a revelation, and probably the strongest recording of that work available. This disc is far less impressive.

The Mass of the Children is a fine work. As when recording the Requiem, this Naxos version uses the chamber ensemble version of the work rather than the full orchestral version. As with the Requiem the performance is top notch, both musicians and voices. No one should expect a piece called `Mass of the Children' to be as deep or searching as a Requiem and this is indeed a lighter work. John Rutter was inspired by his experience of singing in Benjamin Britten's War requiem in 1963, but it is a lighter side of Britten's choral writing that inspires him here. The singing is perhaps nearest to Britten's `Ceremony of Carols'. If I had to sum up the style of this work in one phrase it would be `Britten goes to Broadway'. There are some lovely tunes here, starting with the opening Kyrie; the most beautiful melody is saved for the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the tune harks back to the instrumental writing of Bach and Handel. The reduced chamber ensemble accompaniment sounds ideal.

So, having praised the Mass for Children, where is the disappointment? The answer is - in Shadows, the Song Cycle for baritone and guitar which takes up 25 minutes of this disc. It is intended as a homage to 16th century Lute Songs. The opening song Shadows highlights what is wrong here. The guitar accompaniment sounds like 1960's acoustic art rock and simply doesn't go together with the full on classical singing style of Jeremy Huw Williams. As the cycle unfolds another weakness becomes apparent. William's voice if full of life, but Stewart French appears to be sleepwalking through the guitar part.

The quality control returns for the final track `Wedding Canticle' featuring a haunting dreamlike flute and guitar accompaniment. Here the still day dreaming guitarist is in his element.

So. Four Stars for Mass of the children. Two Stars for Shadows and Five stars for Wedding Canticle. I am giving this disc 3 stars overall.


The Chamber Orchestra Version of Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', 15 May 2006
It is fashionable in some circles to deride the music of John Rutter because of its strong popular appeal, and indeed it may be true that Rutter is the John Stainer of our era. That is, his music is simple enough to be taken up by amateur groups, church and lay alike, and is enjoyed by many although it possibly will not be remembered by posterity. Somewhere I saw Rutter compared with Andrew Lloyd Webber, but that's a specious notion; Rutter is much more skilled than Webber, regardless of the man-on-the-street popularity of the latter. Rutter is a very careful and meticulous writer with to the ability to write tunes that become veritable 'ear-worms.'

The major piece on this CD is the 'Mass of the Children,' written in 2002. Although recorded before, this is the first recording using the version for chamber orchestra and organ along with mixed choir, children's choir, and soprano and baritone soloists. Rutter conducts forces from Clare College, Cambridge, his alma mater, and gets a marvelously focused and precise performance. He also conducted the earlier CD using full orchestra, which I have not heard. He says he was stimulated to write this piece by the strong memories he retained from singing in a children's choir in the first recording of Britten's 'War Requiem' which uses the same forces. Indeed, the first few minutes of the piece, the Kyrie, sounds for all the world like it could have been written by Britten. Indeed, throughout the 'Mass' (particularly the 'Gloria') one hears echoes of Britten's modal triad-based harmonies; of course the sound of children's chorus singing English words also reminds one of Britten as he wrote so much for trebles in his long career. Early on in his career, Rutter was heavily identified with the Faure Requiem and one hears similarities to that work. Still, this is indubitably Rutter through and through. And for those who love his music, this recording (or the version with full orchestra on Collegium) is a must-have.

The disc is filled out by a charming 1979 song cycle for baritone and guitar called 'Shadows.' It is sung idiomatically and lovingly by Jeremy Huw Williams accompanied by a recent Clare graduate, guitarist Stewart French. The eight songs, all evoking images of the evanescence of life, are set to English poems from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The most familiar text is probably Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.' Full texts are provided in the booklet, but Williams's diction makes referring to them virtually unnecessary.

The six-minute-long 'Wedding Canticle' for mixed choir, flute and guitar is set to Psalm 128 -- 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways...' -- a text used in the Anglican wedding ceremony. Flutist Daniel Pailthorpe joins guitarist French, weaving filigree in and around the simple, gentle choral sound.

Not enough can be said for the Clare College Choir and the Farnham Youth Choir. Their contribution is impeccably tuned, musically shaped and entirely engaging.

Scott Morrison

Mass of the Children - Divine!, 05 Apr 2006
What can I say to do this recording justice? The two choirs (Farnham Youth Choir & Clare College, Cambridge) are just outstanding.

The music is right for any mood, and is suitably 'accessible' if you're not really sure about classical music. If you happen to be an expert on everything from Albinoni to Wagner then you will definately appreciate the qaulity of this work.

Happy listening.

Bop trombone and a cool tenor make great music, 28 Aug 2008
Norman Grantz is one of those figures to whom jazz fans owe a huge debt of gratitude for preserving much of the high quality music we are able to enjoy today. A fine example is this CD, recorded in 1957 at two concerts,in Chicago and L.A. and shows what we would be missing. The named artists both at the top of their careers blend supremly well musically. Sadly we hear the same set played at each venue however there is the bonus of an additional solo number from each player in the L.A. concert. The Oscar Peterson trio plus Connie Kay on drums provide a coherent and appopriate setting in a CD which should be part of every jazz colection.

The Celtic Tenors, 17 Nov 2003
Quality of CD: clear, clean sounds
Voice Quality: Absolutely heavenly.
Choice of lyrics: Brilliant
General: Fantastic voices and great harmony.
Waiting for third album to be available.

The Celtic Tenors, 20 Aug 2003
Having heard this group support Dionne Warwick, ha to find their cd's and so purchsed from Amazon. Good music, slightly operatic but performed differently. Anntunes are good and if you cna see them live, go - you will enjoy

I found this CD absolutely amazing., 18 Mar 2002
I found Celtic Tenors CD to be excellent, your found yourself be drawn into their music, their voices was the best I have heard yet and am looking forward till their new CD. I would recommend anyone to buying this.

A roller-coaster!!, 16 May 2001
I certainly agree with the reviewer who found the songs lively and even brooding - the great fun and energy they have when singing live is well captured in this album, and nicely interwoven with emotionally charged songs. Irelands Call best typifies this great roller-coaster ride of a CD which has a wide appeal and whets the appetitite to see them live once more!!

Wonderful!, 07 Feb 2001
This first cd-album by The Celtic Tenors - a group of young Irish tenors who have been performing together very successfully for the past couple of years - is a joy to listen to. Especially moving are tracks No 1, Caledonia, and No 6, The Quiet Land of Erin, and indeed Danny Boy (No 3). We certainly look forward to hearing more from these charming lads - whom we were very happy to see in concert when vising Dublin during the Summer. On that occasion their rendering of Ireland's Call (track No 9 on the album) nearly brought the house down! It was fantastic to see how three young lads and a song could rouse such feeling.

class jazz, 07 Mar 2008
jack teagarden is a jazz star up there with louis armstrong.his singing , playing and backing on clarinet by henry cuesta are a pleasure to listen to.one for the music library.enjoy.

JAZZ LEGEND'S TRIUMPHS, 29 Mar 2004
This triple set celebrates the career of the admired musician during his most productive period from 1928-1947. With warmly unique trombone style heavily influenced by the blues but mixed with a hint of Dixieland, Teagarden set the standard for all his contemporaries. By occasionally adding vocals, his personality developed in a similar way to Louis Armstrong. His links with many band formations and musicians; Goodman, Eddie Condon, Paul Whiteman, Joe Venuti, Coleman Hawkins and Bobby Hackett: singers - Lee Wiley, Hot Lips Page, Johnny Mercer amongst them: songs, I'VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES, THE SHEIK OF ARABY, THAT'S A SERIOUS THING and ST LOUIS BLUES, provide just a few clues to what is contained amongst the 72 tracks which never fails to entertain and boasts great sound quality.

CELEBRATION OF TEAGARDEN - THE JAZZ LEGEND, 21 Mar 2004
This triple set celebrates the career of Jack Teagarden, the admired musician during his most productive period from 1928-1947. With warmly unique trombone style heavily influenced by the blues but mixed with a hint of Dixieland, Teagarden set the standard for all his contemporaries. By occasionally adding vocals, his personality developed in a similar way to Louis Armstrong. His links with many band formations and musicians; Goodman, Eddie Condon, Paul Whiteman, Joe Venuti, Coleman Hawkins and Bobby Hackett: singers - Lee Wiley, Hot Lips Page, Johnny Mercer amongst them: songs, I’VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES, THE SHEIK OF ARABY, THAT’S A SERIOUS THING and ST LOUIS BLUES, provide just a few clues to what is contained amongst the 72 tracks which never fails to entertain and boasts great sound quality.

Gold! Gold! Gold all the way, 04 Jun 2002
There are some concert performances that can claim to be historic - This is one of them. I have a confession to make. This recently reissued CD is a compilation of two live recordings - Jazz concerts played at the Royal Festival Hall, London on October 30th 1954 {A} and January 9th 1955 {B}. All right, so I wasn't there in the flesh at the time - I wasn't (quite!) old enough - but listening to the live (October) broadcast on steam radio is one of my earliest musical memories. I subsequently owned the original Decca EP release which featured tracks 4,5,6 and 8 below.

The CD starts with the announcement '...And now we come to the top of the bill, Chris Barber'. And what a billing it is. Chris Barber was a legend in his own time (still is) - but this is the greatest of the greats of line ups - from guest spots to members who went on to other things in their time. These include:

Chris Barber - trombone
Pat Halcox - cornet
Jim Bray - bass, sousaphone
Monty Sunshine - clarinet

Ron Bowden - drums
Lonnie Donegan - banjo
Ottilie Patterson - vocals
Bertie King - alto sax

So many types of music are featured here - Traditional jazz, Blues, Folk, Skiffle, Dixieland, Spiritual, almost r&b.

The running order is:

1. All The Girls Go Crazy About The Way I Walk {B}
A 'Kid' Ory composition
2. I Never New Just What A Gal Could Do {B}
3. St Louis Blues {B}
Chris' wife Ottilie sings a slow sultry bluesy version of this standard
4. I'd Love It {A}
Bertie King plays solo
5. Merrydown Blues {A}
Another King melodic solo
6. Skokiaan {A}
One of my all time favourite jazz refrains and my all time favourite version.
7. Storyville Blues {A}
8. It's Tight Like That {A}
Trad. jazz at its best; a catchy tune, humour in the lyrics, great solos, enthusiastic audience participation.
9. Bury My Body {A}
The first of two tracks by the Lonnie Donegan Skiffle Group.
10. Diggin' My Potatoes {A}
A traditional, very risqué (for the times) song given the Skiffle treatment. A foretaste of such classics as 'Rock Island Line'
11. Salutation March {B}
12. I Hate A Man Like You {B}
Ottilie Patterson vocal to the Jelly Roll Morton composition.
13. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise {B}
14. Reckless Blues {