The Magic Music Of Faraway Places – BERT KAEMPFERT****

Moon Over Naples/In A Little Street In Singapore/La Cumparsita/Mambossa/The Japanese Farewell Song/Monte Carlo/Hava Nagila/Star Dust/Autumn Leaves/Balkan Melody/Midnight In Moscow/Swissy Missy

German bandleader Bert Kaempfert's concept album The Magic Music Of Faraway Places comprised a variety of songs and tunes from countries all over the world. (US:27)

"On this LP Bert Kaempfert plays at his best the music of Europe, Asia and the rest, with his unique style for rhythm, strings and of course, trumpets as well. This was recorded during the heyday of the late maestro."

"This album by Bert, released around 1965, is a tremendous potpourri of different world sounds, from the Germanic melodies, to the tremendous Latin sounds, all done to perfection by the maestro himself, Bert Kaempfert. These interpretations are quite a departure from earlier recordings by Bert, which were basically of one theme, for entire albums. Here, you will find a mix of brass and strings, all punctuated with Bert's trademark, a strong bass guitar. Also, you will get the absolute best version of Spanish Eyes done by the composer himself titled Moon Over Naples."

"This album is the ultimate basement lounging album. The highest quality in production, with a fat bass sound way ahead of its time. A gem."

"Bert Kaempfert was a master at blending different rhythms and melodies from around the world, into his own distinctive orchestral sound. This album is a good example, with some well known melodies and some of Kaempfert's own distinctive compositions."

"Bert Kaempfert's name makes too many eyeballs roll - easy listening, lounge music. But those who dismiss Kaempfert obviously haven't heard him, in fact he made much distinctive and memorable music, and this has a bit of it. If the schmaltz sometimes flows freely, and the opening track Spanish Eyes can't escape it being the signature tune of too many tired crooners. He could nonetheless produce tracks at once eloquent and eye-opening. The band was best when it stuck with what it did best: playing simple, efficient dance arrangements, like On A Little Street In Singapore, or the truly wonderful Mambossa."