Travelling Light: Music of Jim Parker
Perhaps the name of Jim Parker is not well known – but his music is loved worldwide. Composer of numerous film and theatre scores, he is best known for his television music which includes Foyle’s War, House of Cards, Midsomer Murders and House of Elliott among many more. He has won the British Academy Award for Best TV Music on no less than four occasions.
This brilliant album collects a number of Parker’s recent compositions which are not directly for TV but still have a marvelous pictorial quality and display his remarkable talent for memorable melodies and coloration, whether it be the recorder acting like a Peruvian pipe, or violins emulating the Hurdy-Gurdy.
Light music albums of this quality are very rare these days and this is a joyful gem.
Track Listing
-
Jim Parker: A South American Journey
- I. Tango Cinco (4:59)
- II. Pueblo Tranquilo (2:32)
- III. Volando (6:45)
- IV. La Cometa (3:58)
- V. Rapido (3:48) Jim Parker: Bonjour M. Grappelli
- I. Bonjour M. Grappelli (6:00)
- II. Elegy (5:50)
- III. Hurdy Gurdy (5:13)
- IV. Au revoir, M. Grappelli (5:29) Jim Parker: Three Diversions
- I. Spring Dance (3:56)
- II. Paean (5:01)
- III. A Leave-Taking (3:04) Jim Parker: "Hoofers"
- The Flying Scotsman (3:18)
- Banjolele (2:10)
- The Lonely Ballerina (4:09)
- Hoofers (4:15)
Reviews
“Travelling Light is probably my favourite of the [three discs reviewed this month]. Turner is on excellent form; technically secure and musically convincing. He is supported and accompanied by a cast of exceptional musicians. Fantastically satisfying music, brilliantly played; musicianship of the highest calibre.
” —Adam Dopadlik
“[Parker’s] music, on the present evidence, is engaging, always easy on the ear. A fun disc, without doubt – especially in such expert performances as these.
” —Colin Clarke
“A thoroughly entertaining CD, which very evidently totally engaged the players who are on impressive form.
” —Andrew Mayes
“If the seriousness of classical music puts you off, you’ll love this. Easy on the ear, plenty of melody and variation and with a definite lightness of step, this is something of a minor gem.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“This is a fantastic CD. It is full of imaginative, interesting and well-wrought music that has the distinct advantage of being totally approachable and enjoyable. Jim Parker has a unique voice in music that manages to seamlessly cross the divide between popular, classical and light.
” —John France
“This very enjoyable album collects a number of Parker’s recent compositions which have a pictorial quality and display his remarkable talent for memorable melodies and colouration. Light music albums of this quality are rare these days and this is a joyful gem. Highly recommended.
” —John Pitt
