AMG Review of Autumn Nocturne

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

All of the Claude Thornhill orchestra's recordings have been getting reissued by the Scottish Hep label. This second volume has 24 selections, with the beautiful "Autumn Nocturne," "Somebody Nobody Loves," and Gil Evans' arrangement of "Somebody Else Is Taking My Place" being among the most memorable performances. Ranging from standard vocal ballads (with vocals by Dick Harding, Lillian Lane, and Kay Doyle and the four-voice Pair of Pairs) to haunting pieces utilizing as many as seven clarinets together plus two French horns, this CD has plenty of subtle surprises along the way from the unique orchestra.