Following the tradition of popular UK pianists, Charlie Kunz and Winifred Atwell, Russ Conway (1925 - 2000) achieved much chart success between the years 1957 and 1963 with at least twenty singles peaking within the Top Twenty and his own compositions SIDE SADDLE and ROULETTE reaching #1 during 1959. Regular television exposure on THE BILLY COTTON SHOW provided the major factor for his popularity, together with variety theatre appearances including frequent bookings at the London Palladium. Without doubt, his boyish charm and easy manner added much to his toe-tapping piano style. Apart from numerous singles, his many albums demonstrated wider musical boundaries and allowed Russ to tackle slower and more dramatic themes and light classics. Unfortunately, poor health stalled his later career but he reappeared and continued to entertain right up until his demise in 2000.
This excellent two-disc tribute is chock-full of Conway's hits with their "A" and "B" sides plus near misses featured on the first disc. They include PARTY POPS - Parts 1/2 for openers, with the above named chart-toppers augmented by GOT A MATCH? CHINA TEA, SNOW COACH and ROYAL EVENT joined by more party medleys, selections from FINGS AIN'T WHAT THEY USED TO BE and catchy film tune PEPE. Full orchestral accompaniment is in place for slower numbers and PASSING BREEZE and THE WORLD OUTSIDE receive a typically lush treatment. The second disc expands its repertoire to include oldies MA HE'S MAKING EYES AT ME, PENNIES FROM HEAVEN and ISLE OF CAPRI amongst many from Conway's popular albums so does full justice to the entertaining remembrance of the fine pianist. With seventy tracks, this must rate as "a must" for those who love toe-tapping entertainment that will certainly cheer the listener up during these hard times.