Product Review

While this CD examines the music emanating from Cambridge University much of the pioneering sounds were the work of Fred Elizade. The music here follows the Quinquaginta Band through the years. Elizalde played piano and arranged from his arrival at Cambridge in 1924 until his talents were recognized by Ambrose whose Savoy Orpheans were headquartered in London. In 1929 the recordings featured George Monkhouse and His Cambridge Quinquaginta Ramblers. The leadership passed on to pianist Richard Philpott whose six solos are included on this CD. The final two tracks feature Alec Gracie And His Varsity Madhatters who recorded for the obscure Girmac label.