Hi Frank,

I very rarely contribute anything to The Forum, but do pay the occasional visit. How nice it was to read your story of music from the 20's-50's period. But isn't it strange, (and yet marvellous), that even though we may all say we like the music from a certain period, within that framework there are many forms of music, some of which we like, and others not.

I say this because, the songs you listed in regard to Matt Dennis, were titles I've never heard of. To me, the definitive popular music of this period, was the music of the greats such as - Gershwin-Porter-Warren-Berlin, and all those wonderful composers one associates with 'Tin Pan Alley'.

The music of these people can still be played in any style, within the compass of one's ability. So, one minute 'Hello Young Lovers' can be the romantic ballad as intended, the next, played as a soft slow Bossa, or jazz. And surely, this is the real beauty of the music of this period. it could be musically interpreted in any style that took the fancy. And of course, still can be.

Finally, we 'oldies' are continuously be-moaning the awfulness of today's modern pop. But surely what we should be doing, is giving thanks and gratitude, for having lived in the time warp of such wonderful music. That we were privileged to have listened to the big bands, the jazz musicians, the vocalists, and the compositions of these great composers. Who are the lucky ones. ? We 'oldies' who have this musical inheritance, or today's youngsters, who it would seem, will have no worthwhile inheritance to pass on. ??

Thank you Frank, for stirring up the waters of melody, jazz, and ability. We live in an age, where actual playing ability and talent, is little thought of. Or even recognised. ! And our wonderful machines do nothing to enhance actual musical talent. The machine does it for us. We cheat. You're not 'playing' if you step record something. you are cheating. You are 'buffering' you own lack of ability. I don't think Oscar Peterson did. !!!

Colin.