Solid!

The Arthur Murray Orchestras

The Fabulous Ballroom Collection

BMG

Arthur Murray's name has been synonymous with ballroom dancing since the late 1930s. Through books, correspondence courses, record albums, a television program, and a chain of studios, he has probably taught more people how to dance than anyone else in the history of the world. Ballroom dancing made a comeback during the last half of the 1990s, and Arthur Murray continues to play a role in teaching the world to dance.

This CD features a 24-song collection of ballroom dancing tunes from the great Arthur Murray Orchestras of the late 1950s and early 1960s, directed by Bill Stagmeyer and Ray Carter. The majority of the numbers on the CD are Latin in nature -- Rumbas, Tangos, Sambas, Mambos, and Merengue -- but other numbers, like ''I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm'' and ''It's a Big Wide Wonderful World,'' are pure homespun pop. Although there is an inherent corniness to the formulaic style of the music you'll find your toes tapping right along to the beat. After all, this music was meant to be danced to.

This CD is a real time warp to the past. Fans of ballroom dancing, lounge, and space-age bachelor pad music will all love this album, as will those who simply have a love for the great instrumental orchestras of the past. A very pleasant listen as well as a dance album. Sheer magic.

Track Listing

• 1. Rumba Fantasy
• 2. El Baich
• 3. Red Petticoats
• 4. Tequila
• 5. Dansero
• 6. Bandolera
• 7. Lisbon Antigua (In Old Lisbon)
• 8. You're a Heavenly Thing
• 9. (La La) Colette
• 10. Ole Guapa
• 11. The Speak Up Mambo
• 12. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
• 13. Vem-Vem
• 14. Chivirico
• 15. It's a Big Wide Wonderful World
• 16. Midnight Tango
• 17. Deep Purple
• 18. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
• 19. When We Do the Cha Cha Cha (Mi Música es Parat Tí)
• 20. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
• 21. The Fence (El Merengue Empaliza)
• 22. Sway (Quién Sera)
• 23. Anna
• 24. Uno! (One More Kiss)