Dudley Moore – The Music Of Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore – The Music Of Dudley Moore

Long before he became internationally famous as the star of Arthur, 10 and Foul Play, Dudley Moore was an accomplished jazz pianist and composer, and The Music Of Dudley Moore provides a wonderful showcase for this often-overlooked side of his career. Originally released in 1968, the album brings together Moore's original music for the British comedy film 30 Is A Dangerous Age, Cynthia, in which he also starred as composer Rupert Street.

Moore's musical background was considerably more serious than his comedy career might suggest. Classically trained and heavily influenced by jazz pianists including Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner, he had already established himself through the Dudley Moore Trio, television appearances and his celebrated partnership with Peter Cook. His trio work combined sophisticated jazz technique with a light, witty touch, qualities that translate beautifully into the cinematic pieces collected here.

The opening “30 Is A Dangerous Age Cynthia” immediately establishes the album's distinctive character, combining a breezy, playful theme with more formal orchestral ideas. Elsewhere, “Head First,” “The Newsreel Overture,” “The Real Stuff” and “Cynthia” move between jazz, light orchestral writing and distinctly late-1960s British film music. The result is stylish, melodic and occasionally wonderfully eccentric – very much characteristic of Moore's musical personality.

Particularly enjoyable is “Hello Sailor,” the jaunty piece that appeared as “Morning Walk” on the American soundtrack edition. “Waltz For Suzie,” “Madrigal” and “Mating Cry” reveal Moore's talent for compact, characterful compositions, while the closing “The Detective” is one of the album's most atmospheric pieces, moving into darker, sophisticated film-noir territory.

The album is also an important document of Moore's development as a composer for film. Alongside 30 Is A Dangerous Age, Cynthia, he would go on to create the memorable score for Bedazzled and music for several other films, demonstrating a remarkable ability to move between jazz, classical writing, comedy and cinematic arrangement.

For collectors of Dudley Moore vinyl, British jazz, 1960s film soundtracks, lounge music and cult British cinema, The Music Of Dudley Moore is a fascinating record. It offers a very different perspective on the man better known as an actor and comedian: sophisticated, playful and technically assured, with the unmistakable atmosphere of late-1960s British soundtrack music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. 30 Is A Dangerous Age Cynthia
2. Head First
3. The Newsreel Overture
4. The Real Stuff
5. Cynthia
6. Legend

Side B

1. Waltz For Suzie
2. Hello Sailor
3. Rupert Street Concerto
4. Madrigal
5. Mating Cry
6. The Detective