From the first opening moments of the well loved signature tune to the last lingering notes of the final track, the music will transport you on a voyage of musical images as you picture the wind gently blowing across the Yorkshire countryside, and Compo, Clegg and Foggy sitting on a hillside or by a rippling pool or stream, relaxing in the summer sunshine.

To appreciate the CD/tape you need to sit and simply listen, and I do mean listen, to each track to savour exactly what Ronnie is trying to say in his music. The man has a knack of being able to make the music mirror exactly what is happening on screen at the time. For examples of this simply watch the episode "A Leg up for Christmas" when the three are trying to attract Howard's attention when he is in the house, or when Nora is sweeping the steps. The music seems to fit perfectly.

The CD is very reasonably priced at £9.99 which should be within everyone's pocket. There is also a tape which is slightly cheaper.  I personally always prefer a CD. For the price you are treated to 21 tracks including Foggy's and Howard and Marina's theme, and such classics as the haunting sounds of Seymour's theme, which I must admit did send a shiver of coldness down my spine. The CD should be available by the time you read this review at WH Smiths and other leading retail outlets.

The sleeve contains an attractive colour photo of Compo, Clegg and Foggy sat near a quaint little bridge, gazing into the sun. Inside are sleeve notes - including a very nice piece by Alan J.W Bell, the producer, who also gives the Appreciation Society more than a mention (thanks Alan).

There is a piece by Roy Clarke the creator and writer of the series. Also interesting to note are three sets of lyrics for the title song, one provided by Bill Owen and one by Roy himself which was heard in the programme "Getting Sam Home"

To the music then.
The first track is the familiar haunting signature tune that has become so famous over the past 25 years. To me it summons up scenes of Nora busily cleaning the steps as the camera pans in close, and she begins one of her lectures to her scruffy neighbour. The theme has had a number of variations over the years but has basically remained the scene. The advantage with this arrangement is that one can truly appreciate the  music and listen to the number of different instruments that make up the  tune. So, as the lost strains of the first track fade away, we are transported to the river for one of my favourite tracks.This particular piece  was used in the episode "Das (Welly) Boot" when Foggy decides to revive inland waterways transport after they find an old boat and get Wesley to restore it.

One can just picture the three peacefully gliding down the river as Compo plots to get Nora aboard. This theme is also heard in two other episodes that I can remember "Stop That Bath" and "The Woollen Mills of Your Mind" when Compo wants to join the Yorkshire marathon to impress Nora. 

The next piece conjures up visions of the three sat by a stream relaxing and passing the time discussing such important topics as "what holds the sky up" or the fact that they have painted lines down Proctor Street. This piece of music cannot be tied down to any one particular episode as it is heard in many. Our next track is known as "Spanish Onion Gravy" and comes from the 1995 episode "Captain Clutterbuck's Treasure". It brings to mind thoughts of treasure, pirates and fools who buy treasure maps for £30. The 1990 series is featured in the next theme from the episode "Walking Stiff can make you Famous" but can also be heard in others as well. I can just picture Foggy deep in the Malayan jungle protecting the British from the cunning Japanese. The next two tracks feature in a number of episodes and concentrate on our scruffy friend. It is also a tribute to Roy Castle who, if fate had not taken a different path, would have made an appearance in the series.

The next one is my favourite. I particularly asked for it as I remember it clearly from the 1992 episode "The Phantom of the Graveyard". I liked how the piece was used to illustrate the passing of old Sylvester and how the subject of death can be dealt with constructively and effectively within the framework of a comedy series.

The music then changes to a theme I can remember for "Aladdin gets on your Wick" - but it again is featured in other episodes. It was used when Howard goes frogman diving for Marina near the end of the episode.

The next theme was included by Ronnie as it was on the B-side of the seven inch record that was released some years ago, and is there for anyone not lucky enough to have a copy, myself included. Now it's the turn of the ladies, and as Glenda is told firmly to "drink her coffee", Ronnie's music clearly illustrates the actions taking place as the ladies simultaneously lift their cups and drink to the good health of their menfolk (I don't think). No Summer Wine CD would be complete without Eli's theme. Although he does not feature a great deal he is a firm favourite with fans. As the banjo plays, one can picture him walking into a conservatory or falling into a skip.

Track 13 - back to the majesty of the hills as we envisage the breathtaking panorama of the Yorkshire valleys as featured in many episodes. You can just picture Cleggy wondering why bananas are cucumber shaped! They really have cracked it this time!!

You've guess it - the subject of the next theme is Howard and Marina. The music is well recognised and I can picture the two of them cycling down the quiet shady lanes away from Pearl's prying eyes. Into the past for the next tune as the music is reflective of Compo and company discussing their old school friends, or one of Compo's many girlfriends.

I would defy anyone not to recognise Edies theme. As she races around the quiet lanes of Holmfirth in her red Triumph, this track is well titled "Edie in Triumph". You only have to watch episodes like "Beware of the Elbow" to see what I mean. "Big Day at Dream Acres" was never a particular favourite of mine, but together with the music composed for "Uncle of the Bride" is some of the finest written for the series. The 1976 episode "The Great Boarding House Bathroom Caper" features in the next track summoning up memories of Scarborough, Nora and Wally at Marine Land, not to mention Ivy and Sid on the beach as she reads her true romances.

"Pratty Flowers" - the Holmfirth Anthem comes next, and keen listeners of the series will recognise this as the song Compo is singing when Seymour is sewing his trousers in "Big Day at Dream Acres". It is a beautiful theme and is enhanced by Ronnie's arrangement. If ever a piece of music can make you cry it is this one. Michael Aldridge brought a very special gift to the character of Seymour, and I am ashamed to say that I did not pay more attention to his episode at the time. When putting the survey together for Ronnie, this is the piece that most  people asked for - after the main theme. A wonderful theme that brings together memories of a much admired actor and character. 

The music then increases in tempo into the catchy piece from "Uncle of the Bride"  when we see Seymour with his motorised wheelbarrow.

The last final chime is very touching and poignant to all true fans of the series, as is the title of this piece. "Seymour Utterthwaite RIP". Back to the jungle for the next track and a reminder that the warrior returned in 1990 and was determined to get Compo and Clegg back into shape. The final theme is heard in the 1996 Christmas special "Extra! Extra!" in the scene where Compo, Clegg and Foggy are in the barn discussing how to get the creases out of Nora's stockings.

Well that sums up in great detail the 21 tracks of the CD. As I explained it is impossible to recognise the themes to every episode, but I would say that Ronnie has done a splendid job in helping to make the Silver Anniversary something very special.

HOW TO BUY A COPY

The CD costs £10.99 (US dollars $25) and this includes postage and
packing. 

Please send your order to the following address
and allow at least 4 wks for delivery.

Make your cheque/international money order
payable to SUMMER WINE MUSIC and send it to:-
 

Email Enquiries to:  swas_society@btinternet.com or clivefireflash@btinternet.com

Telephone (44) 01924 893340.