Naxos’s ability to come up with winning ideas at knock-down prices never ceases to amaze. Already the label has a CD of Leroy Anderson favourites played by Richard Hayman and His Orchestra in more relaxed fashion than is often the case (7/02). Here some of those same familiar items are played a little more positively, if with a fraction less verve than in conductor Leonard Slatkin’s earlier collection with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (RCA, 1/96). What is of most interest, of course, is the less familiar music. Though generally less striking than the evergreens, these pieces include some genuine finds. The First Day of Spring and The Golden Years provide delightfully tranquil contrasts to more ebullient Anderson fare, while Arietta is a real gem. Governor Bradford’s March is an admirable enough military march, named after a Massachusetts Governor of the 1940s, but lacking in obvious distinguishing Anderson features. The Classical Jukebox is a delightful novelty piece, including a depiction of the sticking needle that was familiar to everyone in pre-CD days, and altogether encapsulating Anderson’s genius for packing aural gold into a three-minute piece. Other shorter pieces are perhaps less striking. As for the agreeably warm-hearted and romantic 1953 Piano Concerto, it falls into the category of works that are worth hearing without having hitherto been a major loss to the musical world. One way and another, everything here is easy on the ear and beautifully played. It all leaves a delightful aftertaste and excites anticipation of Naxos’s next instalment.