Oddity, fantastic action, caprice – these are but a few of the dictionary definitions for the “whimsical” mood which Nathaniel Shilkret and the Symphonic “Pops” Orchestra have fashioned into music in this delightful album. During the various melodic excursions, the renditions may leap to the very heights of bubbling brightness or delve into the soothing varieties of a romantic mood, but at all times they are enchantingly out-of-the-ordinary, dispensing a thoroughly diverting and entertaining flair. The album opens with Kiss N’ Miss, a Nathaniel Shilkret original which tells the musical tale of a flirtatious young lady and the ardent young man who pursues her. Pastoral In Blue is a richly harmonic and rhythmic city-blues that dispenses a Gershwinesque atmosphere. Minka, up next, is a tuneful mazurka enhanced by sweeping strings and Sherman Frank’s keyboard description. Then, Vienna Bouquet sets hearts awhirl in the spirit and flavor of the Imperial City with a sparkling polka-waltz medley. The happy-go-lucky Huskin’ Bee is a bright and brilliant variation of the captivating folk tune, Skip To My Lou, and the side closes with In A Whimsical Mood, a cheerful orchestral caprice that almost runs away with itself as it breezes along from refrain to refrain in a light and fanciful air. Pizzicato strings open side two in the gay and glittering divertissement for full orchestra entitled Merry Wives Frolic. Conductor Nathaniel Shilkret’s composition uses fragments from the ever-popular overture to the ‘Merry Wives Of Windsor,’ and embodies all the lively wit, grace and elegance befitting the subject. Exotic is a mood changer, a haunting, sensuous melody scored for saxophone, flute and full orchestra that paints a colorful, tonal picture. The fast-paced potpourri of Latin music is heard in Braziliana, and then, the fine sensitivity of French composer Gabriel Fauré is reflected by Kitty Waltz, an excerpt from his famed piano suite, ‘Dolly.’ Another famed composer, Johann Strauss, is represented by the fascinating and engaging orchestral standby, Perpetual Motion. Sophisticated Tap Dance concludes the album, as its ricky-ticky flavoring and breezy string backgound recall vaudeville and variety shows of days gone by.