"A small pocketful of wonders"

A review of Heffers Sound by Alan Di Scimmia written on Wednesday 23rd of November 2005

Everyone who enjoys classical music (or jazz and world music for that matter) should familiarise themselves with this delightful shop, snuggled away in the historic backstreets of Cambridge.

Easily missed by the passer-by, they are also contactable by 'phone and email. Personally, I find their mail-order service surprisingly efficient in comparison with their "virtual" rivals on the internet.

But, of course, they are best enjoyed in the flesh, with the time it can take to peruse their shelves incommensurate with the small size of their shop.

Indeed, so wide and interesting is their range, that an hour or two spent here can feel no longer than a matter of minutes. They boast a uniquely comprehensive range of recordings, that leads the listener from Gregorian Chant, through the baroque, classical and romantic periods, and on to the likes of today's John Adams and Michael Nyman.

How many other CD shops can claim designated sections for such obscure composers as Forqueray and Ockegheim? They also carry a wide selection of more recent nostalgia - your Flanders and Swann, Robeson and Piafs, and so forth. And their commitment to providing budget-priced recordings, and regular promotions is second to none.

The staff themselves are both knowledgeable and friendly, enthusiastic to assist the customer's every whim. Advice is dispensed, and esoteric recordings located and (should need be) ordered in especially, all done with a courtesy that charms.

I have no hesitation in reccomending this shop. It is a rare jewel, existing almost unreasonably in a town left ravaged of culture by the seemingly ceaseless expansionism of coffee chains and clothes shops.

Go there: support it; but, most of all: enjoy it. Once visited, you will return again and again..

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