"Metropole" is a song to raise the spirits.  It was written in a matter of days following a family visit to the Metropole in Brussels, a splendid hotel with a wonderful resident pianist Dr Gabbs.  An after-dinner session with Caroline singing in the hotel lounge was this song's direct and immediate inspiration.

There are two distinct themes, the second ".. And it don't matter not one jot.. "  a great contrast both of style and key.  Listen for the final section, then, following the keyboard ad lib. as the piano shows that both themes are really just different sides of the same personality!

This piece has been recorded by Caroline Milan and Julian Hellaby on the ASC label, ref: ASC CS 44

Here it is as an mp3 file.  The mood is captured brilliantly, not least in Julian Hellaby's evocative improvisation.