THE BLACK FAMILY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 63, 15 March 1906, Page 2

THE BLACK FAMILY.

The return of' this talented and popular family of musicians to Blenheim last night was marked by the patronage of a .full "house" at the Good Templars' Hall. As ever, theprogramme in both parts was appreciatively received, and encores, beginning with Nellie's tuneful singing of " A corner in your heart" (Trotere), when she responded with "Bide a wee," were the order of the evening. This lady's other, vocal number, Tosti's " Parted," was rendered in round, impressive ton.es, and the inevitable recall yielded " Sing me to sleep." Miss Doris, who now re-appears with the family after a protracted convalescence, promisingly supplied violin obligatos to wiese'' songs.' Bui? Miss Nellie's violin playing,'of course, was the treat of the evening, her control of the king of instruments being exhibited in the difficult solo, ".HejreKati " (Kubay). . The intricacies and florid' chases of the piece were pursued .with•'a relish only begottenl by 'one who is thoroughly "at home " with the instrument. As usual, Miss Black's " Imitations " were very popular with the audience, and included several fresh conceptions, descriptive of various sounds emitted by the animals common to the farm-yard. Mr J. Black's comic singing was a , genuine treat, and revealed that he has lost nothing of his best style. His numbers, which of course had to be repeated, were "He followed the directions" and "Ma Conscience." Another vocal item was a serio-comic, " The sale's now on," and was archly given by Miss Elsie. The instrumental music included the acceptable flute solos of Miss Elsie* Mr Bert's cornet solo, conscientiously rendered;; the, always-popular mandoline quartette; and the orchestral selections played as overtures to each part of the programme. Air these items were appreciatively listened to. The Gaiety Dance executed by Miss Elsie-was a pleasing feature pfvthe entertainment, and the other dance' given by that versatile young lady in conjunction with her brother, also Mr Bert's jpekey dance, were encored. Mr Bert, .in his novelty act, provided diversion, having introduced some new features. Each portion of the programme was concluded with a most excellently performed comic sketch, the artistsbeing Mr J. Black and Miss Nellie. JL-lese

were "Domestic Economy" (Mr Harry Ford)' and " Troubles " (Lawson), the incidental songs being tastefully sung. The Family will appear at the same hall again to-night, when their farewell season will-close.