GRAMOPHONE NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6809, 12 January 1929, Page 14

GRAMOPHONE NOTES

EXCERPTS FROM ‘HIT* THE DECK' “Hit the Deck”—Selection; in 2 JlV.rtiS. London Hippodrome Orchestra conducted by J. Tunbridge. Col. 02620. “Hit the Deck”—Vocal Mcdlay; in 2 Parts. London Hippodrome Artistes and Chorus, with Kit-oat Band. Columbia 0262*. These magnificent recordings are by tho original artists that starred in the premier presentation at the London ‘Hippodrome.” The first disc is of course purely orchestral (featuring the original ensemble) but the second includes tho inimitable Ivy Tresmand and Stanley Holloway, the Barry Twins, the Prince Sisters and tho original Hippodrome Chorus. Accompaniment and incidental music is supplied by the Kit-Cat Band: Very fine records indeed. From “The Girl Friend.”

Here we have four excellent record* (10-inch) presenting some of the catchiest tunes in this popular musical comedy. , , “The Girl Friend” and ‘blow River” (Columbia 0794) are by the (“Singing Sophomores” —’that brilliant malo quartet. Layton and Johnstone, those prominent American duettists give us a medley on Columbia 0865. Columbia 0866 offers on one side “Mountain Greenery” foxtrot by De* broy Somers’ Band, and on the reverse, “Step on it Blues” foxtrot by the Kit-Cat Band. The Denza Danco Band on Columbia 0564 provide further “Girl Friend” music in crisp rhythmic time. A wide sale for these intriguing records is predicted this month.

Waltzes by Strauss. (1) “Artists’ Life” (Waltz); (2) ‘ ‘ Talcs from the Vienna W oods.' ’ Johann Strauss and Symphony Orchestra. Columbia 02577. Johann Starus should know the works of his father, should possess the real understanding and be able to produce the right atmosphere. That he can do so is proved by this record. Rich in tono this beautiful orchestra gives of its best. Waltzes are not so old fashioned as some peoplo believe. This record will help to awaken renewed interest in old-timo waltzing melodics. Two Organ Records. “Light Cavalry Overture” (Suppe) Organ solo by Quentin M. Maclean. In two parts. Col. 01007. Quentin Maclean is the organist of one of London’s Pavillious, and * master hand at his art. The registration in this organ solo is very effective; particularly so in the opening; the ending, too, is exhilarating. Tho organ records well, and this is one of the best recordings I have heard. A really delightful record for organ enthusiasts. Billy Bennett Talks.

“The Real Guy”; “Domestic BlisIters!” Talking by Billy Bennett. Columbia 9105. Of comedians and amongst comedians of note, Billy Bennett holds a high

position; the very number that Columbia have secured from this Comedian marks his popularity. When Billy Bennett talks the listener must laugh, subtlo humour of the best that wo are all searching for so much in these days. And broad tumour too! These recordings do full justice to the clear speech of the i 1 talker. Two Russian Fart Songs. Chauvc-Souris—“A Russian Barcarolle,” Mmcs Birsc and Ershova, Mm. Dedovitch and Chovtchenko; (■*■) “Round The Hay Wain,” Ghauvo Souris Company with the Vaudevillo Theatre Orchestra. Col.-02525. Recordings of the voices of true artists. The “Barcarolle” is sung by a quartet, the tones of whose voices in the deeper notes are a pleasure. “Round the Hay Wain” is an admirably executed Russian song. A Popular Orchestra and a Populai Selection. “H Trovatore” (Verdi) —Selection. Percy Pitt conducting tho 8.8. C. Wireless Symphony Orchestra. Columbia 9185. This is an electric recording of a very old Columbia favourite. Assuming the two performances to be the same, the chief improvements are in the sweeter quality of the strings, the better balance maintained by the brass apt before to be a little, over-strident), and the increased richness and subtlety of the orcehstration. Perhaps Percy Pitt still makes the selection sound a little too hearty, but Verdi, in some passages at least, can stand that touch of tho seaside-band performance. Splendidly Sung Irish Ballads.

(1) “Kathleen Mavourneen”; ■ (2) “Oft in the Stilly Night.” Sung by Alfred O’Shea, tenor. Col. 04009. ! Every record of O’Shea makes us look forward tho more eagerly to his coming here again. By liis records ho is well-known already, and a new tour should bo assured of great success. He is at his best in the singing of Irish Ballads and brings to these popular numbers the sympathy that best recommends them. This melodious lyric of Thomas Moore is one of the most agreeable we have yet had on a record. Two Lovely Airs. (1) “On Wings of Song” (Mendelssohn); (2) ::Avo Maria” (BachGounod).' Played by the J. H. Squira Celeste Octet. Col. 02569. Tho polished technique and finished playing of the Celeste Octet always make perfect records, and their popularity is such that while they fully satisfy music-lovers with their effective renderings of classic airs, they are fro-, quently requested to givo their performances of modern lighter music. And in each class they arc conspicuously successful, as these two remarkable contrasts in records go to show.