GRAMOPHONE NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6869, 26 March 1929, Page 10

GRAMOPHONE NOTES

Debroy Somers Band plays two novelties. (.1) “Kay Doll” (2) “Laughing Marionette” (Novelty Foxtrots). Played by Dcbroy Somers Baud. Columbia 01241. Any record of Dcbroy Somers Band is worth a second hearing. The disc under review will stand a third, and, indeed, a thirty-third, hearing. . These two little genas tire of other interest than purely terpsichorean. They might bo called descriptive pieces in syncopation. “Bag Doll” is by the composer of that successful number, the “Doll Dance.” and looks like being just as popular. Walter Collins, composer of “Moon-

time,” is responsible for “Laughing Marionette.” Ray Starita and his Ambassadors Band (1) “I just roil aioug having my ups and downs” (Foxtrot); (2) “Forty-seven Ginger-Headed Sailors” (Comedy Fox-trot). —Ray Starita and his Ambassadors Band. Col. 01225. Both of these hits arc from the pen of Ronald Jeans, the successful London revue, writer. Two of the most entertaining numbers from the new second edition of “Clowns in Clover,’ ’they are assured of wide popularity iu New Zealand. Ray Starita’s handling of his “Ambassadors” is a treat to listen to, and the brilliant vocal chorus in “Forty-seven Ginger-Headed Sailors” goes with a great swing. Recording is really splendid. “The Sidewalks of New York.” (1) “The Sidewalks of New York” (Waltz); (2) “Roses of Yesterday” (Fox-trot). Played by Paul "Whiteman and his Orchestra. 1 Columbia 07014. Tho iirst number is an elaboration in waltz time on that evergreen melody, “The Good Old Summertime,” and very cleverly it is done. “Roses of Yesterday” is a good coupling for this number, and both items have vocal refrains of unusual excellence for this typo of music. As usual, Paul Whiteman and his Toyal family of jazz play rriagnifioiently and are recorded to per* fcction. ■ t Gladys Moucrieff. (1) “Mexican Serenade” (2) (a) “Sweetheart,” (b) “River Song”— from “Rio Rita,’ sung by Gladys Moncriel’f, soprano. Columbia 0.1343. This disc provides the first recording Gladys Moncrieff has made for Columbia from tho successful musical comedy in which she lias been starring. “Sweetheart” and the “River Song” from “Rio Rita” arc really tuneful numbers, and, of course, arc niagnilicientlv sung. Gladys Moricriclt’s voice was kept in Australia through a Com-monwealth-wide petition to her manager, but her records will go everywhere. And this one in particular should in-' deed achieve universal popularity. An object lesson for Church Choirs. (1) “The Radiant Morn Hath Passed Away” (Woodward): (2) “O Taste and Sec How' Gracious The Lord Is” (Goss). S’r Henry Coward conducting tho Sheffield Choir. Columbia 02527. Two of the finest pcrfoimar.ees any choir has yet given us, and a new triumph of public hall recording. These two great anthems recorded by tho Sheffield Choir in Wesley’s Chapel provido magnificent singing. The ensemble is perfect, tho words arc really clear, and due doubtless to the wonderful jprecision 'of the singing under Sir Henry Coward, and the remarkable acoustic properties of Wesley’s Chapel, the volume and clarity are amazing. These are big records, and will create another sensation.