HIS MASTER’S VOICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20764, 9 July 1929, Page 15

HIS MASTER’S VOICE.

“SHOW BOAT” RECORDS. A special H.M.V. release that has long been awaited in New Zealand is a collection of “ Show Boat ” records, particularly “ 01* Man River,” sung by that magnificent negro bass, Paul Robeson. “ Show Boat,” which is now in production in Australia for J, C. Williamson, Ltd., has been in New York and London the greatest musical success of many years. Written round Edna Ferber’s novel of life on the Mississippi, “ Show Boat” has many colourful songs and scenes. The finest of these, “ 01’ Man River,” is splendidly given bv Robeson on H.M.V. C 1505, Paul Robeson’s career is as remarkable as his voice. Born in New Jersey, U.S.A., of coloured parents, he studied in “ white ” schools, and in 1919, at the age of ‘2O years, graduated from Rutger’s College. Here four times he gained the American equivalent of a Blue for Rugby, baseball, track sports, and basket ball. At Columbia University lie graduated in law, but, cherishing an old ambition, he went on the stage, appearing first with Florence Mills and then in “ Voodoo,” presented in London with Mrs Patrick Campbell in the lead. On his return to the States lie was cast in several ot Eugene O’Neill’s plays. His first recital was given in New York in 1925, and since then, with his collaborator, Lawrence Brown, he lias toured America, England, and France. His rich, deep, ample bass voice has often been likened to that of Chaliapin. “His singing comes from within; such an art could never have been imitated. And his sincerity is, indeed, terrible and unrestrained.” Among the finest records already issued are “ Hear dc Lam’s A-Cryiu’,” the record of plantation songs, and “ Seem Lak’ to Me.”