Saturday, 29 March 2025

Ted Heath--Charlie Kunz--Vera Lynn--Victor Silvester--Frank Sinatra--Sidney Torch

 In the shadow of Big Ben you might see a Hawk and a Swallow jiving to the Sabre Dance, but be careful of that Night Train !

1. Night Train......Ted Heath & His Music
2. The Hawk Talks......Ted Heath & His Music
3. Charlie Kunz Piano Medley No.R.9.Part 1......Charlie Kunz
4. Charlie Kunz Piano Medley No.R.9.Part 2......Charlie Kunz
5. When You Hear Big Ben......Vera Lynn
6. Welcome Home......Vera Lynn
7. Sweet Georgia Brown......Victor Silvester's Jive Band
8. Why Do I Lie To Myself About You......Victor Silvester's Jive Band
9. Young At Heart......Frank Sinatra
10. Take A Chance......Frank Sinatra
11. Sabre Dance......Sidney Torch & His Orchestra
12. La Golondrina (The Swallow)......Sidney Torch & His Orchestra

          1. Night Train

Friday, 28 March 2025

Vera Lynn--Ray Burns--Kay Starr--Frank Sinatra--Harry Belafonte--


1. Doonaree......Vera Lynn
2. Show Me The Way......Vera Lynn
3. Blue Star......Ray Burns
4. Memory......Ray Burns
5. Side By Side......Kay Starr
6. Too Busy.....Kay Starr
7. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning......Frank Sinatra
8. It Never Entered My Mind......Frank Sinatra
9. The Son Of Mary......Belafonte
10. I Heard The bells On Christmas Day......Belafonte
11. I'll See You Again......Vera Lynn
12. Christopher Robin Is Saying His Prayers......Vera Lynn

Ray Burns was a British singer, active in the 1950s, who had a top five hit single in 1955.
Burns entered showbusiness when a friend of the comedian Issy Bonn heard him singing in a barber shop. Bonn took Burns on as a dresser, taught him singing techniques, and had him perform a song during his stage shows. Burns' career took a step forward in 1949, when the orchestra leader Ambrose heard him sing at a London club and offered him a job.
Burns was a regular singer with the BBC Show Band, under the leadership of Cyril Stapleton, in the 1950s, and recorded a number of singles for Columbia Records between 1953 and 1958, two of which made the UK singles charts. The bigger hit, a cover of the Bob Holt/David Wells song "Mobile" (with the Eric Jupp Orchestra), which had been a hit in the United States for Julius La Rosa, reached number 4 in both the New Musical Express and Record Mirror charts in March 1955. The second, "That's How A Love Song Was Born" (with The Coronets), reached number 14 of the NME charts later in the year.

         5. Side By Side

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Savoy Orpheans--Harry James--Ray Martin--Earl Bostic--Victor Silvester--Ted Heath

It's a wonder Kitty Kalen was able to sing her song competing with all the loud instruments of the big bands !!

1. Little Boy......Savoy Orpheans
2. Foolish Child.....Savoy Orpheans
3. Carnival.....Harry James & His Orchestra
4. I'm Beginning To See The Light......Harry James & His Orchestra.vocal Kitty Kallen
5. Meet Mr Callaghan......Ray Martin & His Orchestra
6. Dream Of Yesterday......Ray Martin & His Orchestra
7. Melancholy Serenade......Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
8. Don't You Do It......Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
9. Tea For Two......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra
10. The Lady Is a Tramp......Victor Sivester& His Ballroom Orchestra
11. Asia Minor......Ted Heath & His Music
12. Dig Deep......Ted Heath & His Music

          5. Meet Mr Callagahn

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

David Whitfield--Glenn Miller--Bing Crosby--Earl Bostic--Frank Sinatra--Victor Silvester

Dancing the Waltz & the Quickstep down the street at night to a loving melody !

1. On The Street Were You Live......David Whitfield
2. Afraid......David Whitfield
3. Missouri Waltz......GlennMiller & His Orchestra
4. Beautiful Ohio......Glenn Miller
5. Silent Night Holy Night......Bing Crosby
6. Adeste Fideles......Bing Crosby
7. What No Pearls......Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
8. Off Shore.....Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
9. I'm Gonna Live Till I Die......Frank Sinatra
10. Melody of Love......Frank Sinatra
11. It's A Lovely Day Today......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra
12. You're Just in Love......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra

          9. I'm Gonna Live Till I Die

Monday, 24 March 2025

Joe Loss--Roy Fox--The Radio Revellers--Frank Sinatra--Dickie Valentine--Denis Martin

Feeling lonely on Christmas Island on Saturday without your gloves, waving farwell to Terry seems like a Fairy  Tale !

1. Oh Baby Mine I Get So Lonely.......Joe Loss & His Orchestra
2. Du Bist Mein Liebchen......Joe Loss & His Orchestra
3. You Forgot Your Gloves......Roy Fox & His Band
4. Take It From Me......Roy Fox & His Band
5. The French Can Can Polka......The Radio Revellers
6. Cherry Stones......The Radio Revellers
7. Fairy Tale......Frank Sinatra
8. Same Old Saturday Night......Frank Sinatra
9. Christmas Island......Dickie Valentine
10. The Hand Of Friendship......Dickie Valentine
11. Galway Bay......Denis Martin
12. Terence's Farewell......Denis Martin
Denis Martin (1920 – October 1988) was a Northern Irish singer, actor and theatre producer active in the 1940s to 1980s.
Martin won the All-Ireland tenor competition at Feis Ceoil in 1944,He then moved to England where he performed as a singer in musical shows and in radio and TV broadcasts. Soon after arriving in England Denis joined the Players' Theatre, a permanent music-hall company in London. In 1949 he played the juvenile lead in King's Rhapsody with Ivor Novello.

         5. The Can Can Polka

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Glenn Miller--Ronnie Harris--Gracie Fields--Eddie Fisher--Jay Wilbur--Ted Heath

Three Instrumentals with Vocals !.....Plus a Story with Humpty Dumpty & A Mocking Bird Riding On A Rainbow sipping a Hot Toddy.

1. This Is No Laughing Matter......Glenn Miller & His Orchestra..vocal Ray Eberle
2. Humpty Dumpty Heart.....Glenn Miller & His Orchestra..vocal Ray Eberle
3. The Story Of Tina.....Ronnie Harris
4. Guiding Star.....Ronnie Harris
5. The Mocking Bird Went Cuckoo......Gracie Fields
6. Just One More Chance......Gracie Fields
7. Downhearted......Eddie Fisher
8. Am I Wasing My Time Over You......Eddie Fisher
9. We'll All Go Riding On A Rainbow.......Jay Wilbur & His Band
10. The Wind's in the West......Jay Wilbur & His Band
11. Hot Toddy......Ted Heath & His Music
12. Strike Up The Band......Ted Heath & His Music

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, on the set of Sun Valley Serenade, 1941

 6. Just One More Chance

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Maxine Sullivan--The Ames Brothers--Jay Wilbur--Lee Lawrence--Geraldo--Victor Silvester

If your sweetheart's name is Jeanie then get her on the dance floor for a Waltz or a Quickstep and even a Beguine while the Moon is Glowing !....and don't forget to whistle !..and mind the River !

1. I Dream Of Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair......Maxine Sullivan
2. Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes......Maxine Sullivan
3. You You You......The Ames Brothers
4. My Love My Life My Happiness......The Ames Brothers
5. I Love To Whistle......Jay Wilbur And His Band
6. So Long Sweetheart......Jay Wilbur & His Band
7. Waltzing The Blues......Lee Lawrence
8. The Good Book Says......lee Lawrence
9. Sand In My Shoes......Geraldo & His Orchestra..vocal Dorothy Carless
10. Russian Rose......Geraldo & His Orchestra..vocal Dorothy Careless
11. Moonglow......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra
12. The Banks Of The Seine......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra

Maxine Sullivan (May 13, 1911 – April 7, 1987), born Marietta Williams in Homestead, Pennsylvania, United States, was an American jazz vocalist and performer.
Early recording sessions in 1937 yielded a hit recording of a swing version of the Scottish folk song "Loch Lomond" featuring Sullivan on vocals. This early success "branded" Sullivan's style, leading her to sing similar swing arrangements of traditional folk tunes mostly arranged by Thornhill, such as "If I Had a Ribbon Bow" and "I Dream of Jeanie". Her early popularity also led to a brief appearance in the 1938 film Going Places with Louis Armstrong.

The Ames Brothers were an American singing quartet, consisting of four siblings from Malden, Massachusetts, who were particularly famous in the 1950s for their traditional pop hits.
The brothers were swept into national top billing with their first hit record, "Rag Mop", in January 1950. Doing radio shows for free at times, just for the experience, they later became regulars on such shows as Arthur Godfrey and His Friends. One of the first acts to appear on the original The Ed Sullivan Show when it was known as Toast of the Town, the foursome made their debut with him when the show was telecast live from Wanamaker's Department Store.

          5. I Love To Whistle

Sunday, 16 March 2025

Bertha Willmott--Tex Beneke--Eddie Calvert--Victor Silvester--David Whitfield--Ted Heath

Back again now for a few more retro sounds and inane comments !

1. Look And Laugh......Bertha Willmott
2. Love Is Everywhere......Bertha Willmott
3. Texas Tex.....Tex Beneke With The Glenn Miller Orchestra
4. I'm Headin' For California......Tex Beneke with The Glenn Miller Orch
5. The Holy City......Eddie Calvert
6. O my Beloved Daddy......Eddie Calvert
7. The Tender Trap......Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra
8. I've Changed My Mind A Thousand Times.....Victor Silvester Orch
9. My One True Love......David Whitfield
10. Cry My Heart......David Whitfield
11. Drive in ......Ted Heath & His Music
12. Roo Roo Kangaroo.....Ted Heath & his Music
Bertha Mary Willmott (16 September 1894 – 3 June 1973) was a British actress, comedienne, singer and music hall performer.
In 1918 she met Reginald Thomas Bishop Seymour (1895-1962), a Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery. They married three months later at Romford in Essex. From about 1939 the couple ran the Spinney Hill Hotel in Northampton. 
Billed as "The Radio Comedy Girl with a Voice", she scored success after success, especially with her contributions to the Old Time Music Hall series. In 1931 she appeared in the BBC radio musical show The Ridgeway Parade, while in 1935 she was in the British musical film Variety. From the 1920s through to the 1940s Willmott released a number of recordings, including 'Maggie! - Yes, Ma!' (1923), 'Mum And Dad And The Nipper' (1932), 'No ! No ! A Thousand Times No !' (1935), 'Live And Love Another Day' (1937), 'Bless 'Em All' (1940) and 'You'll Be Far Better Off In A Home' (1942).

Gordon Lee "Tex" Beneke (February 12, 1914 – May 30, 2000 was an American saxophonist, singer, and bandleader. His career is a history of associations with bandleader Glenn Miller and former musicians and singers who worked with Miller. His band is also associated with the careers of Eydie Gormé, Henry Mancini, and Ronnie Deauville. Beneke also solos on the recording the Glenn Miller Orchestra made of their popular song "In the Mood" and sings on another popular Glenn Miller recording, "Chattanooga Choo Choo". Jazz critic Will Friedwald considers Beneke to be one of the major blues singers who sang with the big bands of the early 1940s.

         11. Drive In

Friday, 31 January 2025

Marlene Dietrich & Rosemary Clooney--Earl Bostic-Jo Stafford--Benny Goodman--Bing Crosby--Mantovani

Back To the mixture sessions !

1. Too Old To Cut The Mustard......Marlene Dietrich & Rosemary Clooney
2. Good For Nothing......Rosemary Clooney & Marlene Dietrich
3. Deep Purple......Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
4. Smoke Rings......Earl Bostic & His Orchestra
5. A Round The Corner.....Jo Stafford
6. Don't Worry 'Bout Me......Jo Stafford
7. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.......Benny Goodman Quartet
8. Shine.......Benny Goodman Sextet
9. Home On The Range......Bing Crosby
10. The Last Round Up......Bing Crosby
11. Blue Fantasy......Mantovani & His Orchestra
12. Song Of Sorrento......Mantovani & His Orchestra

Eugene Earl Bostic (April 25, 1913 – October 28, 1965) was an American alto saxophonist. Bostic's recording career was diverse, his musical output encompassing jazz, swing, jump blues and the post-war American rhythm and blues style, which he pioneered. He had a number of popular hits such as "Flamingo", "Harlem Nocturne", "Temptation", "Sleep", "Special Delivery Stomp", and "Where or When", which all showed off his characteristic growl on the horn. 

          5. A Round The Corner

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kenny Baker--Humphfrey Lyttelton--Ted Heath--Glenn Miller--Billy May--Pee Wee Hunt

Its Now The Turn Of The Big Band Sound !

1. Trumpet Fantasy......Kenny Baker & His Band
2. Melancholy Baby......Kenny Baker & His Band
3. It's Mardi Gras......Humphrey Lyttelton & His Band
4. Sweet And Sour......Humphrey Lyttelton & His Band
5. Rhapsody For Drums.......Ted Heath & His Music
6. Etrospect......Ted Heath & His Music
7. Adios......Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
8. Under Blue Canadian Skies......Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
9. Love Is Just Around The Corner......Billy May & His Orchestra
10. All Of Me......Billy May & His Orchestra
11. Twelfth Street Rag......Pee Wee Hunt & His Orchestra
12. Somebody Else Not Me......Pee Wee Hunt & His Orchestra

Walter Gerhardt "Pee Wee" Hunt (May 10, 1907 – June 22, 1979) was an American jazz trombonist, vocalist, and bandleader.Hunt was the co-founder and featured trombonist with the Casa Loma Orchestra. His "Twelfth Street Rag" was a three-million-selling number-one hit in September 1948 

          3. It's Mardi Gras

Frank Sinatra--Dean Martin--Al Martino--Bing Crosby--Nat King Cole--Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis

Now here comes the Guy's....With A Capitol C
 
1. From The Bottom Of My Heart......Frank Sinatra
2. Here Comes The Night......Frank Sinatra
3. Memories Are Made Of This......Dean Martin
4. Change Of Heart......Dean Martin
5. Now......Al Martino
6. Say You'll Wait For Me......Al Martino
7. Man On Fire.....Bing Crosby
8. Seven Nights A Week.....Bing Crosby
9. Walking My Baby Back Home......Nat King Cole
10. Somewhere Along The Way......Nat King Cole
11. Every Streets A Boulevard In Old New York......Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
12. How Do You Speak To An Angel......Dean Martin

          4. Change Of Heart

Bonnie Lou--Vera Lynn--Dorothy Squires--Jane Froman--Kay Starr--Nellie Lutcher


 1. Tennessee Wig Walk......Bonnie Lou
2. Just Out Of Reach......Bonnie Lou
3. Yours.....Vera Lynn
4. The Homing Waltz......Vera Lynn
5. The Gypsy......Dorothy Squires
6. Safe In My Arms Again......Dorothy Squires
7. Blue Moon.....Jane Froman
8. Tea For Two......Jane Froman
9. Changing Partners......Kay Starr
10. I'll Always Be In Love With You......Kay Starr
11. Sleepy Lagoon......Nellie Lutcher
12. The Song Is Ended......Nellie Lutcher

Mary Joan Okum (née Kath; October 27, 1924 – December 8, 2015), known by her performing name Bonnie Lou, was an American musical pioneer, recognized as one of the first female rock and roll singers. She is also one of the first artists to gain crossover success from country music to rock and roll. A regular musical performer on popular shows in the 1960s and 1970s. She "was a prime mover in the first days of rockabilly, and is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Early in her recording career, she performed country music songs. She soon had top-10 country hits with "Tennessee Wig Walk" and "Seven Lonely Days", each of which sold about 750,000 copies.

Dorothy Squires (born Edna May Squires, 25 March 1915 – 14 April 1998) was a Welsh singer. Her early successes were achieved with "The Gypsy", "A Tree in the Meadow" and "I'm Walking Behind You" by her partner Billy Reid, and "Say It with Flowers" written by Squires with piano accompaniment by Russ Conway. 

Ellen Jane Froman (November 10, 1907 – April 22, 1980) was an American actress and singer. During her thirty-year career, she performed on stage, radio, and television despite chronic health problems due to injuries sustained in a 1943 plane crash......Her life story was told in the 1952 film With a Song in My Heart. She was portrayed by Susan Hayward, who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

          1. Tennessee Wig Walk

Sunday, 26 January 2025

Geraldo & His Orchestra--Bob & Alf Pearson--Ted Heath--Herbert Cave--Layton & Johnstone--Pryor's Band

A  30's mix with a big 50's band in the middle with one of the best recording's of "Skin Deep" (IMO)...Also I wonder if the dog is called REX !!

1. Whispering Grass......Geraldo & His Orchestra (vocal Doreen Villiars)
2. Move It Over.....Geraldo & His Orchestra (vocal The Geraldo Ensemble)
3. Play To Me Gypsy......Bob & Alf Pearson
4. Lonely Lane......Bob & Alf Pearson
5. Walking Shoes......Ted Heath & His Music
6. Skin Deep......Ted Heath & His Music
7. The Holy City......Herbert Cave
8. The Star Of Bethlehem......Herbert Cave
9. Song Of The Dawn......Layton & Johnstone
10. Stein Song......Layton & Johnstone
11. The Warbler's Serenade......Pryor's Band
12. The Whistler And His Dog......Pryor's Band

Bob and Alf Pearson were an English musical variety double act, consisting of brothers Robert Alexander Pearson (15 August 1907 – 30 December 1985)and Alfred Vernon Pearson (15 June 1910 – 7 July 2012), who were mainly known for their singing of songs as a duo in close-harmony. Their career together lasted over 50 years, spanning stage, radio, television and gramophone records.
During the 1930s, they became one of the most popular acts in Britain, and had sold over a million records by 1936.

Arthur Willard Pryor (September 22, 1869 – June 18, 1942) was a trombone virtuoso, bandleader, and soloist with the Sousa Band. He was a prolific composer of band music, his best-known composition being "The Whistler and His Dog". In later life, he became a Democratic Party politician from New Jersey. 

          12. The Whistler And His Dog

Saturday, 25 January 2025

Layton & Johnstone--Jay Wilber--Woody Herman--Bing Crosby--Reginald Dixon--Jack Simpson Sextet

Bouncing along Broadway doing the tango could be interesting !!

1. Broadway Melody.......Layton & Johnstone
2. You Were Meant For Me......Layton & Johnstone
3. The Donkey's Serenade......Jay Wilber & His Band (vocals Cavendish Three)
4. The Down & Out Blues.....Jay Wilber & His Band (vocals Cavendish Three)
5. Woody Herman's Apple Honey......Woody Herman & His Orchestra
6. Northwest Passage.....Woody Herman & His Orchestra
7. Amor Amor.....Bing Crosby
8. I'll Be Seeing You......Bing Crosby
9. Blue Tango......Reginald Dixon
10. Blackpool Bounce......Reginald Dixon
11. There's No One But You......Jack Simpson Sextet (vocal Maureen Morton)
12. Are You Coming Out Tonight Mary...Jack Simpson Sextet (vocal Maureen Morton)

          9. Blue Tango

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Ted Heath--Al Martino--Gracie Fields--Casani Club Orchestra--Frank Sinatra--Bill Snyder

A great mixture.. big band ! orchestra from the 30's/40's ! comic turn from Gracie !
plus to cool 50's voices !!...ending with great Piano !

1. The Pipers Patrol......Ted Heath & His Music
2. Vanessa......Ted Heath & His Music
3. Wanted......Al Martino
4. There'll Be no Teardrops Tonight......Al Martino
5. Fred Fannakapan......Gracie Fields
6. Three Green Bonnets......Gracie Fields
7. A Gypsy Who Has Never Been In Love......Casani Club Orchestra
8. All Alone In Vienna......Casani Club Orchestra
9. Someone To Watch Over Me......Frank Sinatra
10. The Gal That Got Away......Frank Sinatra
11. Bewitched......Bill Snyder & His Orchestra
12. Drifting Sands......Bill Snyder & His Orchestra

         11. Bewitched

Sunday, 19 January 2025

Ambrose& His Orchestra--Pat O'Malley--Eddie Fisher--Richard Tauber--Mantovani & Sidney Torch--Bing Crosby

Seems like we have a water theme in this selection !..with a Lover in the moonlight by the river or asleep by the Lagoon !!

1. I'm Sending My Blessings......Ambrose & His Orchestra (vocal George Melachrino)
2. By The River Of The Roses....Ambrose & His Orchestra (Vocal George Melachrino)
3. Soon......Pat O'Malley
4. Down By The River.....Pat O'Malley
5. Trust In Me......Eddie Fisher
6. Forgive Me......Eddie Fisher
7. Lover Come Back To Me......Richard Tauber
8. My Moonlight Madonna.....Richard Tauber
9. Intermezzo......Mantovani & Sidney Torch
10. By The Sleepy Lagoon......Mantovani & Sidney Torch
11. It Must be True......Bing Crosby
12. Be Honest With Me......Bing Crosby

James Rudolph O'Malley (15 March 1904 – 27 February 1985) was an English actor and singer who appeared in many American films and television programmes from the 1940s to 1982, using the stage name J. Pat O'Malley. He also appeared on the Broadway stage in Ten Little Indians (1944) and Dial M for Murder (1954)
Born into an Irish family in Burnley, Lancashire, O’Malley sang with Jack Hylton and his orchestra in the United Kingdom from 1930 to 1935. Known at that time as Pat O'Malley, in 1930 he sang "Amy, Wonderful Amy", a song about aviator Amy Johnson, performed by Jack Hylton's band.
At the end of 1935 Hylton and O'Malley came to the United States to record with a band composed of American musicians, thus emulating Ray Noble and Al Bowlly. 

Sidney Torch MBE (born Sidney Torchinsky; 5 June 1908 – 16 July 1990) was a British pianist, cinema organist, conductor, orchestral arranger and a composer of light music. His first professional job was as accompanist to the violinist Albert Sandler. He worked as an accompanist before getting a job playing the piano with the Orchestra of the Regal Cinema, Marble Arch, London.
Torch then played the organ in a number of London cinemas (amongst others, the Regal, Edmonton) and in 1937 he became the Chief Organist of the new Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn.

         1. I'm Sending My Blessings

Friday, 17 January 2025

Ambrose--Phil Harris--Peggy Lee--Bing Crosby--Robert Wilson--Harry Roy

Seems that we have two ferryboats...Must have forgotten to turn it over !!...or the Nasty Man or the Gypsy or maybe the Woodman turned it back !!

1. Ferryboat Serenade......Ambrose & His Orchestra (vocal Sam Browne)
2. Good Night Again.......Ambrose & His Orchestra (vocal Anne Shelton)
3. Woodman Spare That Tree......Phil Harris
4. The Dark Town Poker Club......Phil Harris
5. Mr Wonderful......Peggy Lee
6. The Gypsy With Fire In His Shoes......Peggy Lee
7. Autumn Leaves......Bing Crosby
8. Harbour Lights......Bing Crosby
9. A Gordon For Me......Robert Wilson
10. When The Heather Gleams Like Stardust......Robert Wilson
11. Nasty Man......Harry Roy & His Orchestra
12. My Dog Loves Your Dog......Harry Roy & His Orchestra
Phil Harris & Alice Faye
Wonga Philip Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American actor, bandleader, entertainer and singer. He was an orchestra leader and a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with The Jack Benny Program, then in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show in which he co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, for eight years. Harris is also noted for his voice acting in animated films. As a voice actor, he played Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), Little John in Robin Hood (1973), and Patou in Rock-a-Doodle (1991). As a singer, he recorded a number one novelty hit record, "The Thing" (1950).

          3. Woodman Spare That Tree

Thursday, 16 January 2025

Bing Crosby--Ken Mackintosh--Anne Shelton--Layton & Johnstone--The Three Ginx--Dan Roberts--

There's a Wedding to go to in the springtime in Sioux city in the mountains with the Blackbird whistling away near the Red School !

1. Sioux City Sue......Bing Crosby
2. You Sang My Love Song To Somebody Else......Bing Crosby
3. The Creep.....Ken Mackintosh & His Orchestra
4. Tootle-Lo-Siana......Ken Mackintosh (vocal Gordon Langhorn)
5. The Wedding Of Lilli Marlene.......Anne Shelton
6. Hold Me Just A Little Closer Dear.......Anne Shelton
7. Bye Bye Blackbird.......Layton & Johnstone
8. Because I Love You.......Layton & Johnstone
9. Ole Faithful......The Three Ginx
10. Whistle My Love.......The Three Ginx
11. Pals Of The Little Red School.......Dan Roberts & His Home Towners
12. When Its Springtime In The Blue Ridge Mountains..Dan Roberts Home Towners
The Three Ginx were one of the most successful British vocal groups of the 1930s. They began their career as instrumentalists (Ivor Robinson, saxophonist; Jack Joy, pianist; and Eric Handley, drummer.) and met while playing with the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra. Later they joined Sidney Kyte's orchestra, where they were regularly featured as vocalists.They were known for their rhythmic singing style and contributed to many records of the era, often collaborating with other stars like Al Bowlly and Jessie Matthews. They also appeared in films such as "Road House" (1934)

          10. Whistle My Love

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Geraldo--Elsie Carlisle--Anne Ziegler & Webster Booth--David Whitfield--Layton & Johnstone--Bing Crosby

A mixture of vocal styles...ranging from the 20's through to the 50's !..George Washington gets a mention !!

1. Dolores......Geraldo & The Savoy Hotel Orchestra
2. Just A little Cottage......Geraldo & The Savoy Hotel Orchestra
3. When That Man Is Dead And Gone......Elsie Carlisle
4. The Little Boy Who Never Told A Lie......Elsie Carlisle
5. So Deep Is The Night......Anne Ziegler & Webster Booth
6. My Paradise.......Anne Ziegler & Webster Booth
7. Everywhere.......David Whitfield
8. Mama......David Whitfield
9. My Inspiration Is You.......Layton & Johnstone
10. Just A Little Fond Affection.......Layton & Johnstone
11. It Could Happen To You.......Bing Crosby
12. The Day After Forever........Bing Crosby

When Geraldo opened at the Savoy Hotel with his Gaucho Tango Orchestra, British dance music changed forever. After World War II, he organised bands for transatlantic P & O liners allowing young British musicians to hear modern jazz on 52nd Street. His ‘strict tempo’ dance classic compilations still thrill.

          3. When That Man Is Dead And Gone

Harry James--Ralph Silvester--Malcolm Vaughan--Ronnie Hilton--Parlophone Variety Company--Bing Crosby & Muriel Lane

 
Roses and poppies a Boogie and a waltz plus an Angel who could be whistling !

1. Back Beat Boogie......Harry James & His Orchestra
2. Dukes Mixture......Harry James & His Orchestra
3. Serenade In TheNight......Ralph Silvester
4. When The Poppies Bloom Again......Ralph Silvester
5. Chapel Of The Roses.....Malcolm Vaughan
6. Guardian Angel......Malcolm Vaughan
7. Veni Vidi Vici......Ronnie Hilton
8. I Still Believe......Ronnie Hilton
9. Dance And Song Medley Part 3.....Parlophone Variety Company
10. Dance And Song Medley Part 4.....Parlophone Variety Company
11. The Anniversary Waltz......Bing Crosby
12. The Whistler's Mother In Law......Bing Crosby And Muriel Lane

            3. Serenade In The Night

Monday, 23 December 2024

The Andrews Sisters--Val Rosing--Richard Tauber--Mantovani--Tony Brent--Art & Dottie Todd



1. South American Way......The Andrews Sisters
2. Scrub Me Mama With A Boogie Beat......The Andrews Sisters
3. Stormy Weather......Val Rosing
4. My Love Song......Val Rosing
5. Tristesse......Richard Tauber
6. Kiss Me Again......Richard Tauber
7. Softly Softly......Mantovani & His Orchestra
8. Longing......Mantovani & His Orchestra
9. Sway......Tony Brent
10. Three Coins In The Fountain......Tony Brent
11. Broken Wings......Art & Dottie Todd
12. Heavenly Heavenly......Art & Dottie Todd

Art and Dotty Todd were an American husband and wife singing duo, who reached the top ten in the UK and the US with the hits "Broken Wings" (1953) and "Chanson D'Amour" (1958).

          2. Scrub Me Mama With A Boogie Beat

Don Voorhees--Bing Crosby--William Francis--Mantovani--Paul Robeson--Russell Jones

 

I wonder where the pennies are hiding !

1. My Blue Heaven......Don Voorhees & His Orchestra
2. Rain......Don Voorhees & His Orchestra
3. Beautiful Dreamer.......Bing Crosby
4. You Are My Hearts Delight......Bing Crosby
5. Macushla......William Francis
6. Passing By.......William Francis
7. Begin The Beguine......Mantovani & His Orchestra
8. Candlelight......Mantovani & His Orchestra
9. All Through The Night......Paul Robeson
10. Deep River.......Paul Robeson
11. Bye Bye Blackbird......Russell Jones
12. Hi Diddle Diddle......Russell Jones

Donald Voorhees (July 26, 1903– January 10, 1989) was an American composer and conductor who received an Emmy Award nomination for "Individual Achievements in Music" for his work on the television series, The Bell Telephone Hour.
Voorhees formed an orchestra in 1926, which recorded prolifically for Columbia, Edison, Pathé, Perfect, Cameo, and Hit of the Week. He played the piano in orchestra's early recordings. The orchestra folded when Voorhees left to begin his radio career in 1931.

          12. Hi Diddle Diddle

Humphrey Lyttleton--Morton Downey--Geraldo--Pat O'Dell--John Thorpe--Joe Loss--Vera Lynn

Party time with Vera then a few dances Waltzes / Foxtrots And Of course The Last Dance !!...And a little Jive with "Humph "

1. Bad Penny Blues......Humphrey Lyttleton And His Band
2. Close Your Eyes......Humphrey Lyttleton And His Band
3. Save The Last Dance For Me......Morton Downey
4. Just Friends......Morton Downey
5. Tennessee Waltz......Geraldo & His Orchestra
6. I Still Love You......Geraldo & His Orchestra..(vocal).Nadia Dore & Derrick Francis
7. The Old Rustic Bridge......Pat O'Dell
8. You Are My Own......John Thorpe
9. Let The Rest Of The World Go By.....Joe Loss & His Orchestra..
10. I Could Never Tell......Joe Loss & His Orchestra
11. Vera Lynn's Party Sing Song (Medley)..Side One.....Vera Lynn
12. Vera Lynn's Party Sing Song (Medley)..Side Two.....Vera Lynn

Humphrey Richard Adeane Lyttelton (23 May 1921 – 25 April 2008), also known as Humph, was an English jazz musician and broadcaster from the Lyttelton family.
Having taught himself the trumpet at school, Lyttelton became a professional musician, leading his own eight-piece band, which recorded a hit single, "Bad Penny Blues", in 1956. As a broadcaster, he presented BBC Radio 2's The Best of Jazz for forty years, and hosted the comedy panel game I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue on BBC Radio 4, becoming the UK's oldest panel game host.

Pat O'Dell
Singer 
A.k.a. Cavan O'Connor Patrick Ernest Terence O'Neill The Vagabond Lover

          1. Bad Penny Blues