British dance bands really took over the baton from their American colleagues in the late 20s, early 30s. Record sales plummeted stateside because of the Wall Street crash and the advent of free radio programmes, but remained strong here in Europe. 1931 was a particularly good year. Great numbers and superb bands.
@Oskar strokosz, I had that same feeling, hearing 'Smile, darn you, smile'. I really loved that film, with its near perfect mix of animation and real life filming. Not to mention that it is a movie that has things in it to attract viewers from 8 to 88. It's a heap of fun for younger people, while at the same time having loads of things to keep older people happy too. A true gem, and one that will stay good for any number of years in the future.
Incredible to think that these discs were made using just one - yes ONE - microphone. Today they use 10+ mikes, completely ruining the natural acoustics of a band. Singers nowadays almost swallow their mike, back then a technician had just the one to work with and still was able to perfectly capture a full 14 member band complete vocalist(s). And use the natural echo of the studio - or church or music hall - to get a pure natural sound.
Artists would normally have 3 hour studio slot during which they first saw the music they were expected to record, do a quick-and-dirty arrangement, play the titles through a few times, adjust the arrangement and then wax 6 or more songs. All in 3 hours! It's not for nothing that so many sound like live performances. Everyone was sitting literally on the edge of their chair to get the music just right in one go. And the balance had to be exactly right. No post-editing. Incredible!
You are so right! It´s amazing! They were really great musicians. And not to forget the sound engineers who could balance all this with just one, or perhaps two microphones. And with no limiters or other sound gadgets could wax this without over-modulating the grooves.
And many of these discs were cut AFTER the band had played a full evening at their standard venue. Many of the Dutch 'Ramblers' discs were made in the middle of the night. Added benefit: no traffic noise from outside. And apart from Whiteman, who was extremely critical, one seldom finds alternate takes and if one does, the solos tend to be quite different.
TRACK TIMING: 00:10 [1] HENRY HALL AND GLENEAGLES HOTEL BAND - It's A Great Life If You Don't Weaken 02:54 [2] JACK PAYNE AND HIS BBC DANCE ORCHESTRA - Share My Umbrella 05:54 [3] THE RHYTHMIC TROUBADOURS - Whistling In The Dark -- v. Leslie Holmes 08:54 [4] AMBROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Smile, Darn Ya, Smile -- v. Sam Browne 11:53 [5] SAVOY HOTEL ORPHEANS - Who Am I? -- v. Al Bowlly 15:01 [6] JERRY HOEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Sing A Little Jingle -- v. Les Allen
i have an early 'melodymaker' magazine from 1929 .it cost 2 shiilings ..'bloody expensive for those day's!!!..a beer in the late 60's cost 2 shillings (30'odd years later!!!
Do you know something? I think Jack Payne and Jack Hylton were the closest the British got to competing with American dance bandleaders such as Paul Whiteman. They were at the top of their game in the 30s! Great stuff.
"Whistling In The Dark" really reminds me of "Pennies from Heaven". The best ever series produced by the BBC. Even if Peter Bowles acting was to a slightly different version of the song.
Why make recordings of this music in an hotel? Didn´t they have good enough studios for this in 1931? It must have been a giant job just to transport all this heavy equipment that was needed to make "field recordings" in the beginning of the 30s! That it was possible at all is a sensation. But it sounds good!
Not only that, but these bands could turn out fine recordings on the first or second takes on most occasions. Artists these days need to have their recordings edited and electronically enhanced before they get a half-decent result!
I Enjoy these AWESOME Video`s! BUT YOU TUBE, ( NOT YOU!) HAS Started Ruining the Thrill with the FU&%$NG AWFUL COMMERCIALS! PLEASE NO ONE BRING UP ADD BLOCK! This is one of My only escapes from a World that makes My feel out of place! So I do NOT WISH TO SEE A UGLY CAR, A WAR VIDEO GAM WITH VERY LOUD MUSIC, AND OTHER ADD`S!
Yes they are SO LOUD! It woke up My Folks next door! I Ran as fast as I could to turn the speakers down, But the deed was done! SHEEEEEEESE! I Love This Upload You did! It is just AWESOME!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Truly splendid, my brother, I cannot lie these pieces of music are some of the best I've ever heard!
Nach den langen Jahren immer noch eine schöne Musik, ein Dankeschön an den Macher.
just delightful--those times here hard financially, but music and "fancy dress" was elegant! thanks so much for sharing.
So wonderful to hear these recording. The quality of sound from the time is on-believable.... fantastic. Thank you for sharing.
It's a pleasure to share and let everyone enjoy these wonderful records.
Very nice 'fidelity'....
that sexy saxophone
makes me trrremble
and those violins let me sway away
Great
Always a fan of vocal groups... love the three gals in Smile Darn Ya Smile!
Super excellent with very good interesting photos
British dance bands really took over the baton from their American colleagues in the late 20s, early 30s. Record sales plummeted stateside because of the Wall Street crash and the advent of free radio programmes, but remained strong here in Europe. 1931 was a particularly good year. Great numbers and superb bands.
There's a lot more to come! Hope you keep enjoying them.
A Half Dozen ... Pleasure at it's best !!! ***** thank you so much :-)
WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME FOR SONG AND BAND. THANKS FOR SHARING THESE GREAT BANDS AND TUNES. LOVE 'EM.
Marvellous music from arguably the greatest musical decade of them all. Thanks so much for sharing.
Paul Herring
I just love this music great for dancing always found its relaxing
Absolutely superlative
1931! My favourite year for dance band recordings. Thank you Panachord.
I have to say it is one of my favourite years too. The popular songs were marvellous and the bands at their best.
Thanks for sharing all your great records!
Another great selection! Thank you again.
@Oskar strokosz, I had that same feeling, hearing 'Smile, darn you, smile'. I really loved that film, with its near perfect mix of animation and real life filming. Not to mention that it is a movie that has things in it to attract viewers from 8 to 88. It's a heap of fun for younger people, while at the same time having loads of things to keep older people happy too. A true gem, and one that will stay good for any number of years in the future.
Love the cymbal / Hi-Hat action in Whistling in the Dark!
Gregory May
Love that too :-)
Really enjoying these, year by year. Nothing like it today. Bought new B & W speakers today so will get better sound .
We had Scrappy Lambert and you had Al Bowlly. Both great, and very different. I enjoy Al's great flexibility on a tune.... like a tenor Bing! 🐸
Check out the bass sax solo on "It's A Great Life."
Incredible to think that these discs were made using just one - yes ONE - microphone. Today they use 10+ mikes, completely ruining the natural acoustics of a band. Singers nowadays almost swallow their mike, back then a technician had just the one to work with and still was able to perfectly capture a full 14 member band complete vocalist(s). And use the natural echo of the studio - or church or music hall - to get a pure natural sound.
When I hear "Whistling In the Dark" I alway think of the superior TV-series "Pennies From Heaven". In the court-room....
Artists would normally have 3 hour studio slot during which they first saw the music they were expected to record, do a quick-and-dirty arrangement, play the titles through a few times, adjust the arrangement and then wax 6 or more songs. All in 3 hours!
It's not for nothing that so many sound like live performances. Everyone was sitting literally on the edge of their chair to get the music just right in one go. And the balance had to be exactly right. No post-editing. Incredible!
You are so right! It´s amazing! They were really great musicians. And not to forget the sound engineers who could balance all this with just one, or perhaps two microphones. And with no limiters or other sound gadgets could wax this without over-modulating the grooves.
And many of these discs were cut AFTER the band had played a full evening at their standard venue. Many of the Dutch 'Ramblers' discs were made in the middle of the night. Added benefit: no traffic noise from outside. And apart from Whiteman, who was extremely critical, one seldom finds alternate takes and if one does, the solos tend to be quite different.
TRACK TIMING:
00:10 [1] HENRY HALL AND GLENEAGLES HOTEL BAND - It's A Great Life If You Don't Weaken
02:54 [2] JACK PAYNE AND HIS BBC DANCE ORCHESTRA - Share My Umbrella
05:54 [3] THE RHYTHMIC TROUBADOURS - Whistling In The Dark -- v. Leslie Holmes
08:54 [4] AMBROSE AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Smile, Darn Ya, Smile -- v. Sam Browne
11:53 [5] SAVOY HOTEL ORPHEANS - Who Am I? -- v. Al Bowlly
15:01 [6] JERRY HOEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Sing A Little Jingle -- v. Les Allen
i have an early 'melodymaker' magazine from 1929 .it cost 2 shiilings ..'bloody expensive for those day's!!!..a beer in the late 60's cost 2 shillings (30'odd years later!!!
Do you know something? I think Jack Payne and Jack Hylton were the closest the British got to competing with American dance bandleaders such as Paul Whiteman. They were at the top of their game in the 30s! Great stuff.
"Whistling In The Dark" really reminds me of "Pennies from Heaven". The best ever series produced by the BBC. Even if Peter Bowles acting was to a slightly different version of the song.
Why make recordings of this music in an hotel? Didn´t they have good enough studios for this in 1931? It must have been a giant job just to transport all this heavy equipment that was needed to make "field recordings" in the beginning of the 30s! That it was possible at all is a sensation.
But it sounds good!
Not only that, but these bands could turn out fine recordings on the first or second takes on most occasions. Artists these days need to have their recordings edited and electronically enhanced before they get a half-decent result!
What was his name, other then "Ambrose"?
I think He was known as "Bert Ambrose"....Regards,Starman.
... there were 5 Stars !
I Enjoy these AWESOME Video`s! BUT YOU TUBE, ( NOT YOU!) HAS Started Ruining the Thrill with the FU&%$NG AWFUL COMMERCIALS! PLEASE NO ONE BRING UP ADD BLOCK! This is one of My only escapes from a World that makes My feel out of place! So I do NOT WISH TO SEE A UGLY CAR, A WAR VIDEO GAM WITH VERY LOUD MUSIC, AND OTHER ADD`S!
The ads are very annoying, I agree.
Yes they are SO LOUD! It woke up My Folks next door! I Ran as fast as I could to turn the speakers down, But the deed was done! SHEEEEEEESE! I Love This Upload You did! It is just AWESOME!
oh crap I just heard Roger Rabbit.