Radio varieties (Sept 1940-June 1941)

PATTER OFF THE PLATTER The Waltz Kings of the 19th and 20th centuries meet in Johonn Strcaiss' "Wine, Womctn and Song," now played by Wayne King, best known popular interpreter of three quarter time. King adds to the Strauss music a new tang and warmth, achieved through the perfect blend of his saxes and strings. The coupling is the waltz sensation of the early twenties, "That Naughty Waltz," featuring the maestro' s own golden sax. (Victor 27264) Larry Clinton styles the lilting new "Moonlight and Tears" (from Warner Brothers' "Four Mothers") in a smooth and effective arrangement reminiscent of "My Reverie." Peggy Mann sings. The reverse is another film tune, "You Forgot about Me" from RKO's "Let's Make Music," featuring a clarinet quartet and vocal by Terry Allen. (Bluebird B-10984) "Fats" Waller offers "Everybody Loves My Baby" in a fashion that makes us wonder why he didn't record it long ago. The song is a natural for the Waller style and "Fats'-' rides the keys and the mike for a torrid performance. The companion piece, "Scram" was written by Leonard Feather, the English jazz cmhority, and comprises instrumental variations on a tricky little riff. (Bluebird B10989) One of the most striking swing arrangements to come our way in a long time is Glenn Miller's "Anvil Chorus" which has created a storm of applause at each airing. Glenn has now recorded the number. Parts I and II on both sides of a ten-inch record, making 20 inches of driving, solid swing. There's little we can say (?bout it that hasn't already been said. The pace is fast and furious; the orchestration and solos tremendous. This is a must for any swing fan. (Bluebird B-10982) As of this writing, "Yes, My Darling Daughter" was enjoying a sunny spot high on the best seller list, thanks entirely to the efforts of Miss Dinah Shore who introduced the number and carried it single-handed. Now Glenn Miller steps aboard and next week you will probably see other orchestras lining up on the right. Glenn swings the tune at a bit faster tempo than Miss Shore's vocal arrangement and brings to bear his unison saxes and trombone quartet. Lyrics are handled by Marion Hutton who, if we may say so, does the best job she has ever done on any record. The reverse is another top tune, "Along the Santa Fe Trail" from the Warner Brothers film of the same name. This is in slow, pulsing rhythm with Ray Eberle at the microphone. (Bluebird B10970) "Your Dream" (Hammerstein II — Harbach — Kern, from Universal's "One Night In The Tropics") is one of the most delightful melodies to come out of the film factories for some time. Leo Reisman gives it a velvet and cream setting complete with vocal solo by the musical show favorite, Phil Duey. The coupling, "Remind Me" from the same picture, is in rumba fox trot tempo, clean cut and rhythmical. (Victor 27237) The old Benny Goodman band (Harry James, Dove Matthews and Buddy Schutz) beat out a tremendous double on "Farewell Blues" and "Margie," a pair of favorites straight from New Orleans. This was the brand of playing that first brought fame to the Swing King, full powerful brass, solid rocking beat and plenty of unbelievable horn from both B. G. and Harry James. (Bluebird B10973) The famous all-star Chicago session which produced "Blue For You Johnny," and "Ain't Misbehovin' " yields another double of pure jazz, "Save It, Pretty Mama" and "Stompy Jones." This was the date with Sidney Bechet on soprano sax and clarinet; Rex Stewart, cornet; Earl Hines, piano; John Lindsay, bass; and "Baby" Dodds, drums. Ellington's "Stompy Jones" is the faster of the two, but both show tremendous driving force and inspired, smoking solo work. (Victor Swing Classic 27240) From Poromount's new film, "Second Chorus," Victor just released a 12 inch disc of Artie Shaw's, "Concerto for Clarinet," in two parts. This two sided platter contains plenty of "clarinet calories" for devotees of Artie's licorice stick. RADIO VARIETIES No. 4, VOLUME 1 JANUARY1941 Page Patter Off the Platter 2 First Lady of the American Theatre 3 "We Take You Now to Mitchell Tower" 4 "Cokes" for the Cast of Girl Alone 5 Jack Benny — the New Champ 6&7 Kostelcinetz Predicts 7 The Shadow at Home 8 Chaplin Praises CBS / 9 Cantor Looks at Radio lO&ll Radio Varieties Gold Cup Award 12 Alec — the Music Box Collector 13 Let's Look at WLS 14 Watch the Birdie! 15 Radio and U. S. Defense 16 & 17 Daddy Hanley Stafford 18 F. L. ROSENTHAL, Publishei WILTON ROSENTHAL, Editor Published at 1056 West Van Buien Street, Chicago, Illinois. F. L. Rosenthal, Publisher. New Yoik Office: 485 Madison Avenue, Hollywood Office: 3532 Sunset Boulevard. Published Monthly. Sijigle Copies, ten cents. Subscription rate SI. 00 per year in the United States and P'ossessions, $1.50 in Canada. Entered as second class matter January 10, 1940. at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the act of March 3, 1879. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts, photographs, and drawings (if accompanied by sufficient first-class postage and name and address), but we will not be responsible for any losses lor such matter contributed. The publishers assume no responsibility for statements made herein by contributors and correspondents, nor does publication indicate approval thereof. Pag© 2 RADIO VARIETIES — JANUARY