Variety (October 1954)

50 MUSIC P^RIETY Wednesday, October 27, 1954 ,By HERM SCHOENFELD- Jimmy Boyd: “I Saw Mommy Do The Mambo” - “Santa . Claus Blues’’ (Columbia)., The mambo side is a clever takeoff on last year’s smash, "I Saw .'Mommy Kiss- ing Santa Claus Last Night.” Jimmy Boyd, about brie tone low- er, also does this side and could ride it into another big one for th Xmas trade. “Santa t Claus Blues” combines a juVe lyric with., a sophisticated blues rhythm arid it .doesn’t exactly jell.' , Sarah Vaughaii: “Idle Gossip”- “M a k e Yourself Comfortable”. (Mercury), This is the most com- mercial platter that Sarah Vaughn lias riiade. in. some time. .“Idle Gossip,” a . fine ballad that, has been around for some , months, and which has clicked irt England, ,is given a superlative /rendition by this standout song stylist. On the flip. “Make Yorirself .Comfortable” Night” (Decca). “Triumph Of Love,” a tune that stems from the non-fiction work by the same title, is an attractive inspirational tune with a catching rhythm beat and a lyric that never grows cloying while getting, the message across. Kaye Ballard handles it deftly and sincerely while maintaining the svVing tempo. “Where Were You Last Night” is a quasi-folk tune with a repetitive musical idea Doubtful chances. Mae Williams: “My Lover Who Lied”r"Human Desire” (American), Mae Williams, a Hollywood nitery thrush and ex-Tommy Dorsey vo- calist, Impresses on her first sides for. the American label. “My Lover Who Lied” is a fine ballad with. a simple folk appeal which, she pro- jects sensitively. On the flip, Miss Williams gives' powerful, low- down vocal of a bluesy tune from JIMMY BOYD (Columbia) SARAH VAUGHAN ( Mercury\ I SAW MOMMY DOING THE MAMBO .. Santa Clans Blues. IDLE GOSSIP . Make Yourself^Comfortable ' is a neat idea cleverly executed and this side could also step out, Peggy King also has a good vei- . ion for Columbia, both slices us- ing the multiple dubbing tech- icjue. Jane Froman:. “Song From Desi- ree”-“Finger Of Suspicion” (Capi- tol i. “Song From Desiree” is . the latest classy pic theme to turn up on wax. It’s a big ballad that Jane Froman gives an appropriate work- over, with her legit singing style. Flip is a change of pace, a .rhythm number which. Miss Froman bounces with commercial appeal; Bill Darnell-The Smith Bros.: “We Wanna See Santa DO. The Mainbo”-“Too Fat To Be Santa Claus (Label Xi. Still another mambo tune that’s latched to the Xmas- theme. “We Wanna See Santa” is a swinging rhythm num- ber with good chances, Label X. evidently liked. this tune because two more platters are slanted for the hillbilly and' the r&b markets by Terry Fell and John Greer. On the Bill Darnell flip, “Too Fat” is a calypso-type entry that’s also catching. Tony Martin: “My Bambino”- “Rcsticss Heart” (Victor).- “My Bambino” is a pretty Italo-gfOovecl lullaby .that Tony Martin projects in top form. It’s an appealing side with strong commercial potential. “Restless Heart.” from the. legit production, “Fanny,” is a material number that Martin gives a dra- matic treatment, but' it doesn’t come off as a pop . side. Kaye Ballard: “Triumph Of Love”- “Where Were You- Last the Columbia picture of the same title, a number that’s excellent special material for Cafe per- formers. Russ Morgan: “Whisper”-" Yes Dear” (Decca). It’s doubtful' if “Whisper” will make much noise commercially but it’s a delightful number that deserves deejay re- spect. It has a lingering old- fashioned quality that’s easy on the ear and the Morgan manner was never better. “Yes Dear” is an innocuous item that won’t offend anyone but won’t get much play. The Rover Boys: “Show Me”-- “You’ve Got. It" (Coral). If the vocakgroup vogue continues to sus- tain its hot pace, The Rover Boys have good chance to cash in. Group has the sound and the ma- terial on “Show Me” and the spinners and disk-buyers should .'eat it up. Trine and delivery fol- low the eccentric driving formula that’s become popular, but the boys have -that''extra harmony zing that should push ’em through. "You’ve Got It” is a less successful attempt with similar merchandise. V Ritter: “is There A Santa Claus?” - “Old Tex Kringle” (Capi- tol). Francis B. Church’s classic Yule editorial for the N. Y, Sufi has been turned into a pleasing plat- ter fo rthe Xmas sales push by Tex Ritter. Hillbilly crooner gives it,a recitation treatment with plenty of warmth and no hoke. The Word stress will limit its jock and juke spins but the parents Will surely buy it for the kiddle turntables. "Old Tex Kringle” is just another version of the Santa legend but LAWRENCE WELK and his CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 163d Consecutive Week, Arapon Ballroom, Santa . Monica, -Calif. Exclusively on Coral Records THERE’S A SMALL HOTEL end SAW YOUR EYES this time with ap alfalfa flavor, which confines its spinning spread. Gary Crosby: “There’s A Small Hotei"-“Ready, Willing and Able” (Decca*. The . Rodgers & Hart oldie, “There'S A Srnall Hotel,” currently' revived on Broadway in “On Your Toes,” gets a fresh, peppy workover via Gary Crosby’s pleasant piping attack. His style is bright and breezy which excellenty fits into the lilt of the melody and lyric. Young Crosby gets a bit too stylized on the flip side but it’s a catchy item and rates, some atten- tion. Album Review* Paul Whiteman Orch: “All Time Dance Party” (Coral).. For some reason or other, show business and fashion have been casting a nos- talgic eye to the 1920s. The “flat look” of that period may not hold up but the music doeS^at least is ' presented by Paul Whiteman and the “hew Ambassador Hotel or- chestra” on this 10-inch longplay package. The period pieces such as “Whispering,”. “Japanese Sand- man” and “I Love; You” are dc ,: v- ered .with the enchantment* c' ’20s but it’s, just right for tc s. terpsters; . Roma “Sympho-Pop” Orchestra: “The Magical Melodies of Savino” (Kapp). A package of the melodies, of Dorrienico Savino has been a long time a-coming. His composi- tions are lush and colorful and the Roma “Sympho-Pop” orchestra haridles ’em all with proper spirit. The 12-inch LP is a natural, for late-hour jocks. : Sam Rosey has joined,Russ Mor- gan’s enterprises as personal man- ager. Rosfey formerly was an agent in San Francisco. PT^rjety J 1. IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU (7) ,,.. 2. I NEED YOU NOW (8) i. HEY THERE (14) I 4. PAPA LOVES MAMBO (3) | 5. HOLD MY HAND (4) 6. THIS OLE HOUSE (9) T 7. SKOKIAAN (9) 8. SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL (2) 9. SH-BOOM (15) 10, WHITHER THOU GOEST (2) HONEY LOVE $ HIGH AND THE MIGHTY SMILE , .. IT'S A WOMAN'S WORLD CARA MIA THINGS I DIDN’T DO FORTUNE IN DREAMS Muskrat ramble on Doris Day Denise Lor Conn'ee Bosibell l Dinah Shore Eddie Fisher \ Rosemary Clooney } Sammy Davis, Jr. Parry Com Don Cornell Rosemary Clooney { Ralph Mprterie Louts Armstrong Four Lads Ray Anthony Bill Haley’s. Comets ( Crew Cuts. I Stan Freberg Les Paul-Mary Ford .. Columbia ,. Major . Dacca■ Victor ' Victor .. Columbia .Decca Victor . Coral . Columbia .Mercury , . .Decca . ..Columbia .. . Capitol . Decca . . .Mercury .. . Capitol ,.. Capitol $ Vicki Youn l Drifters 'Victor Young : ^ LeRoy. Holmes . . ’' Johnny Desmond Les Baxter ....... ... . . i Hat; (King) Cole • ‘ ’ * ’' ’ “ l-Sunny Gale Four Aces ......... Whitfield-Mdntovani .,.. Perry Com Kay Starr .... .( McGuire • Sisters ...... .{ Matys Brothers f GOODNIGHT, SWEETHEART; GOODNIGHT McGuire Sisters ;; THEY WERE DOING TIIE. MAMBO ] A,, i . . . ( Fioures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Ton 101 Capitol T Atlantic 19 . .Decca . . .MGM ,. Coral . Capitol < ’ .Capitol 4 " Victor .Dacca . London Victor Capitol ... Coral Essex ., Coral ^ ., Victor . Victor . Strauss: Rosenkavalier (London). Sumptuous Version of the melodi- ous opera (complete), with Vienna State Opera soloists and chorus, and Vienna' Philharmonic, under the. knowing baton of Erich Klei- ber, giving the work, style, flourish and authenticity. Hilde Gueden is especially choice as Sophie, Mar- schallin is. Maria Reining, Sena Jurinac the. Octavian, Ludwig Weber the Baron Ofchs, Berliozi Te Deum (Columbia). Rarely-he.ard oratorio is lyrical beautiful iri spots, with strong dramatic climaxes, yet restrained tones, all of it well brought out by Sir Thomas Beecham, the Royal Philharmonic and choirs, v- Beethoven: Sonatas No; I' m F Minor, No. 3 in C (RCA Victor). These early works have solidity in Solomon’s sensitive readings. The F Minor is serious, often moody; No. 3 iri ,C : iS'a gay, bubbling work. Chopin: Concertos No. 1 & 2 ,(Westminster). Atti’active perform- ances bj r pianist Paul Badura- Skodai assisted by the ^ Vienna State Opera Orch under Artur Rodzinski. Readings are gracefully chiseled, not too emotional, a little too sharply accented at times, but always clear arid clean. Ravel: Bolero, Tombeau de Cou- perin, Pavane Pour Infante (Angel). Choice readings of both the rhythmic “Bolero” and delicately shaded impressionistic pieces by Badiodiffusion Orch undei 1 Andre Cluytens. Andres Segovia Album (Decca). “Chaconne,” plus shorter Bach pieces, and charming bits by SJors, Villa-Lobos and Rodrigo, beauti- fully played by the master-guitar- ist. Austere “Chaconne” comes off well, without loss of musical values Contemporary American Music for Strings (MGM). Representative modern works, diverse in style lyric, rhythmic and appealing under Izler Solomon’s batoning with the MGM Orch.' There’s an early Copland work; and pieces by Diamond* Persichetti, Goeb anil Porter, all substantial.. Sibelius: Symphonies No. 3 & 7 (London). The happy, light C Major (No, 3) ;arid melodious, classic 7lh in expressive readings by the'Lori-" don -. Symphony under Anthony Collins. Bartok: Concertos No. 2 & 3 (Westminster).. The No, 2 is bold,' angry and pulsing; No. 3 more serene. Two important works well performed by pianist. Edith Far* nadi, aided by the Vienna State Opera Orch under Hermann Seher- chen. , Copland Album (Westminster). Three of Aaron Copland’s finest scores, the exotic “El Salon/Mex- ico” fravorsome “Billy Kid” arid- pastoral “Appalachian Spring.” in vivid, highly attractive readings by the National Syriiphoriy under Howard Mitchell. Bron. NEW DET. RCA DISTRIB V.P. Detroit, Oct. 26. Clarence A. Malin has been . named veepee and manager of trie Detroit branch of the RCA Victor Distributing Co., /Succeeding Ned A. Corbett, who takes on similar duties at the Chicago branch. Malin formerly was home instru- ment sales manager of the De- troit branch. The top 30 songs of week (more In case of ties), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research, Inc.. Dr. John Gray Peatman, Director. Alphabetically listed. Film. * Legit musical. Survey Week of October 15-21, 1954 Anyone Can Fall In Love Weiss Cara Mia / ...... ..Feist Count Your Blessings—t“While Christmas” Berli Fanny—*“Fanny” . ... i ...... . Chappell Hajji Baba—-•“Adventures.of Hajji Baba” ........Remick. Heaven Was Never Like This Famous Hey There—*“Pajama Game" , .. .Frank High Arid The Mighty—f“High And The Mighty” Witmark Hold My Hand—v“Susan Slept Here” . Raphael I Have To. Tell You—*“Fanny” . Chappell I Need You Now . .Miller If I Give My Heart To You Miller I’m A Fool To Care .. ........Peer It’s A Woman’s World—- “Woman’s World” : . Robbi Iri The Chapel In The Moonlight .. ... Shapirb-B Little Shoemaker . ... Bourne Love, You Didn’t Do Right—•’-“White Christmas” .Berlin Man That Got Away—i“A Star Is Born” Harwi Mood Indigo .. Mills Muskrat Ramble . ........... Simon Papa Loves Mambo ’ Shapiro-B Sabrina—-"("“Sabrina ' Famous Skokiaau ....,....... Shapiro-B ...Bourne Sway- ....:.Peer Teach Me Tonight .... . . . . ... .,.......... Hub There’s A Small Hotel—*“On Your Toes” : Chappell They Were Doing The. Mambo. Mayfair This Ole House ... ........... Hamblen Time Wails For No One,. .Remick- Top 30 Songs on TV (More In Case of Ties) • • • 0 • r • • - 0 .'$ • # • . * • Cara' Mia ...... . ... ,.j Count Your Blessings-^f ‘White Christmas Fanny—*‘‘Fanny” Gee, j Wish I Was Back—tWhite Christmas’ Gilly, Gilly- Ossenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen...... Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight ,.... Hernando’s Hideaway—*“Pajama Game” *. ,..,. Hey There—♦“Pajama Game” ............... High And The Mighty—i‘“High And The Mighty” I Need You Now ....... I Want You All To Myself ....,.. I Want’cha Around.. ; If I Give My Heart To You . .. In The Chapel In The 'Moonlight Lila .. „' ' ;... ' Little Shoemaker . ... Man That Got Away—1“A Star Is Born”........ Muskrat Ramhle . Papa Loves Mambo Restless Heart—♦“Fanny” Sh-Boom . ,., Shake, Rattle And Roll... Sisters—if “White Ghristnias’ Skokiaan Smile Teach Me Tonight Tell Me, Tell Me.; Things I Didn’t Do This Ole House .. Venl, Vidi, Vici... • *f* • • p. • • ••••«"•> 1 1 » 1 «« • > «« • • » I » ifi M « I ! I « . Feist Berlin . . Chappell ... Berlin .. Beaver Arc .. Frank . ..Prank , . Witmark . .Miller ., Shapiro-B .. Joy .. Miller .. Shapiro-B .. Garlock-S . . Bourne .. Harwiri . . Simon ... Shapirb-B .... Chappell .. H&R .. Progressiv . . Berlin . . Shapiro-B .. Bourne .. Hub .. (Golden Bell .. H & R ,. Hamblen .. Hawthorne -A,. "A*.