Variety (September 1924)

VARIETY . RADIO Wednesday, September S, 1984 =-. LIFTING" ON RADIO COMES UP IN EVENING'S REVIEW OF THE AIR >' 22d Regt Band Played Harry Stoddard'* Feature Number—Radio Announcer* Toy and Jest with Popular Song Writer*—NTG Make* Merry with Jerseyites Band music In any form or man- ner seems to be the mainstay of the Tarioua broadcasting stations* eve- ning programs. Instrumental music seemingly la the moat favored by the public, and the sort of enter- tainment a fan can stand for with any degree of regularity. The vocal renditions after a few mlnutos pall despite the merits of the singer or singers. This waa thoroughly illus- trated in a night's review of wh- t's what la the ether around the me- tropolis. Of the band music the pop Huff to the most abundant. Popular songs predominate In the vocal programs. Despite this why the radio an- nouncers continue and Insist on as- suming that condescending attitude toward "the lighter music." as they do, and evince it through studied and aloof pronunciation of the sim- ple euphonious titles. Is something to wonder at. In attempting to pro- nounce "Jl-Jl-Bo." part of the B. Fischer-Astor Coffee House orches- tra's program, an advertising regu- lar weekly feature from WEAF. the announcer took particular pains to ad lib. "whatever that means" and "I wonder If I pronqunced it cor- rectly." The WJZ announcer also resorted to the wheeze about "lighter music." From WNYC, the City of New York's awn radio station atop the Municipal building, a new angle iff radio presented Itself with the broadcasting of the* musically splen- did 22d Regiment Band, under George F. Brlegel's direction, direct from the Mall in Central Park. "Lifting" on Radio It seems radio will have to be con- sidered from no / on in the same light with ••lifting" and plagiarising vaudeville and production perform- ers. The 22d Regiment Band, with- out any credit to Its source, broad- cast to the world a number titled "Streets of New York" that to the "punch" and novelty substance of Harry Stoddard's vaudeville orches- tra. Stoddard calls his routine the "Sidewalks of New York." Other than the difference in title, the es- sence and routine was "adapted" by the military band, with the vari- ous localities and streets of the me- tropolis illustrated by an appropri- ate composition, viz.. "Darktown Strutters' Ball." for 13'th street; "Lohengrin's Wedding March," for Fifth avenue; "How Dry I Am." to depict Broadway; a Jewish air for Hester street; a Chinese motif for Pell street; Italian for Mulberry street and a "burglar" theme for 10th avenue. la the latter rendition even the bit with the pistol shots and the Immediate cry of the news- boy, "Extra! All about the big 10th avenue murder," was Included. Mr. Stoddard to at present on the Orpheum Circuit. When he returns to the East once agam with this fea- ture number In his act tit* radio public that visits the vaudeville the- atres may condemn Stoddard as a plagiarist, being Ignorant of the circumstances. It is to be hoped Conductor Srle- gel was authorized to make use of the Idea, but that, too, seems un- likely. Briegel Is not a stranger to Broadway and "tin pan alley. He knows the Inner workings of the music game thoroughly and more than the average band conductor, Briegel having at one time had quite a reputation as an arranger with Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., the Tri- angle Music Co.. et al. The band otherwise filled an en- joyable two hours with its classical and operatic routine, plus a pleas- ing change of pace, with pop and production numbers for encores, fol- Jowlng the insistent applause which came through the microphone. The evening opened with band music and ended with it. The Paul Specht Orchestra, from the Hotel Alamac. was on from 6:30 to 7:30, ▼fa T'HN. That station waa In abey- ance thereafter until 9:30, when the Charles F. Strickland Palisades Park Orchestra came on the air. WJY had Leonard Nelson's or- chestra, from the Knickerbocker grill. The dance music. While wor- thy, was handicapped by the usual obstacle attendant on any organ- ization at this unlicensed station— their choice of familiar pop etumbers was limited. WJZ simultaneously broadcast the Lafayette Hotel ensemble from the hotel downtown. Charles Scheuer, first violinist, is the conductor of this excellent musical organization that played high-class numbers ex- clusively. Even "Ta Beuche," by Maurice Yvaln, was so announced to maintain the "class." although It's' the same score that adorned *Dae Kiss" '(Musical comedy) last • season, following ■ Clare Rummer's adaptation. Vic's Orchestra Good WNYC had a good band In Vic's Orchestra. Their brand of music to fine, but the band label could be changed to better effect If only for dignity's sake. Among their routine "You're In Love" and "Monnavanna" stood out; also "It Had to Be You." The Lafayette Hotel was getting a free ad through mention of Its address in connection with the band at this stage. Gene Austin from WEAF sang original colored"ditties to piano accompaniment via WEAF. WJZ had a musical novelty In Capt. Longbottom with some sort of originally constructed harp in- strument that came through like chimes. He did familiar melodies Interestingly. "I've Got a Feeling for Ophelia," a Waterson and therefore tax-free tune, was being plugged from the Knickerbocker grill by both the band and a singer. WEAF was featuring G. Peccoraro and C. Cata- nese, Hawaiian guitarists, who could have come through better. "Pop Question Game" WJZ was conducting a novel "Pop Question Game" with a. series of nine elaborate queries covering edu- cational, topical and historical sub- jects. The question was read and a few seconds of Soft chimes Inter- polated before the answer was broadcast The public thus Joins In the game. The exploitation feature In connection to the "Times" weekly news magazine, evidently as a cir- culation building stunt. All those writing in are promised free Issues of the paper. Ernest E. Zedlg, the managing radio editor of the "Telegram-Mall," followed with a chat at the same nation. WJY, the contemporary station ot WJZ (both Radio Corp. of Amer- ica), had W. II. Allen talking "Cur- rent Events" simultaneously with the "Pop Question Game" from the sister broadcast central. Marion Schott, planiste, waa an entertaining number via WEAF with an intelligently selected cycle of published numbers, excellent for lilanolog purposes. Miss Schott was announced as a recording art- tot, although unfamiliar to this re- viewer. Either way, she to worthy "of that sort of attention. The 22d Regiment Band had started by now via. WNYC. Its Tchalkowaky cycle was encored with "Limehouse Blues" so It was an even break. Conductor Brlegel's trombone solo of "Love's Old Sweet Song" was also a highlight. The Piedmont Trio, radio favor- Its from WJZ announced as com- ing from Paterson, N. J., divided their program into two parts. Their classical cycle was one of the even- ing's outstanding features! Frank Wright and" Frank Bessln- ger, the Radio Franks, as They are better known, did four numbers in between from the same station. This Waterson plugging team to a metropolitan radio favorite and there Is little doubt as to their ef- fectiveness In plugging a pop song. They get their stuff over with a distinctive charm and pleasantry that elevates them above the blat- ant pop song plugger. They later sang from WHN, doing a new cycle of numbers, a wise stunt and a change from a former practice when '.est heard. On that occasion they tripled from three different stations with almost the same routine and were probably criticised for It by the fans. The Astor House Coffee orchestra opened Its first part with Irish music; the second section was the usual routine of popular dance numbers. WJY was broadcasting an hour cf the musical score from the "Jan- Ice Meredith" film, from the Cos- mopolitan theatre. George Jordan, baritone, with a standard song pro- gram, concluded the program from inat station. Killed 'Em with Nifties N. T. G. and His Radio Pals were making merry at Palisades Park via WHN, although the entertain- ment was Interrupted to permit a resumption of the regular program from the Loew State theatre studio. Tor the few minutes N. T. G. was before the "mike" he seemed,to "kill em" with his nifties. The Jersey- ites went for all the wheezes were *orth, Judging from the noises through the receiving set. Some Berlin. Inc., pluggers started the actual program. ; Arthur Bail, tenor, resumed at WHN direct from the studio. A female announcer's voice was also Riverside Doorman Has lublisbed Song ▲ New York stage door man baa bad a song published. William Oppenhelmer, at the Riverside, to the writer of the tune and Bernard Schelb baa published It The title to: "Like a Flower, She Faded Away." Song Writer Trying Out As Actor in Burlesque Irving Caesar, the popular song- writer, has a yen to become an ac- tor. He baa worked out a novel scheme to get used to the Idea. It all came from his appearance at a Green Room Club affair la the spring. There to no doubt he was a success In a travesty he wrote for the event, the net being "The Evo- lution Of Katinka." Cesser was dolled up as a dame, and the club- men easily convinced him he was the goods. It baa been arranged for a Cea- ser tour for four weeks to Rube Bernstein's Columbia Wheel show, "Bathing Beauties." Irv will work under an assumed name, figuring he can get just as much experience under cover. Ha will mix up the dame bit with other comedy stunts. MATTER OF" HE1FETZ A violinist appearing »- •*• Lou's and presented as Jaacha Helfets, the great virtuoso, to being sought tor by the Wolfsohn Musical Bureau, Mr. Hettets's managers. Who declare the St Louis visitor an Impostor. It supports that statement by the fact that Jascha Helfets, the vio- linist was not within 1,006 miles of St Louis on Aug. 21-24, when his Impersonator was appearing in the Missouri city. Aug. 21 Mr. Helfetz played at Ocean Grove, N. J., and Aug. 24 be gave a concert at Sara- toga Springs, N- Y. B. C. Rauth, of Koerber-Brenner Company, St Louis, who knows the real Helfetz, in a telegram of Aug. 28 notified tbe Victor Talking Ma- chine Company of the Imposition. The Victor people, holding the rights to Helfetz's violin records, imme- diately notified the Wolfsohn office here, eliciting the Information aa to the real Helfetz's whereabouts In a letter dated Aug. 27, which added:' "Such an Impostor should be shown up, but of course, the In- formation reached us too late to do anything in this particular Instance." Loew's New York office, at whose St. Louis picture house the "Im- postor" ' to reported to have been billed, states \ St Louis character, not a violinist but who looks like Helfets, and is therefore nicknamed "Jascha," to the cause of the muss. This man, they assert was not billed there as Jascha Helfets, did not ap- pear on tbe dates named and does not play the violin. They regard the affair as "a Missouri practical Joke." Hurt in Auto Upset Chicago, Sept 2. , Motoring from a broadcasting trip to Kenosha, Jlmmie Bggert, with Waterson, Berlin & Snyder, and Henri Thlern, radio entertain- er, were seriously Injured when their car upset. Thlern received a fractured nose and was severely cut about the head. Eggert, out- side of a few minor scratches, Is suffering from Internal injuries. heard for the first time. Johnny Tucker, "the fireman songwriter," accompanied Ball and sang several original compositions. Wright and Bessinger were fol- lowed by the Roseland dance or- chestra, direct from the Roseland ballroom. Isabel Wood was on at WJZ, do- ing classical numbers. In a* well- trained soprano. The "Selleclalre hotel orchestra closed their even- ings program. AeeL TOO EXPENSIVE • La FoUette Supporters Could Not Meet Radio Demand Worcester, Majsi, Sept. 2. Tbe JT. F. Bherer Company, de- partment store bare, owner of Radio Station WDBH. did not broad- east the speech of Senate* Wheeler, Independent candidate for vioe-pres- Ident given here Monday night bo- cause the supporters of the LaFol- lette ticket decided the expanse waa more than they could stand. The Sherer store's big advertise- ment on Friday had tbe following: "Radio and Politi cs W e win broad- cast the speeches of Any recognised political party for exactly the same, cost at which they are.piped In here from the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. of New York. Any local political speeches can be made at a much lower rate. The only qualification to that they must be I 100 per cent U. 8. A." ■'■ FIRST FAILURE 4 One Suspends in Wash* ington Owing $7,150; i A.sets $500 Washington, Sept S, ' The first radio equipment stord to flop here baa asked the District Supreme Court for voluntary bank* ruptcy. Its debts total 17,150 and assets but $500. Tbe Morgan Radio Corporation, with a down-town location, this "distinction." SECRETARY HOOVER CALLS THIRD NATIONAL RADIO CONFERENCE ■; • Beneficial Effects of First Two Responsible for Com* merce Department's Action—Wave Length Al* location* to Discussed \ Variety Bureau, Evans Bldo., Washington, Sept 2. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover has called the third national radio conference. Its purpose to for the better voluntary regulation of radio. The conference to to meet In Washington beginning Sept to. Two such Conferences have al- ready been held, one in February, 1922, and the other In March, 1921, both of which were generally at- tended. Secretary Hoover states that the result of these former con- ferences has been felt throughout the industry, doing away with much .friction and misunderstanding through the voluntary co-operation of the Industry, the public a'nd the Department of Commerce. The growth of radio, and particu- larly the multiplication of broad- casting stations and the consequent congestion of the air has brought up many new subjects to be dis- cussed, and perhaps a revision ot. the present methods. Here are some of the things that will be considered at the coming conference: Revision of the present fre- quency or wave length alloca- tions, to reduce Interference. Use of high frequencies or short waves. Classification of broadcasting stations, possible discontinuance of Class C stations. ' Interconnection of broadcasting stations. Limitation of power; division ot time; zoning of broadcasting sta- tions. Means ot distinguishing the Identity of amateur - calls from . foreign countries. The different factions have been asked to name representatives for a general advisory committee, which will bold public bearings. New Chicago Publishing Finn Has Been Formed , Chicago, Sept 2. Tbe Charles A. Stevens Music Co/ to the latest contribution in the music field here. At first It was rumored the department store bear- ing that name was behind the or- ganization, but later It proved to be that the Stevens Involved to In the bond and brokerage business. Dan Russo and Ted Fiorlto, who maintain the Oriole orchestra, are also affiliated with tbe new firm. They will supply the major por- tion of the numbers in collabora- tion with Gus Kahn. Johnny Pink, for many years professional man- ager for, Forster, .has also Joined In the same capacity. H. Ferrlngton, general manager for the Chrysler and Maxwell au- tomobiles here, is named aa Its president. Organist in Australia San Francisco, Sept 2. Eddie Horton, organist, who sev- eral years ago was featured at the local California theatre, sailed on the "Ventura" this week tor Au- stralia, where he'Is to enter upon a one-year contract with E. J. Carroll as organist In the newly built King Edward theatre. This house ex- pects to open by Oct IS. On his trip to Australia, he Is ac- companied by his associate organist, Harold Wright Whiteman's Zymbolim Atlantic City. Sept. 2. Paul Whiteman is still adding to his concert orchestra. His latest to Julius Klein, leader of the Hotel Traymore orchestra here, and is con- sidered to be one of the finest zym- bolim players In the country. The adding of a zymbolim player to the concert field will bring back an Instrument that has been almost obscure tor some time. Berlin Cabaret Owner Fails as Manager in Vienna Berlin. Aug. 21. Siegfried Wreschinsky. the Ber- lin cabaret owner who got bold of several theatres la Vienna last spring, has not made a success ot his attempt An the theatres have been closed. Boa Tieber, who rented the Apoilo theatre to Wres- chinsky, baa had to pay out money to the 'actors engaged by hid lessee. All-Free Dance Hall Wolfeboro, N. H., Sept S. As the result of provisions made) In tbe will ot a wealthy resident who recently died, a dance ball, at which everything to free. Including auto- mobile parking space, waa dedicated here last week. The hall to on tbe banks of Lake Wlnnlpesaukee through the generos- ity of the late Greenleaf C. Clark. It Will be maintained by funds be- queathed the town by him. Chas. Bayha's New Work Charles Bay ha, for. the past five years In charge of the band and or- chestra and advertising departments of the Shapiro-Bernstein Co., has accepted a position as a real estate agent In Coral Oables, Fla., suburb of Miami, and one of the more prom- inent winter resort developments. MUSICIAN AT 58, MARRYING Maiden, Mass., Sept. 2. Harry C. Daggett, an old-time mu- sician, is to marry Elisabeth E. Phil- lips of Boston. He was born in Mai- den and for many years was cornet soloist with Baldwin's cadet band. He to a widower and 58 years old. His Intended bride Is 40. For some time past Mr. Daggett has been liv- ing in San Diego, CaL ISHAM JONES AT RICHMAN'S The Isham Jones Band, of Chic- ago, is reported to have been en- gaged for the new ClubRlchmaa in NeWKrts.