COLUMBIA.

Shannon News, 23 August 1929, Page 2

COLUMBIA.

Maori Songs from lErnest MeKinley. It is pleasant to hear of a NeAV Zealander making an artistic splash m the outer world—to feel that other countries look to-us for something more than butter and All Blacks. Ernest MeKinley has made a considerable name for himself as leading tenor of the Westminster Glee Singers. His Maori {Songs are ahrfays welcomed. And, indeed, they make fine records. He gives us one of Alfred Hill s most delightful compositions, "Home, Little Maori, Home," paired with a stirring song in Maori and English, "Hoea Ra," both capitally sung with a good robust voice, nicely shaded. (Columbia 01551). Two More "Paul Whitemans." "The King of Jazz" has a huge following among lovers of dance music, and even the highbrows are interested /in his daring orchestral effects and subtle control of rhythm. He is at his brilliant best in liis two latest records. Columbia 07021 pairs "Blue Hawaii" with "Coquette," the theme song of the film of the same name. Columbia 07022 gives a sparkling version of Arndt's melodious and intriguing "Nola," and one of the latest song hits, "Louise." The playing of all four pieces is infectiously fresh, and shoAVs that there are some incomparable instrumentalists in this great orchestra. A Male Voice Quartet. (1) "Weary River" (2) "Wedding Bells." Sung by Goodrich Silvertown Quartet. Columbia 01538. A good male voice quartet is. one of the pleasantest vocal combinations imaginable. The Goodrich Four have enjoyed a reputation in U.S.A. for many years, and thus have the first essential of'all—experience in singing together. Their pleasing voices blend to perfection in tAvo delightful numbers that are sure to charm. Armando Borgioli—Operatic Baritone. ' l Pagliacci' '—Prologue (Leoncavallo). Sung by Armando Borgioli, baritone. Col. 01500. Even the evergreen Pagliacci Prologue is Avelcomed afresh Avhen it is sung as artistically and Avith the same vocal finish as Borgioli delivers it in this record. Borgioli —not to be confused Avith the tenor "of, the same name —extracts the maximum of dramatic value out of the Prologue. His inflexions are always interesting, and his breadth of phrasing'gives dynamic movement to the rendition. The orchestral score is full of varying charm,,, and is finely played. Mr K. Aitken, accredited Columbia dealer in Levin, has full stocks of records and gramophones. Squire land his 'Cello. (1) "Melody in F," (2) "Silver Threads ;Amo|ng 'the Goldi." 'Cello solos by 'W. H. Squire. Columbia

04178. It could rarely be claimed for Squire that he touches the intellectual heights —he never aims for them, anyAvay—but for good, sound, competent playing he is in a class by himself. Where <Tlse could one hear that Avarm tone, singing like a deep-throated lark, and maintained without a hint of breakdoAvn for any length of time? Those who revel in good 'cello tone Avill thoroughly enjoy these two melodious numbers from Squire.