COLUMBIA.

Shannon News, 3 September 1929, Page 2

COLUMBIA.

The Inimitable Norman Long. (1) “Overture ‘1929’(2) “What

Did the Village Blacksmith Say ” Normal! Long, entertainer, at the piano. Columbia 01538. Norman Long, in “What Did the Village Blacksmith Say?” shows iis the difference between singing a comic song and .singing it humorously. His comic interjections, mistakes and apologies raise more laughs than the song itself. One of his funniest efforts to date. Those who know their composers will appreciate a delicious burlesque on the ‘ ‘Turkish National Anthem” (“Constantinople”). Flotsam and Jetsam. (1) “We Never Know what to Expect”; (2) “When I Grow Old, Dad.” Sung by Flotsam and Jetsam. Columbia 01530. J These pleasantly humorous duet lists are always worth isuning to, for their sonr:, written by themselves, are sung with rare individuality. 'Jetsam’s .voice, in those deep chuckles of his, dcsce..d to immense depths. In Lighter Vein. Layton and Johnstone score a win again in their usual inimitable style with “The Song I Love” and “Me and the Man in'the Mocn” (Columbia 01522). For this sort of work they are in a class by themselves. Ted Wallace and his Campus Boys give a snappy rendering of two foxtrot hits—“ Mean to Me” and “The One I Love Loves Me,” on Columbia 01514. All that makes a tip-top dance jeeor.l is here —hot rhythm, bright, peppy tone and vocal choruses with a real swing. Harold Williams. (1) “The Luce Player(2) “O Star of Eve” (Wagner). Sung by Harold Williams, baritone. Columbia 02835. The latest record by this popular-and versatile Australian singer, who. like so many of hb compatriots, made his name in London and on the Continent, is a pairing Qf two finely dramatic numbers which, show his manly voice to finest advantage. “The Lute Player” gives him a real chance for expression, and lie throws real passion and despair into it. Both this number and the glorious “O Star of Eve’? are splendidly accompanied. A Great Swiss Orchestra.

f “Der tfrcischutz,” Overture (Weber), in Three Parts; (2) “Rosanmnde” —Entr’acte No. 2 (Schubert). Felix Weingartner conducting the Basle Symphony Orchestra. Columbia 0287475. ‘

Weingartner, the great German conductor, whose recordings of the Beethoven Symphonies for Columbia proved such a magnificent contribution to the gramophonist’s library, has now undertaken the control of the Basle Symphony Orchestra. The first-fruits of his new appointment is a splendidly energetic and moving version of Weber’s “Per Freischutz. ” In convincing style lie lias captured the eeiie glamour proper to the work—some passages, indeed, are among the most ‘/otherworldly” in feeling that music has to offer. The playing impulsive and spirited, and the richly fabricated tone speaks volumes for the grasp of instrumental make-up by this genius of the baton. The lovely Schubert Entr-aete is given with fine understanding and sympathy. The Garde Republicadne Land.

Clarinet Concerto (Weber). Played by the Band of thejGarde Republicaine of France. Columbia 02879. This is good direct music frankly designed to please and charm. ?It is typical of the airy and aristocratic Romantic who wrote it. Written originally for one Barrmann, the finest clarinet- player of his time, it gives to the soloist a chance to revel in deliciously piquant melodies. The soloist of the Garde Republieaine Band has taken his chances with both hands, and the result is a. recording of. deligMfulchann. The clarinet tene is mellow and beautifully rounded, and the orchestral background gleams with bright lights and shades. This famous Band, perhaps the finest military band in the world, give a splendid account of themselves.