THE GRAMAPHONE. COLUMBIA.

Shannon News, 20 December 1929, Page 3

THE GRAMAPHONE.

COLUMBIA.

Christmas Fax© for the Gramophone. Herman Finck and his Orchestra strike a real convivial note with his "Bacchanalia," a riotous Christmaspudding of the most familiar of the drinking song/j. The medley is played with a sense of fun, and should pump a fund of hilarity into any Christmas party. (Columbia 02541). Another Herman Finck record with a seasonable flavour is his "Christian Memories," which strings together all the carols and hymns and tunes we associate with the full-blooded Dickensian Christmas. Excellent playing and excellent recording. (Columbia 02743). Record in "Bow Bells" Church. From the old church of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, where hang the Bow Bells famed, in legend and rhyme, com es a record of Clarence Raybould, the St. Mary's organist. He plays with feeling and fine registration an Organ Medley of Christmas Carols and Hymns. Included in the selection are: —Part 1: "First Noel"; "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen"; "Good King Wencelas"; "A Virgin Most Pure"; "Good Christian Men, Rejoice." Part 2: "As With Gladness"; "Once in Royal David's City"; "While Shepherds Watched"; "Christians, Awake!" "Hark! the Herald Ang3h Sing"; "O Come, All Ye Faithful." (Columbia 9139).. 4,850 Voices.

One of the most remarkable records yet issued is "Adeste Fideles" (O Come, All Ye Faithful), sung by the Associated. Glee Clubs of America in conjunction with an .audience of 4000. They raise an inspiring volume of sound which loses' little of its gripping effect in the recording. On the reverse the Associated Glee Clubs by themselves, 850 of them, give a rousing and hearty "John Peel." If the effects are a little bit "stagey," no one will grudge them seizing a chance to show off their wonderful unison. For such a large body of singers the tonal effect is surprisingly sweet. (Columbia 9048). "Dismal Desmond."

Desmond may be Dismal by name, but as a mirth-provoker he is one of the gems of man's invention. Billie Gray, Charlie Penrose (of "Laughing Policeman" fame) and their company make "the Doings of Dismal Desmond" a set of records that will move the kiddies to bits of laughter, and the grown-up, to, if he has any youth left in him. The Doings are told with admirable clearness on six double-sid-ed 10-inch discs. (Columbia 0121601221). The 8.8. C. in Christmas Carols.

A good, well-sung Christmas carjl record is always an acceptable buy or present for the festive season, and we predict that the 8.8. C. choir series of carols will find a huge popularity. The Choir records in St. Mary-le-Bow Church—the famous "Bow Bells" Church —with organ accompaniment. The pairings are "Good King Wenceslas"; "First Noel"; "A Virgin Most Pure"; "Good Christian Men, Rejoice." i "The Children's Party" by Vaugh De Leath. One of the brightest and peppiest of the entertainers on the discs, the captivating Vaughn De Leath, transforms herself from a roguish flirt to an amicable aunt for ...9 children. She sings a batch* of the dear, familiar nursery rhymes in a manner to delight any young kiddie. Many of the time-hon-oured evergreens are here —"Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," "Jack and Jill," "Little 80-Pecp," "Ba-ba Black Sheep," and "Twinkle, Little Star." (Columbia 01619).