ROXY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 833, 29 November 1929, Page 16

ROXY

“SYNCOPATION” The screen appearance of Fred Waiting's Pennsylvanians, one of the most noted and versatile organisations of its kind in America, now scoring a tremendous success of RKO’s musical comedy film extravaganza, “Syncopation,” at the Roxy Theatre, affords an unusual opportunity to analyse the distinctly American form of musical expression, of which they are acknowledged masters and favourites. A study of the instruments and combinations used by these young men is amazing. Fred Waring, the director, imparts much of his own enthusiasm and “pep” to his men and conducts in a manner that produces maximum results. The brass section is prolific in bizarre and beautiful effects, the three trumpeters using a dozen kind of mutes, derby hats, mufflers and other unique devices and the rich, cello-like tones of the megaphone. The bass player, foundation of every orchestra effort, plasms every form of bass instrument—brass, string or reed. The banjo player, indispensable to rhythm, also plays a violin on occasion, adding to the string choir. Each member of the saxophone section is equally capable on flute, oboe and clarinets as well as the whole family of saxaphones, from the shrillest soprano to the deepest baritone. In addition to Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in “Syncopation,” the producers of this first of the Radio Pictures have woven exquisite new melodies into the texture of this moving story of Broadway dancers seeking fame, fortune and love along the street of make-believe, three of which are sung by Morton Downey. The Roxy is also showing a full programme of shorter talkies, including an interesting sound gazette.