MUSIC-MAKER AT TWO EXHIBITIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 28, 5 January 1940, Page 19

MUSIC-MAKER AT TWO EXHIBITIONS

Ts be a musical personality at two New Zealand Exhibitions has been the experience of Manuel Raymond, conductor of the dance orchestra at the Centennial Exhibition Cabaret. The orchestra is now being | heard over 2YA Wellington every Wed/nesday night at 10.15 p.m, Mr. Raymond, well-known in this country some years ago as Manuel Hyman, decided in 1929 that the call of distant parts must be obeyed; so he went to England. In England, he found restaurant orchestras were in demand, and he conducted at many places the names of which are known even in this country; ‘such as at the "Hungaria." At the "Hungaria," all social London gathered. ~The Duke of Windsor, then Prince of Wales, was often there, and Mr. Raymond played for the Duke of Kent, not only at "Hungaria" but also at Fort Belvedere. Then came a period at the equally celebrated " Quaglinos," where Mr. Raymond formed a Continental band, the first of its kind in London. The band was composed of-stringed instruments and piano-accordions, and piano and drums were dispensed with. It was at " Quaglinos" that he changed his name to Raymond. After " Quaglinos"" came engagements at other famous restaurants, one at the Ritz Hotel and one at Romanos. Guarding the " Mike" It was at Romanos that Mr. Raymond conducted the band in Empire broadcasts. It is interesting to note that the "mike" was carefully watched during those broadcasts. People of all kinds gathered at "Romanos": and an unguarded microphone, somebody with not too many scruples, a few words . . . well, it wasn’t worth while taking risks. Before coming back to New Zealand, Mr. Raymond was as " Frascati’s," famous for the people who meet there and the food. At " Frascati’s," the cosmopolitan Englishman will tell you, they make a soufflé that almost has to be anchored it is so feather-light. But although he has worked amid such famous places and people, Mr. Raymond does not forget his experiences in New Zealand. He was musical director at the Dunedin Exhibition in 1925-1926. History Was Made There is one incident which stands out as a landmark; it is a piece of radio history. During the exhibition in the south, the new Canberra in Australia was opened, and in connection with the opening, prizes were offered for the best song written to celebrate the event. As it happened, Ella Shields was if Sydney at the same time. A song called "Tl. See You in Canberra in the Morning" by a New Zealander was played by Mr. Raymond at the Exhibi‘tion, picked up and taken down in ‘Sydney, and sung by Miss Shields there ‘the same night. It won the prize, Quick work for broadcasting, which was at that time nowhere near its present state of development, Many people probably have a mis‘taken idea that a conductor's life is an

easy one. The reverse is true; there’s almost too much hard work. But there is fun to go with it all. Mr. Raymond recalls with a grin one or two amusing happenings which befell him in London. On one occasion, the band was broadcasting from a restaurant, The green light signal from the operator came up and, thinking the band was off the air, Mr. Raymond said, " You can take it easy now, boys." Whereupon the musicians, as musicians will, broke into an animated commentary on their own performance. Only later was it discovered that the candid comment had gone over the air also, That Second Shirley Temple! Then there was one letter which arrived for the conductor one day in London, from someone applying for a job as. vocalist with the band to sing Shirley Temple song-hits. "You will find me a second Shirley Temple," the writer said. The appointment time came, but instead of a little girl, with nicely~ curled hair and short frock, in came a matronly lady well over thirty. "I would not like to say how much over thirty," Mr. Raymond added with a smile, We had to ask, of course, before the interview was finished, what Mr, Raymond thought of "swing." He does not think it is much more than a passing phase. These things come in cycles, he says, and swing is only another name for an accepted way of playing a melody, Mr, Raymond wants to please everyone, however, and the "swing" enthusiast will receive his share as well as those who take it "sweet." He would be glad if listeners would write and tell him what they like. The next broadcast by Manuel Raymond’s orchestra from the Exhibition will be at 10.15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3.