ITEMS FROM THE ZB's

New Zealand Listener, Volume 17, Issue 435, 24 October 1947, Page 11

ITEMS FROM THE ZB's

HE George Melachrino Orchestra, which specialises in symphonic treatment of popular dance tunes and light ‘classics, is widely-known through its ‘BBC shows which have been broadcast by the NZBS. Melachrino is a composer, arranger, versatile instrumentalist, actor, singer, and general entertainer. Among his many imaginative background scores which have been used in British films were those for Appointment with Crime and Woman to Woman. He first became a band leader in 1939, joined the Army in the same year, and toured with concert parties. Later he was appointed Director of Music to the Army Broaticasting Department. In 1944 the British Army authorities decided to form a British band to join in with the U.S. and Canadian bands, and Melachrino was appointed its director. This saw the formation of the Melachrino Orchestra which, with the exception of a few minor changes, is the same to-day. Recordings by his 26 string players will be played from 2ZB on Monday, October 27, at 8.30 p.m. * * * NTERESTED listeners to 2ZB’s Dusty Labels session have lent the Station a number of recordings of tunes that were popular during the 1914-18 war, and these will be presented in the session at 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, October 26. Patrons of "Fullers’" in the old days will remember Billy Williams ("The*Man in the Velvet Suit"). Born in Australia, Williams produced recordings that were best sellers for a while. He will be heard in the song "When Father Joined the Territorials." Another item in the session will be MHarry Lauder’s "The Lads Who Fought and Won," which he made famous at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London. Ivor Novello’s "Till the Boys Come Home," of 1914-18 vintage, better known as "Keep the Home Fires Burning," will be sung by Herbert Payne. This patriotic hit is said to have netted its composer a tidy £16,000. Station 2ZB also has the 1914-18 recorded version of "A Broken Doll," composed by J. W. Tate, who wrote several numbers for The Maid of the Mountains, and who was the step-father of Jose Collins, whom war veterans will warmly remember.