"Uncivilised Din" Of Negro Bands

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 5, 11 August 1933, Page 14

"Uncivilised Din" Of Negro Bands

To the Editor. Sir,-While agreeing wilh most of "Wellingtonian’s" views, IT cannot let pass the statement "American bands are by far the finest exponents of dance music." American dance bands are the cause of so much hostility to jazz muric. The saxophones are far too prominent, while the singing is just a nasa} whine. Take, also, the negro bands; the tunes they produce remind one of unelvilised din. ‘That pest, the crooner, is also a product of U.S.A. Thtee-quarters of the tunes played by British bands may "be composed by Americans, but the difference is noticed when one tune is played

first by an American and then a British band. The quarter composed by the British ate worth all the rest put together. I would like to hear now and again old "hits" broadcast, say, during the first: half-hour of 2YA’s Friday night dance programme. During that period the favourites of 1927,-1928, 1929, ete, could be put on. I do not agree with’ "Spark" re the vaudeville programme. I think this is the best B.B.C, production so far, while the Scottish National is the worst. Several correspondents Intely have wanted the Board to come on from Z am. J, think your leader this week

shows just why it is best for the sta. ‘tions to be silent then. We would soon fail to take in what we heard; the radio "xtould just produce a background of "sound, » In your issue of July 14 appedrs a lets. "ter from "Bellbird’ wanting broadcasts of tuis and bellbirds. Would it not be a good idea for 2YA, seeing it is the national station, to have a signa] of the song of a tui? In conclusion, I would like to say how much I enjoyed 4YA’s old-time dance programme.-I am, etc¢.,

ATLANTA

Invereargill,