Hit Songs of 1936 - Lou Preager, Roy Fox, Ambrose, Mantovani, Jay Wilbur, Jack Payne

HIT SONGS OF 1936 1. THE MUSIC GOES ‘ROUND AND AROUND Lou Preager and his Romano’s Restaurant Dance Orchestra Vocalist – Ronnie Hill Recorded in Chelsea, London on Monday 20th January 1936 2. THESE FOOLISH THINGS Roy Fox and his Orchestra Vocalist – Denny Dennis Recorded in London on Thursday 9th April 1936 3. ONE, TWO, BUTTON YOUR SHOE Ambrose and his Orchestra Vocalist – Sam Browne Recorded in London on Wednesday 30th December 1936 4. PLEASE BELIEVE ME Mantovani and his Orchestra Vocalist – George Barclay Recorded in London on Friday 27th March 1936 5. POOR LITTLE ANGELINE Jay Wilbur and his Band Vocalist – Vera Lynn Recorded in London c. 30th March 1936 6. WHERE THERE’S YOU THERE’S ME Jack Payne and his Band Vocalist – Billy Scott-Coomber Recorded in London in early March 1936 “The Music Goes ‘Round And Around” was one of the first big hits of the year and in Britain the best-known version, and arguably the best, was by Henry Hall’s BBC Dance Orchestra. This version by Lou Preager is a very enjoyable alternative with some fine playing by his dance band. Eric Maschwitz, then BBC Head of Radio Variety, wrote the lyrics for “These Foolish Things” within three hours and on the same day Jack Strachey came up with the melody of this wonderful song. It was written to a strict deadline as Maschwitz required a romantic ballad for a radio revue, and it is regarded as one of the finest British songs of that Era. It is beautifully performed by the smooth orchestra of Roy Fox and his then principal vocalist, Denny Dennis. A great song from a Bing Crosby film picks up the tempo, nicely played by the famous Ambrose Orchestra with Sam Browne, who had rejoined the band in October after an absence of a year and a half. The star-studded orchestra display some lovely solo work, particularly clarinet and guitar. “Please Believe Me” was another fine American song which was successful on both sides of the Atlantic. This version by Mantovani’s wonderful brass-less Tipica Orchestra is my favourite, and George Barclay delivers the lyrics beautifully. A young Vera Lynn sings the very popular “Poor Little Angeline”; perhaps one of her lesser-known recordings . I have three recordings of this song in my collection, and none better than this by Jay Wilbur’s recording band. My final offering is an upbeat performance by Jack Payne’s Band. It is an excellent arrangement, performed with energy and polish. Billy Scott-Coomber is in fine voice in this song originally written for the Jack Hulbert film, “Jack Of All Trades”. These recordings, originally made for the Panachord, HMV, Decca, Columbia and Rex labels, are long out-of-copyright and remastered by this user from the original 78 rpm records. These are unique transfers and may not be copied or offered for sale without the permission of Peter Wallace.