It all started back in the 1990’s and his aim at that time was to produce audio cassettes for friends and contacts. As the years progressed and with the aid of mini discs and computerisation John pursued his financially self supporting hobby and in 2005 he decided to produce compact discs aimed at preserving the music of the dance band era. He has access to countless originals that enables him to continue his labour of love and currently issues a new listing every six months or so.

Recalling the name of saxophonist Buddy Featherstonehaugh from the early 40’s and his association with the Radio Rhythm Club broadcasts, there was no doubt as to what my first choice would be. It had to be Buddy Featherstonehaugh on HL395 aptly named ‘Buddy’ and it more than excelled expectations. It is neatly presented in a slimline case with a loose insert which lists the twenty five tracks and gives the original recording dates and reference details. It also contains a brief summary of his musical career along with a composite list of the musicians associated with the recordings. These include Jack Parnell, Vic Lewis, Don McAffer, Kenny Baker, Charlie Short, Malcolm Lockyer etc. etc. The carefully selected material includes Clarinet Marmalade, Muskrat Ramble, Christopher Columbus, Low Down Empty Railway Station Blues, Big Noise from Winnetka, King Porter Stomp, One o’Clock Jump, Seven Come Eleven and Flying Home etc. A health warning should have been issued regarding the Vic Lewis vocal on track 4, it comes as a ‘surprise shock’ to the system. The rather sudden end to the excellent double bass / drum duet by Charlie Short and Jack Parnell on Big Noise From Winnetka should be noted. But here I am nit- picking and they do not distract from the overall listening enjoyment.

All for the modest sum of £5-50 including postage, this is truly wonderful value and is thoroughly recommended.

HL 391 is a CD named Paradise and features early USA Bands. This compilation highlights many almost forgotten names from the past, including Don Redman, Abe Lyman, Will Osborne, Ted Lewis and Nat Shilkret. Of the twenty five tracks on this CD only three are non vocal. The 1920’s and early 30’s music is well represented and offers historic listening when one compares this style of playing and vocal renditions against the more adventurous dance music of the late 30’s and 40’s, by which time ‘swing and sway’ was more the order of the day. Nevertheless here we have the grounding of things to come and one should give credit to Happy Listening that this style of music has been preserved in such an acceptable easy to listen to format. Judging by this selection it was the male vocalists who were popular, but then as time progressed the tables were about to turn and girl band singers become an essential part of the dance band scene. There is also evidence that arrangers were beginning to play an important part in the music of that early period and were able to write for individual bands thus giving them a more personalised style of their own.

Here is a vintage collection offering much interest to dance band enthusiasts and worthy of recommendation.

I have it on good authority that The Two Harry’s on HL 355 is considered a sound investment for small band swing enthusiasts.
The bands of Harry Parry and Harry Gold are featured and it should be kept in mind as a future acquisition.

A stamped addressed envelope to John Bream 66 Booth Lane South Northampton NN3 3EP will bring you the current list of available items.

Bert Booth, Aspen Lodge,
Finzean by Banchory,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB31 6NU
Wednesday the 25th of June 2008