As the Great Depression took hold in the United States, the American Record Corporation (ARC) found itself in a rather good position: formed from the member labels of the Plaza Corporation (Regal, Banner, Jewel and several others), the Cameo line of labels (including Lincoln), the Pathe/Perfect labels, the Brunswick Record Corporation and in 1935 the famed Columbia Phonograph Company, they had the low-cost record market very well covered. The rise of "free" radio entertainment had soured many Americans on the idea of spending a dollar on one Victor record, no matter who the performer was! There was still in an interest in cheap disks, and ARC was busy churning out as many as possible.Under a bewildering array of pseudonyms ARC released the records of a relatively small "stable" of orchestras: their own studio orchestra, at times under the direction of trombonist/pianist/vocalist Russ Morgan, Canadian Rudy Vallee-sound-alike Will Osborne's orchestra, upcoming bandleader and distinctive tenor saxophonist Freddie Martin's orchestra (Martin hired Russ Morgan after an accident left Morgan unable to play trombone) and well-known banjoist/guitarist Harry Reser's radio orchestra. Bass saxophonist and vibraphonist Adrian Rollini shows up on quite a few recordings as a sideman and orchestra leader after leaving Bert Lown. Many established studio vocalists are here as well: Paul Small, Elmer Feldkamp and the wonderful Chick Bullock.
This first of two volumes presents some of the finest "sweet band" sides recorded on the ARC labels from 1931 to 1935. There's no hot jazz here! You'll find danceable fox-trots and even a few waltzes, all performed by top-flight musicians and vocalists, including Will Osborne, Freddie Martin, Adrian Rollini, Russ Morgan, Harry Reser and Chick Bullock.
These recordings are from the collection of Glen Richards, owner of "The Hot-Dance & Vintage Jazz Pages" and long-time audio restoration expert. Each track was painstakingly restored, digitally removing pops and (most) crackles - the recordings sound good, without the digital artifacts inexperienced restorers introduce.
This is an AUDIO CD, such as you'd buy from a music store, packaged in a jewel case with a four-page booklet. Payment and shipment can be arranged throughout the world.
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