British Dance Bands Of 1929

This selection of 1929 British dance band recordings provides the opportunity to hear some of the scarcer sides from that year. For example, "Up in the clouds" features Percival Mackey with Al Bowlly, one of only two tunes Al recorded with him. Al Bowlly only recorded ten titles in 1929, his leanest year for recordings between 1928-40.
The top three British dance bands are included here, Jack Payne, Jack Hylton and Ambrose. The latter appearing on the short lived Magenta Decca label.
The Hylton title may sound tame but this is a Berlin recording and has a lot to offer. The very early Decca, an Arthur Lally ensemble, deliver an excellent version of "Diga Diga doo". There's a fine Arthur Rosebery side with that restrained jazzy sound so prominent in his early records. Finally, Wordecho records are so awkward to find and due to the fragile material used, are usually in poor condition. "Sweetheart's holiday" is in better than average condition. Hope you enjoy this selection.

** With thanks to Jonathan Holmes for all transfers and videos **

Up in the clouds - Ever Bright Boys (Percival Mackey) Rec. April 1929 w. Al Bowlly
Lovable and sweet - Ambrose and his Orchestra Rec. 11th October 1929 w. Lou Abelardo
Diga diga doo - Philip Lewis Orch. (Arthur Lally) Rec. 20th July 1929 w. Maurice Elwin
A dicky bird told me so - Jack Payne BBC Dance Orch. Rec. 21st March 1929 w. vocal trio
Forget me not - Jack Hylton Orch. Rec.18th Jan. 1929 w. Sam Browne and J.Jackson scat
If I had you - Arthur Rosebery Kit Cat Band rec. 1st March 1929 w. Len Lees +2
Sweetheart's holiday - Savoy Plaza Band (Norman Bros.) w. Joe Leigh