Posted on 02/14/2014 10:31:11 AM PST by lowbridge
Why pay, even a pittance, when you can download them off many sites for free?
Labor.
Never heard Benny’s first program, but I’ve long known it circulates. Didn’t know George Olsen’s band was present. Always liked Olsen’s 1924 recording of “Beale Street Blues,” but his early-30s music had gotten rather mellow for my tastes.
I love Jack Benny. His stuff is better than most of what is around today. Listen to shows almost daily.
I think my favorite Olsen is “I’m Bringing a Red, Red Rose.” I have a mint copy—sounds cleaner than a couple of reissues I have.
And I love the Hollywood stuff—1929-30. It’s hot, but has the “California sound.” Sounds like Leroy Shield, Gus Arnheim, Jimmie Grier.
On the fragments of Benny shows from 1933-34, you can hear Frank Black’s orchestra. Awesome. One of those big-budget, elephantine, but hot, hot radio orchestras. It’s maddening that only snippets survive.
Not familiar with Frank Black, but it does sound like something I might like. I am fond of that sort of full-blooded, bouncy, vibrant radio/studio orchestra sound, like in the vein of the 1936 Bill Challis radio transcriptions.
Plus, I do like the uniquely ‘lilting’ sound of 1920s California/West Coast bands, such as Herb Wiedoeft, Abe Lyman, Herman Kenin and such... the sort of breezy, laid-back style that’s reminiscent of what one hears in the old, early-30s Hal Roach comedy shorts.
One nice, later George Olsen record I have, and always particularly liked, is his version of “Big City Blues.” The 78rpm I have is in almost near-mint condition. I also really like his “Everybody Loves My Baby” recording.
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