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By 1950, Decca decided to invest in Leroy Anderson. Musicians from the various classical orchestras in New York were happy to get pickup work, and Decca assembled an impromptu orchestra for Leroy to conduct. These sessions were quick. Leroy knew exactly what he wanted from his musicians, and he was able to convey his ideas with ease. It didn’t require more than a few takes to get his pieces down. His relationship with the Boston Pops continued, but from now on, Leroy got to premiere his own compositions with his own band.

This one is funny.

Anderson: “The Typewriter”

Wonderfully cute. Not just for cat people.

”The Waltzing Cat”

A waltz and a masterpiece. Breathtaking! The opening string riff before the brass comes in is taken from Brahms.

”Belle of the Ball”

This was the #1 single of 1952.

”Blue Tango”

A beautiful impression of the inscrutable Orient.

”China Doll”

A beautiful and calming tune. Leroy was reaching the peak of his form, and it was becoming obvious that the Fifties would be his decade.

”The Penny Whistle Song”

They march out of the mist quietly, appear, and then disappear just as quietly. A personal favorite of mine. It’s hard to get that tune out of your head.

”The Phantom Regiment”

Leroy hadn’t done a piece based on pizzicato strings for a long time. This was one of his most popular tunes, thanks to the fact that CBS radio used it as the theme for “I’ve Got a Secret”. When the show moved to TV, the theme came along for a ride that lasted 21 years.

”Plink Plank Plunk”

Even Rumanians like Anderson. Quite a waltz!

”Song of the Bells”