Podcast: Show 209 - Big Band On A Budget

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Big Band On A Budget - Show 209 - 

Features vintage music by Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Will Osborne.  We also listen to select clips from an Educational Film released in 1950 called "Why Budget?".

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Big Band On A Budget (Show 209)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Soundie: "Here Comes the Fattest Man in Town"

Today's Soundie features the beautiful and multi-talented Gloria Parker.  This gem is called "Here Comes the Fattest Man in Town" and was filmed in 1946.  It also includes an appearance by the legendary Mel Blanc.

This is just one of a handful of great Soundies that showcases Miss Parker's many talents.  She also stars in "Broadway and Main", "Four Letters", "Penthouse Party" and "Wise Men Say".  Unlike many other Soundies, these were well produced and Parker herself composed the music and wrote the lyrics.  Her backup musicians in this performance include members of the house band from the Edison Hotel in New York.

Gloria Parker was much more than a pretty face that looked good on film.  She worked as a songwriter, bandleader, musician and actress.  A complete entertainer. She performed with her orchestras playing the marimba, piano, organ, violin, viola, vibraphone, xylophone, guitar, drums, all types of Latin percussion instruments and, of course, glass harp or what many people call "musical glasses".  Now for the record, I've seen many people "play" musical glasses in the past, but Gloria's performances are simply amazing.

Her radio program "The Gloria Parker Show", which aired from 1950 to 1957, featured her all-female "Swingphony", the largest big band led by a woman.  During her career, she also led "Gloria Parker and the Coquettes" and "Glorious Gloria Parker and Her All-Girl Rumba Orchestra." 

Enjoy!

Watch: "Here Comes the Fattest Man in Town" by Gloria Parker

Consider supporting Swing City Radio by becoming a Hepcat.  Learn more at: SupportSwing.com.

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Podcast: Show 208 - The Sun In The Morning

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - The Sun In The Morning - Show 208 - 

Features vintage recordings by Mal Hallett, George Olsen and The Boswell Sisters.  We also listen to a Soundie by Larry Clinton and Ronnaldo answers Listener Mail.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: The Sun In The Morning (Show 208)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Sy Oliver

Sy Oliver led a very good orchestra of his own but is most known for his work with the bands of Jimmie Lunceford and Tommy Dorsey.  He was a very skilled trumpeter, arranger and composer, as well as a decent singer.

Oliver got his start with the famed "territory band", Zack Whyte and his Chocolate Beau Brummels, at the age of 17.  He quickly made a name for himself with his trumpet but also gain a lot of arranging experience with them. 

In 1933, Oliver joined Jimmie Lunceford's band and recorded with them for over six years.  His arrangements for Lunceford were top shelf and really helped that band become such an influence on the era.  

In 1939, Tommy Dorsey lured Oliver away from Lunceford by offering him a very nice salary at the time.  Oliver's influence helped lead the transition of Dorsey's band from a Dixieland flavor to a more popular swinging sound. His arrangements of "On the Sunny Side of the Street",   "Yes, Indeed!", "Opus One" and "Well, Git It" are great examples of what Oliver added to Dorsey's rise in popularity in the 1940's.

Listen to: "Opus One" by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra 

written and arranged Sy Oliver from 1943.

Sy Oliver stayed with Dorsey for about seven years and then moved on to work as a freelance arranger and eventually led his own band full time.

You can hear the music of Sy Oliver right here on Swing City Radio.

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Podcast: Show 207 - Why?

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Why? - Show 207 - 

Features vintage music by Jan Savitt, Sister Rosetta Sharpe and Artie Shaw.  We listen to clips from a 1951 Educational Film called "Answering The Child's Why" and we also hear a Soundie by The Four Ginger Snaps.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Why? (Show 207)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast: Show 206 - Louise The Chatterbox

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Louise The Chatterbox - Show 206 - 

Features vintage recordings by Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Red Norvo.  We also learn a little about Oscar DuMont's Orchestra and Ronnaldo answers Listener Mail.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Louise The Chatterbox (Show 206)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Soundie: "Count Me Out"

Today's Soundie features trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen joined by J.C Higginbotham (trombone) performing "Count Me Out".  This was released to Panoram viewers in June of 1946.  Other notable names in this Soundie are bassist Benny Moten and Alvin Burroughs on drums.

Prior to leading this talented band, Henry "Red" Allen had played in the orchestras of Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman and Eddie Condon.  This clip really captures the energy he brought to his performances and it also showcases some terrific dancing.

Enjoy!

Watch: "Count Me Out" by Henry "Red" Allen from 1946

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Podcast: Show 205 - All I Desire Is Good Skin Care

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - All I Desire Is Good Skin Care - Show 205 - 

Features vintage music by Woody Herman, Raymond Scott and Freddy Martin.  Ronnaldo also talks a little bit about an old show called "Call For Music".

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: All I Desire Is Good Skin Care (Show 205)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Snader Telescription: "I May Be Wrong"

Today's Snader is "I May Be Wrong" featuring the beautiful vocals of Peggy Lee with music by Dave Barbour and His Quartet.  This is one of 10 Snader Telescriptions that Peggy Lee recorded in the early 1950's.

This song and clip is simply fantastic.  The most impressive part may be Dave Barbour's guitar solo while Peggy sews a button on his collar.  They were still married at this point and their chemistry really shines through.

Enjoy!

Watch: "I May Be Wrong" by Peggy Lee and the Dave Barbour Quartet

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Podcast: Show 204 - Going Bananas For a Ventriloquist

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Going Bananas For a Ventriloquist - Show 204 - 

Features vintage recordings by Glenn Miller, Charlie Spivak and Jimmie Lunceford.  We also learn a little about "The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show" and listen to some musical performances from that series.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Going Bananas For a Ventriloquist (Show 204)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast: Show 203 - Vitamins and a Cowgirl

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Vitamins and a Cowgirl - Show 203 - 

Features vintage music by Marion Hutton, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington.  Ronnaldo answers listener mail and also talks a little bit about Dale Evans.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Vitamins and a Cowgirl (Show 203)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Watch: Stan Kenton and Anita O'Day from 1944

Today's film clip features Stan Kenton and His Orchestra along with Anita O'Day performing the songs "I'm Going Mad For A Pad" and "Memphis Lament".  This excerpt is from a Film Short put out by Universal Pictures called "Artistry in Rhythm".  The whole film is about 16 minutes in length and was released on May 1, 1944.

In my opinion, Anita O'Day steals the spotlight with her performance of "I'm Going Mad For A Pad".  Even though I still think June Christy was the best fit, vocals wise, for Kenton's band - Anita O'day did some stellar work during her time with Stan and His Orchestra.

The film and audio quality of this clip is a little jumpy at the beginning but gets better as it goes along.

Enjoy!

Watch: Stan Kenton and Anita O'Day - "I'm Going Mad For A Pad" and "Memphis Lament"

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Podcast: Show 202 - Still Getting a Thrill

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Still Getting a Thrill - Show 202 - 

Features vintage recordings by The Crew Chiefs, Freddie Slack and Stan Kenton.  We also listen to a Soundie by vocalist Vera Barton and a PSA about Tire Rationing.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Still Getting a Thrill (Show 202)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Added Some More Shellac to YouTube (Mar 2024)

Last week I added some more of my 78rpms to the Youtube Channel.  Most of these came out sounding pretty good.  You should have seen the original condition some of these were in.  It's amazing that some of these sound as good as they do.

Included are tracks by Billy Butterfield, Van Alexander, Vaughn Monroe, Mal Hallett and Glenn Miller.  I really LOVE the Van Alexender version of "The Jumpin' Jive" which I included with this post.  It was released on the Bluebird Label in 1939.  There is some surface noise when at the beginning which I couldn't get rid of but overall it's pretty good quality.

You can listen to all of these on YouTube at: Ronnaldo's 78rpm Collection

Enjoy!

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Podcast: Show 201 - Sweetie In The Newsreel

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Sweetie In The Newsreel - Show 201 - 

Features vintage music by The Andrews Sisters, Vaughn Monroe and Harry James.  Ronnaldo also talks a little bit about Alvino Rey.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Sweetie In The Newsreel (Show 201)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Mal Hallett

Violinist, Mal Hallett, trained and educated at the Boston Conservatory of Music.  During World War I, Mal joined Al Moore's band and spent time in France entertaining the troops.

In the 1930's, Hallett would go on to lead his own band.  His orchestra spent most of its time in the New England area but enjoyed a very nice level of success for a regional band.

When the Swing Era hit, Hallett was a bit older than most of the other swing leaders, and it's said that he sometimes had trouble connecting with the younger fans.  It's also important to add that Hallett battled alcoholism throughout his career and the illness caused him to suffer an injury that prevented him from continuing to play the violin.

Hallett passed away in 1952, but he managed to leave behind a very strong catalog of Big Band music.  His band will also be remembered for the amount of sidemen and vocalists that would go on to make an impact on the era including:  Gene Krupa, Jack Teagarden, Frankie Carle, Jack Jenney, Toots Mondello, Irene Daye and many others.  Let's just say that band was quite stacked with talent.

Unfortunately, I have only stumbled upon a handful of Radio Broadcasts and Transcriptions featuring Mal Hallett.  As I find more, I'll be sure to add them to Swing City Radio and play them on the podcast.

Listen to: "Let's Get Lost" by Mal Hallett and His Orchestra from 1942

You can hear the music of Mal Hallett right here on Swing City Radio.

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Podcast: Show 200 - A Double Dose Of Duz

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - A Double Dose Of Duz - Show 200 - 

Features vintage recordings by Erskine Butterfield, Benny Goodman and Sammy Kaye.  We also celebrate the Podcast's 200th Weekly Episode.

* The musical performances and recordings featured in this podcast are in the Public Domain.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: A Double Dose Of Duz (Show 200)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast Update: Spotify

Hey everyone!  This message is for those of you that listen to The "Big Band and Swing Podcast" with Spotify. Unfortunately, the podcast will no longer be carried on the platform.  

A few listeners have already reached out to me via email asking what other platforms the podcast is on so they can continue to listen.  The good news is that "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" is on nearly every large podcast platform (and many, many small platforms) and can be accessed through their apps.

Here just a small list of Podcast platforms you can listen on:

Apple Podcasts

Podbean

Amazon Music

Antenna Pod

Castbox

Deezer

Google Podcasts

iHeartRadio

iVoox

Listen Notes

Podchaser

Podcast Addict

Podfriend

and MANY, MANY, more.

You can always listen to it on the webpage I've set up specifically for the podcast at: https://podcast.swingcityradio.com/.

Or you can join my Patreon Page at SupportSwing.com and receive all new episodes via email every release day.

Let me know if you have any questions and sorry for the confusion. Most importantly, keep listening! :)

~ Ronnaldo 

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Podcast: Show 199 - A Holiday For The Low, Short and Squatty

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - A Holiday For The Low, Short and Squatty - Show 199 - 

Features music by Jan Garber, Ray McKinley, Woody Herman and more.  We also listen to a catchy little jingle from Falstaff Beer.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: A Holiday For The Low, Short and Squatty (Show 199)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Added To The Playlist - Feb 2024

Hey there everyone.  I finally got my computer and studio up and running again! That means I've returned to the dusty archives of Old Time Radio Broadcasts looking for songs to play for you on Swing City Radio and the podcast.

Here's a breakdown of what was recently added to Swing City Radio:

Alvino Rey and The King Sisters

"At Ease" (AFRS) - Date Unknown

This includes some very interesting music from an AFRS Show called "At Ease".  "At Ease" usually featured tracks that I consider a little "too soft" for the format.  But, this particular episode featured Alvino Rey leading the AFRS Orchestra and he brought The King Sisters along with him.  Keep an ear out for "Who's Sorry Now / Stardust" which contains some beautiful guitar work by Alvino and "I Surrender Dear" by The King Sisters.  (I included "I Surrender Dear" in this post.)  Looks like I'll be spending more time scanning through those "At Ease" programs looking for more gems like this one.

Listen to: "I Surrender Dear" by The King Sisters and Alvino Rey

Artie Shaw

"Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands" (AFRS) - Sep 26, 1945 - Camp San Luis Obispo, CA

Artie Shaw and His Orchestra were in fine form on this night. "Jumping On The Merry-Go-Round" and "Hop, Skip and Jump" are just a couple of the tracks added to the rotation.

Benny Goodman

One Night Stand (AFRS) - Mar 22, 1949 - Los Angeles

This performance was recorded late in the 1940's and his orchestra did not have the huge names that were featured in the late 30's and earlier part of the decade.  But, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra put together a very strong performance.  Songs include: "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", "Undercurrent Blues" and "Don't Worry 'Bout Me". I also added a great version of "Blue Lou" by The Goodman Sextet. 

~ Ronnaldo

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Erskine Butterfield

Erskine Butterfield got his start in the 1930's playing piano for Noble Sissle and his Orchestra.  In 1937, Butterfield formed a band of his own and started to record for the Variety record label.  By 1938, he made the jump to Decca Records where he recorded over forty titles.  During the 1940's his band was known as "Erskine Butterfield and his Blue Boys".

Butterfield was drafted into the military in 1943.  He continued to play music during World War II and was even featured on a couple of V-Discs.  After World War II, Butterfield formed a trio and toured extensively, but his music didn't have the same amount of commercial appeal as it did in the past.

During his career, Butterfield made many appearances on The Nat King Cole Show, The Tony Martin Program and The Jo Stafford Show.

Listen to: "The Boogie Beat'll Get You" by Erskine Butterfield from 1944

You can hear the music of Erskine Butterfield right here on Swing City Radio.

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Podcast: Show 198 - A Dozen Roses For You

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - A Dozen Roses For You - Show 198 - 

Features vintage recordings by Johnny Long, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller. Ronnaldo also plays a Snader Telescription by The Dinning Sisters.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: A Dozen Roses For You (Show 198)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Soundie: Eager Beaver - Stan Kenton

Today's Soundie is "Eager Beaver" by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra.  This was filmed on a stage set in 1945 and also features the dancing of Jean Ivory (Pictured Below).  This is just one of eighteen Soundies that featured Stan Kenton.

I've always enjoyed watching Stan at work.  His passion for the music and his musical leadership really comes through on film. Plus, it's also great to see Ray Wetzel, Freddie Zito, Boots Mussulli and the other boys of Kenton's talented band in action. Enjoy!

Watch: "Eager Beaver" by Stan Kenton from 1945

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Podcast: Show 197 - A Jitterbug Meets A Flu Bug

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - A Jitterbug Meets A Flu Bug - Show 197 - 

Features music by Glen Gray, Alvino Rey, Ray Anthony and more.  Ronnaldo is battling the flu and also plays a Ted Heath track for a listener. 

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: A Jitterbug Meets A Flu Bug (Show 197)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast: Show 196 - Globetrotters and Showstoppers

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Globetrotters and Showstoppers - Show 196 - 

Features vintage recordings by Benny Carter, Ziggy Elman and Hal McIntyre.  We also listen to a PSA about Gas and Sugar Rationing.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Globetrotters and Showstoppers (Show196)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast: Show 195 - Keep Smiling

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Keep Smiling - Show 195 - 

Features music by Jimmie Lunceford, The Pied Pipers, Sam Donahue and more.  Ronnaldo also plays a Soundie by The Four Ginger Snaps.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Keep Smiling (Show 195)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Podcast: Show 194 - A Tonsillectomy, Blisters and Sisters

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - A Tonsillectomy, Blisters and Sisters - Show 194 - 

Features vintage recordings by Boyd Raeburn, Will Bradley, The King Sisters and many more.  We also learn how to treat those annoying Cold Sores and Fever Blisters.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: A Tonsillectomy, Blisters and Sisters (Show 194)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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Soundie: Jukebox Saturday Night

In this video, The Modernaires do a great job with Glenn Miller's classic, "Jukebox Saturday Night".  The Glenn Miller Modernaires, as they are billed in this 1944 Soundie are Tommy Morgan, Hal Dickinson, Fran Scott, and Ralph Brewster. Dickinson and Brewster were members of the Modernaires with Glenn Miller.  The female vocalist is Harriet Clark.  Clark sang with Sonny Dunham and Charlie Barnet at different points of her career and did a fantastic job standing in for Paula Kelly.  Paula Kelly was pregnant at the time this was filmed.  

In my opinion, this is a wonderful cover of the song.  Harriet Clark is a very good vocalist and I wish she would have made more recordings.  Ralph Brewster is also an amazing singer and a true talent.  The song is just as upbeat and fun as the original and the filming for this Soundie was done well.  In 1944, The Modernaires were still associated with Glenn Miller who was in the military leading the Army Air Force Band at that time.

Watch: The Glenn Miller Modernaires perform "Jukebox Saturday Night" from 1944

Note: There are also rumors that Harry James was on set and provided the famous Trumpet solo for this recording. I have not been able to confirm that, and I strongly doubt that it's him.

So, when you get a chance check out this entertaining Soundie and maybe have a Soda Pop Rickey while watching.  Enjoy!

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Podcast: Show 193 - Keyholes at the Woodside

The Big Band and Swing Podcast - Keyholes at the Woodside - Show 193 - 

Features music by Buddy Rich, Johnny Long, Andy Kirk and The Andrews Sisters.  We also listen to a Soundie by Cab Calloway and learn about changes with the newsletter.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

Listen to: Keyholes at the Woodside (Show 193)

Listen to more episodes of The Big Band and Swing Podcast at: BigBandPodcast.com

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