R2OK!

Andy W · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: France

Just picked up the fact that this two-part series is going out next month and should be of interest to many on the forum, John especially.

It goes out on Tuesday night in the slot vacated by Desmond Carrington's Icons of the 50s. The programme copy reads:

Brian Matthew charts the rise and fall of the BBC Dance Orchestra and profiles two very different leaders, Jack Payne and Henry Hall, in the first of a new, two-part series.

In Britain, the shifting of dance music from the ballroom to the radio studio began with the institution of the BBC Dance Orchestra, playing under the leadership of Jack Payne, from 1928, and then Henry Hall. Brian looks at the bandleaders, their particular attributes and foibles and their musical achievements.

The programme draws on archive recordings; the written memoirs of Payne, Hall and Sir John Reith; the newspaper pundits of the day; and the thoughts of current BBC Big Band maestro, Barry Forgie.

The programme also examines how the two leaders' styles differed and listeners will listen-in to a live music broadcast – complete with acrobatics. Henry Hall's famous microphone technique is explored as he introduces Johnny Mercer to the British public and singer and Coronation Street actress Betty Driver shares memories of touring with Henry's post-BBC orchestra.

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5767 Location: Hampshire

Thanks for that Andy. It sounds as if it will be good - and just the sort of programme which the late, great Malcolm Laycock would have researched and presented.

John W · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3367 Location: Warwickshire, UK

Glad that the BBC have continued this series. The producer is Roy Oakshott who produced for Malcolm Laycock up until about 2008. He now produces for Russell Davies on Sundays.

With the help of the yahoo group (for dance band enthusiasts) I tracked down one the records Roy needed for the show, so the group might get a mention.
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John W

John W · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3367 Location: Warwickshire, UK

The episode comparing the two BBC Dance Orchestras, Jack Payne (1928-1931) and Henry Hall (1932-1937) was most enjoyable, being my pet subject of course.

The music was well chosen, no real corny dance tunes, just good music arrangements and period vocals.

Most of the records I hadn't heard, and good to hear some radio broadcast material which the BBC seems to have saved, that hadn't been issued on records.

Much as I enjoyed hearing Betty Driver (Corrie barmaid) it was hardly appropriate to the show as she wasn't singing with the BBC band on her records/broadcasts.
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John W