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LET THERE BE MUSIC

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LET THERE BE MUSIC
by Neil Stevens

initially published in the Greater London Pensioner
The Essential Geraldo

As we have already noted in this column, many musical formats from the genius that is Geraldo, incorporating Concert, Swing, Sweet, vocal and choral. Much of this massive musical output documented in Charles H. Ward's impressive, implacable Reference Book and Discography. Find several CDs currently on Rex and Vocalion, and sometime this month from Sanctuary, The Essential Geraldo (CD 379) which I am happy to report I had a hand compiling liner notes.

Geraldo's Musical legacy included Radio, Records, Cunard Liners (Geraldo's Navy), and every form and aspect of Show Business, stage and screen. There really ought to be a plaque to his memory and music at either the St. Martin's Theatre or 73, New Bond Street from where he ran Geraldo Orchestras.

During WW2 Geraldo broadcast nine times a week often for ENSA from Factory and Forces canteens; they even appeared twice nightly at variety theatres in London suburbs. Several scintillating sidesmen went on to form their own bands Ted Heath; Eric Delaney; Syd Lawrence and many more, were I to list all the vocal talent who became super singing stars there would be no room for anything else.

One of these, still with us as I write, lovely Dorothy Carless, sang with 'Gerry' 1940 to 1942, and returned as a 'featured soloist' from 1943/4. Her version, assuredly the definitive of That Lovely Weekend written by Ted and Moira Heath helped create Ted Heath and His Music. Banned at the time, 1941, in America who thought the couple were not married to each other! How times and songs change!

Others who went on to have their own singing careers include Len Camber, Eve Boswell, Carole Carr, Johnny Green, the latter began his career as a child singer billed as "Little Johnny Green" with Harry Roy and his Band. Johnny too survives, how great it would be if someone would bring those instrumentalists and singers together for a Grand Reunion. Another Geraldo mainstay, Carole Carr, younger Sister of Dorothy Carless, began her musical career with Jack Payne's BBC Band, spending 1945 to 1948 with Geraldo, later becoming featured singer on "Calling All Forces", hosting her own series "A Date With Carole" and making a terrific LP for Wamer Bros, in the USA.

The Essential Geraldo brings many varied vocals. Dorothy Carless sensitive as always with Jim and Elmer's Tune; guesting from a 50s airing with Ragtime Cowboy Joe assisted by Bob Dale. Carole Carr strong on versatile duets alongside one-time Henry Hall singer, later Beatles' music mainstay, Dick James on Don't Be a Baby, Baby. Carole lovely on Golden Earrings, the Victor Young film song, while Dick James recalls the Rita Hayworth-Gilda sensation, Amado Mio.

Multi-Talented Canadian, arranger, pianist, vocalist Denny Vaughan (who post-Geraldo founded his own band back home) gets several tracks including: In My Dreams, Vemon Duke's September Song, goes novelty with the American music-hall number: Open the Door, Richard! Is effective on the Burton Lane

E.Y. 'Yip' Harburg showtune from Finians Rainbow: If This Isn't Love, and duets with ex-WAAF, Doreen Lundy and a Wally Stott arrangement saying much for marriage; I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.

Charming Hungarian-South African Eve Boswell, who post Geraldo became a big variety and recording star, comes through with advantage reviving comic Reg Dixon's own theme Confidentially, goes bolero for a French tune, with English Lyric by Stardust man, Mitchell Parrish, the effective All My Love. Eve's own Number One from the South African Veldt: Sugar Bush, is taken from a radio airing by vocal man Bob Dale.

Another vocal man popular with Geraldo fans from 1944 to 1949 is Archie Lewis with a handful of songs including Another Day; Down in the Valley; Near You; Till Then and We All Have a Song in Our Hearts. CD 3 is mostly from the 1950s when newly- minted group The Geraltones predominate with musical philosophy we take to heed and heard; Enjoy Yourself (it's later than you think).
They help out singer Nadia Dore in the ragtime Old Piano Roll Blues, as they do one-time Geraldo stalwart, still very much with us in his 90s - commendal, reliable Cyril Grantham. What a voice, great to hear on The Old Master Painter and the 'it's so good' Ce'st Si Bon.

Well and truly The Essential Geraldo

Neil Stevens

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