Search - Ray Noble, Al Bowlly :: Hmv Sessions 3: 1930-34

Another Great Entry in the Dutton Labs Ray Noble Series

L. J. Strom | Los Angeles, CA | 08/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the third volume in Mike Dutton's CD series of the complete 1930-1934 HMV recording sessions by the wonderful Ray Noble orchestra with top vocalist Al Bowlly. Though some of these cuts have appeared on various compilation albums over the years, the Dutton Labs have assembled ALL of the Noble/Bowlly recordings in chronological order, so this series is a must for any fan of British dance band music! Noble's orchestra was one of the best of the era, equally adept at both sentimental songs and hotter, jazzier numbers. Either way, their sound is always warm, rich, and bright, and Al Bowlly proves time and again to be the perfect vocal match for the band.This particular volume contains better-known songs such as "Blues in my Heart" and "Goodnight, Vienna," as well as gorgeous, lively arrangements of unjustly forgotten tunes like "Must It End Like This" and "There's a Ring Around the Moon."The only flaw in this otherwise stellar and welcome CD series is that none of the songwriters are credited, unless they happen to get a mention in the liner notes."

AN EXCELLENT BLEND OF LIVELY NUMBERS AND SENTIMENTAL BALLADS

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 01/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Picking up from January 1932, this compilation covers nine recording sessions until July 1932, ending with two duets with Anona Winn. By now, label credits were showing "Ray Noble and his New Mayfair Orchestra", and increasingly the recordings were being issued in America on the Victor label. It's debatable whether the first track ("Meet Me In The Cowshed") belongs in this compilation, because the comedy vocal was taken by Max Kester a la George Formby. That's followed by the beautiful Ray Noble ballad "By The Fireside", which suits the mood far better. There is a selection of four tunes from the show "One Hour With You" of which Al sings "What Would You Do?" and the title song. A medley of eight tunes entitled "Songs Everybody Is Singing" features him in "By The Fireside" (again) and "What Makes You So Adorable?". Henceforth however Al's vocal talents would be concentrated rightly on single tunes. Special mention should be made of "It's Great To Be In Love" for the superb rhythmic drive and ensemble playing. Equally impressive is the next track, Benny Carter's composition "Blues In My Heart" with which it was coupled on its first release. In fact, this particular slice of the Noble/Bowlly canon is an excellent blend of lively numbers and sentimental ballads."