Customer Reviews

The Golden Age of American Sweet Bands: Happy Days Are Here Again [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED]

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This compilation presents the thirties, neatly packaged in four segments, namely 1929 to 1933, 1933 to 1935, 1935 to 1937, and 1937 to 1940. The hottest number is also the earliest, namely Paul Tremaine's "Aristocratic Stomp", which merits an entry in Rust's Jazz Records, but that is something of an exception. Otherwise, the music complies with what you'd expect from the title, and within that genre covers a wide range of styles, which is to be applauded. The best bands are represented here in the form of Ben Selvin, Charlie Barnet, Isham Jones, Gus Arnheim, and Anson Weeks, and vocalists Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Lee Wiley, Dinah Shore, Bea Wain and Al Bowlly were no slouches. Choice of material is also first-rate, and many of the songs have become classics. So there is much to enjoy here, even if a few of the tracks are too saccharine for some tastes.

If this set appeals to you, check out also "Spin a Little Web of Dreams: The Golden Age of American Dance Bands".

Various Artists
"The Golden Age of American Sweet Bands: Happy Days Are Here Again"
(Jasmine Records, 2002)
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A delightful 4-CD set of deliciously antique "sweet band" dance music from the 1920s, '30s and '40s... Generally less punchy than the swing bands, the sweet-bands played pure dance music, with sentimental lyrics (and more than a few novelty tunes)... If you like this brand of nostalgia, this is a great collection... Highly recommended. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Music Guide)

If you enjoy melodious, rythymic, danceable tunes filled wtih joy, humour, romance and love of life played by the best orchestras of the time and sung by REAL singers who could enunciate and whose voices were the quiddity of melifluous sonority ! you will really covet this CD. ....Or if you are simply repulsed by much of what passes for popular "music" today, you will find this a refreshing oasis of civilized beauty! From the liner notes you will learn much about the provenance of these musical outfits and singers.

Also, if you are a classic motion picture enthusiast, you will be pleasantly surprised to find some tunes from Busby Berkely musicals such as "Sitting on a Backyard Fence" from "42nd Street" "Lullaby of Broadway" and "Honeymoon Hotel". Also, a great treat was a track by Charles Buddy Rogers ( who later married Mary Pickford) and his band. He actually sings! There are several tracks from the immensely popular Eddy Duchin as well. Dinah Shore sings one or two ... and even Clifton Webb delights with his rendition of "Easter Parade".

The sound quality is superb. I had no problems with it.

I didn't love every single track, but with four CDs, what can you expect. Overall, this set was an absolute delight! and I heartily recommend it for those who love the '30's, fun well- executed music, or simply want to celebrate life!