When I have had little to offer in the past, my friends have bailed me out, and this is yet another time when that is the case. So Parchisi and MusicalGuy38 are the heroes of this particular post. Together they are helping us complete the run of recordings in RCA's "Show Time" Series of 1953, with that label's potted versions of one big hit (Show Boat), one lesser although worthy musical (The Cat and the Fiddle), both from Jerome Kern, and, of all things, one of Victor Herbert's lesser operettas, Mlle. Modiste.
MusicalGuy38 insists that Show Boat was mastered a half-step sharp, and now that I have listened I have no doubt he is correct. So there are two versions of this file in the download - a lossless, restored version at the original pitch, from Parchisi as remastered by me, and a speed-adjusted mp3 version from MusicalGuy38.
 |
| Stephen Douglass |
 |
| Patricia Neway |
The Cat and the Fiddle features two fine but neglected artists of the time - Stephen Douglass and Patricia Neway. Douglass had been in Make a Wish and was to be in The Golden Apple in 1954. He was yet to experience his greatest role - Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees.
 |
| Edward Roecker |
Mlle. Modiste comes from 1905, and features Doretta Morrow and Felix Knight, who have appeared here before, as well as the relatively obscure Edward Roecker, who appeared in operetta and on radio.
Thanks again to MusicalGuy38 and Parchisi for their contributions, which have helped me complete the collection of this series that documents some of the notable talents on Broadway at mid-century.
Link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mediafire.com/?d1i5v77hukq9zzm
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBuster, many thanks to you and your collaborators for this beautifully prepared slice of theatrical history.
ReplyDeleteA thousand thanks for continuing with this fabulous series!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this, Buster. (Thanks also to MusicalGuy38 and Parchisi.)
ReplyDeletePatricia Neway's dark timbre and singing of some in-between operatic roles do give an alto impression, but the majority of her career was as a soprano. Her two main opera recordings, The Consul and Gluck's Iphegenia in Tauris, are soprano parts, and she toured as the Governess in Britten's Turn of the Screw.
The Cat and the Fiddle is a fascinating piece that has really vanished now, though it had one of the longer runs among 1930s musicals. I'm determined to see it restored and revived in my lifetime.
Hi Buster,
ReplyDeleteI'm much indebted to your most beautiful uploads - may they continue.
Cheers,
Douglas (UK)
It's always like Christmas when there's a new posting on your blog. Especially when what's inside is so meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThanks to the whole far-flung team for the triple treat -- and for helping to keep this history alive.
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments. It means a lot.
ReplyDeleteJAC - I am sure you are right about Patricia Neway, and I, too, have seen her described as a soprano and know she took on soprano roles.
Thank you for all the music that you have shared. One never knows what one will find here.
ReplyDeleteBuster, These have been woderful additions to the blog. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteJohnnyNUSA
I just finished listening to all of these. Thank you again, Buster. You perform a great service and it's much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteDo you think you could possible repost "Babes In Arms/Jumbo" and "The Band Wagon" also from the Show Time Series? It would be greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThis site is Heaven! I am so grateful to have such a wonderful resource available. Keep up the great work Buster.
ReplyDeleteSteadStyle - Thanks so much for your gracious note!
Delete