Paul Robeson, Ambrose, Hylton, Mantovani - Vocal, Dance Band & Orchestral – 20 Records - 78 RPM shellac record - 1921

This distinctive and beautifully varied selection brings together the expressive power of early acoustic vocal recordings, the elegance of 1920s and 1930s dance bands, and the rich orchestral colours of mid-century popular music.

From lively foxtrots and charming waltzes to spirituals, jazz-influenced arrangements, and classic light-music staples, the collection offers a vivid cross-section of popular performance across more than three decades of recording history. Featuring celebrated American artists such as Paul Robeson, Johnnie Ray, Percy Faith, Nellie Lutcher, Mantovani, and the International Concert Orchestra, alongside prominent British favourites including Jack Hylton, Ambrose, Victor Silvester, and The Savoy Orpheans, this set highlights the development of transatlantic popular, dance-band, and orchestral styles from the acoustic 1920s through to the polished hi-fi sheen of the 1950s.

All discs are authentic UK or US shellac pressings issued on historically significant labels — Victor, Columbia, Decca, HMV, Capitol, The Winner, and Zonophone — preserving the sound of a formative era in recorded entertainment. A wonderfully varied group ideal for collectors, archivists, and enthusiasts of vintage vocal, dance-band, and early light-orchestral music.

Highlights of the Collection
Paul Robeson – “I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock” / “Witness” – Victor 21109 – USA – 1928
A powerful early electrical recording capturing Robeson’s resonant bass-baritone in two spirituals of great emotional depth.
Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – “Rhymes” / “Rhymes (Continued)” – Decca F.2679 – UK – 1931
A stylish and upbeat dance-band arrangement typical of Hylton’s peak period.
Nellie Lutcher & Her Rhythm – “Hurry On Down” / “Fine Brown Frame” – Capitol CL 13013 – UK – 1948
Two vibrant, blues-infused sides showcasing Lutcher’s witty phrasing and distinctive rhythmic style.

Full List of the 20 Records
Paul Robeson – “I Got a Home in-a Dat Rock” / “Witness” – Victor 21109 – USA – 1928
The Savoy Orpheans – “I Love You – Fox Trot” / “When It’s Night Time in Italy, It’s Wednesday Over Here – Fox Trot” – Columbia 3374 – UK – 1924
Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – “Rhymes” / “Rhymes (Continued)” – Decca F.2679 – UK – 1931
Ambrose and His Orchestra – “Yip! I Neddy – Fox-Trot” / “Home, James, and Don’t Spare the Horses – Comedy Valse” – Decca F.5371 – UK – 1932
Barnabas von Géczy and His Orchestra – “Serenade (Ständchen)” / “Rustle of Spring (Frühlingsrauschen)” – HMV B.8804 – UK – 1938
Charles Tree – “Young Tom o’ Devon” / (blank etched reverse) – HMV GC-4-2121 – UK – 1921
David Rose and His Orchestra – “Humoresque” / “One Love” – HMV B.9494 – UK – 1955
Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – “There’s a Good Time Coming – Fox-Trot” / “Over the Garden Wall – Fox-Trot” – HMV B.5892 – UK – 1931
Nellie Lutcher & Her Rhythm – “Hurry On Down” / “Fine Brown Frame” – Capitol CL 13013 – UK – 1948
Victor Silvester and His Ballroom Orchestra – “Johnny, Get Your Girl – Quickstep” / “Ah! But It Happens – Slow Fox-Trot” – Columbia FB 3453 – UK – 1942
The Troubadours – “June Brought the Roses – Waltz” / “Dreamy Delaware – Waltz” – HMV B.1924 – UK – 1924
Jack Shilkret’s Orchestra – “Funny – Waltz” / “Sometime – Waltz” – HMV B.2158 – UK – 1927
Mantovani and His Orchestra – “Mexicali Rose” / “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” – Decca F.9820 – UK – 1952
Frank Miller – “Stony Broke in No Man’s Land” / “There You Are Then” – The Winner 3576 – UK – 1920
Jack Payne & His B.B.C. Dance Orchestra – “Moonshine Is Better Than Sunshine – Fox-Trot” / “Stein Song – 6/8 One Step” – Columbia CB.62 – UK – 1930
Johnnie Ray and The Four Lads – “Here Am I – Broken-Hearted” / “Please, Mr. Sun” – Columbia D.B.3006 – UK – 1952
Percy Faith and His Orchestra & Chorus – “Festival” / “Delicado” – Columbia D.B.3103 – UK – 1953
The Denza Dance Band – “Say It Again – Fox-Trot” / The Ipana Troubadours – “Good-Night (I’ll See You in the Morning) – Fox-Trot” – Columbia 3962 – UK – 1931
International Concert Orchestra – “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” / “Lazy Pete – Intermezzo” – Zonophone 5221 – UK – 1928