This collection of twenty-nine shellac records centres on the golden age of dance-band music, tracing the development of popular orchestral styles from the early 1920s through the 1930s, with a small extension into later years. It brings together leading British hotel and ballroom orchestras alongside influential American bands, capturing the sound of foxtrots, waltzes, tangos, and novelty numbers that defined social dancing and radio entertainment of the period. Prominent names such as Paul Whiteman, Jack Hylton, the Savoy Havana Band, Roy Fox, and Lew Stone illustrate the evolution from early acoustic recordings to more sophisticated electric-era arrangements, while the repertoire reflects contemporary tastes shaped by musical theatre, early cinema, and international dance crazes. Taken as a whole, the selection offers a strong and coherent overview of inter-war dance-band music, balancing historically significant recordings with highly characteristic examples of mainstream popular performance. The records are in VG+ to EX condition. Paul Whiteman and His Ambassador Orchestra – Humming, Medley Fox Trot / Mazie, Fox Trot – HMV B 1234 – UK – c.1924. A key British HMV issue from Whiteman’s peak years. These foxtrots exemplify his influential “symphonic jazz” style, combining popular melody with carefully structured orchestration. Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra – Ukulele Lady / Southern Rose – HMV B 2089 – UK – c.1927. A classic Whiteman pairing showing the orchestra’s lighter, more melodic side. Smooth rhythms and refined arrangements typify his later acoustic-period recordings. Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra – Little Butterfly / So Blue – Waltz – HMV B 1742 – UK – c.1928. An elegant coupling highlighting Whiteman’s lyrical approach to dance music, pairing a gentle fox-trot with a flowing waltz. Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – Rhymes, Comedy Fox-Trot (Part 1 & Part 2) – Zonophone 5997 – UK – c.1927. A full two-part novelty fox-trot illustrating Hylton’s flair for rhythm, humour, and large-scale dance-band presentation. Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – Can’t We Meet Again – Decca F 3459 – UK – c.1930. A polished Decca fox-trot with vocal refrain, showing Hylton at the height of his popularity and technical precision. Jack Hylton and His Orchestra – Harmonical Harry / The King’s Horses – HMV B.5875 – UK – c.1929. Two energetic fox-trots reflecting Hylton’s modern, driving style at the close of the 1920s. Savoy Havana Band – Three O’Clock in the Morning (Valse) / Swanee Smiles – Columbia 3203 – UK – c.1922. A landmark early Savoy Hotel recording, blending American popular melodies with refined British ballroom elegance. Savoy Havana Band – Sunshine / Some Day in Cambay – Columbia 3266 – UK – c.1923. A smooth acoustic-era Columbia issue capturing the orchestra at the height of its ballroom popularity. Savoy Havana Band – Naughty Baby / Wait a Bit, Susie – Columbia 3496 – UK – c.1924. Stylish hotel-orchestra performances under B. L. Ralton, presenting American repertoire with polished restraint. Savoy Havana Band – Pasadena / I Love My Chili Bom-Bom – Columbia 3435 – UK – c.1924. A lively fox-trot pairing combining melodic songwriting with light novelty appeal. Roy Fox and His Band – I Saw Stars / Ole Faithful – Decca F.5212 – UK – c.1932. A smart British Decca dance-band pairing. Fox’s polished hotel-orchestra style is enhanced by Syd Buckman’s vocal choruses, typical of early-1930s foxtrot repertoire. Roy Fox and His Band – Gee! Oh Gosh! I’m Grateful – Slow Fox-Trot – Decca F.3937 – UK – c.1930. An elegant slow fox-trot recorded at London’s Café de Paris, highlighting Fox’s refined ensemble sound. Lew Stone and the Monseigneur Band (vocal: Al Bowlly) – What More Can I Ask? – Fox-Trot – Decca F 3458 – UK – c.1930. A highly desirable dance-band ballad featuring Al Bowlly’s smooth vocal delivery and Stone’s tasteful orchestral backing. Geraldo’s Gaucho Tango Orchestra – Nothing But a Lie – Tango / Marta – Tango – Columbia CB 512 – UK – c.1933. A fashionable early-1930s tango record, reflecting contemporary dance trends with stylised rhythm and vocal refrains. The Benson Orchestra of Chicago – Think of Me / Yes, We Have No Bananas – HMV B 1672 – UK – 1923. A strong British HMV issue combining lyrical dance music with one of the defining novelty hits of the 1920s. Ben Selvin and His Orchestra – Broadway Melody, Medley / Hollywood Revue of 1929, Medley – Columbia 5627 – UK – c.1929. A film-themed medley capturing the excitement of early sound cinema and Hollywood’s transition to talking pictures. Fred Rich’s Dance Orchestra – Silver Song Bird / Take Your Finger Out of Your Mouth – Imperial 1785 – UK – c.1926. A lively early Imperial release pairing straight fox-trot with novelty humour and vocal refrains. Josephine Bradley and Her Ballroom Orchestra – Fuzzy Wuzzy / While the Sun Shines – Decca F.8755 – UK – c.1932. Two bright quick-steps showcasing Bradley’s precision and clarity as a leading British ballroom orchestra director. Percival Mackey and His Band – Barcelona (Spanish One-Step) / Thanks for the Buggy Ride – Columbia 3963 – UK – c.1925. A spirited mid-1920s dance record reflecting British enthusiasm for exotic themes and novelty rhythms. Don Barreto and His Cuban Orchestra – Aunque Quiera Olvidarme / Juramento – Decca F.3173 – UK – c.1939. A vibrant late-1930s Decca release introducing authentic Cuban dance rhythms to the British market. Savoy Orpheans – Wildflower / In Your Green Hat – HMV B.5015 – UK – c.1928. Classic Savoy Hotel dance-band recordings with flowing arrangements and understated melodic charm. Marek Weber and His Orchestra – Mikado, Selection (Part 1) – HMV B 3334 – UK – c.1926. The first part of a popular operetta selection, reflecting Weber’s elegant European orchestral style. Marek Weber and His Orchestra – Mikado, Selection (Part 2) – HMV B 3334 – UK – c.1926. The concluding part of the selection, completing a cohesive and collectible operetta set. Jesse Crawford – My Blue Heaven / The Song Is Ended – HMV 21092 – Canada – c.1928. Popular organ standards performed by one of the most famous theatre organists of the era. Raie da Costa – Say It With Music, Medley (Part 1 & Part 2) – HMV B 4282 – UK – c.1930. A refined solo piano medley of popular themes, representing the high quality of HMV instrumental releases. Emile Grimshaw’s Banjo Quartet – Tune Tonic / You and a Canoe – HMV B 2728 – UK – c.1927. A lively banjo-led instrumental pairing, showcasing Grimshaw’s rhythmic clarity and technical skill. Kirilloff’s Balalaika Orchestra – Medley of Old Time Songs (Part 1 & Part 2) – Zonophone 5155 – UK – c.1923. An unusual and characterful medley combining nostalgic melodies with the distinctive sound of balalaikas. Joseph Hislop – At Dawning / For You Alone – HMV D.A. 819 – UK – c.1927. A refined tenor pairing with chamber-style accompaniment, typical of HMV’s vocal aesthetic of the 1920s. Edmund Hockridge – Sixteen Tons / Young and Foolish – Nixa N.15039 – UK – c.1956. A later stylistic outlier, pairing a dramatic folk-influenced song with a romantic musical ballad from the mid-1950s.