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THE COVENTRY HERALD 15 November 1935 (ref. 7)
ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM UNHAPPY - Hippodrome Orchestra Recording
A novel item in the Hippodrome programme at the second house on Tuesday night (12 November) showed the audience "how a gramophone record is made". Instead of remaining in their pit for the interval selection, the orchestra went on to the stage, and, obeying the buzzes and illumination of box-like piece of apparatus, played half a "Happyland" selection. This was actually recorded in a £3,000 van outside the theatre, and a few minutes later the record - with the wax still hot - was played through loud-speakers to the audience. This was all very interesting, but how simple contrasted with the making of a record for sale!
During the afternoon the Hippodrome Orchestra had played for two more Regal Zonophone records - a two-sides "Happyland" selection, and, for the other disc, "Irving Berlin Waltz Medley " and Nico Dostal's "Welcome, Vienna!" that was in strangely-varied mufti. Four extra violinists had been introduced to strengthen the string section, and the unusual appearance of the band was heightened by the inclusion of a woman. All were engrossed in the playing of one side of "Happyland". The lilting waltz, "Many Happy Returns of the May," changed into the steady fox-trot, "Spread a Little Happiness", and finally came a tricky rendering of the orchestra's signature tune, "I Want to be Happy". The final chord - and then silence! The conductor's baton remained raised, and eventually there was a staccato buzz from the box-like instrument. This was the signal that ended the silence.
TOO LONG
"Sixteen seconds too long", announced an official of the company; he had come from the van to listen to the play-back of this trial record. The musicians grouped themselves round the instrument and listened to their own efforts. Here and there a slight defect in the playing was noticeable; that would have to be bettered next time. The pianist, Jack Wilson, then suggested improvements, and there was consultation with Mr. Shadwell, who ordered a few cuts. Mr. Shadwell decided that he should join Mr. Wilson in one of the piano sequences, and so we had the amusing spectacle of the conductor running to the piano and back again during the playing of the number. However, this little race with time was deleted before the final test was passed.
THE "REAL THING "
"Now, boys, play your best this time", said Mr. Shadwell as the first buzz went. There followed two more buzzes and then one of the most awful silences imaginable. Mr. Shadwell had found for me a creaking chair that added to the apprehensiveness. At last the little light shone, down came the conductor's baton, and the "real thing" was being made. When they had finished with " Happyland " (one side of which comprises ”Happy Days are Here Again”, “Happy Feet”, “Back to Those Happy Days”, and “Happy "), the orchestra started on the Irving Berlin waltzes.
TOO SHORT THIS TIME
They played "All Alone", " What'll I Do?" and " Always," and then found that they had not taken enough time over the selection. This would mean a few more trials. So I left. A nervy business, this recording! It makes me look forward with all the more pleasure to paying my shilling and being able to hear the correct version at the first attempt. Furthermore I shall be able to cough while I am listening. " FAIRFAN".
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