Light Music

Before the large light orchestras became firmly established from the 1940s onwards, many people enjoyed light music performed by smaller groups of musicians. The advent of radio in the 1920s brought many of them national – and sometimes international – fame, and there was a strong demand for gramophone records by the most popular ensembles. At times the boundaries between light music and dance bands became somewhat blurred, especially when leaders such as Jack Hylton included novelty instrumentals in their concert programmes. Even Ray Noble, who will always be remembered for his superior recordings of dance band music with top vocalists such as Al Bowlly, occasionally strayed into light music territory. But the big names among the smaller ensembles included Alfredo Campoli, the famous Orchestra Mascotte, J.H. Squire, Reginald King and Albert Sandler. The high standards demanded by all these orchestra leaders are evident on every track.

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