The Dance Of The Wooden Shoes - Billy Cotton & His Band.1930

[henry814]

I recently found a copy of "Who Am I?" b/w "I Can't Get Mississippi Off My Mind" on Regal from 1931 - the only Billy Cotton 78 I have so far, and very similar to this in terms of the sound. The vocalist on "Who Am I?" is obviously Cyril Grantham, and it's an interesting comparison to the better-known Savoy version; the Cotton treatment has a strong, driving rhythm (almost a tango!). Al Bowlly provides the vocal on the other side - I never knew that he recorded with Billy Cotton's band!

[85scampi]

As far as I know henry that was Al Bowlly's only record made with Billy Cotton on December 1st 1931. It would be good to hear the Grantham version. He was a great vocalist.

[henry814]

Perfect 1930 dance band sound - and how! And to think that i'd never heard an early Billy Cotton record before this one. The jazzy syncopation after the vocal is brilliant, clearly adding sophistication to an otherwise lighthearted novelty number. Excellent!

[kspm01]

So catchy and uplifting, brilliant arrangement!

[mic33george]

Yes,i agree that perfect 1930 dance band style,especially when this novelty number turns jazzy after the vocal.A take over this one!