Swinging London: Harry Bidgood's Broadcasters, 1930

Harry BIDGOOD (born in London, 1898) recorded both under his own name, and a variety of other names such as Harry Bidgood's Broadcasters, The Riverside Dance Orchestra, Don Porto and His Novelty Accordions, Rossini's Accordions, Primo Scala and His Banjo Band (or: Primo Scala and His Accordion Band) Among his famous vocalists are Vera Lynn, Cavan O'Malley, Sam Costa. Bidgood's career began when he became the pianist with the De Groot Orchestra then resident at London's Piccadilly Hotel. In time, he became the Musical Director for Vocalion Records, and in 1932, for Crystalate Records. Curiously, he is probably better remembered by his pseudonym of "Primo Scala" than by his own English birthname. (He contrived the name from Italy's boxing champion 'Primo Carnera' and a then famous Irish Sweepstakes winner, Signor Emilio Scala.). Hie died in London in 1957.

Recording: I Like To Do Things For You (from "King Of Jazz" Universal Production, 1930) - The Riverside Dance Orch. (Harry Bidgood's Broadcasters), Broadcast 1930 (UK)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• The
• Thirties
• Bristish
• dance
• band
• Jazz
• Age
• 1930s
• shellack
• nostalgia
• Paul
• Whiteman

[Nojnotpu]

Don't you just love the 1930's posters and the music created by Harry Bidgood. I believe that, amongst all his other activities, he recorded, under some name or other, on an exlusive label for Woolworth's. The records selling at 6d at the time.

[MediaHoax]

Sounds like surround.

[blackpoolbarmpot]

Could that be Bob & Alf Pearson doing the vocals? If not, it does sound very much like them.

[jazzgirl1920s]

I am familiar with this tune from the Paul Whiteman King of Jazz film and the orchestras Columbia recording. It is nice to hear a recording I hadn't heard before of this tune I like. I have another recording by Harry Bidgood that the Paul Whiteman band also recorded for Columbia, "Just Like A Melody Out Of The Sky."

[ytbrtzg]

I love it. The upbeat tune is an antidote to my down times.

[norfolk03]

Swell job! Thanks so much!

[mic33george]

Excellant,one of my favourite bands!Love the tap dancing effects.

[henry814]

So many Bidgood 78's on the Broadcast label are really excellent, and this one is no exception. (I also love that rather blasé English couple at 1:40!) The jazzy, deco-influenced orange Broadcast 12 "Super Dance" label is undoubtedly one of the most appealing in terms of design. Interesting that these records, targeted at the less expensive end of the market, are often more enjoyable than their higher-profile counterparts on the larger labels...

[kspm01]

Great version of this tune, lovely pictures!

[dzheger]

Great rhythm, super dance music. No wonder that Italian couple are dancing on top of the phonograph. And beautiful illustrations indeed.