Jack Jackson Orchestra.(UK).Serenade (Rumba)

Jack Jackson had a interesting career.From Yorkshire he was spotted by Bert Ralton and promptly joined the Savoy Havana Band on trumpet. In 1926 he toured South Africa with Ralton.The exuberant Ralton got himself accidently shot,which proved fatal whilst hunting.The tour was completed, and Jackson was back in London in mid 1927.A big break came when Jack Hylton asked him to join his band on lead trumpet. Here he showed himself as a very competent hot player.He recorded many hot solos with other bands also at this time. 2 years later he joined Jack Payne's BBC band.Sick of Payne's aggressive moodiness he left and formed his own band at the Dorchester in 1933.This recording stems from that time.
The band at the Dorchester was polished and versatile.However Jackson played it too safe.He avoided playing or recording anything hot so as not to upset anybody at the hotel.He hardly featured any solos on trumpet. Financial security seemed to have been his main motivation,rather than any musical legacy.In today's evaluation he and his band are thought of as competent but unmemorable.
After the war Jackson became a successful radio DJ.H owever illness dogged the second half of his life.He was afflicted by empysemia (breathing difficulties).He met his wife on tour in South Africa in 1927and remained happily married for over 45 years.
This recording is of the fashionable rumba style and very well played it is too.The band at times do sound like an authentic south american latin band.
The Dorchester Hotel was completed in 1933 with a subdued Art Deco interior.It is on Park Lane at Hyde Park.The hotel spent lavishly on entertainment.There were 2 bands as well as caberet.The blues singer Alberta Hunter played extensive seasons at the hotel in the 1930s to great success and recorded a dozen titles with Jackson.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jack
• Jackson/British
• Dance
• Bands/Nostalgia/1930s
• music/Rumba

[phonomono78s]

Truly one of the best British dance bands. Great recording, too! Thanks a lot.

[davidglow3]

@phonomono78s l am surprised that so many people have a high regard for JJ.l thought he was a forgotten man,but l was mistaken..They were a delightful and versatile band.Their only fault being the lack of hot music,particularly from such a brilliant trumpet man as JJ..This is a great rumba..glad you liked it also

[davidglow3]

Yes the band really get a good Latin rhythm going.Very pleased you enjoyed it....

[chatham43]

......did he refuse to play any Beatles records on his radio shows...?

[TheDADDYBAILEY]

My memories of Jack Jackson are when he was a dj in the early fifties. he had a radio show on the BBC Light Programme at 11-0 pm on Saturday night. he played all the top artists of that time, Guy Mitchell, Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray,etc and also a lot of comic records by Phil Harris, Spike Jones, Burl Ives to name but a few . Happy Days..

[phonomono78s]

@davidglow3 Regarding the lack of hot music the band produced I completely agree. But there is still the nostalgia factor, isn´t it?:)

[roybo1930]

What a FANTASTIC RUMBA! I LOVE THIS!!! Thank You for posting.