Swing in 1930s-40s Europe – Sonic Journey on ABC Radio Sydney Weekends. Cancelled.

“Teddy” Stauffer wasa Swiss bandleader, dubbed Germany’s “swing-king” of the 1930s and Mt Acapulco in the 1950s when he had emigrated to Mexico and was promoting Acapulco as the resort for the rich and fabulous. Stauffer formed his band, the Original Teddies in Bern, Switzerland, and featured Swiss vocalist Billy Toffel mostly singing American swing in English which got Stauffer into trouble with the Nazis like this recording made in Berlin, 28 March 1939 –

1. Shadrack

Stauffer married five times, including a brief marriage to actress Hedy Lamarr whose film career began in Czechoslovakia with the controversial 1933 romantic drama, Ecstasy, so that brings us to one of the two jazz capitals of Europe in the 30s and 40s – Prague and to swing vocalists, The Allanovy Sestry – the Allan Sisters – with You’ll Easily Recognise our Rhythm recorded in Prague, 17 Dec 1942. This is also the song I used to use to start up radio station 2EA when I was on the morning shift in 1990.

2. Poznate Lehce nas Rytmus

Hedy Lamarr’s mother was Hungarian and Budapest is where we head now for singer Karady Katalin, who was Hungary’s leading actress in the 1930s. When the Nazi’s invaded Hungary in 1944 she was arrested, tortured, and nearly beaten to death. She rescued families on the bank of the Danube waiting to be shot by Arrow Cross guards. She took a number of children home to care for them until the fighting stopped. She emigrated to America and became a milliner. When the Hungarian government invited her back on her 70th birthday she simply posted them a hat.

3. I Had Enough of You

Georges Boulanger whose real name was Gheorghe Pantazi was a Romanian gypsy violinist, band leader and composer whose 1926 instrumental ‘Avant de Mourir’ became a European hit when lyrics where added in 1939 as ‘My Prayer’ and a US hit in the 1950s. He spent most of his career in Germany also appearing in German films including as a violinist in the 1935 comedy, ‘Punks come from America’. Here’s, My Prayer, by Kurt Widmann’s Orchestra in Berlin in 1942…

4. My Prayer

SONIC JOURNEY – SOVIET UNION, FINLAND, SWEDEN

Heading further east to the Soviet Union we meet pianist, bandleader, composer Alexander Tsfasman who was a major jazz figure from the 1920s into the 1960s. His orchestra played American hits under different titles, like his 1940 recording of Tommy Dorsey’s theme I’m Getting Sentimental Over You became Confession in Russian. Here’s an unusual Tsfasman track in that it’s sung in English. From around 1930 it’s a copy of US orchestra Ted Weems’ hit, That Man From The South.

5. That Man From the South

Now to Finland and Bruno Laakko an American son of Finnish immigrants, played in American dance bands, and went to Finland to continue his musical studies at the Sibelius Institute. He introduced swing to Finland and in 1939 he led his band Lepokot, Finnish for The Bats in a recording session of 40 songs including this version of the US hit, Jeepers Creepers, translated into Finnish as Kiss Viekoon, a mild expletive meaning what the cat’s dragged in.

6. Kissa Viekoon

Across the Gulf of Bothnia to Sweden for Vincent Youman’s Hallelujah! by the Swedish Hot Quintet in Stockholm Oct 1939

7. Hallelujah!

From Holland we go to Italy because the number 1 female harmony trio in Italy came from The Netherlands, The Trio Lescano. In Holland, they were circus acrobats, in Italy they modelled themselves on the Andrews Sisters. This is their version of St Louis Blues from 1943 with Angelina and his Orchestra.

11. Le Tristezze di San Luigi (St Louis Blues)

Another of my favourite singers, and from Italy, is Alberto Rabagliati. He first tried his luck in America as a Rudolf Valentino look alike, returned to Italy, and by 1940 was Italy’s most popular male singer. His singing career kicked off with the Lecuona Cuban Boys and here he is singing with them in Spanish in Paris, Rumba Azul

12. Rumba Azul

We finish with Paris radio and a broadcast from 26 Dec 1940 with all the top French jazz musicians announced as they solo…

13. Festival Swing 41

And if there’s time you’ll here String Swing from Norway in 1941 and Helmut Zacharias with swing harpsichord, also in 1941.

Enjoy Sonic Journey, ABC Radio Sydney, with Simon Marnie and Greg Poppleton, 11:05am Saturday 30 November!

SORCERY & SWING A Magical 1920s Dinner Show

Event by Cardea Sydney, Bruce Glen, Gentleman Magician and Greg Poppleton
Cardea, 300 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney, NSW, Australia, New South Wales

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Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties with Sorcery & Swing, the ultimate blend of 1920s music, magic, and dinner! Experience the charm of a true speakeasy as vaudeville comes back to life before your eyes.

✨ Dine in Style, 1920s Speakeasy Style! ✨
Dress to impress in your best 1920s attire—think pearls and flapper dresses for the ladies, ties and dapper suits for the gents. Let the ambiance transport you to an era of glamour and mystery.

🎩 Bruce Glen, The Gentleman Magician
Prepare to be amazed by the enchanting Bruce Glen, The Gentleman Magician. With his sophisticated charm and mind-bending illusions, he’ll leave you wondering what’s real and what’s magic.
“Charming and with impeccable manners…you’re almost unaware of the stunts he’s pulling off until they’ve actually happened.” – Edinburgh International Magic Festival

🎶 Greg Poppleton & His Swinging Trio
Greg Poppleton, Australia’s only authentic 1920s singer, will serenade you and your guests with smooth, swinging tunes—perfect for dining and dancing the night away.
“Greg captures the 1920s-1930s vocal style to perfection.” – Kevin Jones, The Australian & Fine Music Sydney FM

Don’t miss this unique chance to experience the magic, music, and glamour of the 1920s! Book your tickets now and make it a night to remember.

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Menu (Please note this is subject to change)
(Please inform us prior of any dietary requirements so we can ensure all guests are catered for – Vegan/Vegetarian options available)

Entree (Shared)
HOME MADE FOCACCIA
Home made focaccia with rosemary and olive oil

BURRATA CHEESE WITH CONFIT HEIRLOOM CHERRY TOMATOES
TUNA CRUDO
Yellowfin tuna tartare – yuzu – stracciatella cheese -pistachio – purple potato chips

Mains (Alternate Serve)

SEDANINO PEPERONI E RICOTTA (V)
Roast capsicum cream -yellow capsicum -marjoram butter -almond crumble -salted ricotta – basil

LAMB BACKSTRAP
200g Lamb back strap – mixed berries & yogurt

Date: Thursday, 5th December, 2024
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Cardea, Sydney. Shop 2 T3.01, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Cost: General Admission: $40 + Eventbrite fee
Dinner & Show: $120 + Eventbrite fee

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