The roots of easy

And, so, we've observed (aurally) that acres-of-strings easy listening existed in all of its massed magnificence at least as early as 1939. But where did it come from? Are there yet earlier examples of easy-esque pop? Music that was taking the EZ way out as far back as, oh, 1923?

Of course not. EZ roots from the early Flapper Era to the early 1930s? Ridiculous!

Then again, light classics, symphonic-style pop, and string-laden arrangements were very much a part of recorded popular music of the 1920s and 1930s. Almost makes us wonder why such stuff was greeted by music critics of the mid-1950s as a new (and, of course, unwelcome) development.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/200134.html
When Day is Done, Paul Whiteman and His Concert Orch., 1927 (probably arranged by Ferde Grofe). Add some strings and some echo, and... instant Andre Kostelanetz!

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/198050.html
Edward MacDowell's famous 1896 mood piece, To a Wild Rose, arranged by Ferde Grofe and played by Paul Whiteman's Chester Hazlett (with Roy Bargy on the piano). From a 1929 Columbia 78.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/200135.html
Song of India, Paul Whiteman and His Orch. (a 1926 remake of an earlier acoustical recording).

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/198047.html
A Hunt in the Black Forest, Victor Concert Orch. (1926 or 1927). A Pops-concert staple, from a 12" 78.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/198046.html
In a Clock Store, Victor Concert Orch. (1926 or 1927). Also a Pops-concert staple, from same 12" 78. Great sound effects.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/198451.html
Dreams of India (Percy Wenrich), The Benson Orchestra of Chicago (1923). From a Victor 78 in reasonably decent condition.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/198452.html
Where the Ganges Flows, The Great White Way Orchestra (1923). More concert pop/way-early exotica from Victor.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/113504.html
Deep Purple, Paul Whiteman and His Concert Orchestra (1934). I'm guessing the arranger to be Roy Bargy. From a 12" Victor 78.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/163917.html
Liebestraum, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, 1936. Mega-famous Liszt piece, as very effectively performed by Guy and the gang. From (you'll never guess) a Victor 78.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/140500.html
Kiddie Kapers, Victor Arden-Phil Ohman and Their Orchestra (1928). Sophisticated, charming novelty typical of the era, and very lounge in its sound. From a (yes) Victor label 78.

http://www.box.net/public/lee/files/151365.html
Dance of the Demon (Eduard Holst), Victor Arden and Phil Ohman, piano duet (1923). Further proof that keyboard lounge goes way back. Note that the Holst who composed this was not Gustav Holst--completely different people. That had confused me, at first. (From a worn 78 on the, um, Victor label.) Best heard with a silent film running.

Enjoy these ten (no, wait--eleven) tracks. Save files for best results! And lounge on!!!


Lee