The New York Age from New York, New York • Page 7

who taught tbera some understanding of the English language suggested to them the comforting qualities of music. Not directly by. singing their own folksongs in the presence of these newcomers. You will recall that the slaves were first introduced into what is now the United States' at Jamestown, Va. and were Quickly spread into Nprth and South Carolina and.

the deep 'South. The' original settlers in Virginia and the Carplinas were largely of Scotch and Irish descent, especially, among the working, classes. It was these people who had to give the slaves at working knowledge of the, English language, teach them now to work, etc. And it was the Highlanders with their love of folk music who taught the Negroes to sing and to improvise their own songs. The foregoing is by way of introduction to a talented young Negro singer who, having recently re discovered the close similarity between the folk songs of Scotland and Negro music, has rocketed herself to stardom and fame by the sing ing of old Scotch ballads and folks songs in the modern "swing' style.

We refer to Maxine Sullivan of the Onyx Club, and who is becoming increasingly pepular with radio and theatrical fans. Perhaps you have heard her on the air in "Loch Lomond." "You take th high road, "IH take the low road "And IH get to Scotland afore you." She baits from Homestead, Pa. and was graduated from the Homestead High School in 1929 under the name of Max ine Williams. Several of her teachers were of Scotch descent, ho. with the characteristic love of their folk music, had many of these songs sung in school It was in this way that the impressionable Negro girl, who was to later change her name to SulliVan.

learned 'to know and love these sones. She was struck by what she called the similarity of "swing" in the music of the Highlanders and that of the Negro race, and hit on the idea of re arranging some of these songs for her radio work which she had begun in Pittsburgh. Her first number was and i then she made a new arrangement of "Loch LomondVwhich proved such a hit it secured for her a job in New Onyx Gub. Now she. is broadcasting thrice over radio, stations.

WNEAV, and WOR and doubling at various New York theatre in addition to her work af the 'night club. At Loew's Slate a few weeks ego, she first Broadway engagement and" was the hit of the bill. And 'last week at. Harlem Apollo the fans almost worked her to death with her Scotch ballads in Negro1 style. In New York' less than eight months, this obscure Negro girl who weighs less than 100 pounds has become the toast oi the night clubs and radio, and.

has come nearer to filling tiif nlira Mtd. lii.rfi nt in1 Vft aM hir tri untimely lsath of Florence Mills a'scorejof yeara ago than any other Her income has grown to sizeable proportions and the I ftd isn't in sieht In the vernacular of Harlem, "she has something there." But there are many who will pooh pooh the idea that this popularity is due to a similarity between the music of Scotland and the Negro, but it should be borne in mind that it is the ease with which these songs can be adapted to the present vogue of "swing" which is really a style of Negro music that made possible this development and opportunity (or Miss Sullivan. I know something of the love the Scotch people; have for their music and would be interested to know their reaction to hearing these old songs as sung by the Negro. I once worked side by side with a retired actor from Edinborough whose whole conversation was about the glories of Robert Burns as a poet and song writer. He could mite Burns by the hour and loved to sing his songs.

His enthusiasm caused me to get a copy of Burns' works and those his predecessor, William Dunbar. Many of their poems form present day folk music for the Highlanders. At Hampton Institute, while a student there, I came into contact with the late Dr. Hollia Burke Frissell, then principal Dr. Frissell waa a great lover of the Negro Spirituals, well as the music of Scotland.

Many visitors to Hampton I during those war years were from Scotland or like Dr. Frissell vuicn descent, i ney ail seemea xeei a wnsnip oeiwecn Some who read this epistle, will point out that Dunbar nd Burns lived during the 17th aid 18th centuries and that lI Xepo had, been in America at least a hundred yei'rs. beT fore their time. We wtuld reply that not all of the Scotch Euiie Blake, Piacsl, To Be Gusst Artist Al 1 llczirch Bsnd Ccscert 4 By LUCIEN H. WHITE Eubie BUke, internationally known pianist and composer, will bt the special guest artist ior the monthly Sunday afternoon concert ii the Monarch Symphonic Band, Lieut Fred W.

Simpson, conductor, which will be payed anuary, JQ, at 3 clock, in the auditorium of the Girls' Junior High School. Edgecombe avenue and 135th street. Mr. in addition to his pianistic fame, became known to the world through the sensational musical comedy. ShuSle Alons.

which played Broadway for a long period, in' which he was associated with Noble Sissle, outstanding singer and dance orchestra conductor, and the famous comedy team, Miller and Lisle. Mr. Blake was responsible for of the song hits used in that show, and which are heard frequently over the air. and he gained additional distinction by his masterful piano playing in the orchestra of which he was the conductor. For the Monarch concert, Mr.

Blake will play two Of his com positions the First Movement from the Six Shades of Blue," and "Bapillon," (A Butterfly). His appearance on this program is a pronounced compliment to Lieut Simpson and the Monarch organization, and all friends are invited to be present. For the band program, Lieut Simpson has selected the solemn and ponderous Marche et Cortege from Gounod's great opera, "La Reine de (Queen of Sheba) the other operatic selection is the Overture from "Pique Dame" (the Queen of Spades), bv Suppe. Other numbers are Idylle, "Pure as Snow," (andante tranquillo), by Lange a Fantasia, "Old Kentucky Home, by Dalbey; the Patrol, The Crack and the usual opening march. "Law and Order," by Alford.

The same program will be pre sented in Brooklyn on the following February 6, the Alexander ftigh School auditorium, except that the guest artists will be' that popular and unique entertainment group, the Conaway Brothers and Frank Robinson. The Conaway Broth ers, vocalists and instrumetalists. sing all the oooular sonn and play a variety of instruments. Mr. Robinson is known as Monarch Band's "most versatile member." He is the bass saxophone soloist of the band, and excels on a number of other instruments.

He will. most probably, rive demonstra tion of his ability on the harmonica (mouth organ). a well as the saxophone. APOUOPRESENTSA SEPIA WESTERNER Comiitent with its entertainment of presenting the "finest first," be 125th Street' Apollo Theatre announced this week that special feature of their1 stellar show ior the ensuing week will be the premier presentation of an. aIl Kegncast West era thriller film, "Harlem On The Prairies." Tall, dark hanihuuie cowboys roam the ranges in "Harlem On The Prairie." Gathered under a Western oon they strum banjos and lift their voices in the sweet melodies of the West There is action, color and romance in this ffcture which brings to Harlem theatre goers old favorites and new Srtistt of ri.

mean talent Co starred in the leadinr roles are handsome, sweet voiced Herbert Jeffries, the lew'a "Bing and Contuela Harris, vivaciously pretty entertainer recently starred at Connie's Inn. Also appearinf are Miller and Mantan. George Randall and many other. Tis a rip roarinr thriller, a sepia sac of the gallant West Ym can't afford to miss H. folk songs were taken from the works of these poets, and that the slaves didn't develop their music immediately.

It wis a process of evolution and many of the Spirituals did not evolve until about the time that the Scotch songs were becoming popular in this Teeay 4k Ttwwrrew to. SVM EDWARD ARNOLD Vz'zzi Oa ttczinf UtMLlY MM JOHN TwgNT Eire's fhi Catj MM UNOtH OOTS SSAUOtY Tkura. mm BSsw. to. 17 tl la TeeMfeeter! CAROLE LOMBARD FREDRIC MARCH Etl SATO KO" 5tE Mc(Mi)(y)M PUfcYEE8S iSJ MOT IFiESiKlipiI VOL.

52. 22. MM By WILLIAM E. CLARK SCOTCH AND NEGRO FOLK MUSIC Historians in the. field of music have from time to time conducted researches to discover the origin of the American I Xtgro Spiritual Thia investigation has been carried on es Wcially among the tribea of West Africa but so far no actual proof has been found that the black man of America brought their music with them from their mother country.

In the absence of proof and aince there is no counter part the Spirituals among the Negroes of Africa, the West Indies or South America (who were also brought as slaves from Africa), it has become a generally accepted statement that the Spirit uals are a purely American product Indeed, some historians have called It the only real American folk music. Now most creative work, and work that is called original, is usually suggested by something in the experience of the creator. Recently. our. thoughts have, turned backward into the history of otrr country in an effort to discover just what stimuli suggested to the Africans who had been brought to a new land in chains the idea that they should sing, and gave to their music the form it took.

The most logical answer to this query is that 'their overseers and co workers those NEW YORK, N. SATUIIPAY, JANUARY 29, 1938 "'2' V. SOLOIST WITH HOPKINS Beautiful Beverly White, lovely soloist with Claude Hopkins and his Swing Band who will appear at the Apollo for one week beginning Friday. Johnny and George, Brcadway's popular swuigtters share headline honors with Hopkins and Howard Theiatre Scoops em' By ALFRED A. DUCKETT That smash hit, all sepia film, "Rarcin With Bullets." leaturins tb beloved tTi4' dashing RalpU Cooper, idot oi uronseiown aim RrAAlrlvn fn ihm Howard Theatre, Fulton street and Howard avenue, on Wednesday, Thurs day and rrtday, reoruarr 4.

Vnr i lniii time 111 Howard Theatre has followed a policy of screen ana stage entertainment most suited to the tastes of a large and appreciative Negro following. It was there that Joe All Hon, popular Brooklyn swing maestro, now with Tiny Bradihaw. led his popular unit through 'their first theatre engagement It. was there that Cora LaRedd appeared with, an all star Roy Worrell show. And it was at the Howard more recently that the Wonder of Westchester, Doun Moye.

and his Luncefordlike unit swung to packed aisles. Cooper Picture A Screen Scoop The procuring, however, of Hiruiin With Bulleti" is hne of fret lt Uuuaph to cotne to me nowaro. 11 i rcai screen kmnu r4 uihirh. limner Kranklvn should be justly proud. For "Bar gain Witu uuiiets is not just another sepia vehicle with rough and unfinished possibilities, but a really polished and competently done Hollywood production With a representative Harlem background, the natty Cooper is portrayed as the nervy and wise rrarkinff fcancster.

who kett the police department well up on their toes, but never let them see or hear too much. He engineers some diabolically clever crimes and ccl awaw with them. Of course in the end, love and honor win out. This is to be expected But it is a grand picture, nobly ou acted and well presented, wilt like Cooper's supporting toe f. SIX A TEST ATTaUCTIOKI CONK TO TP I mini I I WEEK BEGI1C.

FRIDAY JANUARY 28th, 1938 With HIS GREAT BAND AND JOnilUT and GEORGE Originators Of "Bi Mix Bist Da Schoen" In Swing Tims DGVERLY UniTC Singer and Pianist ford, Marshall janet jean joan Llghtninf Like Dancers "Topi In Tapa" DUSTY SAIIDY GEORGE Act Comedy Trie AlfD RocitHe Trio Dottie 16 Hirperettew Also "Zbzxllz Cfcn At Ccrlow Blidnisht Show Sitnrdij Hsnrvsd gsats Mew Oa aale Wed. Amateur Night Broadcast ONE WEEK BEGINNING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4th on Tttg STAOIl SAVOY SULTANS la New Face ui Figures of Swings oss Tsg sosnmii All Star, Colored Cast WORLD PREMIEEE Arthur Sckmbarg In Lecture On Scheduled WPrioduction In a recent address deliver at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, Arthur A. Schomburg noted curator and outstanding Negro historiographer acquainted listeners with, historical background information relative to (he WPA Negro Theatre's forth coming eleventh production Dunne his brief talk, the noted his torian described a vivid picture oi the struggle of the Haitian Republic for freedom from the imperialistic Napoleon. He was very enthusiastic while deliberating on points that dealt with the courage and heroism of Tuussaint L'Overture and Chris tophe, martyrs of the cause for black justice. "Haiti," is bated on the lives of Toussaint L'Overture and Christophe.

Rex Ingram "The Uwd" in the screen version of Marc Connelly's famous "Green Pastures," will portray the stalwart role of Christophe. The Negro Theatre directors persuaded Mr. Ingram to play the part, believing him to be the best qualified Negro actor capable to ostentatiously dramatize the role of the famous Christophe. scheduled to premiere at the Lafayette early in February, besides having Rex Ingram as its stellar attraction, will boast of such seasoned and dyed in the wool actors as Alvin Childress, Louis Sharpe, Susie Sutton, Lionell Monagas, Catherine Lawrence and others. Bfcgton Writing Score for Cotton Gab Revue Duke Ellington is writing the score for the next floor show at the Cotton Club in New York.

Duke and his famous orchestra will be featured in the new revue, which will have its premiere on or about March 11th. Irving Mills and Irving Gordon are collaborating with tl linrton on the book and score. After playina the Apollu Theatre in New York the week of January 21. Duke and his band eo to the Palace Theatre in Fort Wayne, for a four day. engagement followed by the week of February IV at the Stanley Theatre in fittsourgn.

tie then returns to New York to begin rehesrsins: for the Cotton Club show. Threa Harris. Laurence Criner, Edward Thompson and Frances Turnham. You will want to get "out in the aisles and romp back" as Willie Bryant would put st lartlawn Hite's Totton Qub ork takes the dynamic downbeats. Crime doesnt pay.

is the motto of "Bargain With Bullets. And it would be a crime to miss that film Tompkins Plays. Micheau Film More and more, it seems, man t7r nf th local hoaxes are re aliiing that Negro audiences like a bit of sepia screen production blended with the other type. Announcement comes from the Tompkins Theatre, Gates avenue ir Tnmnlrim. that tRiBtatinn will be thrown the way of their customers when they play the pic ture tnat is sweeping tne country Oscar Micheaux all sepia "Temptation," on the dates of Sunday, Monday.

Tuesday and Wednesday, January JO. JI, and rebruary and TUi.ava, at 171)1 Street m. BSmi. ton. ga ai FRED MacMURRAY.

CAROLE LOMBARD JOHN BARRYMORE UECONrBOJr ait LLOYD ROllN' Vbb Tees Wee, Tkersv Pea. CLARK GABLE "CALL OF THE WILD" aiw Freddie Bartholomew MOKIB OOOrSM DEVIL IS A SISSY" 0EEn taaui at, sm. tui and aut pn. ssm. to, aa FRED MacMURRAY CAROLE LOMBARD JOHN BARRYMORE "TRUE COfiFESSOIT Ja Tws, WW Tltaft.

Psfe. 1 a EDW. G. ROBINSON ROBERTTAYLOR MutT aaTnon "ST.IALL TOWN GLU" PAGES SEVEN TO TWELYE Rose McCkdon Players Score in Debut With 'Goodbye Again' At By WE2LYNN TILDON Who knows but what those who were lucky enough to see the Rose McClendon flayers in their debut production Again" were witnessing the advent into the theatrical world of another group of Lafayette Players. The wisely DICK CAMPBELL chosen comedy, written by Allan Scott and Oeorae Haight and di rected by Dick Campbell, director and orsanizer.

clayed to a large and critical audience in the Mth street auditorium on last Friday and Saturday nights and fast moving vehicle of three acts. pleased them. The play itself was a lively. The plot, though not easy to car ry throush. had many strong points and some never tail come dy lines.

Played as well as it was it easily held the interest of the audience as there was a non over done suspense element. This re viewer was anions those to en joy the Friday night production ana. win try to g've rougn taea of the story. The Story la Brief Kenneth' Bixby, portrayed by Mr. Campbell, is lecturer of the type that women's clubs and even non lecture minded ladies attend all his lectures to seenot to hear.

Ann Rogers, acted by Helen Bowers, is his secretary girl friend, without whom he is help less, taitient and attractive, but in love with Bixby, she patiently bears his many romantic esca pades, and helps him out of cm oarrassing situations. In this particular situation, the subject of the play, they are in Cleveland, where he is lecturing, when: he meets up with an old flame, lulia Wilson (Muriel Rahn) who is married to Harvev Wil son (Milton Cjtiander) and makes his life miserable telling htm how wonderful Bixbv is. Lillian Smith and Justin Carter jr. Uke the parts MUSIC I.0TES Ethel Harle voiina mncrrt art, ist. and nunil of Chauncr Northern.

is being presented in a recital at St Aiaras u.c uiurcn, by the Board of Trustees, on Thursday January inn. miss Harlem will offer a urogram WHich will mniitt of groups ot songs in German, Italian and tngiish and. Negro composers. among uiem being Uawson, Burleigh and Johnson. She will be assisted jonn Kandaii as accompanist ALL COLOHED Outdoor Thriller! C0UNSO1A BARR1I HERBIE JEFFRIES SUrs Of ON THE World Premiere At AP0E.E.

TH A TRE Week lrinninf PCD. 4th of Elizabeth aochesiy, unmarried sister to Julia, and Arthur West lake, garrulous lawyer and ardent suitor to Elizabeth. The lecturer is invited to a dinner as guest of honor, but both' he and Mrs. Wilson disappear after the lectiirt tilai hfar tha ditW ner, and neither show up at the dinner or for several nours auer. 1 rfcide he wants to meet this of his wife ahd goes to Hixoy room in wi nv tel where he persists in waiting for him despite the protests of Ann.

icnneth Bixhv finally comes. mnA her lawver boyfriend who accuse Kenneth of having been with Julia ine wnoie evening. One thing leads to an nth mlth a final agreement lot a quiet divorce proceedings. At. thm "riffht thinff" and marry Mrs.

Wilson. Mr. Wilson is quite agreeable to 'all of this and urges it on. Miss Cloch essy and Arthur Westlake are insistent on it as the conventional thing. Julia, of course, is as she loves Kenneth because' he understands "both of her." Ann, disgusted with Ken and preparing to leave htm because he lied to her, takes tne aon 1 care attitude; thus4 Bixby is left as the only one is definitely against it, for be wants Ann, not juu.

So it goes, bntil the secretary finally gets sdrry for hiro whe Qayton, the man he hired to help him, lest Westlake sway him his way. She uses Claytons young son, who returns to the scene at the right time, to get rid of Julia, and finally, atter some drastic persuasion on Kenneths part, forgives him. Clayton it played by tdwarfl MurreU, and his son on Friday night was Master lames Houston. Following a very wortnwatic and unselfish policy of giving all the players a chance, some the Darts were taken over by other players on Saturday night. Mil ton Quander stepped into tne pan of the waiter, and the Friday' night waiter, became the night Harvey Master Kenneth London usurpea Master UAiitlnii'.

nlarj, ThrtHftr and Eleanor Wibecan took over the double personality of Julia Wilson. Other players in both per (ormancei were Wilfred Sanders and Helma Walker as the bell boy and the hotel maid, miss Walker who was due to have nlivrH the roll, nf Ann Rogers on Saturday night, was not able to do So owing to nines in ner family; also Mr. Annstead Cooper, who was to have assumed the nirt nf Iftfnneth Rivttw in Satur day's performance was not able to take part at all because ot uiness. No Exploitation Their true intentions to act ani not to exhibit themselves were revealed by the players when they made themselves servants to the play, and didn't try to exploit any one actor, but evinced an. earnest desire to follow the design of the Their exposition.

of the play was clear all along, made so by careful preparation of the lines and a moderate tempo fog the readings. Particularly important in the field of acting and definitely noticed as one of the virtues of this group i the ability to continually think in the scene. This ability was demonstrated to the audience in several scenes, of non action and no dialogue where in the characters lust thought About the only technique this group lacks is the technique of movement. To those who hart had a chance to study theatre techniques, it is disconcerting to see character after character continually start a walk on his down stage foot, and make gestures with his hands in such a way as to cover his face, or end a walk in front of another character, that hiding that character from view. These are stage techniques that the actor must be trained in order to give the finished appearance to the pro duction.

However, at this stage of the game we are willing to taka their explanation that the people who were in the performance had "enjoyed only a brief period of training" and "would in matters theatrical be termed "amateurs." Thus our criticism is meant only to. be constructive for future use in their technical development. The stage was set very neatly and credit for the furniture goes to J. Horn Furniture Perry Watkins. designer of the set for "Goodhve Again" is the first and only Negro member of United Scenic Local 829.

and Charles White, another of the de nlgners and constructors, is the business manager of the stagehands Local 1A. Both are connected with the Federal Negro Theatre. The whole play showed earnest intention and hard work on the part of each and every person, as well as a desire to all work together, instead of one trying to outshine the other and be the star. Snch policies and intentions, if adhered to br the Rose McClendon Mayers will soon elevate them from the Unle Theatre Grop level and enable them'. to realize their hope and aspiration "to ultimately trarend tni lev el (of a LlttV TVstre Gtvwtl and create a vique ni of tVeif owa as an institutional theatre..