New Pittsburgh Courier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 20

1 i 55 13 mi in Ml i ft IS. 4 i it It 1 1 11 I I cvis Jive Bombers, Band Made Up Wholly Of Soldier Musicians, Strictly 'On The Beam' SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 5 The thought has been going around this Army air base that Duke Ellington and his band are stationed in the Aviation squadron. Or maybe Cab Calloway. At any rate, stories are told about strains of "terrific" music drifting over the base.

Though it actually doesn't emanate from Ellington or Calloway, the comparison is good one. The story behind the organization responsible might well be the history "JIVE BOMBERS" OF SALT LAKE CITY ARMY AIR BASE tures Cab Calloway and his band, Katherlne Dunham and her dancers, Fats Waller and Dooley Wilson. Andrew Stone directed the reduction, and William LeBaron the producer. FULFILLMENT OF A PLEDGE The film. Twentieth Century Fox contribution to the new era promised the race by the "Land of Make Belleve," is perhaps the most progressive, significant, all out ges ure yet made to portray the Negro sans his usual clowning, buffooning characterization heretofore so common on the silver screen.

The glamorous Lena Home ls given every opportunity to display her beauty and talents equal to any other singing star, and suffice to say, she does a right handsome job of it. Sepia America's First Lady of the screen as she rightfully is will sing and dance her way into the hearts of millions of theatregoers throughout the land ere Ssfnrmv Wthr" la finished with. fr Ha Vina rno rhuH Vl A Jttftr i COME BACK Bobby Grant has completely recovered from the malady that forced him out of the cast of Harlem Scandals" two years ago. Bobby has a string of night club dates lined up and he will open at the swanky Or pheum club in New Orleans sometime September. The "Jive Bombers" of the Army Air Base at Salt Lake City, swing out during a musical show for the boys.

The soldier musicians are, left to right: Cpl. Charles M. Holley, vocalist; Pvt. Warren Gar rette, sitting in for Pfc. William T.

Gee, Pvt. Orlester Smith. Pvt. Theodore Bright. Pvt.

James Jackson, Pvt. Jesse Chambers. Pfc. William E. Ashe, Pvt.

Neuman BarDee, Pvt. Harold Calloway, Pvt. Clifford Shannon, Pvt. Gilbert Fowler and Cpl. Walter Drake wielding the baton.

Five Theatre Premiere Coast Fans Applaud Lena Home At 'Stormy Weather Opening By HERMAN HTLL, LOS ANGELES; Aug. 5 Twentieth Century Fox's much ballyhooed and long awaited screen production, "Stormy Weather," opened here Thursday simultaneously at five different theatres. And from the crowd interest thus far manifested, the film is a mortal cinch to become a box office hit success. "Stormy Weather" co stars Lena Home and Bill Robinson, and fea 4 her songs were old favorites. Her renditions of such tunes as "No Two Ways About Love." "My! My! Ain't That Something!" and the immortal "Stormy Weather," still ring in this writer's ears.

Miss Home, a photographer's dream, appeared a lovely sepia queen, but with the dazzling gowns she wore flu the elaborate sets and cos umes worn by the chorus and others, sepia tone hardly does justice, and technicolor would have certainly enhanced the film's all around beauty. Near picture stealers in "Stormy Weather" are the dynamic Nicholas Brothers, whose near finale, breath taking dance routine, left fatrons alternately limp and wild cheering. Professionally tops in their art, their performance is sensational, their precision remarkable, and their grace and aplomb almost unbelievable. BO'S DRUM ROUTINE TOPS Bill Robinson turns in a neat Ju dom predicted for her. Most ofhjob as a thespian.

but curiously enoujrn. ne aoes dul a minimum of dancinsr. His drum number proved to be a likely piece of stepping. Cab Calloway, king of hi de ho, makes a spectacular entrance attired in a root suit designed to end all zoot suits! Cab is Mr. Personality Plus, and along with his band, literally "locks it up.

Fats Waller and Ada Brown had their moments, too, and we'd of liked to seen more of the inimit iable fat man. Babe Wallace, who portrays the rather heelish producer, Chick Bailey, gave every indication that he would make a first rate actor on the silver screen. Dooley Wilson essays the role of Bill's buddy and doesn't sing for some unaccountable reason. The Dunham Dancers, led by the peerless Katherlne Dunham, were, exquisite in their all too brief execution wnose scenic errorts were a sieht to behold. The Tramp band.

Zutty Mae Johnson. Ernest Whit man, Flournoy Miller and others are also seen. The handsome dancing boys and a line of sprightly, well drilled chorus girls execute some snappy routines which are indicative of long, tedious hours i of preparation. I All in all. "Stormy Weather," a joyous gathering of sepia stars, ls excellent entertainment, and calculated to chase the war blues away.

COTTON PICKERS WITH MILLS BROS. KANSAS CITY, Aug. 5 After, a run of 12 weeks at the famous Scott's restaurant, Kansas City, the Carolina Cotton Pickers are booked to do a series of one nighters with the world renowned Mills Brothers. ui any uuinuer ui Liie country bands, many of which were formed during and directly after worm war i It began when the squadron commander wanted a military band, and started looking for a likely organizer. Someone suggest ed a soldier irom who, in civilian life, had charge of the Chris J.

Perry Military concert Dand and taught music, composition, wind instruments, and piano, at his own studio in Qua Kertown. pre. William E. Ashe was the man. He rounded up the musicians in the group, and, in addition, took men who were musi cally inclined and gave them les sons on various instruments.

In an incredibly short time, a really nrst ciass military band graced the drill fields. One day. a group of the more experienced soldier musicians were resting their weary feet in the squadron day room. Pvt. Theodore Bright, of Little Rock, start ed beating out a little unmilitary rhythm on his snares.

In less time than it takes to say "booeie." an "out of this world" jam session was under way fatigue forgotten in the pure joy of uninhibited music From then on, spare time re hearsals every evening were steps forward in the forming of what is now the Aviation Squadron orchestra. Private First Class Ashe, leader of the larger military band and head of the music depart ment, turned over the leadership of the orchestra to Pfc. Clifford Shannon, of Grand Junction, Colo. I Shannon plays the trumpet, while Ashe sits with the boys and gives out with a "mean" sax. Every man in the group is high in the praise of every other.

Of Pvt. Orlester Smith, who sprouts from Four Oaks. N.C.. the boys all say, "He's the best bass fiddler in the country, and when they speak of Pvt. James Jackson, of Detroit, it's "That man plays a LOT of horn!" Jackson wore the eveninc clothes of Tinv Brad shaw's band before donning theicoast! 1 Jill 'V 1 fiiWllIlM I I III lr UV.lli i I AlllllllliUMfr iimiimf Old and stars combine to make night life sparkle irom coast to coast.

Left to right: Don Redman, who not so many years ago was a household musical word, is back in the swing again with his own orchestra at Cafe Zanzibar on Broadway. Returning to the baton wars after a lay off of several years, during which time he arranged music for some of the best bands in the land, Redman is fast becoming a solid favorite on the great mecca street of the world. Ralph Brown, who is sometimes referred to 'as the "Dancing Fool," has been signed for an extended engagement at the Onyx club in Lower Manhattan. Last seen on Broadway with Cab Calloway, Brown tapped his way into a six weeks' favorite at the nationally famous Strand theatre. Pvt.

Nueman Barbee, trumpet. Chicago; Pvt. Harold Callaway, tenor sax, Orange, N.J.; Pvt. Gilbert Fowler, tenor sax, Memphis, Pvt. Jessie Chambers, trombone, Chanute, and Pfc William T.

Gee, piano, Gee is really a "classical man." but he can "play anything on the sheet." In addition to entertaining at their sauadron. the Army Air Base soldiers also play ior usu aances and other servicemen affairs. They intend to stick together, if they can, after the war, and "give out with some sweet and some hot for all you jacks and jills in stomping grounds from coast to WEST COAST LURES MANY TOP NOTCHERS TO TINSEL CITY Ann Cornell, who, they say, is a counterpart of Lena Home, is being rated as the newest sensational discovery of Barney Josephson, who started Lena and Hazel Scott on the road to fame. Opening at Cafe Society Downtown last week, Ann is being eared and eyed by the critics, and maybe she will hit the same jack pot that spelled New York and Hollywood fame for the two Cafe Society darlings before her. Velma Mlddleton, charming singer of personality, who added hes.

talent to a score entertainers who, under the sponsorship of the Victory Committee of Hollywood, went all out for the boys along the Mexican border out West last week. One of the best known performers in the profession, the rotund delineator proved a great morale builder for boys in khaki. world in the field of race relations. Charlie Barnet is doing his full share in helping to create the pre conditions to tne winning or tne war. SEPIA FOURSOME Now.

what can a band leader do besides playing patriotic music? Plenty. Mr. Barnet has four Ne gro musicians in his orchestra. They are Al Killian, formerly with Count Basie; Howard McGee, who was with Andy Kirk, and Peanuts Holland. These three fellows play the trumpet.

Then there ip Trum mie Young, formerly with Jimmie Lunceford, who plays the trombone and sings. I interviewed Charlie because I wanted to find out just what were some of the reactions to a "mixed" band from the stand point of the audience response and the response of the band members as far as. Charlie was able to tell. A number of other top orches tras, including Benny Goodman, Charlie Spivak and Gene Krupa, have had Negro musicians, but Charlie Barnet, despite heavy pres THE PITTSBURGH COURIER SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 FROM BROADWAY TO H0LLYWQ0D, SEPIA PERFORMERS SCORE DIRECT HITS TWENTY HAS HER ON last week, the big show was accorded a tremendous ovation by the thousands of servicemen and their families. Paced by Ernest Whitman, who emceed the star studded extravaganza the show mounted to a terrific conclusion.

Teddy Hale and Paul White broke it up with their comical dances. Anita Brown was well received with her clever salesmanship of song while the Lacy Brothers thrilled the crowd with their "mug" routines. Velma Mid tour of theatscs western cities. Ho fittsnurRh week at Rochester May Sail to Entertain Canadian Bomber Crew HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 5 (ANP) Eddie (Eoch 'KingOfVibes'Ma' I nvade i I Colon1 Before Fall Month: NEW YORK, Aug.

5 AIways interested in the the names which can pull the patrons to it. 1 eveine with erowinar interest, the record? which the 1 band has been smashing around the ebuntry. xow th feelers are out. The Joe Glaser office is reported to be considering several deals which would put the great vibra harp maestro on uie screen ior the first time as a band leader in his own right Heretofore he has only appeared in a couple of shorts with the Benny Goodman aggregation, of whicn ne was a member at the time. One of the all sepia musical vhich rJ is considering.

Yiv wyn Mayer is tefested in a dra! At present. Hanin i. alrin. whpro hp It tHeiarlej theS Edwards Sisters Star In Gamp Lockett Show in Broadway Rhythm" along with Lena Home. Knrhe vJ Scott and T.

Dorsey, were enthusiastically received at the djfiwJ anniversary of Col. Teddy Roosevelt's Camp Lockett the Mexican border. Snonsorcd bv the Hollywood Victory committee i uieiun auuieu WHft her tor Btw iuauaiup, ETTA MOTKV rriri Etta Moten, the great song, captivated the ttrtw1. with a bang. The new nmr.fcif I i.v:i s.

'i r. pjeieu just in time for Um ofa and servicemen of the IOmTS 20th Cavalry to view wood Victory committee'! which was dedicated to th ml ory of the late Colonel Rooter Charlie Barnet Finds Headaches Witf Mixed Band But Determined To Keep I By MARGARET TAYLOR GOSS CHICAGO, Aug. 5 (ANP) He's a great ffiiy because there is no prejudice in his heart. Musically speakinf i io auac uiiuigiuu. j.

Liia io lug way a. ictii agcu uouu iau ucouiucu vueuuc uaiuci uaiAsuigc idSk at the Chicago theatre. I thouerht that this was just about the higrhest comnliment that could be paid him. With many world twisting events going on today, it is easy to overlook some very important pioneering work that is i khaki of Uncle Sam. Cpl.

Leslie Bisco. whose home is in Los Angeles, also played with a number of bisr time orcnestras. tiis trombone slid sweetly through the arrangements of Les Hite and other West Coast favorites. Going down the rest of the list, note by note, the musicians are: ter) Anderson wants to go to England to entertai the troops and most particularly one Royal Canada Air Force bomber crew the crew which voted fcf name its ship "Rochester." sure from without, has plugged consistently at this Ideal of democracy. Some of the fellows that he has now have been with him for about a year and a half.

He started 'way back in 1935 when such musicians as Benny Carter and the late Garnett Clark played with him. HANDLING MIXED BAND NOT EASY Getting down to attitudes and 1 SXI jM lw tmfa Iff 'M 3 ft II hhr VMKM I jLiS lJlsa mam As more and more race entertainers and musicians are being discovered by Hollywood as being good box office attractions, the film capital. Left to right are Woody Herman, Count Basie, Al Jarvis, Phil Harris, Nat (King) Cole moie and more race entertainers and Freddy Martin. The band and musicians are naturally grav leaders are guests on Jarvis fa itating toward the glittering i mous reriormance pro movie capital. Top Sunday in Hollywood might be the caption for this picture, taken at the KNX CBS studios on Sunset boulevard in gram.

jarvis interviews pjuui inent maestros every Sunday on the show. Center A jam packed audience of service men of every hue and nationality greeted the dynamic Lucky Millinder and his crack aggregation at his recent bow at the Hollywood Canteen. Millinder gives out with a toothsome smile par excellent as his hot trumpeter, Joe Guy, gives out with some torrid rhythms. Bottom Louie Jordan, who with his Tympany Five, hit the big town with a bang via the "Outskirts of Town," really goes big time this month and will soon be seen in an important featured role in a forthcoming Universal flicker. He is shown here oo one of his many entertaining ventures at the Harlem Recreational Centre for soldiers and sailors.

Benny Carter (right) is the hottest orchestra attraction on the West Coast these days. On August 4 he opened at Zucca's Terrace at Hermosa Beach, CaL, after record shattering runs at the Hollywood Cotton Club and the famed Casa Manana In Culver City. With Carter is hisjvo callst, Savannah Churchill, and manager. Carlos Gastel, who also guides Stan Kenton's orchestra. Carter did much of the scoring of the 20th Century Fox picture "Stormy and also will be seen in Metro's forthcoming musical spectacle, "As Thousands Cheer." Picture Courtesy uave jjexier.

reactions. Herb Reii moTigMF stated thnttl4fS was concerned, peoplf i pie, but that the jokrfam? a mixed band did jrarat hr of difficulties. EwrrtMatl ually went all right a tt ca like Chicago, New YoA I troit. but the problem the small towns "where fla.W were inclined to be praraps nottv nnri hpM sillv DrtKHK fsuiM rf those sAme oreltiiic band was unable to gtt ttio ipadinz oil Housing of the Negro mrab the band created a prow these backward communioai Mr. Reis essayed that thy ence reaction to Charlw was a mixed one.

After at I ing every engagement, mWI ters are received. Soro ment Charlie for his urM others denounce him oittOTj trying to extend democrajr Negro musician. One iucb pot," as Mr. Keto jmt that' he was both "those four hitting, up there with tb1 men. iie arooea enlng.

and tt be wouUj see In all white band ithtfj so good or an all colored questioned Charlie a to was going to the tJR colored people, and that he was sure going ttn rntlnp. CHARGES IT OFF TO IGNORANCE OB BIAS TIMID Charlie this as being ignorant anos tic, and refuses to 3 by them. As to the band, he says that th. get along fine. The wM3 So not look upon their respect them as good And the same members in regard to tt on the matter.

There ence. jm rfau Charlie feels a HtOe WWi that more of the top leaders have not caugbt ir, nt them wu i it hut they have enced by the pressure bear against it.nd hsw, the courage. idol, and be Duke has made in breaking down prejn fact that engagement at the J'Tt rtcine club in NewW a first Other encourtP are that Don BeBt'KtD5l the Zanzibar, ad at way is holding forth Central hotel in August 6 Charlie to open in Detroit Bf receSt disgraceful rioWj, groups have besnewj not to go there. Cbpftf determined to keep gagement with bu oecause he feels Detroit riot have broken dut thro country are the "Ssi agents and people the best interests heart. He believes Oftft must be eliminated, change bis daaoer the satlsfacUon ofigfci groups of people rzfi frceTully.VT iSfi Prejudice musi 1.