CHRISTMAS Broadcasting would not be complete for thousands of listeners without a programme from Jack Payne and his ' boys.' To-night, in deference to the many family parties at which dancing will be in full swing, their programme will no doubt live up to its usual designation of ' Dance Music.' At other times Jack Payne varies his programme, for he knows that on three hundred and sixty-four days of the year, his audience consists of many more' listeners' than ' dancers.' The latter may sometimes protest that their interests are neglected; they must remember, however, that they are served by the many outside dance bands who play exclusively for dancing. The steady dance rhythm tends to become monotonous to those who are not dancing to it; Jack Payne varies his programmes with comedy songs of the ' vaudeville ' type, music from the new shows, revivals of old favourites, Viennese waltzes, ' symphonic ' pieces such as Ravel's Bolero, which the band has so successfully recorded, with a very slight seasoning of ' hot' numbers on the lines of the famous American bands. This band costs more-and earns more-than any in this country. Its reputation is tremendous, not only for broadcasting, but as a recording band and a record-breaking music-hall act. Jack Payne and his. boys work for their success, though, When we hear of 1,500 hours rehearsal per annum for broadcasting alone, of
1.000 new dance numbers to be played each year, of a twelve-hour day of rehearsal, recording, broadcasting, music-hall appearance, we almost feel glad to be penniless, oppressed pen-drivers that we are I
And now, ladies and gentlemen, with Jack Payne , we wish you all' Good Night.' Carols, pantomime, Empire telephone calls and dance tunes have gone their way, and even Savoy Hill, which is alive and working for fifteen hours of every day in the year must close down. We hope you have enjoyed the Christmas Programmes.