Here is a nice vintage Vitaphone short from 1929 featuring Gus Arnheim and His Ambassadors, a great hot band from Los Angeles. Gus Arnheim is best remembered today for being the catalyst behind the successful solo career of Bing Crosby, who sang with Arnheim's band in 1931.
The most notable member of the band in the film is violinist and singer Russ Columbo, who would go on to have a solo singing career that rivalled Crosby's, yet was tragically cut short by his accidental death in 1934. And although it is difficult to tell from the video, Arnheim's alto sax player may be actor Fred MacMurray (The Apartment, My Three Sons).
It could also be pointed out that Arnheim's trumpet soloist here is none less than the great New Orleanian Ray Lopez (previously with Abe Lyman).
Wonderful film by the way!
Posted by: Fredrik Tersmeden | November 26, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Hi just wanted to say Fred MacMurray did some vocals also "All I want is just one Girl" was one........he wasn't too bad either.........
Posted by: Art (Berdie) | April 19, 2008 at 09:21 AM