Jay Whidden & His Orchestra - Yola

This is a rarely heard work by Swedish composer and bandleader Fred Winter (1892-1945, né Sten Njurling). It was recorded in London by Jay Whidden, American-born bandleader and violinist, who, after a career as a ragtime performer in a duo with Con Conrad, first found fame in the UK in the 1920's, leading jazz-orientated bands at London's 'Metropole' and 'Carlton' hotels. By the summer of 1929, Whidden was again expanding his horizons beyond dance music and cabaret and became interested in the emerging talking picture industry in the UK, which he saw as another possible outlet for his song writing talents. In the early 30s he bought a Californian ranch but soon he was back conducting and touring in California and Florida. In 1938 he emigrated to Australia, equally very active as a leader. This great record, however, was made in 1929.