Daddy's Play Little Thing

During the fifties rock 'n' roll explosion many vocal groups walked into the stu-dio off the street where many had performed to create their sound. New York's poorer street corners like the ones in the Bronx were home predominantly to black and Italian communities that would like to socialise and vocalise. There were already several R&B vocal groups that found success from both the east and west coasts during the fifties. Apart from the odd one hit wonders there was only one white group to make the big time alongside The Platters, The Drifters and The Coasters. That group being Dion And The Belmonts. These 'Extended Play' sides will evoke nostalgic memories, not only from the music of the day but fond memories of the EP's they came from.

Good music is good music no matter what, but a little extra girl power never hurts. In observance of the story of Ethel Smyth and the critic who praised Smyth for 'composing like a man', tenThing knew that this had to be the title of their new album, released on the LAWO Classics label. It's both wonderfully provocative and something to bring a wry smile to the face. From Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn to Florence Price and Ethel Smyth, this programme celebrates the work of female composers from around the world in world premiere transcriptions for the brass ensemble.