Michael Katzman wrote about this bandleader in the ARSC Journal: "Katzman's musical career spanned and contributed to the rise of the modern recorded music industry. From the quasi/pre-vaudeville music hall, through Broadway shows, as recording soloist, session player and orchestra leader, as radio luminary, as music director of Brunswick Laboratories and various radio stations, to prime mover in the idea of Broadcast Music Inc., Katzman was in the forefront of a rapidly changing industry. Many young musicians owed the start of their careers in Katzman recorded and radio orchestras. (...) Prior to emigrating to the I J.S., Katzmans played in some of the major orchestras in the Russian Empire. Louis Katzman claimed to have been trained as both an artist and as a classical musician in Moscow and elsewhere during the first decade of the twentieth century. (...) His arranging and orchestrating talents were an overarching characteristic of his musical career from his early vaudeville days to his last work with Broadcast Music, Inc. His recording successes and radio work were closely aligned; his concerts and live performances, Broadway musicals, transcription recordings and business ventures all contributed to an integrated musical life. Along the way he discovered, mentored and advanced young artists from opera to jazz. Thus it is difficult to explain why he is so little remembered today." Unfortunately, this is only an excerpt of the preview of this fascinating article. Anyhow, it clearly shows Katzman's exceptional skill, talent and versatility. As for this brilliant record, it was made in 1929, featuring a vocal by Vaughn De Leath. Listeners might hear in the orchestral part of this performance a reminiscence of Bob Haring's style. Even more striking is the fact that on a few issues some recordings of this session were credited "Colonial Club Orchestra", one of Haring's best-known aliases. Is there a mix-up here in the credits? I am not sure; Katzman's and Haring's orchestral arrangements tend to have a few similarities, leading to an overall sound that might be mistaken for one another. Any feedback is warmly welcomed.
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