divine art 24109 The Grossmith Legacy

THE GROSSMITH LEGACY
LEON BERGER (baritone),
SELWYN TILLETT (piano)

Grossmith was one of Britain's top music hall artists at the turn of the 20th century, and also successfully toured the American vaudeville theatres. His comic songs (some written in collaboration with W S Gilbert) range widely in style and many came from shows and revues which enjoyed great success. He was also the creator of several roles in the Savoy Operas.The best-selling novel "Diary of a Nobody" , written by "GG" together with his brother Weedon, is still in print.
Sadly he never recorded himself, but Leon Berger and Selwyn Tillett, acknowledged authorities on Grossmith and his music, have re-created them wonderfully in period style. This disc includes some items from operetta not written by “GG” but immortalised by him, in roles created by him.

This CD also includes two original performances by George Grossmith III, recorded in 1909 and digitally remastered.

Produced in association with the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society

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	THE GROSSMITH LEGACY LEON BERGER (baritone), SELWYN TILLETT (piano) Grossmith was one of Britain's top music hall artists at the turn of the 20th century, and also successfully toured the American vaudeville theatres. His comic songs (some written in collaboration with W S Gilbert) range widely in style and many came from shows and revues which enjoyed great success. He was also the creator of several roles in the Savoy Operas.The best-selling novel "Diary of a Nobody" , written by "GG" together with his brother Weedon, is still in print. Sadly he never recorded himself, but Leon Berger and Selwyn Tillett, acknowledged authorities on Grossmith and his music, have re-created them wonderfully in period style. This disc includes some items from operetta not written by “GG” but immortalised by him, in roles created by him. This CD also includes two original performances by George Grossmith III, recorded in 1909 and digitally remastered. Produced in association with the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society
		playing time: 74:12 direct sale price: £8.50 audio sample 1: I've loved another girl since then (extract) audio sample 2: Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay (rec. 1909)
Tracks: The Gay Photographer; I am so Volatile; The Muddle-Puddle Porter; My Name is John Wellington Wells; The Bay of Battersea; I Once was as Meek as a Newborn Lamb; Away Remorse/Henceforth All the Crimes; Thou of my Thou; I’ve Loved another Girl since Then; Beautiful Bountiful Bertie; Johnnie at the Gaiety; I was Born upon a Sunday; Bertie the Bounder; Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay * by G. Grossmith III	review extracts: for full reviews click here
	"All of the songs come across clearly, thanks to Leon Berger's superb diction, even in the patter songs. He is to be commended for getting his arms around some very difficult material, most of which was written by, and for, a man of unique talents the likes of which we may never see again...The liner notes are detailed and lavishly illustrated". - Marc Shepherd (Gilbert & Sullivan Discography)
	"[Leon Berger's] remarkably versatile voice with wide compass provides much variety of character and colour from track to track. It is generally for this reason that this disc so successfully holds the listener's attention...Unobtrusive accompaniment is sensitively and competently provided by Selwyn Tillett who has much experience of studying and playing Victorian music. His light and nimble fingerwork is a joy to listen to and is always closely married to the voice... The disc is likely to be highly appreciated" - Raymond Walker (Musicweb)
	"If you like Gilbert & Sullivan, then I am sure you will enjoy this CD… anyone with the slightest sense of humour will find much here to enjoy. Thanks to Leon Berger's superb diction, every word comes across clearly and he does a wonderful job of infusing great personality into these songs. Selwyn Tillett accompanies on the piano with both sensitivity and virtuosity. Very nostalgic and enjoyable – go and buy this wonderful CD ” . - Colin Loffler (For the Record)
	“shows the Victorian and Edwardian ages at their most humorous… sprightly tunes, funny lyrics, and the need for excellent enunciation…here Leon Berger excels… Great fun” – Frank Behrens (Eagle Times (USA) and Amazon.com)
	“the recording is clear and well balanced… the juxtaposition [with Sir Thomas Allen's Hyperion disc] can be no greater recommendation of Berger's performance… a very worthwhile addition to the recorded stock of Victorian songs and ballads” - Robert J Farr (Musicweb)
	“Most of the songs and sketches have not been sung for nearly a century and not only are pleasant in their own light but also gives a fascinating insight into Victorian Concert Parties. The final two items on the disc are not by the modern artists listed above, but are … sung by George Grossmith III recorded in 1909. Apart from the recording, one would have thought this was the same singer as the other items — a good illustration of how well Leon Berger has caught the Grossmith way of singing. The accompaniment is very important in this material and Selwyn Tillett’s playing sounds just right. The recording and notes are up to the usual high standard of Divine Art Records. An unusual disc, interesting and entertaining.” - Arthur Baker (FRMS Bulletin)