Olly Oakley Strikes Again !

[thereallyniceman]

Here is another 78rpm recording from Olly Oakley. This one was recorded a little earlier than Jovial Huntsman, in around 1912 for Parlophone Records in London, UK.

 

I think that it is absolutely great. I was always under the impression that Oakley was the “poor cousin” when it came to playing, being famous for murdering solos with numerous mistakes. There may well be the odd mistake (there certainly are even in Jovial Huntsman), but I think his attack and brilliance in this piece outshine the odd goofer!

Oakley also composed this solo.

MARCHE DE CONCERT played by Olly Oakley

 

How I wish I could play as badly as Olly Oakley  !

[thereallyniceman]

The score for Oakley's "Marche de Concert" is available for FREE download in the MUSIC LIBRARY

[David Wade]

Nice one Ian, if this is indeed the Parlaphone recording then I'm afraid you are 28 years out on the dating !

OO recorded six sides in May 1930 - these were the last recordings he ever made - NT/CC/MdeC the ubiquitous Sweet Jasmine and two new ones Tony (dedicated to his youngest son) and White Rose. 

[thereallyniceman]

Thanks Dave.. I should give up attempting to date records without a reference book!

Record details are:

Parlophone E5061 Olly Oakley Marche de Concert

I received information that the date was 1912. But 1912... 1930 who cares, it is still a great recording!

I even checked out your site but couldn't find a date. What reference do you use?... tell me that it is not the old grey matter  ;-)

p.s   30 - 12 = 18,  not 28     so I wasn't THAT far out ;-))

[Jody Stecher]

The 1912 date is given in the Banjo On Record Book.

[David Wade]

I stand corrected on both counts- the stress of driving over those hills passed "HE-worth" to the land of tripe and black pudding but it didn't rain...... 

[Jody Stecher]

Consulting The Big Blue Book again I see that Double O recorded March De Concert a number of times for a number of labels over the years. The 1930 session was again for Parlophone and released with 3 different numbers but none of the three was E5061. So, David, you were not wrong that "the Parlophone release" was from 1930. It's just a different recording.