Thanks For Everything

GERALDO / THANKS FOR EVERYTHING - Geraldo was the professional name adopted quite late in his career by Gerald Bright. He was born in London in 1904 and became a boy piano prodigy studying at the Royal Academy of Music. Early professional jobs included relief pianist at a Cinema in the Old Kent Road and organist at a restaurant. His first major engagement as a bandleader was at the Hotel Majestic, St. Annes-on-Sea, where he started broadcasting and stayed for five years. The 20 titles on this album were recorded in the three years from 1938 to 1941. In August 1938 Geraldo recorded with EMI for a year on the HMV label. The records made during this period are relatively rare and highly regarded. Aware of Al Bowlly's popularity Gerry engaged him (shortly after his return from a throat operation in America) to broadcast and record with the band; no fewer than 9 of the 30 titles Al recorded are generously provided on this album. They include some of the excellent sentimental songs of 1938 like Hoagy Carmichaels 'Two Sleepy People' and 'Heart and Soul' and the lesser known Maschwitz and Sherwin number 'The Same Old Story'. SOUNDS OF YESTERYEAR