The Washington times., 1938-06-30

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gradually began to learn the
medium; then swing became sec
ond nature to her vocal chords
Meanwhile, Biff and his band
were going from bad to worse.
Hot Herbert, always q chiseler,
kept on hiring dog musicians,
Just so he could collect kick.
backs" on their salaries.
BAND LEADING REAL JOE
So, as time passed, Biff dis.
covered there was more to being
a band leader than met the eye.
Being a virtuoso wasn't enough.
You had to be q businessman,
o student Of human nature, q
diplomat in handling people,
and-know how to build q band.
Biff didn't understand the latter
art at all. He was, first, last,
and always, . topnotch clari-
netist, but as impractical as
most brilliant musicians are.
And matters weren't helped
any by Gail-Sinclair. From the
beginning she insisted on taking
q too active interest in the
band. She didn't like the tenor
rideman for instance. He had q
scar under his left eye. It
spoiled the appearance Of the
band, don't you know.
But, darling" Biff pro-
tested when she insisted that he
fire the tenor. don't you realize
you're talking about one of the
hottest men in the business?
Herbert had q devil Of q time
getting him to join up in the
first place. He could play on q
dozen Of the biggest radio COM
mercials If he wanted to. Why,
that man is in Q class with
TootS Mondello!"
Gail smiled her gentle-but-
firm-smile. SILLY, what would
my friends think if allowed you
to play with an ugly thing like
that Saxaphon1st."
Biff almost screamed with
hopeleSSnesS. But we're not
running a male fashion show.
We're trying to organize Q
band"
GAIL PREVAILS
Calm yourself, Biffie, have a
cigarette. It isn't as serious as
that"
And I thought you were hep,
Gail"
We'll, I'm hep enough to know
that appearance counts for q
great deal with a band"
"All right. You know :"
but-In week or so the tenor
"get-off" man was fired. Gail
did prevail.
Then came the hiring Of q
vocalist. Dozens Of girls were
auditioned. from s to 60.
Gosh" remarked Sammy, the
drummer, during one of these
audiences, those gals sound like
they worked with Jenny Lind! I
never heard such Madame Ca
denzas in my born and my un-
born days, too."
They lacked the soulfulness
and oomph that Biff was look
ing for. They lacked the sin
cerity and depth that makes" q
vocal "out of this world" Some
had good voices. Some were
pretty. But none could swing.
Finally Gail had a suggestion.
IT know just the person you're
looking for" she said.
"Who?" asked Biff.
GAIL HAS A FRIEND
"A marvellous contralto who
went to finishing school with
me-"
Nov, Gail -" "Biff started to
protest.
"Biff, listen to me. Her name
is Marjorie Mammon. And she's
tired Of living on her family.
She wants to take up singing as
a career"
But Gail, be reasonable. We
want an experienced singer"
"She won't be the first society
girl who has turned out to be .
successful professional singer.
Some Of my best friends are en-
tertaining in night clubs"
Biff was helpless. "Okay,
Gail, let her come around. We
might as well shoot the works"
The contralto came around.
She had nothing but Bergdorf-
Goodman gown to recommend
her. Marjorie strutted around
the rehearsal room, ION the
make" for - attention. She
was self-confident.
What can you sing?" Hot
Herbert asked her.
"'Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life"
she replied.
Biff held his head.
"It's a mystery to me-" whiS-
pered Sammy the drummer to
the guitarist, ''how they let such
ickies live"
Maybe replied the gitboxer,
I'VE should do the Star
Spangled Banner in swing
time"
yeah" repn Sammy.
maybe we should join band"
Marjorie executed her vocal,
do I get the job?" she asked
brightly.
boy, was that ously with
heardSW Snorted Sammy to Biff,