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A harp is among the instruments, and there are about 30 musicians. At times it seemed as if Mr. Levi intentionally modulated the volume perhaps owing to the enclosed theatre, or the flies may have caught up the sound. If tho bandmaster remains in vaudeville, and there is no doubt he may if he so wills, a bell shaped sounding board or shell might be utilized. Mr. Levi's personality and musicianlv interest are items. He directs the pieces, and also sings them.
Mr. Levi has brought together an excellent musical organization, which he controls easily and gracefully, without effort. Best of all, however, is the bandmaster's program. There is plenty of variety to the numbers, with the classical tabooed. For encores, Mr. Levi has selections which carry comedy in the direction and the music. Perhaps the "Pizzicato" number is the best example. At no time is the same tempo maintained for over four bars, with full and quick stops, the conductor keeping the reeds and brasses continually on the alert for the baton. Another is the "Whistler and His Dog." A piece called "The Coon Band Contest" has the prettiest orchestration ever listened to, and there is a ballad which brings an individual encore for Herbert L. Clarke, the cornet soloist. Mr. Clarke is an exceptional cornetist. His instrument never becomes brassy, and he brings his tones out clearly and smoothlv. "Uncle Tom's Cabin," a medley of Southern airs, with "My Old Kentucky Home" favored, scored strongly, and "Reuben and the Maid" was the last of ten selections.
Mr. Levi could have had his band playing much longer, but he wisely stopped, leaving the audience anxious for more.
The audience liked Mr. Levi and his band from the opening selection, "The Rocky Road to Dublin," followed for an encore by "Cherry." It is a good band, and is giving the kind of music the people enjoy. Vaudeville ought to secure it as an attraction for a long time.
Source:
Variety 8:1 (08/03/1907)