If you ask me, this is a masterpiece of budget label deception. Even an experienced "junk" label thrifter like myself was fooled--almost--for a few moments. My first reaction was, "How did Pickwick (Bravo) get tracks by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Bunny Berrigan, etc.?" Answer: It didn't. This is basically a list of band themes and songs which made "them" (the bands) famous. Which, in fact, is the only way to make grammatical sense of the title. You have to process the heading in two parts: 1) Great Band Themes and Songs 2) That Made Them (the orchestras listed below the title) Famous. In short, none of these orchestras actually appear on the LP. They're listed, yes (in big font, naturally), but they're not present. Ironically, there's no orchestra credit whatsoever, though I suspect it's our old friend Bobby Krane. Or maybe Stanley Applewaite. These are all excellent recreations, by the way.
Meanwhile, at Discogs, the various editions of this LP (International Award, Grand Prix, Design) are listed as if the big-font names were actually performing. Like I said, an ingenious ruse by Pickwick.
And, since the music is very well done, I think this nine-track rack-jobber deserves a post. Now, the one bandleader not listed--Cyril Stapleton--is represented by his 1956 hit, Italian Theme (aka The Italian Theme). Cyril, of course (along with Mitch Miller), also made a hit of The Children's Marching Song (1959), one of the great gifts (not) to the Top 40. Anyway, sit back and enjoy these fine recreations by... whoever. All in "True Monophonic High Fidelity." To quote the liner notes, "Listen...and have music fill your home with pleasure." Or your headphones--whichever.
DOWNLOAD: Great Band Themes and Songs That Made Them Famous (Bravo! K 133)
I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You
Moonlight Serenade
Artistry in Rhythm
Ciribiribin
Let's Dance
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
I Can't Get Started
Lisbon Antigua
Italian Theme
Lee