Arthur & George C. McFarland (born 26 November 1906) were twin saxophonists
active during the late 20’s through to the mid 40’s.
Born in Long Island, New York, Art and George played with
the Fred Waring Orchestra until 1929 when they did solo engagements. They were
the first to play at the Cavalier Beach Club which opened on Memorial Day in
1929. George played alto sax and brother Arthur the tenor sax.
By the late 30’s they decided to expand into the dance
band arena.
Whether or not they were truly representative of this genre is
debatable. Their stylized sound was widely described as ‘Mickey Mouse’ by
critics, with its accent on novelty and irreverent fun. Nevertheless they
persevered, and in the 40s switched their style to a more polished, musical
standpoint. Engagements in this period saw them include pianist Geoff Clarkson
in their ranks, alongside singers Betty Engells, Dick Merrick and the Norton
Sisters.
They recorded regularly for OKeh Records, including their
theme song, ‘Darkness’, and proved a popular if light-hearted attraction at
various ballrooms throughout America. The McFarland Twins band also did a
single session with Bluebird in January 1942 that featured young Don Cornell on vocal singing "Hey
Zeke. However, by the advent of World War II the novelty of their fraternal
leadership had grown thin and they rarely performed again.
Arthur died July 17, 2008 in Carmel California and George apparently died during 1997.
(Info very scarce but edited mainly from AllMusic and Stoddards Hale blog - Any more information about these two would be gladly received)
I managed to find five tracks of the McFarland Twins via You Tube and archive.org plus a whole radio show which I’ve put in a folder here:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.upload.ee/files/9235378/McFarland_Twins.rar.html
1) Darkness
2) The Bells Of Saint Marys
3) Hey Zeke
4) Home
5) McFarlands Band
6) Jack Benny & The McFarland Twins in “D C Housing Shortage “ (1943-01-24)
The Jack Benny Program was recorded January 24, 1943. Red net. Sponsored by: Grape-Nuts Flakes Cereal. The program originates from Fort Meade, Maryland. The cast does its version of "Mr. Benny Goes To Washington."
Cool!
DeleteI cared for Art Mc Farland in his Carmel California home in his latter years. He shared many stories about past including after his musical career. He rented Clint Eastwood and Sandra Bullock their first apartment together in Carmel CA. He owned an apartment complex there. He remained friends with Clint and often we saw each other at a golf resort/ Country Club for lunch in nearby Pebble Beach. The Smithsonian Institute came to the home maybe a year before Art passed to interview him. Art enjoyed listening to swing music everyday of his life. He smiled all the time. He was also married to a beautiful New York City model. She had already passed away when I met Art. He was extremely proud of her and missed her dearly. He said she had legs for days! Art's daughter Holly lived and cared for Art til he passed away . I always looked forward to spending time with him as he loved to reminisc. Art also loved his old classic cars. He was an oldie but a goodie! Mr McFarland made my day when I spent time weekly with him and he lit up when saw him. It was a pleasure knowing him. A real gentlemen! Lastly he enjoyed his daily cigar, he stayed true to his era all the way thru his long life. Oh Art! They don't make them like you anymore! Fondly, Linda C.Napoli
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your extra information about Art. Much appreciated.
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