In 1951, Latin American dance bandleader
Edmundo Ros
purchased the Coconut Grove in London's West End, rechristened it the Edmundo Ros Dinner & Supper Club, and conducted the first of many live broadcasts onsite over BBC radio. In 2002, 46 titles representing the bulk of his commercial studio output from 1951 were reissued on
Playtime in Brazil
a double-CD set comprising volumes 9 and 10 in
Harlequin
's multi-volume examination of
Ros
' first decade as a recording artist. Generally the band and the arrangements it follows are strong and inspired enough to make even the silliest or most superficial lyrics seem OK. You could really dance yourself into a sweat trying to keep up with this group once they settle into a groove. Recommended cookers include "Cuca," "Morocco," "Delicado," "Sax Cantabile," "Madalena," "Baiao No Braz," and "Que Bueno Debe Ser," and there is also a neatly crafted two-minute treatment of "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White." This collection's approximately 30 vocal tracks are typical of the choices made by
as he strove to appeal to the world-wide public. He was especially skillful at maintaining his popularity in the U.K. In fact "Tipperary Samba," "Coffee, Cocoa, Tea," "The Festival of Britain Calypso," and "London Is the Place for Me" reflect his excellent social connections which included members of the Royal Family. Most
albums also contain some measure of foolishness. While "Poco Loco in the Coco" wins points for references to putting pepper in one's Jello, the prize for unmitigated ridiculousness goes to the worrisomely inane "Jingle Bells Calypso." ~ arwulf arwulf