To set the scene for writing Dolly & Dot and the Mystery of the Missing Maid, I acquired a number of CD collections of British Big Band music.
Here are ten of my favourite numbers, although most of them are from later in the Big Band period than DDMMM is set.
Dancing in the Dark – Ambrose & His Orchestra; vocals by Sam Browne
My Heart Belongs To Daddy (instrumental) – Victor Silvester & His Orchestra (so much nicer without the words)
Long Ago and Far Away – Geraldo & His Orchestra; vocals by Archie Lewis (SUCH a lovely baritone)
The Girl in the Little Green Hat – Billy Cotton & His Band; vocals by Sam Browne
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square – Billy Cotton & His Band; vocals by Alan Breeze
Bluebirds in the Moonlight – Hatchett’s Swingtette; vocals by Beryl Davis (birds are clearly a bit of a theme)
In the Mood (instrumental) – Joe Loss and His Orchestra (this is one you’ve probably heard, even if you haven’t heard of it)
I Only Have Eyes for You – Scott Wood and His Orchestra; vocals by Jack Plant
Just Let Me Look at You – Geraldo and His Orchestra; vocals by Cyril Grantham
Lovely to Look At – Carroll Gibbons and His Orpheans; vocals by Brian Lawrance (again, something of a theme here!)
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And the winner for the most unusual title: Where Were You on the Night of June the Third? (Home sick, according to my diary – but do I have an eyewitness to provide an alibi?)