Ray Noble New Mayfair Dance Orchestra - Close Your Eyes

Ray Noble (1903-1978) was a British bandleader, composer, arranger and actor who studied music at the Royal Academy of Music and became leader of the HMV band in 1929. His most famous vocalist was Al Bowlly (1899-1941), who gained experience in a band led by Jimmy Liquime. Bowlly arrived in London as part of Fred Elizalde's orchestra. In the 30s, he was to sign two contracts which were to change his fortunes. Despite Bowlly's success in Britain through the early 30s, he never achieved the same fame in the USA, and his prolonged absence from the UK when he moved to the States in 1934 damaged his popularity in the UK. His voice began to wane from around 1936 too, which affected the frequency of his recordings. Bowlly returned to the UK in 1937 and in February 1938 he began recording with Lew Stone. This wonderful recording was made in 1933.