Mallet Magic - Harry Breuer And His Quintet

Maxixe Mambo

Mallet Magic
Harry Breuer and his Quintet
Volume 1
Audio Fidelity AFLP 1825 & AFSD 5825
1957

From inside the AFSD 5825 "gatefold" cover: Harry Breuer is noted for his long and solid musical background that goes back to the early days of radio broadcasting and theater barnstorming. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he studied violin during the early years of his musical training. During his high school days he switched to xylophone and other percussion instruments in order to play in the school band. His professional career began when he became a xylophone soloist in motion pictures, vaudeville and on records.

Breuer made his radio debut in the early days of radio as a soloist with the A & P Gypsies, the Cliquot Club Eskimos and other polar groups of the day. He eventually had \his own program over radio, and at the time joined Roxy's Gang as soloist in the Roxy Theater in New York. He also appeared at the Radio City Music Hall. His credits in motion pictures include several short features produced by Warner Brothers, Educational Pictures and Sounds. For a time he was staff musician at the Warner Brothers studio under David Mendoza, at the Fox studios under Erno Rapee and later at the New York City studios of the National Broadcasting Company. During recent years he has been a featured player on many network radio and television programs. He is the author of numerous published solo works and study material for all mallet-played instruments. At present this appearances in crude films, radio, television, records and transcriptions.

From Billboard - July 1, 1957: A hi-fi adventure. The avid audiophile will find a lot to please his golden ears on this disk. Let him hear the gong at the end of "Chinese Doll" with its sustained shimmer. The crisp, bright sound of the Latin rhythm section in "Maxie Mambo" is equally exciting. Likewise, "Samba Macabre" in which the rhythm and xylophone are supported by some fascinating electric organ effects. But why pick out individual sections? The entire disk is a sonic delight.

Mosquitos' Parade March
Flapperette
Bumble Bee Bolero
Chinese Doll
Chiapanecas
Maxixe Mambo
Samba Macabre
Maple Leaf Jump
Tulip Polka
Buffoon
Glockenspiel Gavotte
La Rosita

Pavanne (Stereo)

Mallet Mischief
Harry Breuer and his Quintet V
Volumn 2
Photography: Bob Witt
Audio Fidelity AFLP 1882 & AFSD 5882
1958

From November 24, 1958 Billboard: Breuer and his crew serve a listenable set of international favorites, done in attractive various tempos. His facility with percussion instruments is nicely demonstrated. Sound is excellent, and buys can also be lured from hi-fi bugs. Good potential.

Farmerette
Pavanne
Dainty Miss
Fiesta De Oro
Fiesta Waltz
Hora Staccato
Paloma Beguine
TV Funeral March
Down Home Rag
Minute Merengue
Tropicale Stephanie
Boomerang