[Sound recording] The Singing Soldiers

Recording of the song titled, 'The Singing Soldiers', created as part of the Music and the First World War project. Music composed by Howard White with lyrics written by C J (Clarence James) Dennis. Produced by Chris Latham, with David Hidden as vocalist (baritone), and Alan Hicks on piano. This recording was made at Flat Rock Studios, Sydney on 19 July 2018. The work is performed in the spirit of the time with some changes made for the modern ear.

Chris Latham, the producer of this recording, note: 'This is a showman’s song that has a vocal range extending over an octave and a fourth. It is a professional singer song – not for an amateur. The vocalist has exaggerated the Australian accent to bring out the C J Dennis element in the lyrics. The song rips off lots of popular songs of the period and this is because these are mentioned in the original poem of the same name. It is a clever song with an interesting bridge. It is unusual in that there are three sections and no repeated material. It is very unusual to not have a chorus. Says that there is something intrinsically in Australian culture that they are good singers and better singers than other soldiers. The section referencing 'God Save the King' has been made rounder and more British. Song has a great ending. It is the civilian’s idea about what it was like there. It is also a rare example of the reversal of popular culture – British writing songs from Australian culture.'