[ Alvin Saxon's Murray's Club Band ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1936 British Made film 'Strange Cargo'.

      [ Ronnie Scott Orch. ]
Currently no information on this wonderful group. The personnel of the mid-1950s band included:
    Trumpet: Jimmy Deuchar (also arrangements)
    Trombone: Ken Wray
    Saxes: Ronnie Scott, Derek Humble, Pete King, Benny Green
    Piano: Norman Stenfalt (also arrangements)
    Bass: Lennie Bush
    Drums: Tony Crombie
    Vocals: Johnny Grant
    Arrangers: Harry South, Jimmy Deuchar, Norman Stenfalt

Stan Palmer (currently -2006- teaching and playing in Las Vegas, NV, USA) also played trumpet with the band, and in private correspondence, Stan has recalled the lineup as:
    Drums: Phil Seamen
    Trumpet: Jimmy Watson lead trp
    Trumpet: Stan Palmer 2nd trp
    Trombone: Jack Botterrall
    Saxes: the lead alto sax was from the West Indies

      [ Scottish Sextette ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1939 British Made film.

      [ Louise Selkirk's Ladies Orch. ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1935 British Made film 'Play Up The Band' (famed actor Stanley Hollaway starred).

      [ Syd Seymour and his Mad Hatters ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1930 British Made film 'Just For A Song', and in the 1936 film 'Happy Days Are Here Again'.

      [ Charlie Shadwell Orch. ]
Currently no information on this band. Charlie fronted the Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra ca 1943 - 45. Joe Woods occasionally was heard as a replacement on piano.

      [ Dave Shand Orch. ], 1940s - '50s
Currently no information on this band. In 1953, when the band was then resident at London's Copacabana club, the personnel included:
    Leader/Alto: Dave Shand
    Saxes: Wally Glen, Joe Riley
    Trumpet: Billy Smith
    Piano: Jack Dove
    Bass: Ken O'Donnell
    Drums: Roy Sheppard
    Vocals: Ray Burns.
    Staff Arranger: Sid Lawrence.

      [ Stan Sheddon and His Playtimers ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1943 British Made film 'Playtime for Workers'.

      [ Horace Sheldon and his Band ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1935 British Made film and again in three 1936 films: 'King of Hearts', 'Shipmates of Mine', and in 'Melody of My Heart'

      [ Jack Simpson and his Sextette ]
Currently no information available. Band appeared in 1944 British Made film 'Strawberry Roan', and again in the 1947 picture 'Nothing Ventured'.

      [ Albert Sandler and His Orch. ], (20's)
Currently no information available.
Among his recordings are:
       "Listen to Liszt", part 1/Part 2, Albert Sandler and Orchestra Columbia FB1386
       "Dream Lover/My Love Parade", Albert Sandler and Orchestra Columbia DB92
       "The Kiss Waltz/Dancing With Tears In My Eyes", Albert Sandler and Orchestra Columbia DB320

[ Teddy Sinclair Orch. ]
Currently no information available. Please see our entry for the Orchester Teddy Sinclair, on the European Bands Database - Germany.

         [ The Savoy Orpheans ], (20's)
Here's an early magazine photo of Savoy Orpheans, on the bandstand.

  VIDEO: "I'm One Hundred Percent For You"  And here's 'The Savoy Orpheans' in the 1920s, with Frances Day vocal. (film clip: lenamai )

The band was formed in early 1923. The main attraction at London's famed Savoy Hotel had been Bert Ralton's Savoy Havana Band, and when Ralton left in late 1922 for an Australian tour, the band's violinist, Reginald Batten, became the leader. (Rudy Vallee was playing the Sax and Billy Mayerl was on the Piano). In 1923, due to the great popularity of the NY Havana Band, the Savoy decided to hire still another band - called The Savoy Orpheans - with Debroy Sommers as Leader. (Vallee was still on Sax but Billy Thorburn was on the piano. Carroll Gibbons was also in the new band). Now, both the New York Havana Band and The Savoy Orpheans bands were feature attractions at the Hotel.

  "When Erasmus Plays His Old Yazoo", (413 kb) played by the Savoy Orpheans orchestra.
  "What'll I Do", (566 kb), Played by the Savoy Orpheans. in 1924. (An Irving Berlin tune, composed for his wife who had just died. )

Here's another publicity photo, of the Savoy Orpheans posing for the camera. The text identifies the members as: (L - R)
    Tiny Stock
    Laurie Payne
    Bert Thomas
    L. Huntington
    George Hartley
    Frank Herbin
    Jean Zamblin
    Teddy Sinclair
    Billy Barton
    Cyril Hellier
    Max Goldberg
    Unknown
    Frank Guaranti
    Eddie Bare

These bands included many notable musicians and later band leaders. Somers left the Orpheans in 1926 with Newton becoming Leader. Carroll Gibbons became the Leader in 1927. The Orpheans ended their involvement with the Savoy in 1927 (along with the Savoy Havana Band), but in the early 1930s Howard Jacobs and Carroll Gibbons, as joint leaders, formed a band known as the Savoy Hotel Orpheans. The band was later lead by Gibbons alone, and his name became added to its title.
Many thanks to Mr. Brett Lowe for this contribution on the Savoy Orpheans.

      [ Paul Fenhoulhet & the Skyrockets ], (40's)
Here is a mini-album with some great photographs of the Skyrockets "in action". (The pictures are a little large, but well worth the wait.) First a publicity picture of the 'Brazilian Bombshell' Carmen Miranda, enjoying the company of the bandmembers. (That's trumpeter Les Lambert 2nd to the left of her -first row. Her left hand is possibly leaning of the shoulder of leader Woolf Phillips, brother of bandleader Syd Phillips.) Then, another well known bandleader Phil Harris, is feeling quite happy about leading a "good" band. (Les Lambert is at the far right of Phil, - who gave Les a pair of engraved cuff-links.) Here's a nice shot of comedian Danny Kaye, performing with the Skyrockets on stage. In this next photograph, we can see that even Royalty enjoyed listening to the Skyrockets at a 'command performance'. Following this, Paul Fenhoulhet, is seen leading his bosses, the 'owners' of the co-operative Skyrockets. (Trumpeter Les Lambert is again at the far right.) And, to close out this wonderful album of Skyrockets photographs, here is a full view of The Skyrockets, complete with their "boy and girl" vocalists.

The following notes are taken from a programme for a concert featuring The Skyrockets with Frank Sinatra, - Sunday, July 16th 1950 at The New Opera House, Blackpool.
"Although the original ten players of the Skyrockets volunteered for the R.A.F. with the object of being selected for the Military Band of No. 1 Balloon Centre, Kidbrooke, Kent, they were not enrolled as musicians. They had to qualify as tradesmen in Balloon Command before being able to settle down to their music, which came second to active service. The whole idea started when trumpeter Chick Smith, who, at the time, was with Syd Phillips at the Le Fuive Club in the West End of London, heard about the proposed military band at Kidbrooke. He visited Kidbrooke, where he discovered that first class musicians, who volunteered for the R.A.F. at once, would be directed to Kidbrooke as soon as they had completed their initial training. Chick spread the news among his friends and one by one ten of the finest British dance band musicians went along to the R.A.F. Recruiting Depot at Eltham Hill to enlist."

"Shortly before Christmas, 1940, Chick Smith, Paul Fenoulhet, Bill Apps, Alf Horton, Cliff Timms. lzzy Dunman, Jock Purvis and Pat Dodds were posted to Kidbrooke. Les Lambert and Jock Reid were erroneously sent elsewhere but arrived a few weeks later. All ten went into the Military Band of No. 1 Balloon Centre, conducted by Corporal George Beaumont, out of which, in February, 1941, emerged a twelve-piece dance orchestra, subsequently to he called the "Skyrockets," a title suggested by the Band Officer. "

"When Corporal Beaumont left Kidbrooke in June 1941, Paul Fenoulhet was elected his successor. While at Kidbrooke the Skyrockets did guards and fatigues and serviced the great silver balloons, which obstructed the approach of enemy aircraft. In December 1941, the Skyrockets went into the Army and Air Force radio show, "Ack-Ack, Beer-Beer" alternating with the Royal Artillery (Woolwich) Band every other week until February 1944. Their first public appearance was in the "Jazz Jamboree" - significantly at the London Palladium in September 1941, and their first Sunday concert took place at the Embassy Theatre, Bristol, in October 1941. But mostly they were called upon to entertain the troops in khaki and two shades of blue."

"North, South, East and West they travelled, rough and ready, perched on upturned boxes in bumping lorries, but counting it a privilege to brighten the off-duty hours of soldiers, sailors and airmen, sacrificing their own leisure to do so."

"All the "Skys" were demobilised within a month during the Autumn of 1945. They decided to stick together in "Civvy Street" and work as a co-operative band with Paul Fenoulhet as musical director and Les Lambert as manager. It was a very satisfactory scheme, which lasted with complete accord until November 1947, when Paul Fenoulhet resigned and Woolf Phillips. young trombonist brother of the famous bandleader Syd Phillips, was asked to become the leader of the Skyrockets. The Skyrockets of course continued to be a co-operative outfit consisting of twelve owner-players who divided equally all expenses and earnings. In April 1946, the band signed a much sought-after contract to open at the London Palladium in "High Time". So great was their success that they have played there ever since."
The BigBands Database thanks Mr. Bill Lambert, who graciously submitted both the above Programme Notes from the Skyrockets concert with Frank Sinatra, and the wonderful photographs. (Mr. Lambert is the son of Les Lambert who played trumpet with both Roy Fox and the Skyrockets)

      [ Hurricane Smith Orch. ]
Overview
Smith, born Norman Smith in 1923, named himself after the 1952 film "Hurricane Smith". His was one of the last English big bands formed duringthat era.

In time, he worked his way to the top of the recording ranks, where he worked with such groups as The Beatles and Pink Floyd. His career encompassed writing, composing, arranging, and singing. He not only sang on his million-seller "OH,BABE,WHAT WOULD YOU SAY", but also conducted the EMI-Capitol studio orchestra with strings and saxes.

      [ George Scott-Wood and The Six Swingers ]
b. 1903, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K., d. 1978
Another one of the UK's virtuoso accordionists, he was an extremely popular entertainer all during the late 1930s and 1940s. Scott-Wood led his own Jazz group 'The Six Swingers', while also working with several other ensembles. He is heard on some Zonophone recordings released between 1934 and 1940 with Sam Browne doing the vocals on many of them. His main 'competition' at the time were Primo Scala's Accordion Band, (actually Harry Bidgood's ensemble), Eric Winstone, and also The London Piano-Accordion Band, (led by Billy Reid and others at different times).

      [ Geoff Sowden's Orch. ], (1950's)
Currently no information on this mid-1950s band whose personnel included:
    Leader/Arranger/Trombone: Geoff Sowden
    Trumpet: Cyril Dackombe
    Saxes: Ron Annati, Garry Chevins
    Piano: Stan Butcher (also arranger)
    Bass: Dave Wood
    Drums: Trevor Glenroy
    Vocals: "Honey" Browne
At one time, Geoff played trombone with the 'Monty Sunshine Jazz Band'.

      [ The Squadronaires ], (40's)
Here's a photograph (date unknown) of a few of the Squadronaires, jamming away.

(Sergeant Jamie Deighton, in 2005, has recalled:) "The origins of the Squadronaires can be traced back to 1939, when a plan was put forward suggesting that experienced civilian musicians should be recruited into the Royal Air Force to form "morale maintaining" dance bands which would provide entertainment for the troops during wartime. These players would be expected to carry out normal duties throughout the day and entertain with dances and concerts in the evenings. The most famous of these bands was called "The Royal Air Force Dance Orchestra", better known as "The Squadronaires". Its members were some of the cream of the top London bands of that era. Their style was distinctive and rivaled the best American Bands. The line up of the band in the beginning saw Tommy McQuater and Archie Craig on trumpets; George Chisholm and Eric Breeze on trombones; Tom Bradbury, Harry Lewis, Jimmy Durrant and Andy McDevitt on saxophones; Ronnie Aldrich on piano, Sid Collin on guitar, Arthur Maden on bass and Jock Cummings on drums. The leader and vocalist was Jimmy Miller."

(Trumpeter Ron Simmonds has recalled.) During W.W.11 many musicians, as well as others from all walks of life, found themselves in uniform. In an attempt to entertain themselves and their fellows, some formed into Military Dance Bands. They took on service oriented names, and some became very popular. One such group, 'The Squadronaires', became the best known. As the name suggests the band was made up of members of The R.A.F. and were originally drawn from the sidemen of (Bert) Ambrose's Band. In private correspondence, Ron Simmonds (trumpet) has advised that - "For most of the war up to 1945, the line-up consisted of:
    Tommy McQuater, Archie Craig, Clinton ffrench (trumpets)
    George Chisholm, Eric Breeze (trombones)
    Tommy Bradbury, Harry Lewis, Jimmy Durrant, Andy McDevitt, Cliff Townshend (father of Peter Townshend of 'The Who') (saxes)
    Ronnie Aldrich (piano)
    Sid Colin (guitar)
    Arthur Maden (bass and manager)
    Jock Cummings (drums)
    Jimmy Miller (leader, vocals)
In 1945, Jimmy Watson (trumpet) replaced Clinton "Froggy" ffrench
Monty Levy (alto) replaced Harry Lewis (husband of Vera Lynn).

"The "Squads" werE often sent to new and remote places to entertain the troops, but they still found time to make recordings and broadcasts. They were regularly voted Best British Dance Band and in one memorable review in The Melody Maker on the 18th January 1941, they were described as having given "the greatest dance band performance that has ever been broadcast this side of the Atlantic"."

In 1946 RAF Music Services started to lose personnel, but the members of the "RAF Dance Orchestra" decided to stay together under their unofficial title of 'The Squadronaires', and quickly re-established themselves as one of Britain's leading dance orchestras.

(Again trumpeter Ron Simmonds has recalled.) After the war the band continued with the inevitaible personnel changes. In 1950 Rommie Aldrich took over as leader, though he had been arranger and co-piano player with Miller. The band was now billed as Ronnie Aldrich and the Squadronaires. Ron Simmonds (trumpet), who was in the 1952 band, gives the line-up then as:
    Ron Simmonds, Gracie Cole, Archie Craig (trumpets);
    Ric Kennedy, Bill Geldard (trombones);
    Cliff Townshend, Monty Levy, Andy McDevitt, Cyril Reubens, Ken Kiddier (saxes);
    Don Innes (piano); Andy Reavely (bass); Tommy Cairns (drums)
    Roy Edwards, Andy Reavely (vocals)
    Ronnie Aldrich (leader)
    Gracie Cole and her husband Bill Geldard were later replaced by Terry Lewis (tpt) and Johnny Keating (tromb.)

By 1955, the personnel had changed. In private corespondence, Mr. Frank Connolly (serving in the RAF at the time), whose father, LAC Thomas P. Connolly, 1542964 RAF, was in either Bolton or Manchester when the band was on tour. Thomas managed to get the autographs of the bandsmen.

The autographs of the 1955 band personel, Famed trumpeter Ron Simmonds, who also served with the band, has recalled both the correct spelling of the names, and the instruments played.
1955 Squadronaires Orchestra, with Ronnie Aldrich, leader.
    Charlie Rowlands, Trumpet
    Johnny Lamb, Trumpet
    Archie Craig, Trumpet
    Bernie Sharp, Trumpet
    Brian Perrin, Trombone
    Ralph Jenner, Trombone
    Jack Sprague, Tenor Sax
    Don Pashley, Tenor Sax
    Cyril Reubens, Baritone Sax.
    Lew Warburton, Alto Sax
    Cliff Townshend, Alto Sax
    Syd Dale, Piano
    Tommy Cairns, Drums
    Andy Reavely, Bass/Voalist

They continued until their 1964 disbanding.

"It was not until 1985 that a plan was put forward to form a new "big band" within the RAF Music Services using the title of "The Royal Air Force Squadronaires". Ex-members of the Squadronaires were contacted and all were thrilled that current-serving members of "The Central Band of the Royal Air Force" wished to resurrect the band using this coveted title. Subsequently, approval for the use of the name was granted by the Ministry of Defence. The official inauguration of the Royal Air Force Squadronaires took place at RAF Uxbridge on the 8th January 1987, attended by many of the original Squadronaires members. Poignantly, Sgt. Jimmy Miller conducted and sang the band's celebrated theme tune "There's Something in The Air". Links with the original Squadronaires are still alive today, as the last surviving member of the band, trumpet player Tommy McQuater, still attends some of the more local gigs to lend his support for the band. This band recorded albums such as Big Band Spectacular and Wartime Memories."

"Under its present Leader Sgt Jamie Deighton the band has assembled a repertoire that reflects its style and versatility, from the original dance band classics to the latest big band sounds. They became the first military Big Band to play in the world famous "Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club" in London last May and they will be playing there again at the end of this year (2005). They have performed for HRH the Prince of Wales at Highgrove House supporting Pop Idol winner Will Young and most recently with another pop idol finalist Zoe Burkett. They were featured in last year's (2004) Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, also backing Will Young. They were also invited to play at the celebrated Big Band World weekend at Pontins Holiday Camp in Blackpool alongside The Andy Prior Big Band, and are being featured at a similar event at Sand Bay, Weston-Super-Mare Easter 2005.

"The band has recently performed at the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival in August 2004, and appeared on the T.V. as part of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The band performs the majority of its concerts for charity, and has recently (2004) completed an eight date tour of the South East raising a considerable amount of money for The Royal Air Force Association. The bands last CD was recorded some eighteen months ago and is titled, "Flying Home: The Royal Air Force Squadronaires". It is a mixture of old big band classics such as; "Apple Honey", "Skyliner", "April in Paris" to more contemporary pieces such as, "West Side Story" ( Buddy Rich ) and "Love for Sale". Their latest CD is a tribute to Count Basie and is called "Doin Basie's Thing". It features tracks such as "Cute", "Tickle Toe", "Come Fly with Me", "Norwegian Wood" and many more. It is played regularly on BBC Radio 2, Sunday Night with Malcolm Laycock show. Some of there forthcoming (2005) engagements include a series of concerts along side one of Britain's most favourite swing drummers Eric Delaney, a V.E. Day celebration concert in the Bridgewater Hall Manchester and another trip back to the world famous Ronnie Scott's club in London."

"With various engagements in major London hotels such as "The Dorchester", it has certainly been a busy time for "The Royal Air Force Squadronaires" and their reputation for making tremendous music is once again on the increase, just as its namesake during the war." Here are a couple of photos of the Squads in Jersey, and here they are aboard an Aircraft Carrier. (Both photos are courtesy of Sgt. Jamie Deighton.)

"(In 2005) The Royal Air Force Squadronaires" are not just a thing of the past, but are alive and well and living at RAF Uxbridge."
This Squadronaires entry was graciously contributed by Sergeant Jamie Deighton, a member of the "Central Band of the RAF", and also the leader (Feb. 2005) of "The Royal Air Force Squadronaires Big Band". Further contributions were made by Mr. Frank Connolly, Mr. Derrick Wilkinson, and editing by famed trumpeter Mr. Ron Simmonds.

      [ The Staritas ], (1920's)
The Starita brothers, drummer/xylphonist/leader Rudy, clarinetist/leader Ray, and clarinetist/leader/vocals Armand ("Al"), and the youngest brother Julio (piano/sax), were of Italian-American heritage, who circa 1920, formed an orchestra in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. (At the time, Boston had a very large Italian immigrant population.)

About 1922-'23, Al and Ray emigrated to England, where they found work with the very popular Savoy Orpheans. In the Great Britain of the 1920s - '30s, all the Starita brothers were very popular musicians. As early as November 1923, they can be heard playing on the 'Savoy Havana Band', recordings.

It is interesting to note that in the London of the 1920s, there was a small band of American ex-patriate Jazzmen, and younger British musicians in love with American Jazz. Many of the sidemen in the early British Jazz orchestra came from this 'pool' of talent. In this fashion, while the actual makeup of various orchestras could change somewhat from time to time, they all came from the same pool. It this way, if, say for a particular recording date, the violinist, or drummer or whosever, had a previous appointment, he was simply replaced briefly by another member of "the group". It was exactly the same in America. This accounts for the minor differences one encounters when seeing variations in band personnel on various recordings, etc.

Al Starita:
During the 1925-'27 period, Al, and his 'Kit Cat Club Band' were playing some of the finest British commercial Jazz of the mid-1920s. He was actually leading a Jack Hylton band, which also recorded as "Jack Hylton's Kit-Cat Band" (see photo below), and as "Jack Hylton's Hyltonians", but it was Al who was in charge and did the actual musical direction.

The April 1926 issue of England's famed Melody Maker magazine carried this interesting, and historically significant, photo of Al Starita's Kit Cat Club Band. 'The personnel are left to right are Tom Smith, Sid Bright, Alf Field, Eric Little, Al Starita, Jim Kelleher, Edwin Knight, Ted Heath, George Smith and Len Fillis'. Al Starita is front-center holding the cat, and do notice the very young Ted Heath, - third from the right.

By 1928, Al was already leading his own band at London's Piccadilly Hotel. It was the same band that his brother Ray had been leading for the previous year. Al added a brass section, and the band recorded some fine "hot" dance records. Among the bandsmen were Sylvester Ahola (trumpet), Ben Oakley (trombone), Nat Star, Perley Breed & George Smith (reeds), and Eddie Gross Bart (vocals).

Sometime in the mid-1930s, Al returned to his hometown of Boston Massachusetts, USA, where he would remain. He again led his own band which played mostly in local Boston area venues, but did occasionally get down to New York City, - especially to play at the famed 'Roseland Ballroom'. During the WW2 years, many of the younger musicians were drafted in the US armed forces, and Al found work playing in various USO toruing shows, and in the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey bands. He also played with the Carmen Cavallero orchestra. Al eventually settled in Palm Beach, Florida, remaining there until his] demise.

Ray Starita:
The August 1930 edition of 'Rhythm' magazine, published this photo of Ray Starita Orch., then appearing at the famous 'Kit Cat' Club. Ray is standing in front of the band, while that's brother Rudy behind the drums. The accompanying text said that Ray's band had taken over when the Ted Lewis orchestra left. The band personnel were listed as
     Ray Starita, Leader/Tenor sax
     Rudy Starita, drums/xylophone/vibraphone soloist
     Harry Jacobson, piano (late Berkely Hotel)
     Arthur Calkin, bass
     George Oliver, banjo and guitars
     Bert Wilson, trumpet
     "Nobby" Knight, trumpet
     Leslie Carew, guitar
     Jean Pine, violin.

The 1930 article continued "We expect that Ray and Rudy will continue their recording for Columbia." "Brother Al, they tell us, is doing very well in America, and at the present time is leading his own band at a resort."

During 1927-'28, a Jack Hylton orchestra played at London's prestigious Piccadilly Hotel's 'Revels' cabaeret. Hylton put Ray, then 22 years old, in charge of his "Piccadilly Revels Band". Besides Ray playing his tenor sax, patrons would also hear Eric Siday on violin and Donald Thorne on piano.

During 1928-'30, Hylton's orchestra was playing at London's Ambassador Club, and, here's a publicity photo showing Ray leading "Jack Hylton's Ambassador Club Orch.". While the band was billed as "Jack Hylton's Ambassador Club Band directed by Ray Starita", it was Ray who actually did the musical direction as well as writing the band's arrangements, - some of which were also written by Lew Stone. Here's a photo, from the August 1930 edition of 'Rhythm Magazine' (England) showing Ray Starita's Kit Cat Club Orchestra. In the center of the photo is Ray's brother, Rudy Starita, who played drums, xylophone and vibraphone. Unfortunately, the article did not assign names to the photo, but did state the members of the band included (besides Ray on tenor sax), pianist Harry Jacobson, bassist Arthur Calkin, George Oliver on banjo and guitar, Bert Wilson and Nobby Knight on trumpets, Leslie Carew on trombone and Jean Pine on violin.

Rudy Starita
Rudy had been playing in this brothers orchestras. During WW2, when most male musicians were serving in the Armed Forces, Rudy, then still resident in Britain, led an 'All-Girl' orchestra. Not long after the war's end (late 1940s), he emigrated back to America, becoming resident in Palm Beach, Florida where he first opened an antique shop. Rudy, and his drummer son, Michael, occasionally played with his brother Al's band (Al had also returned to the US). He later found work as a stockbroker in Denver, Colorado (the town in which he died).

Julio Starita
The youngest of the brothers was resident in the U.S.A until ca. 1933 when he left for Britain where he played in brother Al's orchestra. He then found work in an orchestra that was resident in a Johannesburg, So. Africa hotel for a couple of years. After that, he returned to America.

      [ Lew Stone & his Orch ], (1930's)
Pianist. b. London, 1898 d. Feb. 13, 1969 age 71
Lew's career is a long and illustrious one. He started recording for the Duophone company, as early as 1929. He had one of England's best and most popular bands from 1932 on, through World War II and into the '50's. The band was equally at home playing lovely ballads or Jazz. Ray Noble drew most of his recording musicians from Stone; - Al Bowlly, was star vocalist in both bands. Plenty of Decca and Regal-Zonophone 78s by the Stone band.

One of Stone's 1933 bands had sidemen such as: Ernest Ritte, Albert Harris, Jim Easton, Monia Liter, Harry Berly, Tiny Winters, Joe Ferrie, Joe Crossman, Lew Davis, Nat Gonella and ALfie Noakes.

There's an interesting sidenote to big band history, now largely forgotten. Every vocalist with the early bands was a Male. Males even sang lyrics that were meant for a woman to sing. It took a long time for the bands to admit women into their ranks, both as singers and players. In England, Lew Stone pioneered the use of female band vocalists when he hired Ella Logan to do the vocalizing.

Lew's career really started with his first professional job as pianist with Bert Ralston's band. His scores for Ralston's band were so inventive that he was soon recognized as one of the best arrangers of his day. From 1927 on, he wrote many scores for Ambrose's book. In 1931, he joined the Roy Fox band. When Roy became ill, a few months later, Lew found himself the band's de facto leader and arranger. The Monseigneur Restaurant asked him to form his own band, and Lew opened at the Monseigneur on Oct. 24, 1932, as 'Lew Stone and the Monseigneur Band'. Listen now to "I Can't Write The Words", as recorded by 'Lew Stone and the Monseigneur Band' with Al Bowlly singing. Stone stayed there until 1933.

And, - while we in the Monseigneur Club, let's watch 'Lew Stone's featured guitarist and singer, Al Bowlly singing   "The Very Thought Of You"   Monia Litter is the excellent pianist, and the the song was written by British composer-bandleader Ray Noble. (Pathetone film clip: twiddlybobby).

In Nov 1933, he moved to the Cafe Anglais for four months, returning to the Monseigneur until the summer of '34, when the restaurant was sold to become a cinema. In the Autumn of '33, Lew lost Al Bowlly and Bill Harty, both of whom left him to join Ray Noble in going to the U.S.

In this same period, 1931 to 1935, Lew was also the MD of British National Company and Dominion FIlms, where he worked on some 40 films. The band made personal appearances in some of them.

In 1934, he left Decca and signed with Regal Zonophone Records. One year later Lew returned to Decca recording for them into the 40's. On Feb 14, 1935, Stone's band opened at the Hollywood Restaurant, and did some theater work also. In early '36, a smaller band was resident at London's Cafe de Paris, remaining until July 31, 1937. Also in Oct 1936, Stone became MD for the London production of the Rodgers and Hart musical "On Your Toes". In 1938, he was working in films and was MD for the show "Hide and Seek".

In one of Lew's 1938 broadcasts, Al Bowlly was featured on vocals. Bowlly had just had an operation on his vocal chords, but fortunately for the world, his voice had not been affected. Bowlly took part in broadcasts with Stone until shortly before his death in 1941.

In April 1938, Stone took a 12 piece band into the Trianon Restaurant. In Sept of 1938, he again went into the Cafe de Paris leading a 9 piece band, which was frequently heard on remote broadcasts.

Listen now to the Lew Stone orchestra (all ca. 1938) playing a few tunes including "(Ooh Ooh Ooh) What a Little Moonlight Can Do", all with vocal by Al Bowlly. Another nice spritely dance number was "You Couldn't Be Cuter", and a dreamy romantic ballad. "How Could We Be Wrong"

During March 1939, Lew directed the pit orchestra at London's Palace Theatre, conducting for the Jack Hulbert musical 'Under Your Hat.' A little later, in l940, he also provided the music for the film version of that show, which included such stars as Jack Hulbert, Cicely Courtneidge, and Glynis Johns. He now became quite involved with the film industry during the remaining couple of years of the 1930s. His music was heard in feature films as well as some "Shorts". Two of his most popular productions were 'Melody and Romance', with Margaret Lockwood and Arthur Tracy ("the Street Singer" - who passed away in early 2000), and 'Kicking the Moon Around', starring American Film beauty Maureen O'Hara. And, his music was heard in - of all things - a film featuring Ambrose and his Orchestra. From October 1938 throughout 1939, he was Musical Director for the show "Under Your Hat", starring Jack Buchanan.

From 1940 through 1942, Stone played the Dorchester Hotel - Park Lane, with a 7 piece group that he lead on the "Novachord". But for his BBC broadcasts (and Decca label recording sessions), he led a larger band with a small jazz group called the Stonecrackers. For the war years, he formed, in 1942, a large band that toured military camps, ballrooms and theaters.

Alan Kane was Lew's regular vocalist during this period. But it is interesting to note that Lew often designated a vocal refrain to one of the band's sidemen, instead of the band's regular singer. In this way, audiences often heard Tiny Winters (string bass), Joe Ferrie (trombone), and Alfie Noakes (trumpet) vocalizing. Another anomaly was the appearance of the very prolific American tunesmith/singer, Al Hoffman, who arrived in England from the USA in 1934, and who also sang with the band. Other vocalists included 'The Radio Three', Sam Browne, Brian Lawrence, and Sam Costa (whom Maurice Winnick had converted from a pianist to a vocalist). Stanley Black, was a member of the 1935 band and provided many of the wonderful musical scores.

After WW2, in Jan. 1945, Lew formed a 9 piece band, called the Novatones. In Oct. 1945, Lew returned to London, playing the Embassy Club. The years 1947 to 1949 saw him leading the pit orchestra for the hit show "Annie Get Your Gun".

From Aug '48 on, Lew was broadcasting with a large band, which went on thouogh most of the 50's. From 1951 - 1953 Stone played London's Pigalle Restaurant. He played Oddenino's Restaurant until May 1955. For next 3 years, he played the Mecca ballrooms in the North of England and Glasgow.

In 1959 through 1967, Lew led a Sextet that was often heard on the air. But his career was winding down, and his main activities were now devoted to his booking agency.

Lew was never influenced by the "upper class" patrons of the clubs where he worked. He was always acutely aware of the differences between these patrons and the average citizen, and he remained an ardent Socialist throughout his life. He was always well respected by other musicians.

      [ Victor Sylvester Orch. ]
'Victor Sylvester's Ballroom Orchestra' was one of the leading dance band of the 1940s era. A reader has sent this joint photo of the Victor Sylester and Roy Demond orchestras , then playing ca. 1948-'51, in the Regal Ballroom, in Ammanford. (Photo was attributed to Mr. Ivor Davies of Ammanford, England.) The Desmond orchestra is standing in the back row, while the seated men are the Sylvester Orchestra. And, here's a close-up of Victor Sylvester on an album cover.

Victor Sylvester's early career was as a world champion exhibition dancer, who was also teaching ballroom dancing with his sister Gwen. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, there was a lack of good dance recordings that featured a constant tempo, something Sylvester needed for his dance studio. Most of the studios used a rather simple hand-wound phonograph to play recordings. With characteristic verve, Sylvester assembled a few musicians and made his own recording featuring songs with the pronounced beat so needed by dancers. Soon, other dance instructors were buying his records. Among his releases were "Ballroom Dancing with Victor Silvester & His Ballroom Orchestra", and "Dancing On My Heart".

It should bekept in mind. that Sylvester was recording music for dancing enjoyment... not necessarily for listening enjoyment. So that few (if any) of his recordings had a vocalist (words were not needed...the 'beat' was important). Listen now to the Victor Sylvester Orchestra playing an uptempo dance number "The Lady Is A Tramp", and then a dreamy waltz, "Mexicali Rose", and another nice dance tempo tune, "Rosalie"

Interestingly, he also authored the book "Victor Sylvester's Modern Ballroom Dancing." From there, Sylvester formed his own Jazz orientated orchestra, that included such stars as Tommy McQuater and George Chisolm.

It was an extremely popular orchestra, with loyal fans throughout the U.K. Victor Sylvester holds the record for the longest running weekly BBC radio program with his show that ran continuously for 25 years. The band was heard on the "Beeb" all through the World War 2 years. Then, -continued as the first ever television dance program on TV.

      [ Harry South Orch. ], (50's)
Harry South played piano. Band performed at the Festival Hall at least once in the early 60's - had Tubby Hayes on sax. Also backed George Fame in the 1960s.
Thanks to Mr. Keith Horner for this entry on Harry South.

      [ The Tommy Sampson Orch. ]
b. 1918, Scotland
Billed as: "Twenty Mighty Men"
Instruments: trumpet/vocals/arranger
Sampson worked, in both his early and his later life, with the Salvation Army, and it is probable that he received much of his musical training with that organization. (Chilton reports that he was playing in the Salvation Army band during his early childhood.)

In 1939, Sampson joined the British Army and saw action in North Africa, before being captured by Italian forces at the Battle of Tobruk. He led the POW Camp orchestra, and in 1945 was re-patriated to Scotland, where he then led the Scottish Command Dance Orchestra until his service discharge in June 1946.

Sampson formed his first band on Jan 23, 1947, which lasted until ill health forced him to disband in Dec. 1949. During that time, he toured Britain, playing at various Ballroom venues, and also toured the continent (Germany and Italy). All through the late 1940s Sampson's principal arranger was Edwin Holland (1923-92). In private correspondence, Mr Ron Simmonds, trumpet chair with Tommy Sampson, has noted that "Sampson didn't play out-and-out jazz arrangements. His library contained mostly standard tunes, but brilliantly arranged by Edwin Holland, an accordion player from Midlothian. The Sampson Orchestra first broadcast on the BBC in January 1947, and last in December 1949. No commercial recordings. Sampsons' was possibly the most swinging band in Britain until recently (and, in my opinion, the Pete Cater band now holds that honour; - with scores by Frank Griffith.)"

"One sees Sampson musicians again and again in later bands. (Johnny Keating later went to Hollywood, where he scored several films, amongst them Arthur Haley's Hotel.) Most of the sidemen ended up in the London sessions world. That's one of the few bands I've been really proud to work with."

By the late 1940s, the Big Band Era had already come to a close (it was a 10 year phenomenon - say 1935-1945), and in the early 1950s, Tommy worked variously as a song plugger/arranger with London based music publishers; sang with the George Mitchell Choir, and then with 'The Sapphires' until the Spring of 1954. Returning to Scotland, he reformed a band that was active into the 1990s, mainly in the Glasgow area. In addition, much of his time was again devoted to Salvation Army activities. In 1992, a Bio-discography of Tommy Sampson, written by Tony Middleton, was published.

Ron Simmonds has noted that "the personnel changed frequently, but biggest band, with 9 brass, lasted from 1947 to 1948 and consisted of:"
    "Stan Reynolds, Duncan Campbell, Alec MacGregor, Cyril Narbeth, Ron Simmonds, (trumpets)
    Ralph Hutchinson, Andy Young, Bill Paxton, Clare Walsh (trombones)
    George Hunter, Lew Warburton, Henry MacKenzie, Joe Temperley, Jimmy Waugh (saxes)
    Dave Simpson (piano); Sammy Stokes (bass); Terry Walsh (guitar); Dougie Cooper (drums)
    Jean Miller (vocal); Edwin Holland (arranger); Tommy Sampson (trumpet, director)"

Sampson's first personnel change in August 1948 had:
    Charlie Evans, Mike Asher, Chick Norton, Stan Hibbert (trumpets)
    Johnny Keating, Ken Goldie, Wally Smith, Jack Wilson (trombones)
    Charlie Payne, Mike Senn, Henry MacKenzie, Joe Temperley, Jimmy Simmons (saxes)
    Andy Dennitts (piano); Johnny Hawkesworth (bass); Dougie Coope (drums)
    Rosemary Squires (vocal)"

Sampson's second personnel change in December 1948 had:
    Ron Simmonds, Ted Brennan, Pete Pitterson, Terry Lewis (trumpets)
    Johnny Keating, Jimmy Wilson, Jack Wilson, Tommy Cook (trombones)
    Charlie Payne, Bill Skeat, Henry MacKenzie, Danny Moss, Jimmy Simmons (saxes)
    Andy Dennitts (piano); Terry Walsh (guitar); Sammy Stokes (bass); Dougie Cooper (drums)
    Lynda Russell (vocal)"
The BigBands Database Plus thanks Ron Simmonds for contributing this information on Tommy Sampson's orchestra.

[ Skyliners Dance Band ]
This wonderful band was formed at Catterick army base in 1945 with founding members Bobby Pratt, Alan Braden, Alan Blomerly & Doug Winser, -all of whom were in the signal corps. In time, other members of the band came from various units and bands around the base. The line up did vary at times, however, the usual full band was as follows:
    Trumpets: Bobby Pratt, Alan Moorhouse, Doug Gray.
    Saxes -Altos: Alan Braden, Charlie Gregory
    Saxes -Tenors: Johnnie Barnet, Bob Archer
    Saxes -Baritone: Ron Pinney
    Trombones: Johnny Keating, Charlie Messenger, Reg Paton
    Piano: Alan Blomerly
    Drums: Pete Bray
    Bass: Doug Winser
    Guitar: Ron Smith
    Vocals: Peter Cunningham