Jimmy Beeson was a jazz pianist who worked with both Ray and Jack Harrison. In 1950 Marcia Chayter took piano lessons with him. Jimmy Beeson also worked at Wyper-Howards music store, downstairs in central Hay Street.
AROUND PERTH in 1948 WITH HARRY BLUCK
PERTH RADIO STATIONS USING MORE BANDS
AND LIVE ARTIST SESSIONS
Quick survey of local musicians currently airing programmes in Perth shows what a keen interest is being shown by local radio stations, both national and commercial, in presenting “flesh and blood” shows, especially by members of the dance band fraternity. Here are where a few of our leading “outfits” can be heard over the local ether. Sammy Sharp’s Band (featuring a 15 piece combination) and vocalist Peter Boyd are prominent each Thursday evening over station 6PR with a Band Presentation and “Talent Quest” show. Over the same network from Perth town Hall, Chris Gosper and his “Music for Moderns” are relayed from their weekly midday sessions, which have proved a huge success, and shows signs of developing into something really big. From the same network come many other “live” shows including pianist Warrick Lever, Henry Cochrane and Jimmy Beeson. George Hay and his “Hawaiians”, Billy Barnes’ Hill Billys, Accordionist Harry Bluck, saxophonist Jack Pateman.
On the Nationals the weekly show features the “Rhythmettes”, a novelty outfit led by Harry Bluck, while the Jackie Harrison Quintette and Emil also give occasional broadcasts, not forgetting of course, soloist Henry Cochrane. Quick roundup of the other stations tells us of a weekly Sunday Show by the “400 Swingtette” over 6KY, where Chris Gosper and Ralph St. Clair play solo piano sessions, while a prominent Hill Billy movement is also aired by this station.
Theatre May Use More Music – News that Sammy Sharp’s Thursday night broadcasts shift into the Ambassador’s Theatre as part of the programme etc, may mean the thin end of the wedge for some other houses to follow suit and gradually reintroduce more musicians into local theatres. From observation it appears that Perth picture houses are not doing terrific business mid week. Perhaps some really good musical acts and support may be the answer, as indications from the other side of the show business points to outstanding houses for all flesh-and-blood performances.
The Jazz Jamboree
Already the bands concerned in this year’s “Jazz Jamboree” are working on their numbers for this colossal programme which shows every promise of superseding last year’s magnificent turn out. The bands listed to appear so far are – Merv Rowston’s, Jack Harrison’s, Ron Jenkin’s, A Jazz Group, Bill Kirkham’s, Chris Gosper’s and Sammy sharp’s bands. This year a box plan will be opened and so it is hoped to avoid the terrific crush and queuing that took place last year – the queue was four deep, entirely encircling a complete city block – and was there for a couple of hours in pouring rain. Also – at last – proceeds from this year’s Jamboree go to the Musician’s own Benevolent Fund. [1]
From Marcia’s diary: PIANO LESSONS with MARCIA CHAYTER:
Friday 13th January 1950 Jack – 8pm Mt Lawley Tennis Club
Had interview with Jimmy Beeson about learning piano – have arranged to go for lessons at 1.30pm on Fridays. went to Mount Lawley (Tennis Club Dance). Had a luscious time. Came home with Jack.
MARCIA: Friday 27th January 1950
Went to music. Jimmy Beeson played “Can’t Get Started” for me. Went to Mount Lawley (Tennis Club Dance) with Anne and Judy. Ray (Harrison) told me good news of Jack. Did ¾ of an hour practise in the morning.
MARCIA: Friday 24th February 1950
Went to work feeling a bit better. Went to Mount Lawley (Tennis Club Dance) late with Anne and Jim. Jimmy Beeson gave me “Sally”
MARCIA: Friday 3rd March
Music lesson – Jimmy Beeson gave me “Ida”. Went to the Embassy (Ballroom) with Jack and gang and had a luscious time
MARCIA: Friday 17th March 1950
Went to music – Jim Beeson gave me “Blue Room”. Bought some grey material for a skirt.
MARCIA: Thursday 13th April 1950
Practise. Went to beach with Jack and Colin Hicks down there. Went for music lesson – Jim Beeson gave me “Sorento”.
MARCIA: Thursday 20th April 1950
Went to night school then to music. Jimmy Beeson gave me “Deed I Do”.
MARCIA: Thursday 27th April 1950
Jack came to see me at work. Went to night school and music. Jimmy Beeson started me on sixths and tenths.
MARCIA: Thursday 18th May 1950
Night school. Music Jim Beeson gave me “Sunny side”.
REHEARSAL FOR SAMMY SHARP’S JAZZ FANTASIA
Saturday September 16 1950 (photo) from left to right: Jack Harrison, Jim Beeson, Betty Wittaker, Sammy Sharp and Keith Whittle. [2]
Sunday, October 1st 1950 – CAPITOL THEATRE Y.A.L. Presents
“JAZZ FANTASIA” With SAMMY SHARP and his 25-piece Jazz Symphony Orchestra.
Comperes; TERRY SCANLAN, compere Ice Follies (by courtesy David N. Martin, Mgr. Dr. Tiv. Circuit Aust. Pty. Ltd.); PETER HARRISON (by courtesy A.B.C.).
Guest Artists Include- LOUISE D’ARCY. Soloist of “London Fantasia”: Jackie Harrison in “Clarinet Concerto” and Betty Whittaker, Bryn Gifford, Phyllis Prost, Jimmy Beeson. SAMMY SHARP will be featured in Harry James’s arrangement of “Concerto for Trumpet.” Prices 5/ 4/ 3/ plus tax. Box plan at Nicholsons. [3]
SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 1951 – CAPITOL THEATRE – JAZZ JAMBOREE
Featuring 12 of Perth’s Leading Dance Bands: Jazzstars, Cliff Adams, Norm Wrightson, Merv Rowston, Ron Jenkins, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Bill Kirkham, Peter Clinch, Ken Murdoch, Jack Harrison, Sammy Sharpe. Booking Opens at Nicholsons. Friday 19th October 1951. [4]
Sunday October 26th 1952 – Jazz Jamboree – DANCE BAND FANS!
BOOK EARLY And Avoid Disappointment for the JAZZ JAMBOREE, CAPITOL THEATRE
SAMMY SHARP, HARRY BLUCK, MERV ROWSTON, KEN MURDOCH, BILL KIRKHAM, JACKIE HARRISON, THE JAZSTARS, NORM WRIGHTSON, RON JENKINS, JIMMY BEESON, COLIN HICKS, CLIFF ADAM
Tickets 4/- BOX PLAN NOW OPEN AT NICHOLSONS
PERTHONALITIES OF THE 1952 JAZZ JAMBOREE
A blind pianist who triumphed over adversity; a printer whose favourite pie is jazz; a master musician who cooks for the gang; a tailor who suits his leisure with swing; a mechanic and speedcar driver who likes a sax on the mill and a refrigeration expert who hots it up on percussion. They are some of Perth’s Jazz personalities. One has played with Spike Jones banjoist in a duo, others have sat in with world names. Their technique is world class — but to most it’s Just the cream of their bread and jam. By day they work but by night they become stars in the Spotlight. Last Sunday night nearly 2500 people jammed the Capitol Theatre for the 6th annual Jazz Jamboree. Many stayed until midnight to listen to 12 topline Perth combinations give out with music that ranged from the Glen Miller big band arrangements to the bop of small combinations. This is the story of some of the men who made that jazz music— not only the leaders, but the lesser known names who made up those bands.
Keith Whittle, drummer with Jimmy Beeson‘s combination, first began playing percussion instruments in a small way when he was 3. Whittle became a band leader in his own right at the age of 10. He organised an outfit at the Mt. Hawthorn School — two paper and comb experts, a mouth organ, tin whistle and a set of drums consisting of kerosene tins and bottles filled with water. It proved a great success with the other pupils but was rather frowned upon by the more conservative teachers. Not disheartened, Keith graduated from the tin can era and a few years later joined Chris Gosper’s Australian All Stars. When this combination went overseas he became a free-lance drummer with a number of Perth bands. Now employed by one of Perth’s leading music stores, Keith Whittle is a recognised authority on jazz records. His favourite drummer — Gene Krupa.
Less than half a dozen of those who took part in the Jamboree are professional musicians who earn a full-time living at the game. They follow a variety of occupations and have a variety of interests out side their music.
These are some of the boys who have made the 1952 Jazz Jamboree an outstanding success year after year. That they have achieved their objective of bringing real jazz to Perth people is shown by the tremendous success of these concerts. For many of them who play semi – professionally and work at other jobs during the daytime it has meant many sacrifices. Some of the combinations who played last Sunday spent 6 or 7 months rehearsing for the big night. But: ‘Once you have tasted the thrill of the bandstand there is no turning back,’ said one of them. [5]
Thursday 27 August 1953 – NOTES ON THE DANCE BANDS
The Inkspots, not the famed coloured outfit, but a group of well-known business, sporting and musical folk who usually gather at popular Clive McMillan’s home, held a ladies’ night at the Continental, Claremont, on Thursday last. Guests included the following: Clive McMillan, Steve McHenry, Murray Church, Merv Rowston, Morry Maurice, Cliff Adam, Jim Beeson, Wally Hadley, Roy Delamere, Reg Benjamin, Jack and Jill Harrison, Johnny Mowson, Dr. Willington, Cyril Bird and Reg North. Mine host Harry Ward entertained on the banjo and joined the boys on trombone in several jam sessions. [6]
SUNDAY 27 JUNE 1954 – JAZZ AT THE CAPITOL – TEN TOP BANDS TO BEAT OUT JAZZ
That Jazzbo Collins quip ‘Be you round, be you square, it’s guaranteed to curl your hair,’ could well be applied to tomorrow’s ‘Jazz at the Capitol.’ Perth fans have always rushed these shows and judging by the crowd round the box office during the week this one will be no exception. Ten of Perth’s top bands will get together to boost the Wendy Nash Appeal. And in the midst of all this jazz Wendy herself will take the spotlight and play a couple of classical numbers— Clare de Lune (Debussy) end Khatchachurian (Toccato). Organiser Harry Bluck says that though these compositions are definitely in the classical sphere he is sure they will go across well with the jazz lovers. Listed for the program are the Harry Bluck Sextette, Ray Le Cornu’s Band, Cliff Adams’ Sextette, The Jazstars, Jack Harrison’s Quartette, Norm Wrightson’s Band, the Jimmy Beeson Group and Merv Rowsten’s Band. Popular trumpeter Sammy Sharp will be sitting in with Merv. All these outfits, with the exception of Merv Rowston, will play 3 numbers. He will present his own arrangement, ‘Merv’s Music in the Modern Manner.’ Ray Le Cornu’s Band will give out with ‘Tuxedo Junction,’ made famous by the mighty Glen Miller Orchestra. It will be interesting to see how he puts this number across. Also on Ray’s list is the ‘Woodchoppers’ Ball,’ old favourite of which Woody Herman made such a great recording.
King’s Park dance-goers know what a terrific job Jackie Harrison makes of the ‘Golden Wedding.’ The hall comes to a standstill when Jackie gets up on the stool to extract those last few high notes from the liquorice stick.
Ron Jenkins has built a great reputation with his top class music and comic acts. Ron and his quartette will serve up ‘Crazy Man Crazy’— guaranteed to make everyone ‘go mad.’ Norm Wrightson has a certain touch of class about his presentations. He gets a beautiful tone out of his clarinet — which should be well to the fore. His selections are all numbers played by Benny Goodman groups —’I Got Rhythm.’ ‘South of the Border’ and ‘Undecided.’
Those who were at the Jazz Jamboree last, November will no doubt remember the great reception Martin Gieschus got when he sang ‘That Old Black Magic.’ He had to sing it again. Tomorrow night he is singing current pops-top ‘Answer Me My Love’ with the Jimmy Beeson Group. Jimmy’s other 2 items are ‘Sometimes I’m Happy’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek.’ Jazstars are billed for 2 oldies in ‘Tiger Rag’ and ‘That’s a-Plenty.’ Liza Ray provides the vocal of their third number, ‘Somebody Loves Me.’ Harry Bluck sextette will feature ‘Lullaby of Birdland,’ a number popularised by the inimitable George Shearing. Kath Bass exercises the vocal chords singing ‘The One I Love Belongs to Someone Else’ with the Bluck group. Cliff Adams’ outfit will play ‘The Continental,’ ‘Cumana’ and ‘Long John Stomp.’ It’s no wonder all seats have been taken except 200 to be sold at the door. [7]
Sunday 20th NOVEMBER 1955 – CAPITOL THEATRE
THE YOUNG AUSTRALIA LEAGUE Presents Another “JAZZ FANTASIA” with Sammy Sharp and his Orchestra.
35 of the State’s Finest Musicians featuring …Louise D’Arcy — Jack Harrison — Jimmy Beeson — Horrie King, Jack Pope — Martin Gischus — Colin Youlden — Lisa Ray — Keith Whittle — Ralph Filmer — Evelyn Wilson.
SPECIAL FEATURE ATTRACTION: A NOVEL PARADE OF MEN’S FASHIONS By ELWOODS PAN AMERICAN “STYLE STORE FOR MEN”. Box Plan Now Open at Nicholsons. Adm. 5/. [8]
JIMMY BEESON SWING GROUP
From Perth will broadcast in “Thursday Night Swing Club” at 10.30 on Thursday night, November 7 1957 from 3AR. The group includes Max McKay, drums, Jack Harrison, saxophone, George Franklin, trumpet, Brian Bursey, bass and Jimmy Beeson himself on piano. [9]
In the 1960s, the Lido at Cottesloe was the first cabaret club to feature a stripper and was run by Ron Jenkins, drummer Nutty Cooke, piano Jimmy Beeson and bass player Peter Harrison of ABC fame. It is now a cafe.
https://watvhistory.com/2013/05/factors-that-moulded-entertainment-in-perth-part-5/
[1] Music Maker October 1948
[2] The Broadcaster Saturday September 16 1950
[3] The West Australian Wednesday 27 September 1950 page 37
[5] Mirro Sat 1 November1952 page 6
[6] Mirror Saturday 29 August 1953 page 13
[7] The Mirror Saturday 26 June 1954 page 13
[8] The Daily News Wednesday 16 November 1955 page 26
[9] The Listener In November 2 – November 8 1957 No. 44
[1] The Listener In November 2 – November 8 1957 No. 44