George Leslie Caro was born in Perth in 1911, the son of German immigrant Emil Caro, and was a member of the “old school” jazz musicians in Perth and played clarinet and saxophone.
1933
A Charity Concert
A second charity concert, presented by Mr. Lee McAlinden and his stage orchestra, took place at His Majesty’s Theatre last night and was well received by a small but very appreciative audience. The orchestra, under the direction of Mr. McAlinden, did pleasing work, its opening number being a vigorous march entitled ‘Call to Arms.’ This was followed by ‘The’ ‘Yea’ Man,’ a foxtrot, after which a symphonic arrangement of Gounod’s ‘Faust’ was rendered by special request. Other numbers played included ‘Lullaby of the Leaves,’ with a vocal refrain by Mr. W. Quarrell, ‘June,’ selections from ‘II Trovatore,’ ‘Marcheta’ (by request) and a medley of English’ songs. The assisting artists included Miss Edith. Simmons (soprano), Mr. W. Quarrell (baritone), the Linton Boys (patter songs and step dances), Messrs. Walter Hadley (banjoist), Ray Reason (trumpeter), Ray Le Cornu (xylophonist), George Caro (saxophonist), Edward Birnie (clarionettist) and Baby Shirley King (juvenile entertainer).
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 29 May 1933, page 8
RON MOYLE’S TOURING WESTRALIANS
The nine members of Ron Moyle’s “Westralians” — Ron Moyle, Niddy Roberts, Bob Gibson, Wally Hadley, Viv. Nylander, Geo. Caro, Allan Gough, Ken Fimmell, Chas. Thompson, Cliff Adam and Tom Bennett will be making their farewell appearance in this State on Friday next, December 15, when they will ap- pear at the Ambassadors and present a musical pot pourri of rhythm and novelty numbers. Perth, which is recognised for its capable musicians, will wish Ron and his boys a successful and happy trip.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 9 December 1933, page 15
1935
Success of Perth Orchestra in Ceylon and India
Local musicians will be interested to know that Miss Leoni (Dot) Salter and her orchestra of Western Australian professional musicians have made a sensational hit throughout their engagements in India. Leaving Perth late last year, they went to Colombo under engagement to the Hotel Mount Lavinia, and after a most successful season of several months they were then booked for the Grand Hotel, Calcutta, by appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Willingdon, Viceroy of India, where a further outstanding success was achieved. They were the highest-paid artists in any Calcutta hotel. Their performances attracted a great deal of interest, and local residents gained the impression that it was an All-American band, and great was their surprise to know that it consisted entirely of Australians.
Finishing their engagement at the Grand Hotel, they are now doing a return season at the Hotel Mount Lavinia. Accompanying Miss Salter are the Misses Edna and Leah Waterman, and Messrs. Niddy Roberts, Wally Hadley, Sam Sharp and George Caro.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 8 September 1935, page 25
1936
GEO. CARO RETURNS FROM PENANG
Saxophonist George Caro returned to the West by the Centaur this week. For the past eight months he has been playing in the band of the E. and 0. I Hotel at Penang (Malaya), but when the leader of the band won a big lottery prize, that was the end of the band. Another Westerner in the band was the drummer, Harold Reid.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 5 December 1936, page 4
1947
In 1947, George Caro married Christine Maggie Bradley and they had a son, Barry.
THREE MEMBERS of a Perth band gave a noisy farewell to people who watch them leave for Collie for the first of a series of one-night performances which will take in nearly all principal country centres. Northam and Bunbury are next on the list. Left to right above are George Caro (saxophone), Peter Boyd (trumpet) and Sylvia Caporn (pianist).
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Tuesday 9 December 1947, page 12
1949
Outstanding alto and clarinet man with the Sharp combination, George Caro, has had a colourful career in the game. At 15 he commenced the sax, and as George maintains, was completely self-taught. He first came to the public notice in 1930 when he was one of 18 who competed in the saxophone competition conducted by the Brass Band Association of WA. Winner was Cas Mitchell, now of the ABC Melbourne, second George Caro, Bob Gibson (now in England) was third, and fourth position was filled by Bob Trew (Perth ABC). In 1934, when the exodus was on, George made the Eastern States tour with the Ron Movie outfit, and when this orch. returned to WA, George decided to hit out for the overseas spots. His first working port o’ call was Colombo, where he played at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. From here he went to the Grand Hotel at Calcutta, before making the Malayan Peninsula in 1936, where he played in Singapore cabarets and the Eastern and Oriental Hotel in Penang. On his return to Australia, George linked up with pit work, played for the American Marcus ‘Show, North China Troupe, Dante, and various other visiting shows. During the war he played second cornet with the 28th Battalion Band, and at a later stage, while serving in Darwin conducted a Sunday night Swing Show featuring a 5piece outfit. Returning to civvy street, he joined Chris Gosper‘s eight playing at St. Mary’s, Mt. Hawthorn. When Sammy Sharp returned from England, George moved in with Sammy and remained with him ever since. —’QUAIL.’
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 23 April 1949, page 14
Rhythm Round up
The newly-formed teenagers’ club in Perth has got everything but a name; so anyone with a brainwave might collect a guinea prize-money for suggesting an appropriate name to club president Beverley Beckwith.
The teenagers gathered on Tuesday night at the Y.A.L. and were entertained by a number of musicians including Jimmy Beeson, George Caro, Bill Hendrie, Ralph Filmer, Val Fremantle, Robin Harwood and Geoff Manion. Over 100 teenagers discussed further proposals concerning the club, which was recently formed by Beverley Beckwith. Club which caters for sport, dancing, music and other pas times, meets every Tuesday night at the Y.A.L. and all young people and interested parents are invited to attend.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 18 June 1949, page 13
Only 18 But Has Future!
Up-and-coming exponent of the tenor sax is 18-y-o Peter Clinch, who is heard a lot— and appreciated — in city dance combinations.
Biography
18 – year – old tenor exponent Peter Clinch, of Wembley commenced taking sax lessons at the age of 13 with noted Perth reed man, George Caro. His studies on this instrument commenced along the normal classical lines and later he moved about in amateur orchestral circles until early in 1947, when he joined a group of young musicians who were training under Ken Murdoch, the back-bone of, and step-ping stone to, the majority of the city’s prospective dance band men. During Peter’s stay with Ken’s group, he filled a casual role and played with a number of small outfits around the city until he received his first break, playing 2nd. tenor with Jackie Sue’s Seven Piece outfit at the Fremantle Town Hall in the 1947 season. He remained with this com-bination for one season, playing at the port and a number of city spots, before moving his stand across to the Chris Gosper combination, which was featured at Anzac House. During the middle of 1948, Peter sat in with the Sammy Sharp outfit as 4th tenor and later accepted 2nd tenor when well known Johnny McCaughan vacated the position to go South in October, ’48. Since then he has remain-ed with the Sharp outfit and has been heard in the Jazz Jamboree with this outfit, the Battle of the Bands with Jackie Sue and was prominent In Thursday’s Round-up over 6WF, once again with Sammy’s boys. He Is a full-time dance musician , and is assured of a rosy path ahead.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 25 June 1949, page 15
1950
MODERN DANCING TONIGHT. Easter Saturday. AT Y.A.L. BALLROOM. Music by Embassy’s Modern Band led by George Caro. This is acclaimed as the most popular Modern Dance in Perth on Saturday night. Cooling fans operating during the warm nights. Supper and cool drinks available in the Lower Supper Room. Meet you Tonight at the Y.A.L. Ballroom.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 8 April 1950, page 32
All Together With A Tra-la-la
EVERY musicker of note turned up at the Jack and Dudie Pateman’s Nedlands home for the serious business of wetting baby Graeme William’s head. They packed the women off to Sylvia Caporn’s home and the ”boys’ had a right royal time. During the arvo Harry Bluck cheffed up spag. savories and what have you. Pete Sullivan (not the curly headed one) brought a can of Indian curry. A spokeshavian playlet ‘Cinderella’ was produced by Maestro Beeson, featured Alan Gough, Cliff Adam, Pete Harrison, Merv Rowston and ‘Lily of the Valley’ Roberts. It was a real classic. Kev Logan even stopped hibernating and made an attempt to hydrate himself. They nearly sold him a sax. Bam Sharp put on a happy time and the beer flowed like wine. Ray Le Cornu did a job with the kegs. Chick helped the food along. Wally Hadley, Maurice Maurice, Keith Whittle, ‘Mule Train,’ George Caro, ‘Cigarettes’ Cooke, Baden Fixter, Butch Kirkby, Bill Kirkham, Henry Cochran were ell in it. At nine o’clock sharp they drank a special toast to George Franklin— wherever he might have been between here and Curfew rang at 2 a.m and everyone departed for their homes. They tell me the Patemans have since bought a block and 3 tents in case of repercussions from neighbours who may dislike jazz, Dixieland — and just plain noise.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 20 May 1950, page 12
1951
Square Dancing Draws Record Attendance At Pinjarra Hall
The introduction of Square Dancing to country districts proved an outstanding success at Pinjarra when representatives of the ABC, Messrs. Dave Howard, Bob Scudder, Harry Bluck, George Caro and Sylvia Caporn entertained a capacity house on Monday night. From Harvey to Armadale, Mandurah to the Hills Districts, the record crowd came. So many attended that the entrance to the street and side windows crowded as they endeavoured to see the new craze which is sweeping the country. As an introduction to country towns the success of the venture is assured. That a record crowd would be in attendance was obvious by the number who attended to receive tuition given between 6 and 8 p.m.
Popular Caller
Caller Bob Scudder carried the evening with a swing and kept the large crowd entertained with his variety and versions of old and popular songs. From toddlers to ancients who came along just for the heck of seeing the dance, from the gentleman in the dinner suit to the teenager with the gaily coloured swinging skirt it was entertainment plus. The echo of those enjoying themselves awakened residents who until the end of the evening would find sleep impossible.
Captivating
It is rarely that one dance can captivate an audience for a whole evening, normally one dance repeated throughout would become monotonous but the square dance with variety has set a precedent. Not since the Charleston swept the country has anything been seen like this. So much were the crowd enjoying themselves with laughter and song that two small children having a free for all near the entrance were passed unnoticed. As the crowd swelled into the hall endeavouring to enjoy the fun they pressed onto the stage among the musicians who didn’t seem to mind and were obviously enjoying themselves as much as anyone. When it became obvious that no more could be admitted Dave Howard forsook the ticket office for his main attraction, the saxophone, and joined the band.
South Western Advertiser (Perth, WA), Thursday 15 March 1951, page 1
1952
1953
Ladies’ Night Was One To Be Remembered
Secretary Mrs. Le Cornu (Sylvia Caporn) and an energetic committee really pulled one out of the bag for Musicians’ Union Ladies’ Auxiliary’s first night at Anzac House lower hall on Tuesday. Musical items were contributed by Phyllis Frost and Bryn Gifford, drummers Merv Rowston, Keith Whittle, Murray McKay and Max McKay, sax players George Caro, Sonny Henderson, Johnny McCaughan, trumpeter Jack Pope, pianists Nell Sheridan, Roy de la Mere and Henry Cochran, guitarist Hank Collins and Dane Gorn on bass. It was a jam session extraordinary, and it was enjoyed by all. Auxiliary’s next function is to be an afternoon tea on Aug. 29 at 2.30 in the Musicians’ Union offices, 102 Beaufort-st.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 15 August 1953, page 13
An effort is being made to have a reunion of players of Ron Moyle’s old band. – These include: Ron Moyle (pianist and leader), Cliff Adam (guitar, vocals and tapdancing), Niddy Roberts (drums), Wally Hadley (banjo), Tommy Bennett (bass), Ken Pimmell and Viv Nylander (trumpets), Charles Thompson (trombone), Alan Gough, George Caro, Bob Gibson (saxes).
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 24 October 1953, page 12
1954
NATION HEARS ‘BARRACK STREET’ BLUES
You’ve probably heard ‘Boogie Blues’ and ‘Memphis Blues.’ You’ve certainly heard ‘St. Louis Blues.’ But have you heard ‘Barrack-st. Blues?’ This is the name of Harry Bluck’s composition heard throughout Australia on the ABC Swing Club this week. Graeme Bell’s ‘Square Dance Rag’ was one of the few standard jazz numbers play ed in the session. Another Bell number, ‘Rockinghorse Rag,’ gave Harry Bluck a chance to feature some impressive key board work as he played the piano solos. Group comprised Harry Bluck (leader and piano), El Nylander (trumpet), Charlie Thompson (trombone), Jack Pateman (tenor sax), George Caro (licorice stick). In the rhythm section were Harold Taylor (tubs), Cliff Adam (guitar and banjo), Ralph Filmer (bass). Program showed just what can be done with skilful arranging. If you wonder why Harold should have picked Barrack-st. for his blues, the answer is simple. His studio overlooks Barrack-st. Harry Bluck WA Jazz Group served up 30 minutes of Australian numbers in the Dixieland style. Some of these compositions were standard jazz compositions. Majority, however, were Australian folk songs, given a new treatment by the local group. All arrangements were by Harry himself. It must have been one of the first times that numbers such as Jack O’Hagen’s ‘Along the Road to Gundagai’ and ‘I’m Gonna Hump My Bluey’ have been heard played in the ‘real razz’ style. But the arrangements were particularly tasteful and these old numbers retained all the appeal which made them a hit for so many years. Even the old bullockies’ classic, ‘Gee Back, Woo Back, Ema,’ was given a new coat of paint by the local boys. They added a little vocal to this number. Even the old ‘When the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox’ got a jazzing up.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 22 May 1954, page 13
The George Watson Show
George Caro died in 2002 aged 91.
National Film and Sound Archive – PHOTO – Summary
L-R: Peter Boyd (vocalist), Sam Sharp (trumpet, leader), Peter Clinch (tenor saxophone, clarinet), George Caro (alto saxophone, clarinet), Ralph Filmer (bass), Les Mackay (alto saxophone), Keith Whittle (drums), Cliff Adam (guitar), Jim Beeson (piano), Charles Thompson (trombone), Norm McMahon (trumpet), Jack Pope (trumpet), Phyllis Frost (blind English vocalist).