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BURROWS, Don
By 1942, aged 14, Burrows had begun playing clarinet and quit school. He began appearing at Sydney jazz clubs, and appeared on The Youth Show, a Macquarie Radio show. In 1944 he was invited to play and record with George Trevare’s Australians. He became well known in Sydney jazz circles and was performing in dance halls, nightclubs and radio bands. He was a member of Jim Gussey‘s ABC Dance Band for five years.
Jazz man defer to pipes
Australian jazz legend Don Burrows celebrated his 74th birthday at Scotch College to the sounds of pipes and drums. He took time out from classic swing to listen to the school band with his WA mat, musician Jack Harrison and Kevin Hunt, one of Australia’s most highly regarded jazz pianists. On Saturday, Don held a jazz workshop for Scotch music students. Don and Jack have been friends for 49 years after a spontaneous meeting in Sydney.
On his honeymoon, Jack called Don, whom he had not met, to ask where he was playing. Don had heard Jack playing his clarinet on the Young Australia Show and told him to stand outside his hotel in King’s Cross with his clarinets and he would pick him up. They have been friends ever since. Jack said “Burrows is still the same Mr Nice Guy I met all those years ago, his enthusiasm for his profession has never waned.” Jack, who was a student at Scotch in the 1940s said he and Don still shared a passion for music, and for passing it on to young musicians. He said he and Don had sat like two grumpy old men playing jazz to the accompaniment of a computer program called Band in a Box. Claremont Nedlands Post August 31 2002 Vol. 28 No. 35
During the 1960s and 1970s Burrows had many engagements in Australia and the United States, including six years performing at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney in quartets with Ed Gaston, George Golla, and various drummers. It was this association which made his name the “most familiar in Australian jazz”. In 1972, he was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival and later the Newport Jazz Festival.
The year 1973 was a watershed for Burrows as he received the first gold record for an Australian jazz musician for his record Just the Beginning,[8] instigated the first jazz studies program in the southern hemisphere, at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music (under the direction of Rex Hobcroft) and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). In 1979 he was appointed Chair of Jazz Studies at the conservatorium.
Burrows performed to mostly classical music audiences through tours with Musica Viva and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation concert series. He led the nationally televised show The Don Burrows Collection for six years. He had an extensive recording career with his groups and performed on albums by others.
In 1981 Burrows played woodwind on a Play School album, Hey Diddle Diddle: it was his only involvement with the show.
In 2005 Burrows toured with a small band that included the Australian jazz pianist Kevin Hunt. He used his photographic images with his music in a show called Stop, Look and Listen.
Jack Harrison and Don Burrows jammingDon Burrows fishing trip on his boatDon Burrows and Jack Harrison on a fishing holiday
Don loved fishing, a passion he shared with Jack Harrison.
Burrows had arthritis from age 38. In a 2008 interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Andrew Ford, celebrating his 80th birthday, he said that “arthritis is not the greatest for playing a musical instrument. But playing a musical instrument is very, very good for arthritis”. In later years he had Alzheimer’s disease and lived in a nursing home in northern Sydney. He died on 12 March 2020, aged 91.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Burrows
Allan Meyer, Don Burrows, Jack Harrison
IS THERE AN AUSTRALIAN who hasn’t heard of Don Burrows? Legendary musician Don Burrows (AO, MBE) has been at the forefront of the jazz world for most of his 60 years in the business. He’s a household name in Australia, renowned for his musicianship and his enthusiastic support for the jazz arts. He’s also highly respected internationally, where he’s toured numerous times to great acclaim annually since 1960.
This superb multi-instrumentalist plays flute, clarinet and all the saxophones, from alto to baritone. He’s a composer and arrange of great note, and one of the world’s finest interpreters of the jazz tradition. A Don Burrows concert is a journey from classic swing and the gentle sway of Brazilian bossa nova to exciting modern jazz.
Did you know that this Living National Treasure (named in 1988 and 1998) was the first Australian jazz artist to win a gold record, the first to play Europe’s famed Montreaux and the USA’s Newport festivals, the first to play in China, the first awarded a Creative Arts Fellowship, the first inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, the first Director of a Jazz Studies course. He has also found time to host his own television show, The Burrows Collection, for six years on ABC TV, has released close to forty albums, and regularly tours here and abroad, including South and North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. And just look at this who’s who of great recording and concert partners – Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Stephane Grappelli, Tony Bennett, James Morrison, George Golla, Cleo Laine, Frank Sinatra, Kate Ceberano, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and hundreds more.
Now in his 74th year, Don Burrows has not even begun to think about slowing down. He continues to tour Australia and the world regularly. In the last few years Don Burrows appearances have included China, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, New Zealand and all the major jazz festivals of Australia. His passion for jazz has seen him embark on several countrywide educational tours in recent years, taking his music and experience to schools in isolated corners of Australia, from Broome to Tasmania.
His 1995 Creative Arts Fellowship, under the auspices of which he tours schools, follows two earlier honours – an Order of Australia and an MBE – in recognition of his generous and unstinting work in promoting jazz. Each year the University of Sydney awards Honorary Degrees to people who have achieved great distinction in their field. On the 25th of May 2000, Don Burrows was awarded the degree of “Doctor of Music” [Honoris causa].
On the second of April 2001, Don Burrows was awarded for the second time the degree of “Doctor of Music” [Honoris causa] from the Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia.
In October 2001, Don Burrows returned to Mexico and South America to perform with musicians from Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina. Recently he headlined the first International Jazz Festival in Nepal.
Don is now in his 60th year as a professional musician.
Throughout a long, varied and successful career Don Burrows has played just about every kind of venue, in front of just about every kind of audience, from nightclubs and festival stages to television studios and outback classrooms. His musicianship and his ability to communicate his passion for the music have become legendary. He remains one of Australia’s pre-eminent artists, veritably a Living National Treasure.
Jay Raymond Harrison was the first child of Jack and Marcia Harrison. The name Jay was inspired by the Alan Jay Lerner of the composition team Lerner and Loewe and Raymond after his Dad’s brother Ramon.
Jay and Marcia
Jay’s early years weren’t without a spot of health problems, having been diagnosed with polio at 9 months old.
In 1955, Perth and the broader Western Australian community were in a precarious holding pattern against poliomyelitis (polio). Having survived a devastating, unprecedented epidemic in early 1954—which famously forced authorities to cancel massive royal tour children’s events for Queen Elizabeth II—Perth residents braced themselves as authorities eagerly awaited the highly anticipated, newly developed Salk vaccine. When Perth College shut in late 1955, Marcia’s 14 year old sister Nerida was sent to City Beach to keep her company. In December 1955 Marcia and Jack’s son Jay was diagnosed as having polio, something Marcia took some time to be convinced. One of his legs stopped growing correctly and he suffered chronic bronchitis. He had very specific eating aversions and Mum described his dinners coming back at her in a fountain of vomit.
As a result of polio, Jay was no Polly Farmer, but Mum and Dad noticed that Jay could sing complicated popular songs in tune and in time at an early age.
Marcia dressed Jay as William Tell for the City Beach Primary School Fancy Dress Ball – little did she know how many times he would play the massive cor anglais solo from the Overture with the same name!
Jay as William Tell1967 Harrisons around the Dodonia piano: Jody, Kim, Jack, Marcia and Jay
Jay learnt clarinet from his father Jack Harrison and from the age of 12 aspired to be an orchestral musician. By the age of 17 Jay had passed his AmusA on clarinet.
Jay in “The Five Saints”
At the age of 14, Jay won, as the clarinettist in a Dixieland jazz band called “The Five Saints”, the TV competition Stars of the Future – and travelled to perform in Melbourne as part of the prize.
1972 Jay playing the Dodonia piano with drum machine
In 1973 Jay went to W.A. Secondary Teachers College already accomplished on piano and clarinet and with a lovely tenor voice. He started learning the oboe as a second instrument with the then Principal Oboe of WASO, Peter Randall, who was quite a character.
Jay would turn up to his house of a Saturday morning and he would be in shorts and singlet. He would invariably be cooking up his famous chilli chutney and the smell would waft through the place.
After some lessons with David Theodore in London and only a short time as a full time instrumental teacher of the Clarinet, Oboe and Saxophone with the W.A. Education Department Jay was Principal Oboe in the W.A. Arts Orchestra and also doing casual playing in WASO when they needed an extra player.
Jay was playing second oboe to Robin Powell for a short time and then enjoyed a few visiting Principals such as Neil Stafford and Vicki Phillipson.
April 1979 – NEWS OF THE PLAYERS
Jay Harrison’s appointment as 2nd Oboe and Principal Cor Anglais was recently confirmed. Jay is one of the few West Australians in WASO and this adds to the pleasure of welcoming him to his Sate’s Symphony Orchestra! He studied the clarinet for ten years with his father (Jack Harrison is our Principal Clarinet) and oboe with Peter Randall. He holds a Diploma of Teaching from the Nedlands College of Advanced Education and is currently completing a Bachelor of Education. Before his appointment to WASO he was Principal Oboe with the W.A. Art Orchestra (three years) and the Melville Symphony (amateur players) for five years. Jay recently spent two months in England, during which time he had lessons from David Theodore. His hobbies away from music include golf – bringing him in to line with many WASO members!
Jay Harrison 1977 Proms soloistKarl Akers, Jay Harrison, Kent Fisk 1979 WASO Pilbara tour
A young pom called Laurence Frankel – or as WASO knew him, Flossie – was appointed in 1980. His mass of curly hair was as disruptive as his sense of humour and I think a great time was had in the section as a result! Playing casual oboe in WASO gave sister Jody a glimpse into a different side to Jay. Going from the youth orchestra mentality of “face the front and pay attention”, she was astounded to hear the rude mutterings of the wind section (most notably their father Jack Harrison on Principal Clarinet) and also bassoonist, David Adams, making farm animal noises whenever he or Jay missed a note.
Jay’s father Jack Harrison was in WASO for 43 years. He was sometimes rather rude to conductors, which in his early days, Jay wasn’t always happy about. As the years progressed, Jay was capable of a cheeky retort to a conductor when deemed necessary. On one occasion Jay was asked several times by a conductor to play a passage louder and in the end Jay said “That’s all you’re going to get out of me!”
1982 WASO Joel Marangella and Jay Harrison
A new Principal oboe was appointed from America in 1982 – Joel Marangella.
Leanne Glover, Joel Marangella, Jay Harrison
When WASO expanded in 1989, another oboe position was created which was won by the beautiful, Leanne Glover. The orchestra’s woodwind sections then expanded to four players and Renae Stavely joined the section. Luxury for a few years – Jay finally felt like a Principal Cor Anglais.
A significant event Jody shared with Jay at this time was watching the colour of his face change when he was told on the phone by the police that his house was on fire and driving him to the poor blackened house to witness the devastation. There was a melted mound of vinyl and cardboard that used to be his records. Leanne Glover remembered the hideous smoky smell of his tails as she had to sit next to him that night at a performance.
Mostly Baroque
Jay participated in Mostly Baroque concerts, Camp Quaranups, Madrigal singing nights and parties and could contribute on oboe, cor anglais, clarinet, saxophones, piano, recorders or voice with unassuming ease and play anything from Berio to Glenn Miller either reading music or improvising.
Alan Burnfield, Jay Harrison, Bruce Gillam Camp QuaranupLeanne Glover and Jay playing sax – Jay as the “Skipper” from Gillian’s Island
The most significant moment Jay shared with his family was in 2003 at his sister in law’s 40th dress up party birthday party, when he chose to introduce the love of his life to his brothers and sisters and friends when they were all dressed in outrageous Gilligan Island outfits.
2004 Jay and Kat’s wedding2004 Wedding of Jay & Kat Harrison
Amazingly enough, Katherine wasn’t put off by this and much to the family’s delight married Jay in 2004, 5 months before the unexpected death of his mother, Marcia.
2010 Jay’s retirement
In 2010, Jay retired from WASO after 32 years service and after 55 years exposure to WASO. It was the end of an era – the first time in 59 years there wasn’t a Harrison in the WASO.
Jay said “my time in the Orchestra has been very rewarding and I don’t think I would have been as motivated or interested in any other career. I am a bit sad, I guess, but having done this for 32 years, I don’t think it is the job and the performing that I will miss but the comradeship that has built up over the years.”
Neil Boon was born in the Netherlands in 1936 and came to Australia in 1949.
1953
LISTENERS WILL HEAR GIBSON
An agreement reached between the W.A. Musicians’ Association and the ABC resulted in last Sunday’s Jazz Jamboree (featuring The Bob Gibson Show) being recorded for broadcasting from 6WF. When the ABC heard that ace band leader Gibson would be the guest artist for the second part of Jazz Jamboree, it came to an agreement with organisers Sam Sharp and Harry Bluck for Gibson’s show to be recorded, and also agreed to pay the W.A. Musicians’ Association a fee for the right to record the show. The date of the broadcast will be published shortly. Gibson is now musical director for 2UW. Recently Gibson signed an agreement with the Columbia Recording Company. The first of his releases to be heard in Perth will probably be “Wild Horses” and “My One and Only Heart”. Gibson, who went to England in 1948 and returned in 1950, now favours big band. He records with a 28-piece band, and for concert and radio work he uses anything from 16 to 20 musicians. Two of his most popular programmes, heard from 2UW and Sportsman’s Parade and Musically Yours. Gibson said that any young musicians who hoped to go abroad needed plenty of capital and lucky breaks. He said that there were too many instances of a bandleader casually approaching a popular tune without having any idea of presentation.
Of the orchestra he conducted at the Jazz Jamboree on Sunday night, Gibson commented “They are a first class bunch of musicians. Considering they had such short notice to get together they gave a truly remarkable performance.” The band leader also praised individual performances. He believes that 17 year old Neil Boon could develop into a top line artist. Jack Harrison displayed plenty of versatility and gave a smooth performance, he said. Gibson also praised the responsiveness of the audience. “In modern music there is no greater encouragement” he said.
The Broadcaster Saturday November 7 1953 Vol .20 No. 1023
Young Musician Receives Loud Applause
A saxophone solo by 17-year old Neil Boon was loudly applauded in the Capitol Theatre last night at the final session of the Jazz Jubilee. The young musician, who arrived in Australia from England four years ago with no knowledge of music appeared in an orchestra with the veteran trumpeter Harry Phillips. He played an arrangement by the late Freddy Gardiner of “I’m In the Mood for Love.” Another artist on the same programme was Jack Harrison, who played six instruments in a ten-minute “jam session.” He played the alto and bass saxophone, clarinet, vibraphone, trombone and the piano accompaniment to his sister Jill when she moved from the piano to play the oboe (bassoon!) in “bebop” tempo.
The West Australian Monday 2 November 1953 page 4
1954
Sunday 7 November 1954 – Jazz Concert – George Watson Show
The Capitol Theatre was packed last night when six local bands and a combined band led by George Watson, a former West Australian, gave a jazz concert. Mr. Watson is regarded in Melbourne as one of Australia’s foremost drummers and bandleaders.
The young audience heard jazz classics played by Neil Boon’s Quartet; Cliff Adam’s Show Band; Harry Phillips’ Quartet; Ossie Sanderson’s Trio; Jack Harrison’s Quartet; and the Dixieland Group.
The West Australian Monday 8 November 1954 page 15
1956
BOON WILL BOOM WITH HIS BOOP-BOOP-A-DOO
One night last week I had the pleasure of working with a young musician who has just arrived here from Perth, and I have no hesitation in naming him as one of the most promising clarinettists in town today. He is 19 year old Neil Boon and his very easy style (which shows a distinct Goodman influence) and excellent tone, had the boys in the Joe Marchesani trio very enthusiastic indeed concerning his future prospects in the music game.
The boy’s playing was full of ideas and his technique is a tribute to the thorough teaching of Alan Rule in Perth. Rule was well known to Melbourne theatre audiences as a member of the Regent orchestra for years and built an excellent reputation here as a teacher, before returning to home in the West. He is a big husky fellow and a fine player himself. Another of his prize pupils who is frequently mentioned when swing musicians are discussing the country’s top clarinet men is Jack Harrison of Perth, whose sister Jill was recently appointed to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in the bassoon chair.
The Argus Melbourne Saturday March 31 1956
1971
Neil Boon joined the clarinet section of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra while Jack Harrison was away on a Churchill Fellowship.
A performance of Sir William Walton’s “Façade Suite” will be given by the Music Society at the Octagon theatre tomorrow night. The brilliantly witty work with Neville Teede reading the nonsense verse of Edith Sitwell, will be accompanied by the Wigmore Ensemble conducted by Graham wood. Those taking part in the ensemble will be Jill Wright (flute), Jack Harrison (clarinet), Neil Boon (saxophone), Kevin Johnston (trumpet), Jill Cole and Sally Talbit (cellos) and Paul Sarcich (percussion). Members of the group will also play the Pastorales de Noel by Andre Jolivet the French composer and musical director of the Caomedie Francaise, the flute, violin and harp trio of Eugene Goosens and Igor Stravinsky’s “Epitaphium” for flute, clarinet and harp.
Jack Harrison augmented his swing band according to the requirements of functions, sometimes up to ten players, such as the April 22nd 1949 University of Western Australia Graduation Ball at Winthrop Hall. Players were issued with a cheque on 5th May 1949 and were paid 3 pound 2 and 6 for the gig. Players paid were: Norm Wrightson (saxophone), George Kirkby, Jack Pope (trumpet), George Franklin (trumpet), Charles Thompson (trombone), Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates, Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack was the tenth band member.
Jack Harrison Dance Band Winthrop Hall
Rhythm Round-up
Norm Wrightson
Biography: One of our most popular sax and clarinet players was in a dance band before he was 15. He is Norm Wrightson, 24, of Fremantle. Norm commenced learning the sax at 12 when a member of the YAL Boys’ Band. Before reaching 15 he played alto in a Port trio. His brother Bob was playing drums in this outfit. Norms first big break came when he was 17. Ron Moyle, who then led the Embassy Band, took Norm on as third alto, and from that day Norm never looked back. Norm enlisted in World War II and ‘scarcely touched the sax during the Army years.’ After his discharge, Norm rehabilitated himself by accepting a casual role with all and sundry bands before joining Chris Gosper. Reed section of this outfit comprised Sonny Henderson, Morrie Lawrence and Norm Wrightson. At this stage, the Gosper combine was featured at the Anzac House Ballroom several nights per week. A quartet drawn from the band was also heard to good effect at the Scarborough Palm Grove and the line-up was as follows: Norm, sax and clari; Elmore Nylander, trumpet; Chris Gosper, piano, and Max McKay, drums. During the ’48 season, Norm occupied leading alto with the Wayne Handricks outfit every Saturday night at Perth Town Hall, then transferred his stand some weeks ago to the Pagoda, when Harry Bluck’s band was augmented by a further Instrument. Now Norm is presenting his own outfit. As a final note, Norm will be remembered as having taken part in the Jamborees, Carols by Candlelight Show, with the famous ‘Mo’ and also for his part with the Chris Gosper lunch-hour concerts at the Perth Town Hall. ‘QUAIL.’
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 4 June 1949, page 14
“COMMAND PERFORMANCE”
Capitol Theatre Next Sunday Night (Sun 2 Oct 1949) – In old of Legacy War Orphans’ Appeal.
Lounge 10/-, Front Stalls 7/-, Circle 5/-, Back Stalls 3/-.
The West Australian Wednesday 28 September 1949 page 30
CONCERT AT CAPITOL (Sunday 2 Oct 1949)
Good Response To Legacy Drive
The Legacy Club’s appeal for £ 10,000 benefited to the amount of £650 from the “Command Performance” on Sunday night at the Capitol Theatre. It was announced that in the two days since the appeal was launched, £1,500 had been donated and that an anonymous person had offered to donate £100 if five others would contribute a similar sum. The performance was compered by Mr. Dick Pair, of “Australia Hour” fame, produced by Mr. Michael Eustace and contributed to by star artists, all of whom gave their services free. The theatre was packed in all parts. Mr. Fair was piped on to the stage by the W.A. Caledonian Pipe Band. Mr. F. Gaved opened the programme with entertaining feats of magic, after which Mr. Charles Court (cornetist) rendered two items. Miss Pamela Flower’s contributions were followed by dance items by Mr. and Mrs. Wrightson and two sisters, Regina and Janina. Mr. Laurie Croisette, a London baritone, made his first appearance in Australia with two numbers and a guitar selection. Mr. Billy Edwards’s Specialty Harmonists (Messrs. L. Hancock, G. Griffiths, W. Frankish and L Richardson) were heard in three choruses, and Jack Harrison’s Swing Quartette was then heard. A male ballet of Y.A.L boys gave an exhibition of dancing and tap dancing. There was sustained applause for the blind pianist, Mr. Billy Clowes and Bette Whittaker and Phil Morgan. Mr. Albert Chappelle (baritone) had to respond to an encore. A banjo solo by Wally Hadley was also included. The accompanists were Mrs. N. W. Freemantle, Misses Phyllis Blott and Joan Drede and Mr. Billy Edwards.
The West Australian Tuesday 4 October 1949 page 6
1951
CAPITOL THEATRE
SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 1951
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.
1951 Jazz Jamboree program cover
1951 Jazz Jamboree – programme
1952
Jazz Jamboree 1952
Sunday October 26th 1952
Jazz Jamboree
DANCE BAND FANS!
BOOK EARLY And Avoid Disappointment for the
JAZZ JAMBOREE
CAPITOL THEATRE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 At 8.45 p.m.
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
Jazz Festival Week Part Two:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 1953
CAPITOL THEATRE
THE BOB GIBSON SHOW
Featuring Australia’s Outstanding Band Leader
WEST COAST DIXIELANDERS
NORM WRIGHTSON
MARTIN GISCHUS
JACKIE HARRISON
HARRY PHILLIPS
COLIN HICKS
KATH BASS
Box Plans for both these attractions now open at Nicholsons
TICKETS 5/
The West Australian Saturday 17 October 1953 page 35
1954
JAZZ AT THE CAPITOL
TEN TOP BANDS TO BEAT OUT JAZZ
SUNDAY 27 JUNE 1954
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 favorite 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.
The Mirror Saturday 26 June 1954 page 13
George Watson Show
1954 George Watson Show1954 Watson George program
1955
1955 Jazz Jamboree – program cover1955 Jazz Jamboree Program
1961
ABW TO SCREEN BIRTHDAY SHOW
Thursday May 11 1961
By Keith Flanagan
ABW Channel 2 will tonight present its biggest live show yet, to celebrate its first birthday. There will be singers, dancers, a 25 piece orchestra and an invited audience of 200 for the two hour show.
Jock Millett will produce the cabaret style show in the Kirk Memorial Studio in the radio building – the biggest studio the A.B.C. has here. The record library will be taken over as a makeup room for the 44 people who will come before the cameras. Lighting in the studio will be equivalent to 1000 60 watt globes. Jim Fisher, Earl Reeve and Diana Ward will compere the show, to run from 8pm to 10.30pm, with a half hour break from 9 for the American documentary “Our Man in Space”. Verdon Williams has formed a 25 piece orchestra for the show. Artists to appear are the Four Notes, Margot Robertson, Tony Federici, Carmen Arenas, Adriano Angelucci, Doris Dodd, Garry Smith and Derna Sluik, Jack Harrison, the Wrightsons, Lorna Sydney, Gerrard Sibbritt and Terri Charlesworth, Andre Tio, Peter Piccini and a demonstration ballroom group.
The West Australian Thursday May 11 1961
Norm Wrightson (1924-2020) was a hairdresser and bandleader. His band, the Norm Wrightson Orchestra, played Saturday nights at the Victoria Hall for thirty years from 1949. His salon at 7 William Street was until April 2020 still a barbershop with his name on it, tho he himself had retired in 1999. Norm Wrightson died Friday 14 August 2020, aged 95.
Norm Wrightson born 1924, became the third generation in the family to work as a barber. In 1933 the family opened a shop opposite the Town Hall in William Street and the family lived upstairs. After serving an apprenticeship with his father and completing four years of Army service during World War Two, Norm worked in the shop with the support of his wife, Bernice, until his retirement in 1999. Norm Wrightson developed great skill as a musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet. He started his own band and became a well-known and respected band leader, playing at numerous venues until he retired from music in 1961 to concentrate on the barber’s shop. Bob Wrightson focussed on teaching dance and with his wife Shelda competed in international ballroom competitions with great success. He was involved in dances at Victoria Hall and Canterbury Court. Summary of a 2012 interview with NW by Heather Campbell, Fremantle Library OH/WRI.
Robert Wrightson and his dad Ernie Wrightson had a small barber shop on Canning Hwy in East Fremantle. In 1933 a shop at 7 William St Fremantle became available and they jumped at the opportunity. They named the barbershop R.E Wrightson. Norm Wrightson, the son of Robert Wrightson would have been 9 years old at the time, and Norm’s brother Robert was 13 years old. Norm’s parents Robert and Moude slept upstairs above the barbershop in the front room practically underneath the Town Hall clock. Norm and his brother Robert also slept in the room upstairs above the barbershop.
Norm’s grandfather Ernie retired from barbering after six weeks of entering their new business premises so from then on Norm’s father Robert started to employ hairdressers. Haircuts for men at the time were a shilling. Kids’ haircut and men’s shave were sixpence. Norm’s brother Bob started a hairdressing apprenticeship with his dad but at age 16 was selected to go on a tour of South Africa with the YAL (Young Australian League). Norm would practise on his saxophone upstairs and he was sure he used to drive the customers downstair in the barbershop mad. Norm would go off to school and by age 13 would come into the barbershop and start cutting kids’ hair to help out his dad. In those days Norm’s dad was quite a heavy smoker and his mum who didn’t smoke or drink would roll his cigarettes, light them and pass them on to Norm’s dad to smoke. Norm’s dad used to have a habit of smoking whilst he was cutting hair and one of his friends used to walk in and pick up his cigarette and have a couple of puffs. One day Norm’s dad loaded the cigarette with six wax match heads and his friend that used to come in and puff his cigarette started to puff away. Imagine what happened – the cigarette blew up in his face and there was a lot of laughter from all the other customers and barbers. The second world war started in 1939 and in 1942 Norm was called up. While he was away for four years, Norm’s dad put on two apprentices, brothers Les and Horry Hawkins and they turned out to be very good hairdressers so they kept the place going. During the war there were no shop fronts, all the windows were taken out and the fronts boarded up in case of air raids. When Norm got out of the army in 1946 he completed his apprenticeship. It took Norm eight years all up to finish his apprenticeship including his army time. Norm married Bernice Poole on 1947 and sent Norm’s parents to England for a holiday for six months by ship and they loved it. Norm Wrightson’s was one of the first barbershops in WA to put on a lady apprentice, Katrina Bannister and a lady hairdresser Tina Russel. They both turned out to be excellent hairdressers. Norm’s dad started to take things easy and retired in 1973. Norm’s mum still worked behind the counter and Bernice (Norm’s wife) worked a couple of days also to give Norm’s mum some much needed time off. During the 1950s and 1960s Norm employed two Italian hairdressers and several ladies. The Italians were Tony D’Andrea and Fedele Potalivo, both excellent barbers and they all had a lot of fun together. Both men worked for over thirty years for Norm. Norm would call Fedele a D-I-N-G and he would call Norm as ‘Ossi Bugga’ – the customers loved the banter. Norm’s dad passed away in 1981 and Norm’s mum in 1983. The business was originally in the name of R.E Wrightson and when Norm took over from his father he renamed the shop to Norm Wrightson’s Hairway. As the business started to expand, Norm knocked down the wall to the backroom to increase the barbershop to ‘6 Chairs’ to let people know how big the business was. This proved to be quite effective but also humorous, as friends of the staff were confused and thought the Barber Salon was called 6 Chairs. Text from the history section of the Norm Wrightson Hairway website.
Obituary by Ray Taylor in the West Australian, 11 September 2020
Fremantle has lost one of its best-known and revered personalities, Norm Wrightson, whose history in the port city began in 1933 when he was aged nine. WA was still struggling with the Great Depression when Norm’s parents and two sons moved into a two-storey historic building with living quarters above a shop. The building was in William Street opposite the Fremantle Town Hall. In a time when businesses were closing and not opening, Norm’s father, Bob, told the landlord he wanted to open a barber shop. Although the landlord expressed doubt, he let the Wrightsons take the tenancy, giving them the first three months rent-free. So started the business that flourished for 87 years at the same location — and has relocated, also in Fremantle, recently. It was a logical step for Norm to become a barber. The boys’ mother, Maud, had ambitions for them. They both learnt to tap dance and were encouraged to take up music — a dynasty of music and dancing was born. Elder brother Robert (Bob), excelled at ballroom dancing and in 1954, he and his wife, Shelda, became world champions. Bob and Shelda then opened a chain of dance studios around Australia. Norm’s interest was the saxophone and clarinet and he became one of the leading WA exponents of reed instruments. But his first commitment during the 1940s was service with the army in Australia during World War II and New Guinea just after the war, before returning to Fremantle. The ambition of every musician during that era was to play in the band at Perth’s Embassy ballroom in William Street. It was a classy venue with comfortable lounges down each side of a 1115sqm jarrah floor and featuring ballroom dancing nearly every night. Norm was employed by popular Embassy bandleader Ron Moyle, giving him invaluable experience playing with very capable musos. It was a great contrast to the gigs he had done with his brother, playing drums around Fremantle. The Embassy job was the beginning of a lifetime of hairdressing by day and donning the dinner suit to play in bands at night. Each night was concluded with God Save the King, as patrons stood to attention. The day job honed Norm’s confidence and personality. Barbers are usually good communicators and he was renowned for his good service and friendly nature. In 1942, he met the love of his life, Bernice Poole, who worked nearby. It was instant attraction leading to marriage in 1947 and lasted for 65 wonderful years until Bernice’s death in 2012. The marriage produced three children — sons Boyd and Gary, and daughter Marlene. Norm’s music career took a major turn in 1949 when he formed his own band to play a regular Saturday dance at Bob’s dance studio in Victoria Hall, Fremantle. Norm on sax, plus trumpet, piano, drums, bass and vocals was a standard format at the time. Playing a wide variety of swing jazz and pop music, the band soon gained fame around Perth and Fremantle. Following the influence of Frank Sinatra, Norm’s vocalist was a talented young Dane Gorn, succeeded by other male and female vocalists. Norm worked on his musical development and fine-tuned his technique by studying with the principal clarinettist of the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra, Alan Rule. Norm was known for his excellent rendition of the clarinet showpiece of the time, Golden Wedding, a number often requested. In 1955, Norm’s brother, Bob opened Perth’s biggest cabaret venue, Canterbury Court, with ballroom dancing Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights. It was very popular because it featured two bands playing non-stop dancing. It was quite usual to have 800 dancers enjoying themselves midweek. The patrons were well turned out, men wore ties and jackets and women wore beautiful dresses. Alcohol was not available and not allowed. The dancers just enjoyed the music and intermingling. For the years 1955 to 1975, Norm was chosen to play in big bands assembled as backing groups for overseas artists. Famous performers Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong, Trini Lopez and others were the early visitors to Perth, usually bringing a musical director to conduct the local orchestra. The format was a two-hour rehearsal in the morning, then two two-hour shows at night. It’s a credit to the calibre of local players that the shows were very successful. In 1968, Bernice and Norm’s 16-year-old daughter, Marlene, was diagnosed with cancer in her back which was a tragedy for the family. Treatment in WA was relatively basic, but Norm faced the problem by sending details to the world’s leading oncologists in America and Japan. The advice was she could not be saved. Marlene died in August 1968. Family, friends and fellow musicians rallied around to get the Wrightson family through that awful time. Among the most arduous gigs were country ball nights in towns such as Northam, Narrogin, Katanning and Harvey. These gigs involved loading up one car and leaving Perth at 5pm, arriving at 8pm and performing 8.30pm to 2am, then packing up and driving home. After a short sleep, it was off to the day job! Norm Wrightson was the last of several popular bandleaders in Perth including Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Sam Sharp and Chris Gosper. In the late 1960s, Norm’s dad, Bob retired, and Norm took over the business, renaming it Norm Wrightson’s Hairway. It was the biggest barbershop in Fremantle and quite a talking point with 1930s decor and lots of memorabilia. Norm retired from his music career in 1989 and he sold the shop in 1999 when his service was acknowledged by the Fremantle mayor and council. In 2013, the 80th year of the shop’s continuous service was celebrated with a concert combining barbershop nostalgia with big-band music to delight a huge crowd of Norm’s fans. After Bernice’s death, Norm adapted to a new social role, friends alluding to him as the “social secretary” as he regularly organised outings and events. He enjoyed a happy companionship with his sister-in-law Lorna Poole until her death in 2016 and friendships with sister-in-law Josephine Wrightson and broadcaster Carol Kennedy. Well into his 90s Norm was recognised around Fremantle by many clients. He leaves a wonderful legacy with two sons, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ray Taylor.
Matt Styles is one of Australia’s most versatile saxophonists, working across jazz, classical, funk, and cross-genre music as a performer, educator, arranger, composer, and musical director. A self-described performing educator, he has inspired audiences and students throughout the UK, Asia, and Australia.
Matt has collaborated with an impressive range of artists, including Ben Folds, Diana Ross, Dave Weckl, Paul Grabowsky, Tim Minchin, Olivia Newton-John, and The Manhattan Transfer. He has performed at major international jazz festivals across Europe and Asia and appears on numerous recordings, including Home by 11, an album of original Australian works by Mix’t Trio released on Tall Poppies Records.
As principal saxophonist, Matt has performed with leading orchestras including the Malaysian Philharmonic, Singapore Symphony, Western Australian Symphony, Tasmanian Symphony, and Perth Symphony Orchestras. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has built a repertoire ranging from early saxophone works to contemporary world premieres.
A passionate advocate for new music, Matt has given more than 30 Australian and world-premiere performances, including numerous works as a featured soloist with orchestra. Highlights include Superhighway Saxophone Concerto by Holly Harrison with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Seasons of Life by Glyn MacDonald, Four Postcards from Perth by Simone Lobbia, Catalina by James Ledger, and Aria and Finale by John Carmichael.
His academic studies include postgraduate training at London’s Royal College of Music, Indiana University, and the University of Minnesota, together with a Churchill Fellowship that enabled study with leading international saxophonists and educators. He later completed a Doctorate focused on the interpretation, pedagogy, and performance of classical, jazz, and cross-genre works.
As founder of Western Australia’s first university saxophone program, Matt has spent 27 years developing versatile, career-ready musicians. His graduates work across performance, composition, education, arts management, entrepreneurship, and research.
His current research explores injury prevention for saxophonists through the integration of sports science, psychology, and music performance. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Matt continues to shape the next generation of musicians while maintaining an active and diverse performing career.
HARRISON, William Arthur was Jack Harrison‘s oldest brother – “Bill” Jnr.
William Jnr
On 13th February 1926 in Subiaco, 28 year old William Edward Harrison and 19 year old Edna welcomed their first child, son William Arthur Harrison, who was the first grandchild of Phoebe and Arthur Harrison.
At the time, the Harrison family was living at 64 Bruce Street, Nedlands.
William Arthur was known as Bill Jnr.
His parents had been engaged to be married since August 1924, but the fact he was born 7 months after they were married worried Bill Jnr his entire life, feeling perhaps, they were married due to necessity.
At this time, his father William Edward Harrison was a civil servant in the Titles office by day and an active musician and R.S.L. supporter by night, attending meetings and performing with “Bill Harrison’s Orchestra“.
Bill Jnr
In 1926 Bill Snr was the Musical Director of the Amusu Theatre at 443 Albany Highway in Victoria Park for two months and was invited to perform with his orchestra in the “Dover Road” season with “The Repertory Club” in August 1926. He also performed for the silent movies.
Bill Snr didn’t enjoy good health, was dogged by bouts of malaria and persistent bronchial problems.
Fortunately, at the time of Bill Jnr’s birth, Edna had plenty of relatives close by to help her as Arthur and Phoebe lived in Merewa Street Subiaco and her own parents moved down from Midland to Subiaco around this time.
Her sister Bessie lived in Subiaco with her husband Wilfred and had produced the first grandchild for Walter and Amy Kerr the year before – Ross Wilfred George, born on 20 May 1925 in Subiaco.
It was a bumper years for the Harrisons as on January 16th 1926, William’s sister Nellie married Edward Francis McDavitt with Charlie Harrison as a groomsman and on February 13th 1926 William’s brother Arthur “Lou” was married to Vera Fryer and Charlie Harrison was again best man.
Another cousin was produced for Bill Jnr when Bernice Mac George was born on 21 January 1928 in Perth, Western Australia, to Edna’s sister, 23 year old Bessie and husband 26 year old Wilfred. Bessie and Edna had 3 children under 3 between them.
William Senior had continued working day and night with consistent musical employment at the silent movies, with the Repertory Club, performing with his orchestra at the “Digger Fairs” at White City and even a tour to Geraldton.
1929
In 1929 when Bill jnr was 3, his brother Ramon was born, followed in 1931 by his twin siblings Jack and Jill.
1930 Edna, Bill and Ramon1937 Kalamunda shack: Bill Jnr, Edna, Bill Snr. Front: Jill, Jack Ray
1934 Ray and Bill (standing) with Jill and Jack
1932
In 1932 Bill Jnr attended Nedlands State Primary School.
In 1935, the family moved to its brand new home at built by Arthur and Lou Harrison at 24 Highway Nedlands.
1938 William back left with the Harrison family
1938
Bill Jnr attended Scotch College from 1938 and from the age of 15 in 1941 started working, initially in the administration of steel companies.
1944
Australia entered World War II on September 3, 1939, immediately following Britain’s declaration of war on Germany. Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced the involvement, prompting a rapid volunteer mobilization for the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to support British forces in Europe and the Middle East, while initiating home-front preparations.
Bill’s uncle Charles Harrison enlisted aged 33 in the Royal Australian Airforce in Harvey in August 1940.
Bill enlisted in the RAAF (#441924) aged 18 in 1944 and was just about to get his wings when the war stopped.
1945 Ray, Bill Jnr on sax and William Harrison
1945
Music was a compulsory part of Bill Jnr’s life, surrounded by his father on piano, brother Ray now a drummer with twins Jack and Jill in their own fully professional jazz band.
Bill played saxophone in the Harrison family jam sessions with his father and siblings, but his genius lay in business and he pursued this career.
Bill and Mavis Sansom1946 Jill Harrison doing Mavis’s hairMavis Sansom
Bill Jnr started dating Mavis Mary Sansom, born on 12 June 1926 to 34 year old father Frank and her 38 year old mother, Eleanor May (nee Smallgood). Mavis had an older sister Doris Adele, or “Dot”, and the family lived at 291 Churchill Avenue, Subiaco.
Bill far left: Bill, Jnr, Mavis, Jill, Norma Webber, Ray and Edna
On 19th February 1945 the engagement was announced :
Mr and Mrs Frank Sansom, of 291 Churchill-avenue, Subiaco, have much pleasure in announcing the engagement of their youngest daughter, Mavis, to Bill, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W. E. Harrison, of 24 Highway. Nedlands.
1947
On the 15th February 1947, 21 year old William Arthur Harrison married 20 year old Mavis Mary Sansom and Jill Harrison was a bridesmaid. Being just 2 days after Bill Jnr reached the age of 21, the minister asked for Bill Snr’s blessing of the marriage – which he did.
1947 Mavis and William Harrison’s wedding1947 Jill Harrison, Mavis and sister Doris “Dot” Sansom – wedding of William Harrison Jnr and Mavis.
Their first home was on Cooper Street, Nedlands, where Bill Jnr had purchased a hardware shop and built 3 shops adjoining this property along Broadway. Later, they moved to 172 Hensman Road, Subiaco.
1948
The following year on 16th July 1948 Bill Jnr and Mavis provided Edna and Bill Snr with their first grandchild, Susan Mary.
HARRISON (nee Sansom): On July 16 at Tresillian Hospital,to Mavis and Bill – a daughter (Susan Mary)
In 1949, Bill Jnr was a clerk and a “travelling salesman” selling for steel then hardware with Stewart and Lloyds. At the time of the census Bill’s address was Hensman Road, But Mavis was at Bruce Street with her in-laws, perhaps becasue she had a new baby and Bill Jnr was working and travelling.
1950
1950 25th Wedding Anniversary party: Ray, Norma, Bill Snr, baby Susan with Edna, Jack, Mavis, Bill Jnr
Around 1950, Bill purchased property at 176 Stirling Highway on the corner of Rockton Road, Claremont, which consisted of a bank on the corner with vacant land behind on which he built two shops. Bill used one of these shops for his real estate office and offered the other to his brother Ramon to rent.
Bill Jnr was best man at the wedding of his brother Ramon to Norma Webber 16th December 1950, at 4.30 pm, St George’s Cathedral, Perth.
1954 Mavis, Marcia and Edna Harrison at 24 Highway Nedlands
Mavis and Bill had their second daughter Pauline May on 26th February 1951, her father, William, was 25, and her mother, Mavis, was 24.
Bill’s brother Jack announced his engagement to Marcia Chayter on 12th August 1952 – Jack and Jill’s 21st birthday
A full skirt frock of crisp embroidered Swiss organdie with a fitted long sleeved bods was worn by Miss Jill Harrison when she was married to Mr John Mowson, the son of Mr and Mrs A. T. Mowson of Caulfield Victoria, at Saint Andrew’s Church, Perth on Thursday evening. A halo or fresh flowers held her veil of raw cut tulle. Her bridesmaid, Miss Ann Poynton, wore a ballerina length frock of fine white organdie with a halter-neck bodice and an extremely full skirt. Mr Bruce Mowson was best man. After the ceremony, the bride’s parents, Mr and Mrs W E. Harrison of Nedlands, held a reception at the Nedlands Tennis Club.
Bill’s youngest brother, Jack married Marcia Chayter on 14th December 1953 and Bill was a groomsman.
1953 Berwyn Allen and Bill Harrison Jn
1953 Berwyn Allen and Bill Jnr at Jack and Marcia’s wedding
1954
Bill and Mavis’s son Trevor William was born on 11th March 1954. Their address was 29 Broadway, Nedlands.
Four generations of Harrison boys: Jack and Jay, Ray and Jeff Arthur, Bill Snr, Trevor and Bill jnr.1958 Mavis, Marcia, Bill and Jack inside Whitfords shack1958 Nerida Chayter, Bill, Marcia and toddler Jay at Whitfords shack
During the 1950’s Bill Jnr and Jack bought a shack at Whitfords beach together which was used for holidays. Julie Harrison remembers the long journey off the main road, (Wanneroo Road) through the sand dunes along the limestone tracks, it seemed to take forever to get to the coast.
Trevor Harrison believes it was approx 10 kms, turned left off Wanneroo Road, then left again into a gate (farmer’s gate) which was padlocked but the Harrison’s had keys. Trevor said that the tracks had old plasterboard sheets laid on them to stop the cars getting bogged, similar to the old switchback roads in City Beach. One thing that sticks Julie’s mind, was the old (antique now) furniture inside the shack, sideboard etc.
1960 at Whitfords Beach: Jill, Edna, Trevor, Marion and Archie HowMavis, Marcia, Edna, Norma & Jill Harrison1955: Back row Jack, Bill Jnr, Ted McDavitt, Ray, Bill Snr. Front: Mavis, Marcia, Edna, Norma and Jill1961 at dinner with Jack, Marcia and Mavis
1963
Trevor Harrison with cousins Kim and Jody at Uncle Jack’s City Beach house
Bill Jnr and Mavis were living at 50 Florence Road, Nedlands.
Around 1963, Bill purchased Coolbev Hire in Nicholson road, Subiaco and asked his brother Ramon to work for him, which Ray did for a couple of years. Ray’s job was to deliver the gear and products for hire and sale to functions, such as alcohol, party and catering supplies.
Bill was one of the first people (before Roy Weston) in Perth to franchise real estate, buying up houses and blocks of land and reselling them after development or subdivision.
Dodonia bikies – Kim Harrison with cousin Trevor at 11 Dodonia Gardens
Some of his investments included:
Rockton Road Claremont
A butchers shop opposite Guildford Chapel which was his real estate office
Land in Kalamunda, Rockingham and Mandurah in the late 1960s.
He bought streets of Mandurah off the map and pre sold them prior to them being titled.
He built a shopping centre with Dixon (Road named after him) and Patterson. It included Tom the Cheap Grocer with 6 boutique shops.
He bought the Boathouse Tavern and renovated it at the same time he owned the Parkerville Tavern.
1967 Susan Harrison’s wedding with Penny Mowson and Jody Harrison as flowergirls
Bill and Mavis’s daughter Susan was married in 1967, but the marriage didn’t last.
By 1968 the Bill Jnr family was living next door to his parents at 22 Highway, Nedlands. A gate was created between the properties to allow easy access for visiting cousins.
1969
18 year old Pauline May Harrison married Kevin David Baird (born on 9 February 1950) on 3 May 1969.
They had three children together: Anthony, Andrew and Karen.
Trevor, Bill Jnr, Susan, Edna, Bill Snr, Pauline, Mavis and Kevin at Safety Bay
1970
Bill was a life member of the Subiaco Football Club from 1970 and was involved on committees and with fundraising. With manager Basil Fuller, he was involved in booking the first overseas trip by any Australian football team to Singapore. Bill established business links whilst in Singapore. The football team also travelled to the Eastern states, all which required sponsorship as it was in the days when the players paid to play and weren’t even provided with parking.
In 1972 the family is registered as living at 54 Bruce Street Nedlands.
Wedding of Susan to Colin Jackson: Violet Jackson, Colin, Susan William Snr and Edna
On 1st July 1972 Susan Harrison married ex S.A.S. Vietnam veteran Colin James Jackson (born 1946). They had three children together: Todd, Rebecca and Heath.
Around 1976 Bill Jnr and Mavis bought the Parkerville Tavern at Lot 72 Owen Road, Mundaring. They had a horse, donkey, a dalmation called “Puddles” and hosted fabulous lunches for all the family.
1977
1977 William Harrison Snr death – article Noted Musician1981 – Jack and Jill’s 50th Edna’s 75th: Marcia, Jack, Jill, Edna, Mavis, Bill Jnr, Norma and Ray in frontEdna, Mavis and Jill1984 John, Bill, Jack, Dodo, Jill, Norma, Mavis, Kim, Edna
On 1st Jul 1991 Trevor Harrison married Glenda Joyce Maidment (born 1948) at the Australian Consulate in Kuala Lumpur.
Kevin Baird, Ray and Bill Harrison, Colin Jackson
In 1996, Bill Jnr’s mother died just shy of 90.
1996 wake of Edna Harrison: cousins Paul Mowson, Trevor, Peter Mowson and Kevin Baird
In his retirement, Bill Jnr and Mavis moved to a property that had been a plant nursery on Gnangara Drive in Wanneroo.
1997 Harrison family at Trevor and Glenda’s farm “Harroglen” in York.
Bill Jnr died 8th February 2000 aged 73.
HARRISON (William Arthur) “Bill”
13.2.1926 – 8.2.2000
Love husband of Mavis and father of Susan, Pauline and Trevor. Father-in-law of Kevin and Glenda, respected grandfather of Anthony, Andrew, Todd, Karen, Rebecca and Heath and loved great grandfather of Aaron, Jarrod and Hayley.
A chapter closes.
Rest in peace.
HARRISON (William Arthur)
In memory of my brother Bill who never appreciated his worth. Loved brother of Jack, brother-in-law of Marcia, uncle of Jay, Kim and Jody. In peace at last.
HARRISON (Bill)
Fond memories of happy times. Loving thoughts to Mavis and family. Brother Ray, Norma, Jeff, Julie, Jack and Elaine.
HARRISON (William Arthur)
Loved brother of Jill. Brother-in-law of John, uncle to Penny, Peter and Paul. Rest in Peace, Bill.
HARRISON (William)
In memory of Bill, brother-in-law of Dot and Dan, uncle of Neil. Passed away 8.2.2000.
HARRISON William (Bill)
A Life Member of the Club since 1970, Bill passed away after a long illness. Our sincere sympathy to his family. President, Directors and Players, Subiaco Football Club.
2000 family reunion: Glenda, Norma, Mavis and Susan2000 – Glenda Harrison showing Samantha Chester how to feed a horse on their York property
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 stepping 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 combination 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 remained 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
Thursday, Oct. 5th – Capitol Theatre at 8pm – 1950’s GREATEST MUSICAL SHOW
Bruce Carroll presents – Symphony In Swing
With Harry Bluck’s Concert Orchestra and Dance Band, Over 50 Leading Musicians and Radio Artists, Wendy Nash — 12-year-old Virtuoso Pianiste, Jack Harrison — Clarinet Star of the West, Ossie Sanderson — 16-year old ‘London Fantasia’ Soloist, Phyllis Frost — International Broadcasting Vocaliste, Ronald Pollastrini — W.A.’s Outstanding Lyric Tenor, Tritoff’s Trio — First appearance of Radio Vocal Trio, Kath Bass — Star Rhythm Vocaliste, Alan Golding — Leading Exponent of Hammond Electric Organ, Peter Clinch trio — Wizards of Swing, Dave Howard — and His Golden Voiced Saxophone (By Courtesy A. B.C.), Keith Connolly — Sophisticated Humorist, Laurie Croissette — Tho ‘Different’ Western Entertainer ,Symphony and Swing Club’s Entertainment Unit with West Coast Dixielanders — State’s smartest Jazz Ensemble, John Todd — 14-year-old Star Piano Accordionist, Rhythm Spinners — State’s leading Male Modern Vocal Group, Robyn Harwood — Boogie Woogie Specialiste, Beverly Beckwith — Co-Compere of S. and S. Club Group. Compere: Geoff Manion. Stage Production: Dave Howard By Courtesy A. B.C. PRICES : 3/- 4/- 5/- (plus tax). Box Plan at Nicholsons Limited. The Daily News Monday 25 September 1950 page 12
1950 Symphony in Swing programJAZZ JAMBOREE TOMORROW The annual Jazz Jamboree will be held at the Capitol Theatre at 8.45 p.m. tomorrow. Almost 100 professional musicians will take part and play all types of modern music. The entire proceeds of the concert will go to the musicians’ benevolent fund. Sixteen dance-band leaders, all wellknown musicians, will take part, and the show comperes will be Geoff Manion and Peter Harrison.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 28 October 1950, page 7
THE BIGGEST DANCE BAND SHOW of the YEAR — ALL YOUR FAVORITES
JAZZ JAMBOREE of 1950 – CAPITOL THEATRE – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th
NINE OF THE STATE’S LEADING DANCE BANDS
Bill Kirkham’s Embassy Band
Ken Murdoch’s Ensemble
Ron Jenkins Band
Peter Clinch Boptette
Merv Rowston’s Band
Colin Hicks and His Musk
Wayne Hendrick’s Modernaires
Norm Wrightson’s Band
Harry Bluck’s Music in the Modern Manner
ALL YOUR SWING, JAZZ AND BEBOP PAVORITES
500 Unreserved Seats on Sale at Doer
GFOFF MANION and PETER HARRISON. Comperes
JAZZ MUSIC: Nine dance bands combined to present the “Jazz Jamboree of 1950” in the Capitol Theatre on Sunday night to raise money for the W.A. Musician’s Benevolent Fund. Every seat was filled and the audience had an op portunity of comparing different styles. Warm applause greeted special efforts by the bands or their vocalists. The programme was produced by Harry Bluck and the comperes were Geoff Manion and Peter Harrison.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1950, page 9
1951
1951 Jazz Jamboree program cover
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 Sharp.
Booking Opens at Nicholsons. Friday 19th October 1951.
A Hot Spot In The Old Town Last Night
Evidence of the increasing popularity of jazz with young and old Perth people was last night s Jazz Jamboree at the Capitol Theatre. Between. 500 and 600 fans were turned away. The theatre, which seats 2249 people, was filled by 7.55 p.m. — 10min. after 400 unreserved seats were offered at the theatre. And bodgies and widgies were far outnumbered by the “over-40” brigade. It was a record house for a jazz jamboree. The audience heard 12 of Perth and Fremantle’s best bands perform. All musicians gave their services free and the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund got the benefit— £501 was paid for tickets. Programme sales yielded more than £50 and, officials estimate that 600 more programmes would have sold “like hot music”.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Monday 29 October 1951, page 3
1951 Jazz Jamboree – programme
1952
1953
Peter joined the RAAF Central Band as Principal Solo Clarinet and Senior NCO in 1953.
He married Joy Iolanthe in Victoria in 1953 and they had a daughter Robyn and son David together.
1967
1967 WASO: Peter Clinch augmenting on percussion
1971
1971 Peter Clinch article
Peter played in WASO, filling in for Jack Harrison who went overseas for 5 months on a Churchill Fellowship.
1972
Night of Russian Musical heritage – By John Meyer
Friday June 23 1972
In an evening of Russian music at the ABC orchestral subscription concert in Winthrop Hall last night three works illustrating different facets of that nations musical heritage were featured. The highlight was a controlled and well-defined performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony in E minor played by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Tibor Paul Mr. Paul’s total view of this symphony seem to be an admirable one. He did not emphasise only it’s obvious emotional qualities but gradually built up the drama from the sombre opening for clarinets to the triumphant climax of the final. In this last movement he was well supported by the Orchestra. The performance throughout was distinguished by some fine solo playing especially by Neil Pierson Horn and Jack Harrison and Peter Clinch clarinets.
The West Australian Saturday June 24 1972
1995
Peter Clinch died in Melbourne on 6th June 1995 aged 64.
Peter Clinch was an Australian saxophonist, clarinettist, composer and educator.
Dr. Peter Clinch was born in Geraldton, Western Australia in 1930.
He began his early career augmenting in the clarinet section of the Perth Symphony Orchestra in 1947 , the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and then joined the RAAF Central Band as Principal Solo Clarinet and Senior NCO in 1953. Subsequent to this he played clarinet and saxophone with every ABC Symphony Orchestra in Australia either as a member of the orchestra or as a soloist. Peter was the Head of the Music Department at the Melbourne College of Advanced Education and later the Reader, then Associate Dean (Music Education) at the Faculty of Music, University of Melbourne.
As well as producing a number of recordings, Peter toured extensively in Europe, Asia and the USA as a soloist, recitalist, a chamber music performer, and a conductor as well as giving lectures and masterclasses. The Peter Clinch Saxophone Quartet was the most exciting ensemble of the Australian music scene, certainly its most pertinent in contemporary significance. He won several awards for composition. He was widely respected as a conductor and his jazz performance. He was the founder and President of the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Victoria, Vice President of the Comité International de Saxophone and has a citation in several “Who’s Who” guides including “Who’s Who in the Commonwealth” and “Who’s Who in the World”. He was the Head of the Department and Reader and Associate Dean of Music Education at the Melbourne CAE (University of Melbourne).
Peter’s international conference contributions included papers for several of the World Saxophone Congresses, the Australian National Clarinet Seminar in Sydney, several of the International Clarinet Congresses and the Australian National Saxophone Seminar in Melbourne (which he organised). He also presented papers at conferences in Western Australia, Sydney, London, Canberra and Yugoslavia. He died in 1995.
Peter’s published works included a Clarinet Tutor for Allan’s Music, the Tausch Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra and several other clarinet and jazz studies tutors. His journal articles included articles for the international publication Studies in Music, music and book reviews for the Journal of Music Education, the Journal of Australian Music and Musicians, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the International Journal of Music Education and The Clarinet.
Original compositions include Instruments of the Orchestra, Introduction and Fugue for 4 Percussion, Music for a Grand Tour, Variations for Clarinet and Electric Tape, Introspections for Saxophone and Tape, Saxophony for Voice, Flute, Clarinet and Percussion, Inventions for 7 Players, Clarion Call for Small Ensemble, Music for Clarinet and Small Ensemble, and Quartet for Clarinet, Viola, Piano and Percussion. Many of these works were performed overseas in London, West Berlin, Salzburg, Munich, Hamburg and Brussels.
Walter Percival Newton was born in 1897 and died 26.1.1947 aged 50.
Percy Newton arrived with his brother Harold and family from England in 1927. The Newton brothers were very involved in consolidating the new Perth Symphony Orchestra in the late 1920s.
Nicholson’s Limited was a music store situated in the heart of Perth and many of the players used to meet in its music hall to discuss a possible solution to their problems of finding work. Among this group were the Newton Brothers, Percy and Harold, who had immigrated from the United Kingdom in 1927. They played for the most part with the Prince of Wales Theatre Orchestra then, following its demise, moved to the Capitol Theatre Orchestra. Percy Newton was a fine clarinet player whose services had been sought by prestigious orchestral conductors in England and who later became a leader teacher of this instrument giving a good grounding to later clarinet stars like Donald Westlake and Jack Harrison.
Harrison, MarciaWEST AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRACelebrating 75 Years 2003 p.3
Percy was an appointed member of the professional Perth Symphony Orchestra formed in 1936 playing clarinet and was appointed deputy conductor in 1937. He remained Principal Clarinet until 1946.
1928 William Harrison performed with the Newton brothers
Joy Boys – A Talented Company
The Joy Boys gave a bright and varied entertainment in the Town Hal Dalwallinu on Wednesday night. The programme included singing, step-dancing, and musical items. Mr Sydney Clarke, on the violin, was much appreciated. Mr Clark rendered an imitation of the bagpipes on the violin, which was very good indeed, as were his old-time melodies and step dancing. Mr Cass Mahomet’s singing was greatly enjoyed. Mr Irwin Lawrances’s cornet solo and Mr Percy Newton‘s saxophone number brought forth great applause. Mr Les Dixon delighted his hearers by his playing the piano, and Mr Townley was splendid on the sousaphone and trombone. The company was worthy of a larger audience.
North-Eastern Courier (Perth, WA), Saturday 6 September 1930, page 3
Saturday, January 9th 1932 – 6WF, PERTH.
8.0: The first revue of 1932 by the Radioptomists, produced by Harry Graham. Artists: Dorothy Manning, Billy Edwards, David Lyle, Harold Newton, Malcolm Dick, Paul Daly, Eileen Hart, Lulu Potter, Edna Waterman and Percy Newton; accompanist, Phyllis Blott. The 6WF Revue Orchestra and the A.B.C. Mixed Quartet will assist.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 24 December 1931, page 3
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Last Sunday’s Concert
Before a moderately large audience, the Perth Symphony Orchestra offered another first class concert at His Majesty’s Theatre last Sunday evening. The music was of a lighter type than usual and, though it may not have suited sonic of the high-brow critics, appealed to the major section of the crowd.
Two dance numbers, Ponchielli’s popular ‘Dance of the Hours’ and Puccini’s ‘Witches’ Dance’ from ‘Le Villi,’ were both well rendered, except that the cold weather mitigated against the tone of the strings and affected the wood wind, where one or two weak links sometimes TEND TO SPOIL the excellent playing of the principal clarinet (Mr. Percy Newton). A suite of ballet music, ‘Hiawatha,’ by Coleridge-Taylor was a delight, and selections from ‘Rigoletto’ — one of Verdi’s best -known operas — proved popular with the audience. Mr. George Mellor (cornet) was, as usual, responsible for some fine solo work in the ‘Paraphrase’ which preceded the famous quartette that closed the number, and incidentally Mr. Reid had to respond with an encore to this item. Two overtures, ‘The Barber of Seville’ (Rossini) and ‘Zampa’ (Herold) completed the orchestral section of the programme. Signor Ugo Mina (tenor) offered pleasing selections from Italian operas.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 22 July 1933, page 12
‘JOHN O’LONDON’S’ CIRCLE – An Evening of Music
The concluding session of the year of the ‘John O’ London’s’ Literary Circle was held last night at Lyric House, Murray Street. A programme of music was contributed to by Perth musicians. A quintet conducted by Mr. Harold Newton, and consisting of Messrs. Ron Brearley (cello), Fred Murphy (clarionet), Percy Newton (clarionet), Norbert Coulehan (oboe), and Mrs. Wilson (pianoforte) provided several of the items. Solos were given by Mr. Brearley and Mrs. Wilson, and songs by Mr. Austin Coulehan and Miss June Fiore. In addition, a musical monologue and elocutionary items were contributed by Miss May Downes and Miss Mary Ward. The musical part of the entertainment was organised by Mr. Norbert Coulehan. The circle will resume its meetings in March.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 15 December 1933, page 12
SUNDAY BROADCASTS – New 6IX Feature.
NEXT Sunday evening at 6.15 o’clock the first of a new series of broadcast will take place from the Ambassadors Theatre over station 6IX. Ron Brearley and his Merrymakers and a novelty orchestra will present a session of popular and classical vocal and instrumental numbers, which is being sponsored by General Theatres Corporation, Ltd., as a regular weekly feature. Among the artists who are to be heard are Harold Newton, Rita Hawse, Will Talbot Anthony Northe, Teddy Phillips, Percy Newton, and a feature of the first programme will be the novel way of introducing the items. Among the items to be played on the first night will be the ever-popular “Mikado” selection, rendered by the Merrymakers Orchestra. Rita Hawse will be heard in three numbers, “Bird Songs at Eventide,” “Ballad Memories” and “Everything I Have Is Yours,” accompanied by the orchestra and organ. Will Talbot, monologuist, will present “Sitting on a Log” and there will be an unusual organ and piano duet by Messrs. Northe and Phillips.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 23 August 1934, page 39
State Symphony Orchestra.
The West Australian State Symphony Orchestra will give another concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Perth, on Sunday night. An Algerian march by Mr. de Laeter (a member of the orchestra) will be the opening number and will be followed by “Capriccio Espagnol” (Rimsky-Korsakov), “Komarinskaja” (Glinka) and a repetition by request of Rimsky Korskov’s “The Flight of the Bumble Bee,” played at the last concert. Assisting artists include Paul Daly, May Webster and her eight mascots, Percy Newton and Ruth Cranfield.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 24 August 1934, page 8
FAMOUS CONDUCTOR – Coaxes Great Music From Perth Orchestra
Thursday night was a momentous one in Perth musical circles, when the fruits of Professor Schneevoigt’s (the eminent Finnish conductor) work with the Perth Symphony Orchestra of 65 players were revealed to the public at His Majesty’s Theatre. A Tchaikowsky Symphony occupied the whole of the first half, and right from the first bar of the supremely delicate, wistful pianissimo opening it was apparent that a genius was wielding the baton. Indeed, never before had local music-lovers been regaled with such appetising fare, and while the four movements were being played, one might have heard the proverbial pin drop during the soft passages or the brief pause between each section. Even at the conclusion of the Symphony there was an impressive silence before a STORM OF APPLAUSE which lasted for several minutes, swept through the theatre. Professor Schneevoigt was recalled several times and eventually he also joined in the applause as a gesture to the magnificent work of the orchestra. Indeed, unstinted praise must be given the musicians, especially to the leader of the clarionets, Mr. Percy Newton, on whose capable shoulders rested the initial responsibility for introducing the symphonic theme. Later in the evening the conductor shook hands with Mr. W. Glassford, whose interpretation of a pleading melody in one of the other numbers was to his liking. A delicate suite for strings, Sibelius’ ‘Rakastava.’ was the first item of the second half. This, as was the case with rest of the offerings, suffered a few blemishes by minor false entries and, at times, a decided uncertainty on the part of some of the key players, but were overshadowed by the grand concerted climax that were obtained throughout the evening. Of special merit was the performance, with lovely orchestral accompaniment, of Perth’s gifted soprano, Miss Lorna Sydney Smith, whose DELIGHTFUL RENDERINGS of Wagner’s ‘Schmergen’ and ‘Traume’ were well received.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 12 June 1937, page 17
DUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY – WEST PERTH FUNCTION
With a flesh-and-blood orchestra playing the opening overture, scenes from ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ musical travesties and acting ad lib, quite a gay party took place at the home of Mrs. Craze, Havelock-street, West Perth, on Tuesday night. The occasion was the anniversary of the birthdays of Misses Roma Craze and Edna Waterman, and was marked by the attendance of many musicians and their friends. Some of the culminating scenes were real rollicking gems, when instead of cellos and double basses, Alf Shute sang a declamatory ditty and danced a fandango amid the wreckage of a travelling gipsy’s caboose. Harold Newton as guest conductor and brother Percy as temperamental pianist saw these maestros in lighter vein and provided much entertainment to their friends, who developed sore throats cheering them on or shrieking at their carefree antics. In addition to Mrs. Craze and her three daughters, those present were Mr. and Mrs. Harold Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Chaloner, Mr. and Mrs. Alf Shute, Mrs. Jones (Tasmania), Mrs. Waterman, Mrs. R. Rees, Miss Frankie Woodhouse, Miss Nina Gobi, T. Bennett and Cyril Huntley. During the partaking of supper Mr. Harold Newton, supported by many other speakers, proposed the toast of the celebrants, referring eulogistically to Miss Roma Craze, who is leaving for England shortly to continue her studies as a linguist and other professional attainments.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 10 September 1938, page 23
HER REWARD FOR PLUCKY RESCUE
THIS IS THE SIDE OF LAST WEEK’S HEROIC RESCUE STORY THAT WASN’T TOLD
When little 14-year-old Nylsalie Newton, daughter of well-known clarinettist and A.B.C. deputy conductor Percy Newton, dragged two drowning women to safety in the Claremont Baths, she subsequently received unstinted admiration of praise from her schoolmates and the many others who heard about her noble deed. Scores of people stood watching the two women drown, were even laughing at their antics, not dreaming they were in difficulties. Nylsalie Newton did. Her young brain did a piece of quick thinking and she jumped into split-second action of which any veteran would have been proud. So much everyone knows, although at the time she unobtrusively slipped away from the Baths soon as she had informed the attendant of the two ladies’ plight. But what the public doesn’t know is how the brave youngster was rewarded for her plucky effort. She put down her bathing cap while she changed into her street clothes and returned to find it missing. It had been stolen.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 22 April 1939, page 10
MINIATURE RECITAL – Mozart Trio and Songs
A Mozart trio in E flat major for piano, viola and clarinet was played by Phyllis Blott, William Glassford and Percy Newton at the thirteenth of this seasons series of miniature recitals at the Karrakatta Club Hall yesterday afternoon. It was a pleasing experience, having for a Perth audience not only the attraction of a masterly composition well presented but also the element of novelty for the work has had but few public performances in this city.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 5 November 1943, page 3
EVERYMAN’S MUSIC – Recital Tonight
An unusually varied programme is offered by the Adult Education Board in the third of the current Everyman’s Music series to be given in Winthrop Hall this evening at 8.15 o’clock. Chamber music will include the Divertimento in B Flat for two clarinets and bassoon (Mozart) with Percy Newton, Robert Trew and Jock Good and the Mozart Trio in E Flat for piano, clarinet and viola with Edward Black, Percy Newton and William Glassford.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 25 April 1946, page 6
Robert Jackson bought Jack Harrison’s tenor saxophone.
is a visual artist, multi-skilled musician and performer. He has been active since the 1980s.
He lives in the Huon Valley, Tasmania after re-locating from Melbourne in 2019. He has been a regular exhibitor at local shows. In 2021 he was a core musician role in the Creek Road Art Orchestra: an Australia Council funded project run by Kickstart Arts in Hobart.
Painter Robert’s main inspiration is the Australian landscape with its sense of space, forgotten and remnant areas, encroaching suburbs and industry, and is an exploration of the concepts of “Presence” and “Absence”: His recent work has focused on a distillation of landscape into its distinctive elements to examine the concept of identity and place. What makes “Here”, here? What makes a place distinctive? He has produced many artworks for public and private clients. He has had many solo exhibitions and is an award-winning muralist. His work is represented in public and private collections in Australia, USA and Europe,
and he has held numerous Artist-in-Residencies.
Robert studied music composition at the Victorian College of the Arts. He has been a featured soloist at Melbourne International Arts Festival and many contemporary music events. He has played in a multitude of Rock and Jazz bands and been MD/Composer for Circus, Film & Theatre. He was a founding member/co-
ordinator of The Melbourne Improvisers Association Inc., a committee member of the Make-it-up Club, and has sat on several Arts advisory boards. He has taught music, drawing and circus skills. He performs regularly with jazz-based trio The Chord on Bleus.
Qualifications
BA(hons) Linguistics, Latrobe University, 1984
Post Graduate Diploma of the Arts (Music) VCA 1990
5 year improvisation study with Al Wunder
Extensive musical improvisation study with Brian Brown
In 1960, clarinettist Jack Harrison recorded “Dizzy Fingers” by Zez Confrey playing all ten clarinet parts. The recordings were played at different speeds, backwards, and superimposed onto the master tape by ABC technician Garry Matthews at Broadcast House.
The Sunday Times, 13 March 1960: “Versatile musician Jack Harrison recently made a recording playing ten parts on clarinet. The finished work will be broadcast on Peter Harrison’s 6WN programme Saturday Roundabout.”
Dizzy Fingers by Zez Confrey was published in New York in 1923. In 1960, clarinettist Jack Harrison recorded “Dizzy Fingers” by Zez Confrey playing all ten clarinet parts. The recordings were played at different speeds, backwards, and superimposed onto the master tape by ABC technician Garry Matthews at Broadcast House. The Sunday Times, 13 March 1960: “Versatile musician Jack Harrison recently made a recording playing ten parts on clarinet. The finished work will be broadcast on Peter Harrison’s 6WN programme Saturday Roundabout.”
Bill’s uncle 
