Ken Murdoch was born in 1907 in Portsmouth, England.
Early conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra (WASO) George Reid and his son Harold Reid gave lessons to Ken Murdoch. Ken taught Jack Harrison the saxophone.
1940
BEACH CONCERT
Stars at tomorrow night’s concert at Scarborough beach in aid of combined local charities will include Ron Moyle, Viv Nylander, Ken Murdoch, Niddy Roberts, Hazel Shapcott and many others. A good night’s entertainment is assured.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 14 December 1940, page 28
1941
6KY SOON ON THE AIR
“Spare no expense, but give us the goods,” were the instructions when orders were placed for the equipment for 6KY, the new “B” class radio station
in Perth. And soon the radio audiences of Western Australia are to hear the “goods.” 6KY comes on the air on Thursday night with a specially prepared opening programme of swing and variety. Official opening ceremony will be performed by Mr. J. C. Willcocks, Premier of the State. Short speeches will be delivered by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. Curtin), the Lord Mayor of Perth (Dr. T. W. Meagher), chairman of the A.L.P. (Mr. Needham, W.A.), the president of the A.L.P. (Mr. King, N.S.W.) and Prof. Cameron. Studios and executive offices of 6KY are at 17 James-street, and the transmission plant is on the high ground at Inglewood, with a mast towering 192 feet in the air. Wave length is 210 metres, and the station is received low on the dial and in good strength. Studios include a theatre (with accommodation for about 250), and two smaller studios. Good care will be taken of the programmes by Ken Murdoch, a walking index on music, be it the latest swing or the oldest of symphonies or concertos. Mr. L. Wilkinson, late of Broken Hill, has charge of 6KY, and he and his staff promise radio audiences all they could wish for in entertain-ment. Policy of the station is to promote local talent where possible, and on the opening night the variety units will be supplied entirely by flesh and blood performers. Hugh Hay and Des. Day are the announcers, Mavis Buck has charge of the women’s session and Billy Brown has orders to keep the children amused. Mr. W. Fuhrman is sales manager and Mr. B. Graham salesman.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 18 October 1941, page 3
1945
Fell For Sax Appeal Of Musician’s Wife
When that old urge for rhythm enters your bones, Perth saxophone and clarinet-player Ken Murdoch is the boy to escort you on a roundabout of swing. A zoot suit might help, but it wouldn’t be strictly necessary if you wanted to snare a few spine-tingles from Ken’s playing. Thousands have heard Ken’s swing, boogie-woogie and jive over the radio; thousands have danced to his melodious sax.
And Ken made a Yank face the music when he caught him wooing his attractive wife, Edith Margaret Murdoch, in Wellington-square. Ken related how his marriage had gone off-key to Mr. Justice Wolff in the divorce court, and told how he’d been given the air by his wife for a Yank named Raymond D. Krohn. Murdoch was home with his youngster one day when the boy asked: ‘Are you going to look after me when Mummy goes, Daddy?’ It didn’t take the musician long to realise that something was amiss, and later he had a chat with sleuth Arthur Nankivell, and together they kept an eye on Edith’s movements. On Dec 15, about 10.15 p.m., they saw her walk towards King-st with a Yank. From King-St, they followed them to Wellington Square. It was 12.20 before the |raiders found their target and the proceedings then were terse and to the point. But it didn’t end there! After Ken went ahead with divorce proceedings, Edith pleaded with him to take her back. He did, on the following conditions: (1) ll contact with Krohn were to be avoided; (2) She was to cease her associations with a woman friend. For 11 days, things were OK and then she told Ken: ‘I have no affection for you, and I’m not likely to have in future.’ then packed her bags and walked out. Since, hubby has found out that she’s been seen with Krohn and the woman friend. Murdoch got his decree, plus custody of the child. Sailor Krohn will have to pay the costs.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 24 March 1945, page 13
1947
In The Lair Of The Long Hairs!
Jazz Invades Winthrop Hall
Symphonic sanctity of elegant Winthrop Hall was disturbed one night this week. Occasion: A celebrity concert. But there were no evening cloaks, starched shirt-fronts, lorgnettes, rustling programmes, whispered critiques or social effrontery.
Instead there was a youthful buoyancy in the air, an exhilarating excitement and an infectious happiness which reflected easily from an audience dressed as nonchalantly as a street crowd. Indeed, as our American cousins would have said. ‘The Joint was Jumpin’ down at Carnegie Hall.’ And as truly as Carnegie Hall, as well as the world-famous Metropolitan Opera House, has been invaded by jazz musicians of high calibre, here was our own Winthrop Hall baring its soul to a jazz concert. Graeme Bell and his Jazz Group were stepping off the Asturias, en route to Europe, to let the local jazz fans hear them do a ‘bash.’ With a happy introduction by local discographer Ken Murdoch, the Jazz group (in shirt sleeves) marched onto the stage in military band style playing their instruments to the tune of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.’ Then a few more explanatory remarks by the cornetist and away to a flying start went this 7-piece musical combination on a programme that raked jazz from the limbo of the past half century, pre- World War 1, from New Orleans, the Mississippi, old Chicago and older Negro Spirituals. A cornet flanked by an old valve-trombone and clarinet were the frontline instruments, while at the rear solid, rhythm was produced from a string bass, drums, banjo and piano. A quick glance through some of the titles played may mean nothing to the average music-lover, but to the True Jazz fan they are the concerto, the sonata and fugue— ‘Walkin’ the Streets of the City,’ ‘Tessa’s Blues’ (composed by Roger Bell), ‘Smokey Mokes’ (which Ken Murdoch identified as ‘Coon Can Rag’), Gershwin’s ‘The Man I Love,’ ‘Shreveport’ (played hi traditional honky tonk trio style), ‘Coquette,’ ‘Royal Garden Blues,’ ‘Riverside Blues,’ ‘The Darktown Strutters Ball,’ ‘Tiger Rag,’ ‘I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll’— plus other improvised bits and pieces. Graeme Bell and his Jazz Group are on then- way to Europe on the Asturias to attend the International Youth Festival at Prague. They have been selected by the Australian Associated Youth Committees and have been sponsored in the Eastern States by the Victorian Branch of the Eureka Youth League. They are already booked to appear in concerts hi London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich and Prague. Concert at Winthrop Hall was arranged by the University Labor Club.
The Music Makers Personnel of the Group are Graeme Bell, leader and pianist; Roger Bell, cornettist; Jack Varney, banjo; Russ Murphy, drums; Don Roberts, clarinet; Adrian Monsborough, trombone; Lou Silbereisen, bass. Jazz as played by the Group is the music which is said to have reached its artistic climax in the ‘twenties, the golden era of jazz, and it has been kept alive all over the world by jazz groups, record collectors and jazz fans. Although the more modern swing and popular song music has its origins in the True Jazz, there is a distinct and very controversial breach between them and the adherents to the True Jazz form disclaim these modern styles with their accompanying zoot-suiters, bobby-soxers, swing arrangements and jive jargon. Pure jazzists hail the earliest negro and Whiteman exponents of jazz as their champions and lay extremely heavy claims to this music as a true art. Jazz has not proved itself an art of sufficient poetic or intellectual scope to take the place in civilised society occupied by the great art of concert and operatic music. But in both Its folk and popular form it is an art to be -reckoned with— and ‘there can be no doubt that the world is richer for it! This, briefly, is the creed of the True Jazz boys.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 12 July 1947, page 6
400 CHEER EYL JAZZ BAND
More than 400 young people cheered Graeme Bell’s Dixieland Jazz Band in Winthrop Hall last Monday night. “This is the biggest audience of University students we have ever played to,” said Harry Stein, leader of the EYL delegation to the World Youth Festival at Prague. “The band is part of the Australian delegation to the Festival, and we feel we are sending something that is the best of its kind in Australia,” he said. The EYL delegation, passing through Fremantle on its way to Prague, picked up WA State Chairman of the EYL, Chas. Bresland, who will attend the Festival as WA delegate. He will work as a voluntary brigader in Czechoslovakia, and on the Youth Railway in Yugoslavia. Jazz Convention Paying tribute to the band ABC jazz expert, Ken Murdoch, said that this was WA’s first jazz convention, and the audience was privileged to hear such well-known musicians. He said that a famous US ‘ record critic had named the Graeme Bell Dixieland band as among the 10 best in the world. “Do you want to hear the band on its return?” asked Henry Stein. Whistles and cheers from the audience. “Can I give greetings from the WA University to the Festival in Prague?” Four hundred young Australian lungs gave a rousing “Yes.”
Workers Star (Perth, WA : 1936 – 1951), Friday 11 July 1947, page 5
1948
JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1948 – Capitol Theatre – Sunday Night October 31
eight leading bands led by: Merv Rowston, Sammy Sharp, Chris Gosper, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham, Jack Harrison, Ken Murdoch.
Box plan at Nicholsons. Adm 2/6 Proceeds to Charity. Harry Bluck, who heads the A.B.C. Rhythmettes, is the brains behind the business and all proceeds go to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.
The Mirror Saturday October 23 1948 Vol 25. No. 1379
1948
SUNDAY OCTOBER 31st – JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1948 Capitol Theatre, Sunday Night October 31 – eight leading bands led by Merv Rowston, Sammy Sharp, Chris Gosper, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham, Jack Harrison, Ken Murdoch. Box plan at Nicholsons. Adm 2/6 Proceeds to Charity. Harry Bluck, who heads the A.B.C. Rhythmettes, is the brains behind the business and all proceeds go to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.
The Mirror Saturday October 23 1948 Vol 25. No. 1379
JAZZ CONCERT: At the Capitol Theatre on Sunday night the professional dance-band musicians of Perth will present a jazz concert. The programme, it is stated, has been planned to cover every style of modern Jazz Idiom Eight bands will be conducted by the following: Merv Rowston, Jack Harrison, Sammy Sharp, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Chris Gosper, Bill Kirkham and Ken Murdoch. The proceeds will be for charity.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 28 October 1948, page 24
Jazz Jamboree of 1948
Jazz enthusiasts and the disciples of boogie-woogie, swing and be-bop (the translation of which has yet to be given to me) will be right in front of the eight-ball, so to speak, on Sunday night at the Capitol Theatre where the Jazz Jamboree of 1948 will take the stage as a charity concert. Harry Bluck, who heads the A.B.C. Rhythemettes, is the brains behind the business and all proceeds will go to the Musicians’ Benevolent fund. This year over 60 of Perth’s leading musicians will combine to make the show something for be-boppers (and others) to bop about. Merv Rowston’s Orchestra, Jackie Harrison’s Quintette, Chris Gosper and his Concert Orchestra, Ken Murdoch’s Swing Show Quartette, Sammy Sharp’s Orchestra, Harry Bluck’s Jazz Group, Ron Jenkin’s Band and Bill Kirkham and his Jive Five will all be on stage, in addition to the “1948 Mystery Band”. This mystery band seems to be something of a mystery to all except the musicians in it. Harry Bluck tells me that nobody know the personnel, the music they are likely to play, the instruments they will select or even if they will “give out” from the stage or the stalls. But it seems like a great night and the cause will be a worthy one. It should be well worth while to go along to find out exactly what bo-peep is (sorry) bo-bep (excuse), I mean be-pop. Won’t somebody get me out?
The Broadcaster October 1948
Big Jazz Mystery – Perth’s hep-cats are properly mystified. No one will tell them the identity of a mystery band which will play at the big jazz jamboree at the Capitol. Anyone who solves this Top Swing Secret gets a prize— 6 swing records, no less! Eight bands will play, led by Merv Rowston, Jackie Harrison, Chris Gosper, Ken Murdoch, Sammy Sharp, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham and Harry Bluck.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 23 October 1948, page 4
JAZZ CONCERT – At the Capitol Theatre on Sunday night the professional dance-band musicians of Perth will present a jazz concert. The programme, it is stated, has been planned to cover every style of modern Jazz idiom. Eight bands will be conducted by the following: Merv Rowston, Jack Harrison, Sammy Sharp, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Chris Gosper, Bill Kirkham and Ken Murdoch. The proceeds will be for charity.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 26 October 1949, page 14
1949
PERTH JAZZ MEN ARE TOPS IN EAST
Recent news about WA dance musicians who have sought to establish national reputations is good news. At least 4 who have been questing after the big-time in the Eastern States have made it, some of them ranking amongst the top-salaried musicians of the day. Currently occupying press space in musical magazines and feeling the for and, against quips of critics in Sydney is Ray Hartley, onetime popular pianist at radio lunch-hour concerts in Perth. General gossip has it that Ray is sow in the high salary range although it is rumoured that the road has been long and very rough. At present Ray is featured with Paul Lombard’s outfit at the Celebrity Club which used to be Rose’s and spare time, as little as he may have, L being turned towards arranging and holding down a couple of radio spots. In addition to this Ray contributes to the Music Maker, the Australian Dance Band Editorial and his articles on prominent keyboard men are a worthwhile contribution to that magazine. Although his name is usually associated with lunch hour concerts, Ray’s success was first assured in renditions of the Ray Hartley Trio; a combination which he has reformed in Sydney.
Without a doubt the most popular pianist in Sydney, is W. A.’s none other than Jim Riley. Jim is very highly respected both in the profession and out of it and accepts the good Samaritan role. He was originally a Fremantle boy and had a good classical background. He made his debut in dance band work with Ron Jenkins, and remained with him until approached by Merv. Rowston and Ken Murdoch. He then moved his stand and these three very prominent men upheld the music at the Miami Club for several years. In 1938, Jim became pianist with Ron Moyle at the A.B.C. It was during this time that he first attempted dance band arranging and it soon became obvious that he was much further advanced than any other dance musician here in this field. As a result of his enthusiasm, Jim managed to contact famous American arrangers in Will Hudson and Otto Cesana and it was not long before his arrangements received due recognition. During the early years of the war, Jim was the strength in Merv. Rowston’s A.B.C. old-time orchestra at Government House, and after the closing of tills hall both musicians moved across to the American Red Cross on Riverside Drive. At present, Jim is pianist and arranger in Frank Coughlan’s 14 piece Trocadero Band which plays 6 nights a week and Saturday afternoon. He does a lot of outside arranging and trio work and it is a fact that some of the leading musicians in the East now receive instruction in arranging from Jim. His exceptional ability and modesty combine to make him one of the most eagerly sought after pianists and arrangers in Sydney. He has been a perfect host to all visiting West Australians and Perth musicians are assured of a warm welcome, particularly, when he fulfils his ambition, to own a hotel.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 19 February 1949, page 11
Union rates for dance band musicians have just increased, so when you next engage a band don’t raise your eyebrows if the quote seems higher than usual.
Minimum rate now, as set out by the union is 33/7 per head, plus 5/ bandleader’s fee to 11.30 p.m., which meant that you can’t engage a 3piece band under £5/5/9. Actually, few bands in the city will play for bare junior rates, while the demand is on for reliable dance band men and higher wages are available. Therefore, dance organisers, don’t sacrifice the evening by engaging a cheap, unreliable band. Embassy fans will have to lie low until the new floor installations are complete. Flooring, which was removed after last Saturday night’s dancing was the original — laid some 20 years ago. Alterations will take at least 10 days to complete if all goes well. They will include sanding of the surface and sterine treatment. Sammy Sharp’s band has moved its stand into Perth Town Hall temporarily.
Biography: Merv Rowston was self taught and gained most of his tuition by listening to records. In his ‘teens, Merv played at his first paid engagement — 2 piece unit of electric pianola and drums. Merv free-lanced with small outfits around the city, including Bill Naughton’s KitKat Cabaret band, and in 1929 got his first big break when he joined Charlie’ Sheridan’s Piccadilly Cabaret Band. During the following 5 years he was in the public limelight and among leading combinations he played with were Merv Lyons, at the original Temple Court Cabaret ( Embassy ; Knickerbocker Jazz Group, at the Luxor and Fred Nice, whose band, incidentally, featured in the first radio broadcast in 1932 In July, 1934 he went abroad and was associated with some of the leading percussionists and bands in England. After his return he formed his own band in 1937, which featured at the Miami Club. This line-up was Jim Riley piano; Ken Murdoch, sax: Merv. Rowston, drums: Pa Wagner, vocals. Tie-up of Jim, Ken and Merv is still recognised as one of the greatest combinations that Perth’s Dance Band Land has ever known. Merv’s successes since then reel off smoothly. – By AGAS
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 12 March 1949, page 14
Rhythm Round-up
It has often been said that a musician is a musician alone, and he can do nought else. However, this is not the case with Jimmy Beeson, who has proved himself a successful fisherman as well as an outstanding pianist with the Sammy Sharp outfit. It appears that Jimmy and wife are down by the seaside, and the other morning he was persuaded to go out and try his hand at fishing. At his first cast, Jimmy’s line landed about 10ft. away from him and when laughed at by his wife and younger brother, he proceeded to haul in his line. Lo and behold, he had a struggling fish on the hook end of the line, but to this day Jimmy still doesn’t know the brand of fish. * * * Perhaps: The reason why Thursday nights at the Embassy seem colourful might be at-tributed to the increasing number of evening frocks worn. Certainly adds colour to the picture. * * * Personalities: June Edwards, prettily dressed in a powder blue lace ballerina with friend Frank Larkham, of Goulburn, Sydney, were seen admiring the dancers from the balcony . . . Nellie Ellison and Thelma Fowler, of Perth and Bayswater respectively, seemed interested in the swirling mass of streamers paid out from the balcony . . . pretty brownette June Davis seen doing a rhythm foxtrot. June has recently returned from a trip to Canberra via the capitals. Guess it’s good to be home again, June . . . Dolores Ren-aux model Yvonne Slavin, of South Perth, chose an attracttive ballerina frock in light florals . . . Loge chatterers were Dot Williams of Collie with two city girl friends, Margo Brimmage and Jeanette Oliver.
Biography: Perth’s lead-ing jazz critic and record enthusiast, Ken Murdoch is classed as one of the city’s leading sax exponents. In the real sense of the word, Ken is a thorough musician and his ability is not confined to swing, as many imagine; his performances under Cripps are sufficient to testify to his legit ability. He commenced taking lessons from George Reid in 1928 and attributes any brilliance and success to his old tutor. In later years, he occupied alto chair with Fred Nice’s 6ML Cheerio Club band, 6ML Swing Trio with Merv. Rowston and Jim Riley and also with the Eon Moyle Embassy Band.— ‘QUAIL.’
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 26 March 1949, page 14
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 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
JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1949
EIGHT OF PERTH’S BEST BANDS – Alvan St. Jazz Group, Harry Black’s Swingtette, Jack Harrison’s Quintette, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartette, Ken Murdoch’s Band, Bill Kirkham‘s Jive Band, Merv. Rowston‘s Band, Sammy Sharp‘s Band.
CAPITOL THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th
ADMISSION: 3/6 (reserved). Box Plan at Nicholsons.
The West Australian Wednesday 19 October 1949 page 30
JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1948
Capitol Theatre, Sunday Night October 31
eight leading bands led by
Merv Rowston, Sammy Sharp, Chris Gosper, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham, Jack Harrison, Ken Murdoch
Box plan at Nicholsons. Adm 2/6 Proceeds to Charity.
Harry Bluck, who heads the A.B.C. Rhythmettes, is the brains behind the business and all proceeds go to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.
The Mirror Saturday October 23 1948 Vol 25. No. 1379
They Asked Seaman In New York If He Knew Perth ‘s Ken Murdock
It’s a very small world, according to a Perth musician. In Sydney about 2 years ago, top flight sax player Ken Murdock chummed up with a young Sydneysider who was due to sail from Australia as refrigeration engineer on a Norwegian cargo vessel. Ken met him again later in Perth when the freighter berthed at Fremantle, showed him the sights and treated him to a good time generally. Young Eastern Stater then shoved off for America and, when he was in New York, he visited a theatre to listen to Benny Goodman’s swing outfit in action. Later he dropped backstage to chat with a few of the musicians. When he said he’d been there, he was asked if he knew Ken Murdock. The pianist was Buddy Herman, who was stationed here in 1943 and was pianist on the sub-tender Clytee. Ken Murdock knew him quite well, because he ‘sat in’ with most of the American bands when they were here. Buddy, incidentally, is doing a double-piano act with the Goodman gathering these days.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 17 December 1949, page 12
1950
DIARY OF MARCIA CHAYTER
MARCIA: Sunday 15th January 1950
Stayed home and tidied the house. went to Jack’s place for tea with Anne, Jim, Bob and Ken Murdoch and had luscious jam session after tea. Got home at 12.30am after super time. Jack gave me a super beach bag for my birthday.
DIARY OF JACK HARRISON: Wed 15th Feb 1950
Did some clari practice and went for a walk. Read till half past then went to Clive Armadio’s place and had a lesson and learnt quite a lot. Came home, quickly got changed and then went to Martin Place and met Mr Reid [George Reid conducted the original Perth Symphony Orchestra and his son Harold gave lessons to Sammy Sharp, Ken Murdoch and Merv Rowston] [1]. Went to the Reid’s for tea by ferry. Met Nancy and Valma. Played the clari and Valma sang. Had supper and came home – got to bed 11.30pm.
MARCIA: Monday 27th March 1950
Met Jack for lunch. Went to see Ken Murdoch. Practise one and a half hours.
MARCIA: Sunday 16th April 1950
Went to Ken Murdoch’s with Jack, Billy Clowes and Stan for a jam session and had a luscious time.
1951
AUSTRALIAN BAND PLAYS AT PALACE – Graeme Bell
Graeme Bell’s Australian Jazz Band recently became the first jazz band to play in a Royal Palace, according to an English newspaper just received by airmail by Perth musician-bandleader Ken Murdoch. The band gave two lunch hour recitals on its way through Perth for England. All members are Australians, The band was invited to St. James’ Palace by the King’s 26-year-old nephew. Gerald Lascelles, a keen musician and an ardent jazz fan. Accompanied by band manager Mel Langdon and the wives of six of the band members, the band entered the palace at 6 p.m. and did not leave until almost midnight. It played Australian jazz compositions.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Thursday 4 January 1951, page 5
1951 – JACK HARRISON’S SEXTET OPENS ON 6WN
On September 2 Jack Harrison’s Sextet opens on 6WN. The programme will probably consist of light classics, arranged modern ballads, and bright numbers of the samba, tarantella and bolero type.
Last year Jack studied under the Sydney musician Clive Amadio and it is quite likely that Jack’s sessions will resemble the well-known Amadio Quintet.
Jack reports that the members are James Drummond (violinist), Stephanie James (pianist) who recently returned from Europe, Kenneth Murdoch (saxophonist) John Mowson (bass) and his father, William Harrison (organ and vibes). Jack will play first clarinet and second saxophone. He will have a guest singer for each session. Kath Bass, Phyllis Blott and Elise Longwill would probably be the first three he says. Each number will be arranged for the sextet. Jack and his father are doing some of this work. Some work by an Eastern States arranger is available provided it is copied. Sister Jill is doing this in her spare time in Adelaide.
The Broadcaster Saturday August 18 1951 Vol. 18 No. 907.
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.
The Broadcaster Saturday November 24 1951 (Jack Harrison scrapbook)
1953
INVENT of the week brought with it many big social ‘do’s’ and the Lord Mayor’s Coronation Ball was amply provided for by the music of Ken Murdoch and his band. This follows another event for Ken, inasmuch as he was elected union president this week.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 6 June 1953, page 12
Dance Band Notes
Bob Gibson was guest of honour at a farewell party at the Hotel Continental on Monday Among the musical friends who gathered to wish him bon voyage were Harry Waddell, Harry Bluck, Athol Hill, and of course, mine host popular, genial Harry Ward. Before departing on the plane that evening Bob was the recipient of a pen and pencil set presented by Ken Murdoch on behalf of the WA Musicians’ Association as a memento of a very enjoyable reunion with friends and musicians in his own State during Jazz Festival week.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 7 November 1953, page 12
DRUMMER RETURNS Perth musicians welcome back Ken Harvey, who has had an extensive tour of the British Isles. Ken started drumming under tuition from Merv Rowston, and played for some time as a freelance before joining the Ken Murdoch band, with whom he was associated for about 2 years. While in England to further his knowledge of electronics, hearing aids and radio, Ken took the opportunity to study with the famous teacher of drumming, Max Abrams. A keen observer of dance band talent in the UK and Europe, one of Kens most interesting experiences was seeing the ‘Jazz at Philharmonic’ shows conducted by Norman Grantz. We hope to see Ken back soon in the ranks with the local boys and giving out on that new drum kit and set of vibes which he brought back with him.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 28 November 1953, page 12
[1] Andrew Bisset, Black Roots, White Flowers, p.57