Suburban Theatres Tonight – Ritz Mt Hawthorn – Reserves B7697 – A Night of Fun, Pep and Harmony
MONSTER BIRTHDAY GALA NIGHT. On the stage: Jack Samuels (The Singing Cowboy), Jack Harrison (W.A,’s own Harmonica Prince), Jimmy Riley (Wizard of the Piano Accordion). THREE TIER BIRTHDAY CAKE AND THREE PRIZES TO BE WON. [4]
Repertoire: Nursie, Ferry Boat Serenade, Whispering
[4] The West Australian Monday 19 May 1941
19 February 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
On 17th January 1950, William Harrison (aged 52), Jack and Jill Harrison (aged 18) set sail from Fremantle aboard the Strathaird to Adelaide where Jill had won a scholarship to study bassoon and piano at the Adelaide Conservatorium. William and Jack then continued on to Melbourne and Sydney. William had written and liaised with venues and artists to ensure Jack got as much exposure and experience during the trip. During his stay in Sydney Jack performed with Frank Coughlan’s band in a series of swing concerts at the Trocadero and received an offer to stay with the band as a permanent member. Jack also received lessons from Clive Amadio. They returned to Perth on 2nd March 1950.
JACK HARRISON‘S DIARY 1950
Thu 26th Jan 1950 (arrive Sydney)
Got up at 6.15am because we wanted to see the boat coming in. It was in the heads. It was quite a good sight but it was quite foggy and you could not see very far away. The best part was going under the bridge.
Got into Sydney at 7.45am and got a taxi to the YMCA. Wandered around town a bit with Mr Whitelock, Mr Anthill and the Chappells. Had lunch at the YMCA and messed around in the afternoon. Had early tea and went out to Kurt Jacob’s place but he was not home. Waited for about an hour then gave up and went to the Trocadero where there was a swing concert. It was very good. The band was Frank Coughlan’s. Went up and spoke to Jim Riley (ex Perth boy) and told him the WA news. At half time I saw George Franklin and sat with him the rest of the concert. Got to bed at 11pm.
Fri 27th Jan 1950
Had breakfast which was very poor after the boat. Met Colin de Groot (cousin and professional golfer) who took us for a drive in his new Hillman. First we went to Slazengers where we saw tennis rackets, golf clubs & cricket bats being made, then drove around the place, coffee at King’s Cross. Had lunch at Bondi Beach and went for a swim. Came home then Colin and I looked around the shops at suits. Had tea & went for a walk. Rang up Clive Amadio and arranged to meet him on Sunday. Went down to Trocaderas at 7.30pm, met Jim Riley & had a talk. Dad and I went to the theatre and got to bed at 10.30pm.
Sat 28th Jan 1950
Got up about 8am, had breakfast and went out looking for a bootmaker shop. I found one but it was shut and we went to a place where they repaired mouthorgans, but they were shut. Went up to King’s Cross & met Butch Kirkby. Had an early tea and went up to the Cross to the Roosevelt and met Wally Norman (trombone), came back into town to the Celebrity and met Paul Lombard. Got home and found a note from Jim Riley to go and see him so we went to the Trocadero. And met Frank Coughlan and he told me I could play a number on his sound show next Tuesday. Got to bed 11.30pm.
Tues 7th Feb 1950
Got up early and caught what we thought was the right bus to Clive Armadio’s place (go to enquiry desk, 2nd floor) but finished up in the other side of town – called the 12 midday lesson off until tomorrow. After lunch met Willie Fennell [Australian radio, television, stage and film actor, comedian, producer and writer who appeared in many Australian television series] and had a few drinks with him and had a good yarn. Messed about until tea. After tea went around to the Trocadero and played “The 29 Special” and “Carrioca” on the mouthorgan and went very well. Had a yarn with Frank Coughlan and Jim Riley. Saw representative of the Tempo (magazine). Came home and got to bed 11.30pm.
Mon 13th Feb 1950
Stayed at Peter’s again. Had breakfast and did some clari practice for two hours got in to town at 12 and had lunch. Lay down a while and then went for a walk. Went to bank, Music Conservatory and met Willie Fennell and had a few drinks. Had tea and went to theatrette with Dad for an hour. After, I went around to Trocaderos and had a yarn to Frank Coughlan and made arrangements with Jimmy Riley to have a blow with him tomorrow. Got to bed 10.45pm
Tue 14th Feb 1950
Went to ABC in King’s Cross and met Mr Paling, bassoonist and heard the Symphony Orchestra rehearse. Came home and did some washing. Had lunch. Went down to the Trocadero and met Jimmy Riley who gave me a lesson on bop chords. Had an early tea and did some ironing, read a bit, had a bath and in bed by 10pm
Sun 19th Feb 1950
Had breakfast and a shave. Met Jim Riley at 11am. Met his father and went to the Tobruk Club, gave a Claris and mouthorgan act. Played Dixie with Bob (Graeme?) Bell: baritone horn, grand piano, trumpet and drums. Had a yarn until 3pm. Jim ran us home. 6pm went to Clive Armadio’s show – took photos. Had a yarn to Clive and got to bed at 8.10pm
JACK HARRISON RETURNS TO PERTH
Jack Harrison is back in Perth after having spent two months in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It is Jack’s opinion that the standard of dance bands in the Eastern States, particularly Sydney, is very high. During his stay in Sydney, the young music maker played solo with Frank Coughlan’s band in a series of swing concerts at the Trocadero and received an offer to remain with the band as a permanent member. Coughlan’s band plays mostly specially arranged numbers from the pen of the ex-Perth pianist Jimmy Riley. Other band leaders whom Jack met in Sydney were Dennis Collinson who has a 15 piece dance band as well as his Radio Orchestra, Les White at Princess, Paul Lombard at the Celebrity Club and Wally Norman at the Roosevelt. In Melbourne, he met George Watson, Splinter Reeves, Abe Romain and Horry Dargi; and in Adelaide, Colin Bergenson who was playing at the Palais Royal. Jack feels that the highlight of his tour was his association with Clive Amadio. This artist, in his friendly way, gave Jack lessons and invited him to the radio studio during the presentation of the well-known Amadio broadcasts. Watching these, and also rehearsals gave the young player experience he could not have gained elsewhere, he says. Jack says that Amadio spends the whole week perfecting his Sunday session. Nothing is too much trouble. A staff of arrangers, stopwatch timing, a tape measure as an aid to balance and even a musician and technician with a musical score in the panel room. A photo described “to Jack, my rival from the West, Clive Amadio” now hangs in the music room of the Harrison household. Questioned regarding his plans for the future. Jack said that there appeared to be a shortage of young clarinettists in some of the Eastern States and there was a possibility of his being offered a position with one of the ABC Symphony Orchestras. He was practising hard.
Broadcaster Jack Harrison scrap book
Sunday, October 9, 1955 – JIM RILEY SHOW – Capitol Theatre
No. 4. – JACK HARRISON’S GROUP
Numbers –
- “Thou Swell”
- “Lullaby of Birdland”
- “K.P. Capers”
PERSONNEL: Jack Harrison, Sax, Clari-Leader, Terry Ingram, Piano, Ray Harrison, Drums, Alex McMillan, Bass.