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Peter Clinch
Person
SHAW, Artie
Artie Shaw (born May 23, 1910, New York, New York, U.S.—died December 30, 2004, Newbury Park, California) was an American clarinettist and popular bandleader of the 1930s and ’40s. He was one of the few outstanding jazz musicians whose commitment to jazz was uncertain.
Shaw began playing in high school and turned professional in 1925. The first signs of indecision became apparent in the early 1930s, when he retired from music for a year. In 1935, at a New York swing concert, he played one of his own compositions accompanied by a string quartet. A jazz and dance band with a string section followed, but in 1937 he re-formed his band along more conventional lines and a year later became internationally known through his recording of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” A string of hits followed, and Shaw’s popularity came to rival that of clarinettist Benny Goodman, the “King of Swing.” By this time Shaw had become known for his mercurial behaviour and perfectionism. He was harshly critical of himself and of the music business.
From 1939 Shaw lived alternately in Mexico and the United States, experimenting occasionally with small jazz combos that he called the Gramercy Five regardless of membership. While several public comebacks followed, including leadership of a U.S. Navy orchestra (1943–44), he dissociated himself from jazz almost totally after 1954 and did not play the clarinet again, although in 1983 he led a re-formed Artie Shaw Orchestra. He later worked as a farmer, theatre producer, and author. Among his writings are the three short novels collected in I Love You, I Hate You, Drop Dead! (1965) and the revealing autobiography The Trouble with Cinderella (1952). Shaw was married eight times, with actresses Lana Turner and Ava Gardner among his wives.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Artie-Shaw
Artie ShawCONCERTO FOR CLARINET
Concerto for Clarinet is a composition for clarinet and jazz orchestra by Artie Shaw. The piece ends with a “legendary” altissimo C.
The piece is a “pastiche thrown together out of some boogie-woogie blues, clarinet-over-tom tom interludes, a commonplace riff build-up towards the end, all encased in opening and closing virtuoso cadenzas for the leader’s clarinet”.
Shaw and his orchestra performed the piece in the Fred Astaire film Second Chorus (1940), in which Shaw played himself.
Hear Artie Shaw performing his Concerto for Clarinet here:
Concerto For Clarinet (Shaw) by Artie Shaw & his Orchestra Spread over two sides of a 12-inch 78 disc, this extended number was also performed by Shaw and his band in the Paramount film “Second Chorus,” which starred Fred Astaire and Paulette Goddard.
Jack Harrison and Sam Sharp studying the score of Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
On October 6 1949, Jack Harrison played the first performance in W.A. of the Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto with the Jazz Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Nugent Haywood at the Capitol Theatre.
JAZZ SYMPHONY OF 1949 – CAPITOL THEATRE – THURSDAY, OCT. 6 1949(One Night Only).1949’s BIGGEST MUSICAL SHOWSurprise Exclusive Engagement of Australia’s Topline Film, Radio Actor and Producer Star of “Overlanders” Film, Founder and First Conductor of Perth Symphony OrchestraJOHN NUGENT HAYWARDConductingTHE JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”Featuring LOUISE D’ARCY – A.B.C. Concerto SOLOIST.HUGE LINE-UP OF THE STATE’S BEST PROFESSIONALS ! ! !SAMMY SHARP‘S JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA of 28 Leading Musicians.ALBERT CHAPPELLE Dramatic Baritone in W.A.’s first presentation of the famous “SOLILOQUY” with Orchestra.JACKIE HARRISON First Performance in W.A. of the thrilling ARTIE SHAW “CONCERTO FOR CLARINET”with Orchestra.PHYLLIS FROST Sensational Blind B.B.C. Singer.CLIFF ADAM and “NIDDY” ROBERTS hilarious Comedy Duo.“SOPHISTICATED LADIES” STRING ENSEMBLE All-femme String ensemble heard with success over A.B.C.PETER HARRISON Well-known Radio Personality and Announcer, also prominent “Old'” Jazz Authority.HARRY BLUCK Producer who successfully directed the “Jazz Symphony of 1948”, “Jazz Jamboree,” “Battle of Bands” and other successes.ADMISSION – 3/-, 4/-, 5/- (plus tax) – BOX PLAN AT NICHOLSONS. – BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. The West Australian Friday 30 September 1949 page 37Artie Shaw rehearsal article1950 – REHEARSAL FOR SAMMY SHARP’S JAZZ FANTASIASaturday September 16 1950(photo) from left to right: Jack Harrison, Jim Beeson, Betty Wittaker, Sammy Sharp and Keith Whittle. The West Australian Tuesday 19 September 1950 page 121950 Jack rehearsing Artie Shaw“JAZZ FANTASIA”October 1 1950The Young Australia League – will present Sammy Sharp and his orchestra of 25 in the third annual Jazz Fantasia at the Capitol Theatre on October 1. Supporting artists will include Louise D’Arcy, Jack Harrison, Betty Whittaker, Bryn Gifford, Phyllis Frost and Keith Hounslow. The compere will be Peter Harrison. [3]A BLITZ IN MUSIC WILL FOLLOW THE BANDThe Young Australia League band will march through the city as a prelude to Perth’s third Jazz Fantasia at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday, October 1. Sammy Sharp and his Jazz Symphony Orchestra, with many supporting artists will provide the programme at the theatre. One of the featured works will be a performance of London Fantasia, with pianist Louise Darcy as soloist. It is a musical story of the spirit of London during the blitz. Other artists will include: clarinettist Jackie Harrison; a State finalist in the concerto and vocal competition this year, Phyllis Frost; a blind singer who has been featured with Claude Brampton’s All Blind Orchestra in London; and Betty Whittaker, star of the Repertory Club’s Maritza. The show will be produced by Sammy Sharp and compered by Peter Harrison and Terry Scanlon.The Daily News Thursday 21 September 1950 page 12CAPITOL THEATRESunday, October 1stY.A.L. Presents“JAZZ FANTASIA”With SAMMY SHARP and his 25-piece Jazz Symphony Orchestra.Comperes; TERRY SCANLAN, compere Ice Follies (by courtesy David N. Martin, Mgr. Dr. Tiv. Circuit Aust. Pty. Ltd.); PETER HARRISON (by courtesy A.B.C.).Guest Artists IncludeLOUISE D’ARCY. Soloist of “London Fantasia” Jackie Harrison in “Clarinet Concerto”and Betty Whittaker, Bryn Gifford, Phyllis Prost, Jimmy Beeson.SAMMY SHARP will be featured in Harry James’s arrangement of “Concerto for Trumpet.” Prices 5/ 4/ 3/ plus tax. Box plan at Nicholsons. The West Australian Wednesday 27 September 1950 page 37
Hear Jack Harrison performing Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet here:
SPECIAL DELIVERY STOMPRecording Date: September 3, 1940, at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood, California.
Artie Shaw and His Gramercy Five.
Released in October 1940 on Victor 26762.
The track famously features Shaw on clarinet alongside Johnny Guarnieri on harpsichord, Billy Butterfield on trumpet, Al Hendrickson on guitar, Jud DeNaut on bass, and Nick Fatool on drums.
January 1948Harrison family AgainSixteen-year-old Musician to give further broadcastWestern Australia was represented last week in “National Fair” from 6IX-WB-MD by twins, Jack and Jill Harrison and elder brother Ray. The Harrison family was put up as the best musical family in Australia. Jack Harrison, the 16 year old lad who played both the saxophone and clarinet, was such a success that the producers asked him to put up another challenge, so he is again appearing in the programme next Wednesday as the best clarinettist in Australia.Jack will again be accompanied by his twin Jill on the piano, and his brother Ray on the drums. This time Jack will be playing the clarinet only. His item will be “Special Delivery Stomp” one of Artie Shaw’s favourites.So far this is the first time two challenges have been put up by the same person. The West Australian selectors hope that this challenge is unbeatable, but listeners can decide that for themselves when they hear what the other States can produce to take up this challenge.The other five states also will be presenting their “exhibits” on Wednesday night at 8 o’clock, some again challenging and others answering challenges previously set. If anyone who knows of anything or anybody who could possibly be used as an “exhibit” in “National Fair”, he or she is asked to communicate with W.A. Broadcasters Ltd., Lyric House, Perth. The Broadcaster Saturday January 17 1948 Vol. 14, No. 720
The original music for “Golden Wedding” (originally titled “La Cinquantaine”) was written in 1887 by French composer Gabriel Marie, while Woody Herman’s famous swing arrangement by James “Jiggs” Noble was arranged and recorded in 1940.
Recording Dates: Recorded in New York City in late 1940 (with specific sessions on September 27, 1940, and November 9, 1940).
Release & Legacy: Released as a hit in 1941, the track became a jazz standard famous for Frankie Carlson’s 34-bar extended drum solo
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Herman
July 1949ROUND THE BALLROOMSAs a novelty, the burlesque cricket match at the Embassy this week — a highlight of the LCL Ball — was a winner. It featured Dr. Grace, “Demon” Spofforth and Bert Oldfield and it was cricket at its brightest! Guest artist Jack Harrison, noted clarinetist, presented Golden Wedding, accompanied by Keith Whittle, Embassy drummer, followed by Artie Shaw’s “Special Delivery Stomp” accompanied by full band. Premier Ross McLarty received 10 beautiful debs. They were in white, with pastel posies. Personalities noted were Wendy Jago of Cottesloe, in an off-the-shoulder marquisette. She was with Richard Knight of Inglewood. Her sister Anne (one of the debs.) wore white organdie tiered skirt with white lace and white kid gloves, accompanied by Peter Kyle of Nedlands. Nomai Foster, of Scarborough, in sea green lace frock with green elbow length mittens. Her partner was Jack Jago of Cottesloe. Joan Dohnt, of Dalkeith wore an off-the-shoulder white lace gown with a tulle waist and matching silk gloves in her deb. presentation and was partnered by Max Carter of Nedlands. Celine Croft from the northern suburbs chose an attractive pink lace top and pink taffeta skirt with matchings. She was seen chatting on the balcony with Harry Payne. From Mt. Hawthorn, Micky Moylan was cute in black taffeta with tartan trimmings. She was seen with Don King of North Perth. J. C. Williamson group included Adrianne Paterson in a smart black velvet gown with Victor Hough, Fay Agnew, very attractive in a powder-blue taffeta frock with rainbow-hued dashes in the bodice and skirt. Fay, who is only 19, comes from Auckland, New Zealand, where she was a vocalist with a leading Auckland band. In Australia she joined the J. C. Williamson show as a chorus girl. She intends to make the theatre her career and plans to go further afield. Mirror Saturday 9 July 1949 page 14Jack Harrison
Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto – first W.A. performance
1940
Artie Shaw originally wrote and adapted the piece—evolving it from an earlier work called the Swing Concerto—for the 1940 Hollywood film Second Chorus starring Fred Astaire. Shaw and his jazz orchestra performed the piece in the film, where Shaw played a fictionalized version of himself.
The concerto was recorded by Artie Shaw on December 17th 1940 at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood originally issued by RCA Victor in January 1941 with links here:
MELBOURNE swing fans, I’m told, are goggle-eyed at the news received by cable the other day that Artie Shaw, American band leader, is coming to Australia with his band. Artie is known as the King of Swing, and his subjects are legion. Many U.S. band leaders have performed in Australia, but none of the calibre of this purveyor of hot rhythm. In the annual poll conducted by the New York music journal, Downbeat, Artie led all the service orchestras this year. His records arc very well known here, two of the best being Begin the Beguine and Carioca, and his own composition. Clarinet Concerto, is probably his high-water mark for brilliant clarinet playing — and his playing of that, instrument is superb, He was one of the highest-paid orchestra leaders in the U.S., but he’s in the Navy now, and so is his band. The greatest hope of Melbourne swing fans at present is that they’ll get a chance to see him in action.
Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956), Tuesday 25 May 1943, page 4
1946
AT THE EMPIRE A.I.F. Entertainment Unit – The Empire Theatre wan crowded last night for a performance by Lieut.Col. Jim Davidson’s A.I.F. Entertainment Unit. Jimmy Davidson was famous as the leader of the A.B.C. Dance Band. He joined the army during the war and was placed in charge of an entertainment unit, which travelled many miles and gave many performances for the entertainment of the troops. Unfortunately, Lt.-Col. Davidson was unable to be present last night, and the band was under the able leadership of Charlie Munro. Besides conducting the band, Munro proved himself a master of the clarinet, giving a brilliant rendition of Artie Shaw’s concerto for clarinet. The band mostly dispensed music of the hot rhythm type. To those who like this class of music; the work of the jazz combination must have provided thrills galore, but many present would have preferred just a little more straight harmony. An excellent programme of a varied type was presented by the members of the company. There were comedians, singers, and steel guitar, piano accordeon and mouth organ soloists. Laurie. Smith proved himself a real virtuoso of the ‘mouth organ, while Fergus Rose’s playing of “The Flight of the Bumble Bee” on the piano accordeon was a masterpiece. Staff Sergt. Strange brought the house down with his operatic impersonations, but the most popular item of the evening was the mimicry of Paul O’Brien. He imitated everything.from bullfrogs and tiny frogs to Donald Duck, and nothingso realistic has been heard. The work of Pianist Sanderson, was noteworthy, and his two solos were amongst the most skilful- of the evening. ‘ The whole performance was of the rapid fire type, with no delays between items, and the large audience apparently enjoyed the fare provided. iDuring an interval, the’ Mayor, Aid. P. R. D. Hollis, made.an appeal on behalf of’ the Security Loan.
Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 – 1954), Tuesday 19 March 1946, page 2
1948
The “Jazz Symphony” concert in Perth had been planned and was being rehearsed eighteen months prior:
No Permit For Sunday Night Show
Permission has been refused for a giant Sunday night ‘Jazz-Symphony’ concert in Perth.
Chief Secretary’s Dept. refused to grant a permit on the ground that musicians were to be paid and the theatre was also to be paid for. Concert will still be given but it will be held on a week night.
It is being organised by the social committee of the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club to raise funds. Rehearsals with a large band of leading Perth musicians .had already commenced. They had to get from Melbourne the orchestral scores of Rhapsody in Blue, El Alamein Concerto and Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet. It was stated today that musicians are allowed by their union to give only one charity show a year.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 21 February 1948, page 1
1949
On October 6 1949, Jack Harrison played the first performance in W.A. of the Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto with the Jazz Symphony Orchestra assembled by Sammy Sharp and conducted by John Nugent Haywood at the Capitol Theatre.
The Broadcaster SaturdayOctober 3 1949
Jack rehearsing Artie Shaw
Jack Harrison and Sam Sharp studying the score of Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
THURSDAY, OCT. 6 1949
JAZZ SYMPHONY OF 1949
CAPITOL THEATRE (One Night Only)
1949’s BIGGEST MUSICAL SHOW
Surprise Exclusive Engagement of Australia’s Topline Film, Radio Actor and Producer Star of “Overlanders” Film, Founder and First Conductor of Perth Symphony Orchestra JOHN NUGENT HAYWARD.
Conducting THE JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”
Featuring LOUISE D’ARCY – A.B.C. Concerto SOLOIST.
HUGE LINE-UP OF THE STATE’S BEST PROFESSIONALS ! ! !
SAMMY SHARP’S JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA of 28 Leading Musicians. ALBERT CHAPPELLE Dramatic Baritone in W.A.’s first presentation of the famous “SOLILOQUY” with Orchestra.
JACKIE HARRISON First Performance in W.A. of the thrilling ARTIE SHAW “CONCERTO FOR CLARINET” with Orchestra.
PHYLLIS FROST Sensational Blind B.B.C. Singer. CLIFF ADAMS and “NIDDY” ROBERTS hilarious Comedy Duo. “SOPHISTICATED LADIES” STRING ENSEMBLE All-femme String ensemble heard with success over
A.B.C. PETER HARRISON Well-known Radio Personality and Announcer, also prominent “Old’” Jazz Authority.
HARRY BLUCK Producer who successfully directed the “Jazz Symphony of 1948”, “Jazz Jamboree,” “Battle of Bands” and other successes.
ADMISSION – 3/-, 4/-, 5/- (plus tax). BOX PLAN AT NICHOLSONS. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
The West Australian Friday 30 September 1949 page 37, Daily News Thursday September 29 1949.
BLIND SINGER GIVES BIG AUDIENCE THRILL
I don’t think I was the only one that got a kick out of Jazz Symphony of 1949 which packed the Capitol Thursday night. I really believe the audience enjoyed themselves thoroughly. In a grand show it’s hard to single out any particular artist but I hand the palm to blind singer Phyllis Frost (she’s ex-BBC). Her St. Louis Blues was outstanding. Jackie Harrison’s Concerto for Clarinet and Albert Chappelle’s Soliloquy (with full Sammy Sharp orchestra) we’re 2 other winners. So, too, was the big orchestra’s Rhapsody in Blue, in which Louise D’Arcy, piano, and John Nugent Hayward, conducting, were in splendid form. For humor, a talented musical trio in Niddy Roberts, Cliff Adam and Harry Bluck did a top-ranking job. Judging by the size of the audience, jazz concerts are the vogue. Should be a big gathering at the jamboree on October 30.
Mirror Saturday 8 October 1949 page 12
Mirth and Music
Mirth and Music was a popular light entertainment radio program broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) on station 6WF on Tuesday nights during 1948, 1949 and 1950.
Mirth and Music
ARTISTS
Members of Dave Howard’s Mirth and Music Show met last week and extended best wishes to Miss Betty Bahen, one of its members, prior to her marriage to Mr. Geoff Hammond. On behalf of the troupe, Miss Nell Shortland-Jones presented Miss Bahen with a wedding gift. Those present were Miss Betty Whittaker, Miss Olwyn Thomas, Miss Rhoda Allen, Miss Sylvia Caporn, Mr. Ernest Paulasto, Mr. Fred Paulasto, Mr. Albert Chappelle, Mr. Harry Bluck, Mr. Dave Howard, Mr. Geoff Wilbur, Mr. Ralph Filmer, Mr. Bill Hendrie, Mr. Harold Malcolm, Mr. James Congdon, Mr. Jack Harrison, Mr. Billy Edwards and Mr. Harry Graham.
Western Mail Thursday 9 December 1948 page 37
Rhythmettes
The Rhythmettes: A combination regularly featured in “Mirth and Music” from 6WF on Tuesday nights. Left to right: Harry Bluck (leader, piano accordionist and arranger), Jack Harrison (clarinet), Sylvia Caporn (pianist), Ralph Filmer (bass), George Hay (guitar) and Bill Hendrie (guitar).
The Broadcaster Saturday July 2 1949 Vol. 16. No. 796
Jack Harrison broadcasted weekly by 6WF on Tuesday nights from Tuesday 3rd January 1950.
Jack Harrison’s photo of the staff of “Mirth and Music” in ABC Studio 7. Cliff Adam (guitar), Bill Hendrie (guitar), Ralph Filmer (bass) Dave Howard (producer), Muriel Costigan (singer), Sylvia Caporn (pianist) and Harry Bluck.
Surprise Exclusive Engagement of Australia’s Topline Film, Radio Actor and Producer Star of “Overlanders” Film, Founder and First Conductor of Perth Symphony Orchestra JOHN NUGENT HAYWARD Conducting THE JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” Featuring LOUISE D’ARCY – A.B.C. Concerto SOLOIST.
HUGE LINE-UP OF THE STATE’S BEST PROFESSIONALS ! ! !
SAMMY SHARP’S JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA of 28 Leading Musicians.
ALBERT CHAPPELLE Dramatic Baritone in W.A.’s first presentation of the famous “SOLILOQUY” with Orchestra. JACKIE HARRISON First Performance in W.A. of the thrilling ARTIE SHAW “CONCERTO FOR CLARINET” with Orchestra. PHYLLIS FROST Sensational Blind B.B.C. Singer. CLIFF ADAMS and “NIDDY” ROBERTS hilarious Comedy Duo. “SOPHISTICATED LADIES” STRING ENSEMBLE All-femme String ensemble heard with success over A.B.C. PETER HARRISON Well-known Radio Personality and Announcer, also prominent “Old’” Jazz Authority. HARRY BLUCK Producer who successfully directed the “Jazz Symphony of 1948”, “Jazz Jamboree,” “Battle of Bands” and other successes. ADMISSION – 3/-, 4/-, 5/- (plus tax). BOX PLAN AT NICHOLSONS. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
The West Australian Friday 30 September 1949 page 37
1950 Jack rehearsing Artie Shaw
Jack Harrison and Sam Sharp studying the score of Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
1949 Sammy Sharp and Jack Harrison rehearsing forArtie Shaw Clarinet Concerto
Power Is On The Hourly Schedule Again – Power supplies cut out in parts of Perth and some suburbs shortly after 11 a.m. today. State Electricity Commission chairman Dumas said that the fault was connected with the 25,000 kilowat turbo-alternator at East Perth powerhouse. Cause of the failure was now being investigated. Mr. Dumas said the hour-on, hour-off schedule would be adhered to. Switching hours would be the reverse of those operating during the last breakdown. However, continuous supply would be maintained this evening at Claremont Show-grounds. This was the fourth time this year that power had failed on a Thursday. Yesterday a Daily News opinion column writer remarked on the ‘black Thursday’ aspect of the breakdowns (above). Trams, Trolleys Tram and trolley bus services would be cut down by 50 per cent from late this afternoon until further notice, said Tramways General Manager J. H. Napier. The services would be arranged similarly to the way they were during the last power restrictions. Petrol buses would be diverted to augment the tram and trolley bus schedules where possible. There would be no easing of the restrictions to handle tonight’s Royal Show crowds, but if possible one or two of the department’s petrol buses would be switched to help handle the people. Private buses are permitted to pick up or put down passengers anywhere along routes for tram and trolley buses. The restrictions on these buses picking up passengers on the Government routes have not been reimposed since they were last lifted. However, private bus companies are not permitted to operate on other private companies’ routes. Perth picture theatres and the Jazz Symphony at the Capitol Theatre tonight will operate with their auxiliary power plants. Stranded At the showgrounds passengers on ferris wheels and ‘octopuses’ were stranded in mid-air when the power failed. Children on some merry-go-rounds and horse-o-planes found their rides cut short. Power came on again after about 10 minutes and was maintained throughout the afternoon. ‘It was lucky that the break was only short. Otherwise it would have been quite a job to get people out of the top seats on the ferris wheels.’ said the manager of a group of roundabouts. Since last Christmas Eve there have been seven major holdups at the East Perth powerhouse, one of them (19 days) due to the coalstrike. Mechanical troubles on six other occasions have led to reduced output, with restrictions covering a period of 85 days. The last breakdown occurred on September 22. The Daily News Thursday 6 October 1949 page 1
BLIND SINGER GIVES BIG AUDIENCE THRILL
I don’t think I was the only one that got a kick out of Jazz Symphony of 1949 which packed the Capitol Thursday night. I really believe the audience enjoyed themselves thoroughly. In a grand show it’s hard to single out any particular artist but I hand the palm to blind singer Phyllis Frost (she’s ex-BBC). Her St. Louis Blues was outstanding. Jackie Harrison’s Artie Shaw Concerto for Clarinet and Albert Chappelle’s Soliloquy (with full Sammy Sharp orchestra) we’re 2 other winners. So, too, was the big orchestra’s Rhapsody in Blue, in which Louise D’Arcy, piano, and John Nugent Hayward, conducting, were in splendid form. For humor, a talented musical trio in Niddy Roberts, Cliff Adams and Harry Bluck did a top-ranking job. Judging by the size of the audience, jazz concerts are the vogue. Should be a big gathering at the jamboree on October 30.
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, Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates, Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack was the tenth band member.
Jack Harrison Dance Band Winthrop Hall
5 MAY 1949
JACK HARRISON Cheque Book – to:
Norm Wrightson Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Kirkby Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jack Pope Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Franklin Grad Ball £3/2/6
Charles Thompson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Bill Hendrie Grad Ball £3/2/6
Roy Coates Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jill Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison, Jack Pope, Jill Harrison
4 JULY 1949
JACK Cheque to: Jack Pope Womens College £5/3
Colin Youlden Womens College £2/11/8
Bill Kirkham Womens College £2/11/8
Charlie Thompson Womens College £2/11/8
George Franklin Womens College £2/11/8
Bill Hendrie Womens College £2/11/8
Roy Coates Womens College £2/11/8
1950
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
TRUMPET for sale, Conn. Silver plated, excellent condition. Jack Pope. 41 Somerset-st., Vic. Park.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 21 October 1950, page 40
Secretary Mrs. Le Cornu (Sylvia Caporn) and an energetic committee really pulled one out of the bag for Musicians’ Union Ladies’ Auxiliary’s first night at Anzac House lower hall on Tuesday. Musical items were contributed by Phyllis Frost and Bryn Gyfford, drummers Merv Rowston, Keith Whittle, Murray McKay and Max McKay, sax players George Caro, Sonny Henderson, Johnny McCaughan, trumpeter Jack Pope, pianists Nell Sheridan, Roy de la Mere and Henry Cochran, guitarist Hank Collins and Dane Gorn on bass. It was a jam session extraordinary, and it was enjoyed by all. Auxiliary’s next function is to be an afternoon tea on Aug. 29 at 2.30 in the Musicians’ Union offices. 102 Beaufort-st.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 15 August 1953, page 13
1954
To the followers of the WEDNESDAY NIGHT DANCE QUEENS HALL, BICTON You are advised that commencing WEDNESDAY, 9th FEBRUARY, the weekly dance will be held as usual until the return of your popular promoter. Five-Piece Orchestra Featuring: Nev. Moderate (Piano) Al Cole (Bass) John Regan (Drums) Horrie King (Sax. and Clarinet), Jack Pope (Trumpet and Leader) MODERN MUSIC AS YOU LIKE IT Lucky Spots — Dancing 8-11.30 ADMISSION 2/10
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Monday 8 February 1954, page 10
1955
Cliff Adam Band one of best on WA radio
Heard and enjoyed often on local stations are popular members of the Cliff Adam Band (below from left to right) Jack Pope, Harry Wicks, Cliff Adam, and John McCaughan. Leader Cliff Adam -something special with a guitar, a song, and formerly a tap dance – is among the most experienced of WA musicians.
He left Perth to tour the Eastern States with. Ron Moyle’s “Westralian” in 1933 and, finding things over that way to his liking, stayed for several successful years.
He played in famous Melbourne cabarets and toured with the Bert Howell band, one of Australia’s best in Sydney. He played with the tuneful Jay Whidden unit and had success on the air with the Colgate – Palmolive, Fred Hartley and other well-known radio bands. Now he broadcasts with his Hawaiian ensemble,, the 55-60 Show with the ABC Variety Band and. of course, his own Cliff Adam show.
Drummer and vibraphone player Harry Wicks moved here from Sydney two years back with the smash-hit Moreton and Kaye show He liked the place, decided to stay, and is heard in many local commercial shows. Harry hails originally from New Zealand but he has the Australian “bounce” in abundance.
Trumpeter Jack Pope, a member of Harry Bluck’s ABC Melodians, is heard
also on commercial stations. So does tenor-sax maestro John McCaughan, a momentous Melodian with the ABC. The quartet play together several times weekly in Cliff’s dance band. Other members of the band, pictured, are Russ Shepgeard pianist, and Ralph Filmer, bass.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 9 January 1955, page 20
1955 THE YOUNG AUSTRALIA LEAGUE
Presents Another
“JAZZ FANTASIA”
with Sammy Sharp and his Orchestra.
35 of the State’s Finest Musicians featuring …
Louise D’Arcy — Jack Harrison — Jimmy Beeson — Horrie King, Jack
Pope — Martin Gischus — Colin Youlden — Lisa Ray — Keith Whittle
— Ralph Filmer — Evelyn Wilson.
SPECIAL FEATURE ATTRACTION
A NOVEL PARADE OF MEN’S FASHIONS
By ELWOODS
PAN AMERICAN
“STYLE STORE FOR MEN”
CAPITOL THEATRE
SUNDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER
Box Plan Now Open at Nicholsons. Adm. 5/.
The Daily News Wednesday 16 November 1955 page 26
PHOTO: Summary
L-R: Peter Boyd (vocalist), Sam Sharp (trumpet, leader), Peter Clinch (tenor saxophone, clarinet), George Caro (alto saxophone, clarinet), Ralph Filmer (bass), Les Mackay (alto saxophone), Keith Whittle (drums), Cliff Adam (guitar), Jim Beeson (piano), Charles Thompson (trombone), Norm McMahon (trumpet), Jack Pope (trumpet), Phyllis Frost (blind English vocalist).
THURSDAY, OCT. 6 1949
