The first Jazz Jamboree was established by Sammy Sharp in 1947 and was one of the premier annual events for live jazz in Perth. By 1952, the event famously drew crowds of nearly 2,500 people who packed into the historic Capitol Theatre.  These jamborees featured dozens of top-line Perth musical combinations playing until midnight, ranging from Glenn Miller-style big band arrangements to small-group modern bebop. It showcased early local “perthonalities”—from blind virtuosic pianists to local blue-collar workers who transformed into world-class players by night.

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1947

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1948

Jack Harrison first performed in Harry Bluck’s 1948 ”Jazz Jamboree” at the Capitol Theatre to raise money for the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund:

AROUND PERTH WITH HARRY BLUCK – PERTH RADIO STATIONS USING MORE BANDS  AND LIVE ARTIST SESSIONS

Quick survey of local musicians currently airing programmes in Perth shows what a keen interest is being shown by local radio stations, both national and commercial, in presenting “flesh and blood” shows, especially by members of the dance band fraternity.  Here are where a few of our leading “outfits” can be heard over the local ether.  Sammy Sharp’s Band (featuring a 15 piece combination) and vocalist Peter Boyd are prominent each Thursday evening over station 6PR with a Band Presentation and “Talent Quest” show.  Over the same network from Perth Town Hall, Chris Gosper and his “Music for Moderns” are relayed from their weekly midday sessions, which have proved a huge success, and shows signs of developing into something really big.  From the same network come many other “live” shows including pianist Warrick Lever, Henry Cochrane and Jimmy Beeson.  George Hay and his “Hawaiians”, Billy Barnes’ Hill Billys, Accordionist Harry Bluck, saxophonist Jack Pateman.

On the Nationals the weekly show features the “Rhythmettes”, a novelty outfit led by Harry Bluck, while the Jackie Harrison Quintette and Emil also give occasional broadcasts, not forgetting of course, soloist Henry Cochrane.  Quick roundup of the other stations tells us of a weekly Sunday Show by the “400 Swingtette” over 6KY, where Chris Gosper and Ralph St. Clair play solo piano sessions, while a prominent Hill Billy movement is also aired by this station.

Theatre May Use More Music

News that Sammy Sharp’s Thursday night broadcasts shift into the Ambassador’s Theatre as part of the programme etc, may mean the thin end of the wedge for some other houses to follow suit and gradually reintroduce more musicians into local theatres.  From observation it appears that Perth picture houses are not doing terrific business mid week.  Perhaps some really good musical acts and support may be the answer, as indications from the other side of the show business points to outstanding houses for all flesh-and-blood performances.

The Jazz Jamboree

Already the bands concerned in this year’s “Jazz Jamboree” are working on their numbers for this colossal programme which shows every promise of superseding last year’s magnificent turn out.  The bands listed to appear so far are – Merv Rowston’s, Jack Harrison’s, Ron Jenkin’s, A Jazz Group, Bill Kirkham’s, Chris Gosper’s and Sammy Sharp’s bands.  This year a box plan will be opened and so it is hoped to avoid the terrific crush and queuing that took place last year – the queue was four deep, entirely encircling a complete city block – and was there for a couple of hours in pouring rain.  Also – at last – proceeds from this year’s Jamboree go to the Musician’s own Benevolent Fund. 

Music Maker October 1948

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Sunday Night October 31 JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1948 – Capitol Theatre

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.  Box Plan Nicholson’s. Adm 2/6.  Proceeds to charity.

The Mirror Saturday October 23 1948 Vol 25. No. 1379

JAZZ CONCERT – Sunday 31^st October 1948

To raise funds for the Musicians Benevolent Fund, of WA, a concert under the name of Jazz Jamboree of 1948 will be held in the Capitol Theatre tomorrow night Sunday 31^st October. The Daily News Saturday October 30 page 9

 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. Rhythmettes, 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 on  Sunday night, Oct. 31.   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.

The Mirror 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. 

The West Australian Thursday 28 October 1948 page 24

CAPACITY HOUSE FOR SECOND JAZZ JAMBOREE

The second annual W.A. Jazz Jamboree drew a capacity crowd at the Capitol Theatre last Sunday.

Youthful Jackie Harrison captured the imagination of the crowd with a very capable version of “Tiger Rag” on the harmonica.  It has been a long time since Jackie Harrison has been heard on this instrument and he well proved jazz can be played on a harmonica.

Broadcaster Perth Saturday November 6 1948 Vol 15 No 762

According to The Broadcaster Saturday November 6 1948 Vol 15. No 762, “The mystery band of the evening, a two piece unit consisting of Bill Hendrie on the guitar and Ralph Filmer on the bass gave an unusual rendition of “Waltzing Matilda””.

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1949

Jack Harrison for A.B.C.

Jack Harrison, Western Australia’s Band Leader is due to start on some top line broadcasting features with the A.B.C. Sydney, late this month.  A popular figure at the recent Jamboree held in the Capitol Theatre, Perth, Jack also won an Amateur hour some years ago.  Jack commenced his musical studies at the age of seven with the help of a sixpenny mouth organ.  Before a year had passed he had won over £300 and several trophies playing chromatic harmonica.  After his victory at the Sydney Amateur Hour Jack went back to college and the study of clarinet, harmony and counterpoint.  Having also mastered the sax, Jack duly formed his own band.  The following ear Jack’s outfit won the Battle of the Bands.  They played at a number of balls twelve strong, but broadcasted mainly as Quartet or Quintet.

JACKIE HARRISON

The 10 year old boy who used to be heard frequently over the radio playing a harmonica, is now one of this State’s leading dance musicians, though still in his early teens. There is scarcely a dance patron in this city who does not know Jackie Harrison, the young clarinettist of Nedlands, who with his sister Jill at piano and brother Ray beating drums, came out easy winners in the 1948 Battle of the Bands conducted at the Capitol Theatre. Jack, whose versatility has gained him a lot of respect and admiration in the local dance band world, commenced learning the clarinet at a very tender age and later branched out leading the Harrison Trio. He was heard to good effect in the Jazz Jamboree and perhaps the most attractive of all his engagements to date, was this year’s Grad. Ball at Winthrop Hall where he led a 10-piece outfit. For some time past, he has been playing with the ABC Rhythmettes led by Harry Bluck. From the same station, Jack has been conducting a swing quartet at regular intervals. His more recent dance spots are Anzac House, King’s Park Tennis Club, Young Liberal League and also the Mt. Lawley Tennis Club.

‘QUAIL’

The Mirror Saturday 11 June 1949 page 13

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 Sharpe’s Band.

CAPITOL THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th

ADMISSION: 3/6 (reserved). Box Plan at Nicholsons. 

The West Australian Wednesday 19 October 1949 page 30

JIVE FANS – BIG moment in local jive lives will arrive Sunday week when another Jazz Jamboree will be held at the Capitol with 60 of Perth’s best musicians featured in 8 bands. Alvan-street Jazz Group, Harry Bluck Swingtet, Jackie Harrison’s Quintet, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartet, Bill Kirkham’s Swing 7, Ken Murdock’s Band, Merv Rowston’s Society 5 and Sammy Sharp’s Band. Fans will also appreciate a re-appearance of sensational blind singer Phyllis Frost. 

Mirror Saturday 22 October 1949 page 14

BIG JAZZ SHOW – Over 60 musicians will appear in the “Jazz Jamboree of 1949” in the Capitol Theatre on Sunday October 30.  Eight bands will feature every style from Dixieland to bop.  The concerts have been held since 1947 and have attracted very big audiences.  The proceeds for the show are donated to the musicians’ benevolent fund.  The bands taking part will be: Alvan-street Jazz Group, Harry Bluck Swingtet, Jackie Harrison’s Quintet, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartet, Bill Kirkham’s Swing 7, Ken Murdock’s Band, Merv Rowston’s Society 5 and Sammy Sharp’s Band. 

Jack Harrison scrapbooks

JAZZ JAMBOREE OCT 30 1949 – Among the Dance Bands – A Night to be Remembered

Last week’s “Jazz Jamboree of 1949” provided this State with one of the most pleasant evenings of modern music.  Every one of the 60 musicians who performed must be congratulated for his or her enthusiasm, craftmanship and above all determination to make the evening a success.  As a result the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund in this state will benefit by a considerable amount of money.

Every one of the 2224 seats in the Capitol Theatre was occupied and crowds paid to stand in the aisles and at the back of the theatre.  A queue had formed in William Street outside the theatre shortly after 6pm and an hour later it stretched as far as St George’s Terrace.  When the performance commenced at 9 o’clock, hopefuls still thronged the footpath waiting for cancellations or standing room.  (Who said jazz wasn’t popular in this state?).

Versatile Musicians

That there were many followers of Jack Harrison and his band was easily seen when they trouped on to the stage and presented four slick numbers; clapping reached its highest point.  The last number “I’ve Got Rhythm” was particularly well done and Jack played every instrument within reach on the stage.  He capped it all by producing the familiar mouth organ from his pocket and using it to good effect.

The Broadcaster Saturday November 12 1949 page 48

Young Clarinet Ace Tries a Trombone

Claimed by local jazz musicians to be the youngest band leader in Australia, 18 year old clarinet “wonder boy” Jackie Harrison has started to play a very different instrument – the trombone.  Harrison has been noted as a wizard exponent of the mouth-organ and clarinet, but also plays the tenor and alto saxophones and the piano as well as his latest instrument.  “Just for fun” Harrison bought a second hand valve trombone (one of the few in Perth) and taught himself to play it.  He finds playing the heavy brass instrument hard after the clarinet, but acquitted himself well in a recent Jazz Jamboree in which he played a difficult passage in “I Got Rhythm”.  During the number, Harrison played the clarinet, saxophone and mouth organ, as well as the trombone.  He often joins his sister Jill for a boogie-woogie piano duet.

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 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. 

Mirror Saturday 8 October 1949 page 12

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1950

BANDLEADERS. Applications are invited from all Bandleaders who wish their bands to participate in the JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1950 on OCTOBER 29. Application Forms and particu lars are available from MUSIQIANS’ BENEVOLENT FUND Seefe tary, Union Office, 33 Barrack-st. Applications close 1 p.m., August 31, 1950. HARRY BLUCK. Hon. Organiser.

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 21 August 1950, page 28

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

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1951

SUNDAY 28^th 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 19^th 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

Band Will Strike Up

ORGANISERS of last Sunday’s successful Jazz Jamboree at the Capitol Theatre are planning another type of concert for Sunday night, December 9 to aid the Daily News Orphans’ Fund. A 25-piece string orchestra will play exclusive arrangements not heard “in the flesh” in Perth before, says band leader Sammy Sharp.

Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Wednesday 31 October 1951, page 2

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1952

Sunday October 26^th 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

PERTHONALITIES OF THE 1952 JAZZ JAMBOREE

A blind pianist who triumphed over adversity; a printer whose favourite pie is jazz; a master musician who cooks for the gang; a tailor who suits his leisure with swing; a mechanic and speedcar driver who likes a sax on the mill and a refrigeration expert who hots it up on percussion.

They are some of Perth’s Jazz personalities. One has played with Spike Jones banjoist in a duo, others have sat in with world names. Their technique is world class — but to most it’s Just the cream of their bread and jam. By day they work but by night they become stars in the

Spotlight.   Last Sunday night nearly 2500 people jammed the Capitol Theatre for the 6th annual Jazz Jamboree. Many stayed until midnight to listen to 12 topline Perth combinations give out with music that ranged from the Glen Miller big band arrangements to the bop of small combinations. This is the story of some of the men who made that jazz music— not only the leaders, but the lesser known names who made up those bands. Keith Whittle, drummer with Jimmy Beeson’s combination, first began playing percussion instruments in a small way when he was 3. Whittle became a band leader in his own right at the age of 10.

He organised an outfit at the Mt. Hawthorn School — two paper and comb experts, a mouth organ, tin whistle and a set of drums consisting of kerosene tins and bottles filled with water. It proved a great success with the other pupils but was rather frowned upon by the more conservative teachers. Not disheartened, Keith graduated from the tin can era and a few years

later joined Chris Gosper’s Australian All Stars. When this combination went overseas he became a free-lance drummer with a number of Perth bands. Now employed by one of Perth’s leading music stores, Keith Whittle is a recognised authority on jazz records. His favourite drummer — Gene Krupa.

Story of Billy Clowes, one of Perth’s most popular pianists, is the story of triumph over adversity. Billy was born almost blind. At 13 he went to the Perth Blind School. He had no more than a passing interest in music, but, seeking a worthwhile hobby, he later asked music teacher Henry Cochran to teach him to play. He was now completely blind, and tuition posed a problem that at times seemed almost insurmountable. But with dogged perseverance, aided by an understanding tutor Billy Clowes finally mastered the art of playing by ear. Now he is firmly established as one of Perth’s leading musicians. He plays each night at a leading city hotel and has been heard on local radio. His ambition — to study Braille music in Melbourne and later go to the Melbourne Conservatorium. His favourite pianists — Art Tatum, George Shearing and Lennie Tristano — all of them, like Billy himself, blind.

Wally Hadley, who organised this year’s Jazz Jamboree, has been a guitarist for 22 years. He left Perth in 1934 and after playing at famous hotels in India and Ceylon went on to England where he joined up with Freddy Morgan to form a banjo duo. Freddy Morgan, incidentally, is now with Spike Jones. This act toured the US, the Continent — playing at one time with the Folies Bergere — and also did two tours of Australia with the Tivoli Circuit. Famous names with whom Wally Hadley has worked Include Ted Ray, Ronald Frankau, Max Miller and Josephine Baker. Wally, a printer by trade, works at the Government Printing Office. He ranks as topliners In his particular field, American banjoist Harry Reser and French guitarist

Djangpo Reinhardt.

Cliff Adam, who led his own outfit at last Sunday’s Jazz Jamboree, begun in show business as a tap dancer. An operation put an end to that and Cliff took up the guitar. He left Perth in 1938 to try his luck in the Eastern States. Recognition soon came and he was a member of the band of the Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, and later, Sydney’s Prince Edward Theatre. Some years ago Cliff had the distinction of playing at a ball at Government House, Melbourne, in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Royal party’s official entrance had to be timed to the split second. Afraid to trust the watches of the boys in the band, the Duke’s ADC produced an alarm clock. According to Cliff, the inevitable happened — some- one set the alarm clock to synchronise with the Duke’s entrance. He says it is surprising how difficult it is to switch off an alarm clock sometimes! Cliff names Andre Segovia and George Van Epps as the world’s greatest exponents of the guitar.

TRIBUTE TO HIS OWN COOKING

Perhaps the best known name in the local jazz world belongs to rotund, genial Harry Bluck. A walking tribute to his own cooking, which after music is his greatest interest. Harry Bluck began his professional career when he was still in short pants. He gave his first broadcast at the ABC when he was 13. In those days he was a classical pianist and undertook a serious study of both organ and piano. Later he became the leading exponent of the piano-accordion in WA. Harry says his musical education continued even during the war years when he became attached to an American unit in the Pacific. Here he teamed up with some of the big-name band boys from the US to form a 54 piece band, with which was incorporated a 23 piece

swing outfit. A number of years with leading Sydney and Melbourne night clubs completes a picture of Harry Bluck, who now has the biggest school of music in WA. He also finds time to act as musical director of the ABC Variety Department. Incidentally, the next big musical show in Perth is being organised by Harry Bluck. It will be at His Majesty’s on Dec 18, proceeds for aboriginal soprano Nancy Ellis.

Sammy Sharp, who led a 17 piece band at last Sunday night’s jamboree, is the man who first introduced the idea to Australia. Sammy, one of our leading trumpeters, left Perth for overseas in the early 30’s. With Wally Hadley he toured a number of Eastern countries before eventually settling in England. Here he played with many world famous orchestras, including Eric Winstone, Ted Heath and Louis Levy. Impressed with the interest created in London by the annual Jazz Jamboree, Sammy Sharp decided to organise a similar concert In Perth in 1946. Held in connection with the Miss Australia contest, it was an instantaneous success. Since then the Jazz Jamborees have gone from success to success. Sammy Sharp is one of the few who works full time at music. He teaches trumpet and is also band master for the YAL band.

Ron Jenkins, who led his Lido Quartette at last Sunday night’s concert, has specialised in novelty jazz music. His combination is sometimes known as the local Spike Jones group and he has patterned his music along comedy lines. Ron, like a number of other local boys, started his career as a drummer. He later switched to the saxophone and has stuck to it ever since. His favourite bands are those which give their music novelty treatment. His ambition— to play on

television if — sorry, when—it arrives in Australia.. By profession, Ron Jenkins is a tailor, who can cut a suit as well as he can ‘cut a rug’.

Less than half a dozen of those who took part in the Jamboree are professional musicians who earn a full-time living at the game. They follow a variety of occupations and have a variety of interests out side their music.

Bill Kirkham is a motor engineer who takes time off from sorting out nuts and bolts to sort out crotchets and quavers. He amuses himself in his spare time with speedcar racing and he expects to have something, special for this season with a new car he recently brought over from Adelaide. Bill’s professional musical career resulted from the depression. When things were tough he teamed up with other musicians and he has been at It ever since. He has had his own band for the last 5 years. Kirkham’s favorite band— Glen Milller. Tops in his own instrument, the saxophone – Tex Beneke.

Among the top line drummers in Perth is Merv Rowston. His career goes back to 1927 when he got his first paid engagement for a performance on the electric pianola and drums, A man who gained his experience during the jazz era, he has had as much experience as probably any

other local musician. Keen to improve his drumming technique he went to England In 1934. He learned all he could from leading British drummers and returned to Perth with many new ideas on dance music. Merv has had considerable broadcasting experience and over the years has played at every dance spot in and around Perth. When old time dancing was popular over the air he conducted the ABC old time dance band. Away from music he is a refrigeration engineer.

These are some of the boys who have made the 1952 Jazz Jamboree an outstanding success year after year. That they have achieved their objective of bringing real jazz to Perth people is shown by the tremendous success of these concerts. For many of them who play semi – professionally and work at other jobs during the daytime it has meant many sacrifices.  Some of the combinations who played last Sunday spent 6 or 7 months rehearsing for the big night. But: ‘Once you have tasted the thrill of the bandstand there is no turning back,’ said one of them. 

Mirror Sat 1 November 1952 page 6

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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 Jamboree. 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

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1954

TEN TOP BANDS TO BEAT OUT JAZZ

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 Khachaturian (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 Rowston’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 ‘Woodchop-pers’ Ball,’ old favorite of which Woody Herman made such a great recording. King’s Park dancegoers 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 licorice 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 seats to be sold at the door.

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 26 June 1954, page 13

TOP BANDS

Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 will be big nights for local Jan lovers. Ten top bands will take the stage for the Jazz Jamboree while the following Sunday’s show is marked by the appearance of Australia’s greatest drum technician — George Watson. An ex-West Australian, Watson has built up a colossal following in Melbourne’s Dance world. Recently he played with drummers’ doyen Gene Krupa. Bands for the Jamboree are Keith Wittle’s Dixielanders, the Jazstars, Johnny Regan’s Moderniques, Ray Le Cornu, Merv Rowston, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Norm Wrightson, Ron Jenkins and Sammy Sharp. Both shows will be at the Capitol.

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 23 October 1954, page 11

BIG JAZZ show on SUNDAY

Capacity crowd is expected at tomorrow night’s annual Jazz Jamboree at the Capitol Theatre. Ten well-known local swing hands will take part.

Show is the first of 2 being conducted this year in aid of the Musicians Benevolent Fund. Another will follow on Sunday week. Jamboree fans will have their first opportunity of hearing and seeing Keith Whittle and his Dixielanders, who will lead off tomorrow night’s program. Other bands are Johnny Regan’s Moderniques, Ray lie Cornu, Merv Rowston’s Collegiate Jazz Band, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Norm Wrightson, Ron Jenkins and Sammy Sharp.

Big attraction at the second show is visiting drum wizard George Watson. Novel half of the program will be the appearance on stage of 3 bands simultaneously. They will play sections of numbers alternately. Compere for both shows is Peter Harrison.

Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 30 October 1954, page 6

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1955

JAZZ JAMBOREE  – Sunday, October 2, 1955 – Capitol Theatre

1955’s biggest swing show!

Admission 5/. Don’t miss it.

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