Arthur Calkin with Ray Starita
 |
| The photograph above is as it appeared in "Rhythm" dated August 1930. |
The following is re-printed here from a cutting taken from "Rhythm" dated August 1930 and accompanies the photo above :
Ray And Rudy Starita at the Kit Cat
Here is a picture of Ray Starita's new band which is now playing
at the Kit Cat Restaurant in place of Ted Lewis.
After practically every out-of-work band in London had given an
audition, the Starita brothers rolled up and took the job.
The members of the combination are as follows:
| Ray Starita | Tenos sax and leader
| | Rudy Starita | Drums, xylophone and vibraphone
| | Harry Jacobson | Piano (late of Berkeley Hotel)
| | Arthur Calkin | Bass
| | George Oliver | Banjo and guitars
| | Bert Wilton | Trumpet
| | Nobby Knight | Trumpet
| | Leslie Carew | Trombone
| | Jean Pine | Violin
|
We expect that Ray and Rudy will be continuing their recording for
Columbia and we understand that the band is going to be featured
over the air.
Brother Al, they tell us, is doing very well in America and at the
present time is leading his own band at a summer resort.
|
As far as we are aware Arthur played with Ray Starita for about 3 to 4 years.
What follows are all the known recordings that feature Arthur Calkin with Ray and Rudy Starita as quoted from Rust & Forbes - British Dance Bands on Record 1911 - 1945.
| Click this image to see detail of the Rust and Forbes tome: |
 |
Most of these sessions resulted in records being produced as can be seen by the catalogue numbers. Songs with the same catalogue numbers appear on the same issue (A and B sides), the matrix number
then defines the sides of the pressings. You will also see some matrix numbers assigned for pressing but rejected from the final release with another number replacing it.
I should also say that just because Rust and Forbes says the personnel listed below played on each recording, it is not necessarily the case.
The personnel shown in Rust & Forbes are mainly based on who usually played in the band at that time, whereas there are bound to be occasions where a musician couldn't attend for one reason or another, and a substitute would have been called in. The list below is a very good guide, but should not be taken as gospel.
For instance, Arthur left us records he mentioned he played on but R&F does not include him in it's band list. There are a couple that don't make sense as the recording dates quoted in Rust and Forbes don't fall in line with my Grandfather's own scrapbook which shows certain dates he joined bands. It is clear that there are discrepancies. But, we are sure back at that time he did help out with other bands and filled in on occasions when personnel weren't available. Indeed, my father also confirms as such. He definitely made un-credited appearances and missed out on some Harry Roy sessions, so we can never be sure who actually played on every recording.
In another good example, Syd Roy (Harry's brother) made a number of recordings with his "RKOlians" for Woolworth's sixpenny Eclipse label. Correspondent, and expert on the subject, Mike Thomas, mentioned to me that he thought that after the first few sessions it is pretty obvious when listening to the records, that the band is actually Harry Roy's. After all, Syd was Harry's manager and gave up actually leading a band in the early 1930s. This means there is quite likely another raft of records which Arthur seems to have played on ......
| |
|
231 recordings are listed below.
103 original record releases, with many tracks appearing on other issues at the time.
|
| |
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Andy Richardson and/or Freddy Pitt (trumpets), Bill Hall (trombone), Chester Smith (alto-sax), Reg Pursglove (violin),
Donald Thorne (piano), Jack Hill (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass/sousaphone), Rudy Starita (drums/vibes/xyl), Eddie Collis (vocals).
Note: The brass section was added for recordings, the band appearing in the Ambassadors Club had no brass at all.
March 7th 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7066-1 |
Rolling The Log |
Columbia |
COL 4851 |
| WA-7067-1 |
My Man |
| WA-7068-1 |
Just Like Darby And Joan |
Columbia |
COL 4787 |
| WA-7069-1 |
Where Are You Now ? |
Columbia |
COL 4788 |
March 13th 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7100-1 |
Hand In Hand With Happiness |
Columbia |
COL 4871 |
| WA-7101-1 |
Strolling Again Down Lovers Lane |
| WA-7102-1 |
So Tired |
Columbia |
COL 4788 |
| WA-7103-1 |
Sweet Suzanne |
Columbia |
COL 4787 |
April 5th 1928 (Sylvester Ahola (trumpet) replaces Pitt.)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7216-2 |
Love Lies |
Columbia |
COL 4853 |
| WA-7217-1 |
Blue River |
| WA-7218-2 |
Together |
Columbia |
COL 4872 |
| WA-7219-2 |
There's Somebody New |
April 30th 1928 (Arranged by Irving Brodsky)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7300-1-2-3 |
Ramona |
Columbia |
Rejected Recordings |
| WA-7301-1-2 |
An' Furthermore |
| WA-7302-1-2 |
There Must Be A Silver Lining |
| WA-7303-1-2 |
Teach Me To Dance Like Grandma |
May 17th 1928 (Nat Star (clarinet/alto-sax), Phil Arnold, Ted Brandt, Eddie Pola (Vocal trio) all added)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7387-2 |
Blue Eyes |
Columbia |
COL 4919 |
| WA-7388-2 |
Back To The Heather |
| WA-7389-1 |
I'm Saving Saturday Night For You |
Columbia |
COL 4910 |
| WA-7390-1 |
Our Bungalow Of Dreams |
May 24th 1928 (Freddy Pitt (trumpet) replaces Aloha, Les Reid (vocals) added, Nat Star omitted)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7300-6 |
Ramona |
Columbia |
COL 4909 |
| WA-7301-3 |
An' Furthermore |
Columbia |
COL 4915 |
| WA-7302-3 |
There Must Be A Silver Lining |
Columbia |
COL 4909 |
| WA-7303-3 |
Teach Me To Dance Like Grandma |
Columbia |
COL 4915 |
June 13th 1928 (Sylvester Ahola (trumpet) replaces Pitt, Fred Kitchen (vocals) added)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7490-1 |
Chilly Pom Pom Pee |
Columbia |
COL 4959 |
| WA-7491-1 |
Do I Do Wrong ? |
Columbia |
COL 4943 |
| WA-7491-2 |
Do I Do Wrong ? |
Rejected |
| WA-7492-1 |
Parysia |
Columbia |
COL 4959 |
| WA-7493-2 |
I Call You Sugar |
Columbia |
COL 4943 |
June 30th 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7574-2 |
Rhapsody In Rhythm |
Columbia |
COL 5006 |
| WA-7575-1 |
That's What I Call Keen |
| WA-7576-2 |
Just A Little Fond Affection |
Columbia |
COL 4960 |
| WA-7577-1 |
Mistakes |
September 29th 1928 (Eddie Grossbart (vocals) added, Arranged by Lew Stone)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7905-2 |
I Just Roll Along having My Ups And Downs |
Columbia |
COL 5042 |
| WA-7906-2 |
Crazy Rhythm |
Columbia |
COL 5137 |
| WA-7907-1 |
Forty-Seven Ginger-Headed Sailors |
Columbia |
COL 5042 |
| WA-7908-2 |
Where Have You Been all My Life |
Columbia |
COL 5137 |
Ray Starita and the Ambassadors Record Reviews
(from Rhythm Vol.II No.16 - December 1928)
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Andy Richardson, Freddy Pitt or Arthur Niblo (trumpets), Bill Hall (trombone), Nat Star (clarinet/alto-sax), Chester Smith (alto-sax)
Reg Pursglove (violin), Donald Thorne (piano), Jack Hill (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass/sousaphone), Rudy Starita (cornet/vibes/xyl).
Vocalists: Phil Arnold, Betty Bolter, Eddie Grossbart, Lily Morris, Pat O'Malley.
Lew Stone (arranger).
October 11th 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-7973-1 |
Ev'ry Little Moment |
Columbia |
COL 5228 |
| WA-7974-1 |
Roll Away, Clouds |
Columbia |
COL 5078 |
| WA-7975-1 |
Spread A Little Happiness |
Columbia |
COL 5228 |
| WA-7976-1 |
Dreams Of Yesterday |
Columbia |
COL 5078 |
November 14th 1928 (Unknown player replaces Nat Star)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8103-1 |
Girl Of My Dreams |
Columbia |
COL 5157 |
| WA-8104-1 |
Truly Rural |
Columbia |
COL 5145 |
| WA-8105-2 |
In A Hidden Corner |
Columbia |
COL 5157 |
| WA-8106-2 |
Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life |
Columbia |
COL 5145 |
November 28th 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8149-1 |
Why Is The Bacon so Tough ? |
Columbia |
COL 5163 |
| WA-8150-2 |
Enchantment |
| WA-8156-2 |
I Think Of What You Used To Think Of Me |
Columbia |
COL 5179 |
| WA-8157-2 |
Just A Night For Meditation |
December 3rd 1928
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8183-1 |
Shout Hallelujah ! |
Columbia |
COL 5165 |
| WA-8184-2 |
You're In My Heart |
January 14th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8339-2 |
One And One Are Two |
Columbia |
COL 5227 |
| WA-8340-1-2 |
Dada ! Dada ! |
Rejected |
| WA-8341-1 |
In The Shadows |
Columbia |
COL 5246 |
| WA-8342-2 |
Falling In Love With You |
January 31st 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8340-3 |
Dada ! Dada ! |
Columbia |
COL 5227 |
| WA-8491-2 |
Avalon Town |
Columbia |
COL 5267 |
| WA-8492-1-2 |
Fashionette |
Rejected |
| WA-8493-1 |
Kiddie Kapers |
Columbia |
COL 5267 |
| WAY-4-1 |
Sometimes |
Columbia |
COL R-2 (for Roberts & Co, West Croydon) |
March 2nd 1929 (George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar) replaces Jack Hill)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8638-2 |
That's The Good Old Sunny South |
Columbia |
COL 5327 |
| WA-8639-2 |
Up The River |
| WA-8640-1 |
Forever |
Columbia |
COL 5304 |
| WA-8641-2 |
I Ain't Never Been Kissed |
March 22nd 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8738-2 |
Second Hand Rose |
Columbia |
COL 5361 |
| WA-8739-2 |
My Man |
| WA-8740-1-2 |
I Was A Florodora Baby |
Rejected |
| WA-8741-1-2 |
Just An Hour Of Adoration |
April 25th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8923-2 |
All Alone In Lover's Lane |
Columbia |
COL 5376 |
| WAX-4876-1 |
The Five O'Clock Girl - Selection, Part 1
(Intro. Thinking Of You/Who Did ? You Did !) |
Columbia |
COL 9715 |
| WAX-4877-2 |
The Five O'Clock Girl - Selection, Part 2
(Intro. Up In The Clouds/Happy-Go-Lucky Bird) |
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Andy Richardson, Freddy Pitt or Arthur Niblo (trumpets), Bill Hall (trombone), A.N.Other (clarinet/alto-sax), Chester Smith (clarinet/alto-sax)
Reg Pursglove (violin), Donald Thorne (piano), George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass/sousaphone), Rudy Starita (cornet/vibes/xyl).
Vocalists: Betty Bolton, Ted Brandt, Eddie Collis, Eddie Grossbart, Harry Shalson.
Phil Cardew (arranger).
May 4th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-8924-1 |
My Flame Of Love |
Columbia |
COL 5376 |
| WA-8950-2 |
The Wedding Of The Painted Doll |
Columbia |
COL 5380 |
| WA-8951-2 |
Wake Up ! Chill'un, Wake Up ! |
Note: I have seen COL 5380 The Wedding Of The Painted Doll listed as by Debroy Somers Band ?
May 31st 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9072-1 |
You're The Cream In My Coffee |
Columbia |
COL 5423 |
| WA-9073-1 |
To Know You Is To Love You |
June 13th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9074-1 |
Ever So Goosey |
Columbia |
COL 5424 |
| WA-9075-1 |
Blue Hills Of Pasadena |
| WA-9157-1 |
Is Izzy Azzy Wozz ? |
Columbia |
COL 5479 |
| WA-9158-1 |
Sarah Jane |
| WA-9159-1 |
The Hollow Of A Hill |
Columbia |
COL 5480 |
Note: Matrices 9074 & 9075 were scheduled to be made on the 31st May.
June 22nd 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9206-1 |
Broadway |
Columbia |
COL 5442 |
| WA-9207-2 |
The Chicken Or The Egg |
| WA-9208-2 |
That's What I Call Heaven |
Columbia |
COL 5539 |
| WA-9209-2 |
Don't Make My Heart Your Plaything |
Columbia |
COL 5480 |
July 3rd 1929 (Ted Edbrooke (violin) replaces Reg Pursglove)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9242-1 |
Wait 'Til You See My Cherie |
Columbia |
COL 5501 |
| WA-9243-2 |
Um-tcha, Um-tcha, Da-Da-Da |
Columbia |
COL 5502 |
| WA-9244-1 |
It's A Habit Of Mine |
Columbia |
COL 5501 |
| WA-9245-1 |
Blue Days Are Over |
Columbia |
COL 5502 |
August 7th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9341-1 |
I'm doing What I'm Doing For Love |
Columbia |
COL 5523 |
| WAX-5133-2 |
Bitter Sweet - Selection, Part 1
(Intro. Overture/Tokay/Kiss Me/If Love Were All/Zigeuner) |
Columbia |
COL 9782 |
| WAX-5134-2 |
Bitter Sweet - Selection, Part 2
(Intro. If You Could Only Come With Me/The Call Of Life/I'll See You Again/Dear Little Cafe/Ladies Of The Town) |
September 14th 1929
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9489-1 |
Come On Baby |
Columbia |
COL 5590 |
| WA-9490-2 |
Through I |
| WA-9491-2 |
My Dream Memory |
Columbia |
COL 5606 |
| WA-9492-2 |
Because I'm Fond Of You |
October 23rd 1929 Ray Starita/Santos Casani Speech
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9661-2 |
Au Revoir |
Columbia |
COL 5623 |
| WA-9682-2 |
The Skaters |
| WA-9683-1 |
She's so Unusual |
Columbia |
COL 5679 |
| WA-9684-2 |
I Don't Know How |
Columbia |
COL 5620 |
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Andy Richardson, Freddy Pitt or Arthur Niblo (trumpets), Bill Hall (trombone), Chester Smith (clarinet/saxes/oboe), Nat Star (clarinet/alto-sax),
Ted Edbrooke (violin), Donald Thorne (piano), George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass/sousaphone), Rudy Starita (cornet/vibes/xyl).
Vocalists: Lou Abelardo, Sam Browne, Eddie Collis.
December 11th 1929 at Central Hall, Westminster (extra strings added for this session)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WAX-5289-1 |
The House That Jack Built - Selection, Part 1
(Intro. The Thought Never Entered My Head/The House I'd Build/Teardrops From Her Eyes) |
Columbia |
COL 9915 |
| WAX-5290-2 |
The House That Jack Built - Selection, Part 2
(Intro. She's Such A Comfort To Me/I've Fallen In Love/Playing The Game/My Heart Is Saying) |
December 23rd 1929 (Unknown player (clarinet/alto-sax) replaces Nat Star)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-9890-2 |
I'll Always Remember |
Columbia |
CB-7 |
| WA-9891-1 |
Nelly Gray |
Columbia |
COL 5701 |
| WA-9892-2 |
March Of The Chocolate Soldiers |
| WA-9893-2 |
I Love You And I Like You |
Columbia |
CB-7 |
January 30th 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10028-1 |
Pickin' Petals Off O' Daisies |
Columbia |
CB-4 |
| WA-10029-2 |
A Night Of Happiness |
| WA-10030-2 |
Remember Me |
Columbia |
CB-3 |
| WA-10031-2 |
The Burning Heart |
| WAY-6-1 |
Pickin' Petals Off O' Daisies |
Columbia |
COL R-3 (for Roberts & Co, West Croydon) |
February 24th 1930 (Philippe Brun, Jack Raine (trumpets), Lew Davis, Leo Vauchant replaces previous brass team)
(Bill Herbert (banjo/acoustic guitar) replaces George Oliver)
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10106-2 |
Ain't It Great To Be Home Again |
Columbia |
CB-20 |
| WA-10107-2 |
Asleep In My Heart |
Columbia |
CB-25 |
| WA-10108-2 |
Indispensable You |
| WA-10109-2 |
The Sunshine Of Marseilles |
Columbia |
CB-20 |
March 8th 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10174-2 |
Talkie Tunes Medley - Part 1
(Intro. If I Can't Have You/If You Were Mine/Someone/Love Will Find A Way) |
Columbia |
CB-32 |
| WA-10175-2 |
Talkie Tunes Medley - Part 2
(Intro. Only The Girl/Toujours (Always)/Ship Of My Dreams) |
| WA-10176-2 |
The Wedding In The Ark |
Columbia |
CB-31 |
| WA-10177-1 |
All That I'm Asking Is Sympathy |
April 14th 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10263-1 |
Sunday Afternoon |
Columbia |
CB-59 |
| WA-10264-1 |
The Moment I Saw You |
| WA-10265-2 |
I'll Always Be Dreaming Of Mary |
Columbia |
CB-58 |
| WA-10266-1 |
Hush-A-Bye Baby |
May 2nd 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10346-2 |
Happy Days Medley - Part 1
(Intro. Minstrel Memories/Crazy Feet/A Toast To The Girl I Love/I'm On A Diet Of Love) |
Columbia |
CB-70 |
| WA-10347-2 |
Happy Days Medley - Part 2
(Intro. Mona/We'll Build A Little World Of Our Own/Snake Hips/Crazy Feet) |
| WA-10348-1 |
The King's Horses |
Columbia |
CB-73 |
| WA-10349-1 |
Gee, It Must Be Love |
May 23rd 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10404-2 |
I'm That Way Over You |
Columbia |
CB-80 |
| WA-10405-2 |
You Taught Me All I Know |
Columbia |
CB-79 |
| WA-10406-2 |
It's You I Love |
Columbia |
CB-80 |
| WA-10407-1-2-3 |
The Seven Step |
Rejected |
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Andy Richardson, Freddy Pitt or Arthur Niblo (trumpets), Ted Heath (trombone), Chester Smith (clarinet/alto-sax), A.N.Other (clarinet/alto-sax),
Ted Edbrooke (violin), Donald Thorne (piano), George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass/sousaphone), Rudy Starita (drums/vibes/xyl).
Vocalist: Lou Abelardo.
June 14th 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10407-4 |
The Seven Step |
Columbia |
CB-79 |
| WA-10479-2 |
When I Passed The Old Church Door |
Columbia |
CB-96 |
| WA-10480-2 |
My Love Affair |
Ray Starita Leaves The Ambassadors
(from Rhythm Vol.III No.32 - April 1930)
RAY STARITA AND HIS BAND
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Bert Wilton, Nobby Knight (trumpets), Les Carew (trombone), Chester Smith (clarinet/saxes/oboe), Edgar Bracewell (clarinet/saxes),
George Glover (clarinet/tenor-sax/violin), Eugene Pine (violin), Harry Jacobson (piano), George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass), Rudy Starita (drums/vibes/xyl).
Vocalists: Maurice Elwin, Jack Plant.
August 21st 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10595-2 |
In A Quiet Corner |
Columbia |
CB-122 |
| WA-10596-2 |
One Night Alone With You |
| WA-10597-2 |
I've Got A Feeling |
Columbia |
CB-118 |
| WA-10598-1 |
I Don't Wanna Go Home |
| WM-46 |
In A Quiet Corner |
Columbia |
DC-2002 |
| WM-47 |
One Night Alone With You |
| WM-48 |
I've Got A Feeling |
Columbia |
DC-2001 |
| WM-49 |
I Don't Wanna Go Home |
November 6th 1930 - Ben Collins, George Burgess (trumpets) replace Wilton & Knight.
Lew Davis (trombone) replaces Carew, Rex Owen (clarinet/alto-sax) replaces Bracewell.
George Hurley (violin) replaces Pine, Harry Robens (piano) replaces Jacobson.
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10880-2 |
Angel Mother |
Columbia |
CB-157 |
| WA-10881-2 |
The Dance Of The Wooden Shoes |
Columbia |
CB-177 |
| WA-10882-1 |
Are You A Russian ? (Or Just In a Hurry) |
Columbia |
CB-157 |
| WA-10883-2 |
Were You Just Pretending ? |
Columbia |
CB-177 |
December 3rd 1930
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-10938-1 |
My Desire |
Columbia |
CB-187 |
| WA-10939-1 |
A Little Love Song |
| WA-10940-1 |
Songs I Heard At Mother's Knee |
Columbia |
CB-188 |
| WA-10941-1 |
Down The Lane To Home, Sweet Home |
| WA-10942-2 |
Put Your Worries Through The Mangle |
Columbia |
CB-195 |
January 20th 1931
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-11087-1 |
Dancing In Your Sleep |
Columbia |
CB-211 |
| WA-11088-2 |
If I Had Three Wishes |
| WAX-5942-1 |
Blue Roses - Selection, Part 1
(Intro. Dancing In Your Sleep/Where Have You Been Hiding ?/Dancing In Your Sleep/Night's The Time) |
Columbia |
CB-70 |
| WAX-5943-2 |
Blue Roses - Selection, Part 2
(Intro. I Saw The Moon Through The Window/My Heart's A Compass/Four Little Titled Shop Assistants/If I Had Three Wishes) |
February 4th 1931
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WAX-5962-1 |
Stand Up And Sing - Selection, Part 1
(Intro. Stand Up And Sing/It's Not You/I Would If I Could/Keep Smiling/It's Not You) |
Columbia |
DX-218 |
| WAX-5963-1 |
Stand Up And Sing - Selection, Part 2
(Intro. There's Always Tomorrow/Take It Or Leave It/There's Always Tomorrow/Nobody To Take Care Of Me) |
February 5th 1931
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| WA-11161-2 |
There's Always Tomorrow |
Columbia |
CB-219 |
| WA-11162-2 |
It's Not You |
From the last entry above made in February, there is a break in Ray Starita's recordings of over 10 months
coupled with a change of record label. During this break by Starita, Arthur Calkin first started playing with Harry Roy as he is listed from April 1931 on his recordings and in his scrap book.
In Rust and Forbes there is then some crossover where Arthur is listed as recording with both bands right up to the end of 1931. It is unclear at which point Arthur played with
Starita for the last time.
Correspondent David Paye found the following information from a 1930 Melody Maker:
"Marius Winter has arranged a year's contract at Romanos restaurant in the Strand for a band led by Murray Barley (violin), Harry Carter, Hugh Tripp,
Jack Davies and Chick Smith (brass), Bobby McGee (piano), Bert Jackson (drums) and Arthur Calkin (bass).
The contract runs from Sunday 19th October 1930."
Looking at Rust and Forbes, it mentions Marius B. Winter And His Dance Orchestra as having recorded on the Broadcast label from October 1930 to April 1931.
But it does not include Arthur Calkin as a member of the personnel. Of course, there are plenty of errors in the catalogue which could explain the discrepancy or Arthur may have decided not to take the booking ?
RAY STARITA AND HIS AMBASSADORS
Ray Starita (clarinet/tenor-sax), Sid Buckman, Nat Gonella (trumpets), Chester Smith (clarinet/saxes/oboe), Nat Star (clarinet/alto-sax),
George Glover (clarinet/tenor-sax/violin), George Hurley (violin/vocals), Harry Robens (piano), George Oliver (banjo/acoustic guitar), Arthur Calkin (string bass), Rudy Starita (drums/vibes/xyl).
Vocalists: Sam Browne, Elsie Carlisle.
December 16th 1931
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2082-1-2-3-4 |
Get Happy |
Rejected |
| S-2083-1-2 |
When It's Sleepy Time Down South |
January 5th 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2103-2 |
Desert Lover |
Sterno |
ST 863 |
| S-2104-1 |
A Faded Summer Love |
Sterno |
ST 862 |
| S-2105-1 |
When It's Sleepy Time Down South |
| S-2106-1 |
Kisses In The Dark |
Sterno |
ST 863 |
| S-2107-1 |
Get Happy |
Sterno |
ST 861 |
| S-2108-1 |
Oh Mo'nah |
January 22nd 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2177-1 |
You Try Somebody Else |
Sterno |
ST 900 |
| S-2178-1 |
Home |
Sterno |
ST 879 |
| S-2179-1 |
Three Little Times |
| S-2180-1 |
Three Little Times |
Sterno |
ST FR-134 |
| S-2181-2 |
She Jumped On Her Pushbike And Pedalled Away |
Sterno |
ST 883 |
| S-2182-2 |
Just A Crazy Song |
| S-2183-1 |
I Like To Hear A Military Band |
Sterno |
ST 884 |
February 3rd 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2197-2 |
Goofus |
Sterno |
ST 884 |
| S-2198-2 |
Open Up Dem Pearly Gates |
Sterno |
ST 899 |
| S-2199-1 |
In The Jailhouse Now |
| S-2200-1 |
Once Aboard The Lugger |
Sterno |
ST 885 |
| S-2201-1 |
Running Around The Trees |
| S-2202-1 |
You Rascal, You |
Sterno |
ST 900 |
March 2nd 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2272-1 |
Winnie The Wailer |
Sterno |
ST 906 |
| S-2273-1 |
Perry Werry Winkle |
| S-2274-3 |
Leave Me Alone With My Dreams |
Sterno |
ST 923 |
| S-2275-2 |
By The Sycamore Tree |
Sterno |
ST 928 |
| S-2276-1 |
The Wooden Soldier And The China Doll |
Sterno |
ST 923 |
| S-2277-1 |
An Evening In Caroline |
Sterno |
ST 928 |
March 22nd 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2305-2 |
She Didn't Say Yes |
Sterno |
ST 924 |
| S-2306-1 |
Sailing On The Robert E. Lee |
Sterno |
ST 929 |
| S-2307-3 |
Old Man Bluebeard |
Sterno |
ST 944 |
| S-2308-2 |
Goopy Geer |
Sterno |
ST 924 |
| S-2309- |
Riddles |
Rejected |
| S-2310-2 |
Dance of The Little Dutch Dolls |
Sterno |
ST 929 |
April 18th 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2368-2 |
Rain On The Roof |
Sterno |
ST 943 |
| S-2369-1 |
Don't Tell A Soul |
Sterno |
ST 986 |
| S-2370-2 |
Riddles |
Sterno |
ST 944 |
| S-2371-2 |
Auf Wiedersehen My Dear |
Sterno |
ST 952 |
| S-2372-2 |
Kiss By Kiss |
| S-2373-2 |
Snuggled On Your Shoulder |
Sterno |
ST 943 |
Note: ST 986 was credited as by "ANDRE ASTAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA".
June 15th 1932 Sid Buckman no longer part of the band.
Added vocalists: Les Allan, Tom Barratt, Fred Douglas.
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2473-2 |
It Ain't No Fault Of Mine |
Sterno |
ST 984 |
| S-2474-1 |
Mean Music |
Sterno |
ST 1007, also on Redwing R-1002 |
| S-2475-2 |
I Don't Blame You |
Sterno |
ST 985 |
| S-2476-2 |
Do The New York |
Sterno |
ST 1007 |
| S-2477-2 |
You'll Find Out |
Sterno |
ST 984 |
| S-2478-3 |
Let That Be A Lesson To You |
Sterno |
ST 985 |
Note: Redwing issue of R-1002 was credited as by "THE RHYTHM ACES".
August 12th 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2521-2 |
I Want To Cling To Ivy |
Sterno |
ST 1019 |
| S-2522-2 |
The Flies Crawled Up The Window |
| S-2523-2 |
When The Band Goes Marching By |
Sterno |
ST 1010 |
| S-2524-1 |
The Clouds Will Soon Roll By |
Sterno |
ST 1020 |
| S-2525-1 |
Sing A New Song |
| S-2526-2 |
I Got Rhythm |
Sterno |
ST 1023 |
| X-130-2 |
The Flies Crawled Up The Window/I Want To Cling To Ivy |
4 in 1 |
2 |
| X-132-2 |
Sing A New Song/I Got Rhythm |
4 in 1 |
3 |
Note: ST 1010 was credited as by "NAT STAR AND HIS ORCHESTRA".
Note: ST 1023 was credited as by "THE TWELVE RHYTHM MONARCHS".
September 1st 1932
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2554-2 |
In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town |
Sterno |
ST 1028 |
| S-2555-2 |
Georgia On My Mind |
Sterno |
ST 1027 |
| S-2556-2 |
Say That You Were Teasing Me |
Sterno |
ST 1036 |
| S-2557-2 |
Stop The Sun, Stop The Moon (My Man's Gone) |
Sterno |
ST 1028 |
| S-2558-2 |
I Heard |
Sterno |
ST 1023 |
| S-2559-1 |
Shadows On The Window |
Sterno |
ST 1027, also on Redwing R-1004 |
| X-148-1 |
Stop The Sun, Stop The Moon/Say That You Were Teasing Me |
4 in 1 |
6 |
| X-149-2 |
I Heard/Shadows On The Window |
4 in 1 |
5 |
Note: ST 1023 and 1028 AND Say That You Were Teasing Me on 4 in 1 6 was credited as by "THE TWELVE RHYTHM MONARCHS".
Note: ST 1036 was credited as by "BILLY SEYMOUR AND THE BOYS".
Note: Redwing R-1004 was credited as by "CHICK HALL AND HIS COLLEGIANS".
Note: Other two tracks on 4 in 1 6 were:
Bernie Blake and his Orchestra - They All Start Whistling Mary (v. Fred Douglas) and Happy-go-lucky You (v. Tom Barratt)
September 15th 1932 - Unknown harpist present on S-2581-2
| Matrix No |
Track |
Record Label |
Catalogue Number |
| S-2578-2 |
Walkin' On Air |
Sterno |
ST 1042 |
| S-25795-2 |
Three's A Crowd |
Sterno |
ST 1041 |
| S-2580-1 |
Masquerade |
Rejected |
| S-2581-2 |
Song Of The Harp |
Sterno |
ST 1026 |
| S-2582-2 |
On A Dreamy Afternoon |
| S-2583-2 |
Gosh Darn |
Sterno |
ST 1042 |
| S-25843-2 |
Sweethearts For Ever |
Sterno |
ST 1041, also on Redwing R-1003 |
| X-159-2 |
Three's A Crowd/Walking On Air |
4 in 1 |
8 |
| X-160-2 |
On A Dreamy Afternoon/Song Of The Harp |
4 in 1 |
7 |
| X-161-1 |
Masquerade/Gosh Darn |
| X-161-2 |
Masquerade/Gosh Darn |
Note: Redwing R-1003 was credited as by "CHICK HALL AND HIS COLLEGIANS".
Note: Gosh Darn on 4 in 1 7 and Walkin' On Air on 4 in 1 8 were credited as by "THE TWELVE RHYTHM MONARCHS".
Note: Masquerade on 4 in 1 7 was credited as by "ANDRE ASTAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA".
The Melody Maker for November 1932 reported that,
"Ray Starita had not returned to the Ambassadors Club after a lengthy summer vacation. Ray is now in America and his future movements are not known at all."
This may mean that he did not take part in any of the above three sessions.
 |
| Left to Right: Reg Purseglove, Rudy Starita, Jack Hill, Arthur Calkin, Renato Starita, Donald Thorne, Chester Smith |
Looking at the picture above, I know what you are thinking ... "What the heck is a Gugnunc" ?
Pip, Squeak and Wilfred were drawn by Cardiff-born cartoonist Austin Bowen Payne and were characters in a comic strip which first appeared in the Daily Mirror in 1919.
In the drawings Pip was a dog, Squeak a penguin and Wilfred, who did not appear until later in the series, was a rabbit.
Pip and Squeak were portrayed as Wilfred's parents and there was a supporting cast of a Russian bomb maker and his dog Popski.
There was also an appearance by a rather jaded and elderly penguin known as Auntie.
The comic strip, which ran until 1958, proved to be extremely popular with the British public. The Queen Mother was an avid reader when she was a child.
Pip, Squeak and Wilfred became so popular that in 1927, the Wilfredian League of Gugnuncs (or WLOG) was founded in their honour.
The name "Gugnunc" came about because unlike Pip and Squeak, Wilfred spoke only in baby-talk and "gug" and "nunc" were his favourite words.
The Gugnuncs held parties and meetings and worked to raise funds for children's hospitals and charities.
Pip, Squeak and Wilfred were also the irreverent names given by servicemen to the British campaign medals issued to those who served in the First World War.
The medals appeared at the same time that the comic strip gained widespread acclaim and the names stuck.
The 1914-15 Star was known as Pip, the British War Medal was Squeak and the Inter-Allied Victory Medal was referred to as Wilfred.
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