Chronology of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra: 1919-1922

Abstract

12 Jun 19 First party arr. Liverpool from Philadelphia on American Line's SS Northland [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref. BT26/654]. 14 Jun 19 Second party arr. Liverpool from New York City on Cunard's SS Carmania [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref. BT26/654]. 29 Jun 19 Third party arr. Liverpool from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/654]. 4 Jul 19 Opened at Philharmonic Hall, Great Portland Street, London ["Matters Musical," Referee, July 6, 1919, 4]. Initially twice daily at 2:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Report made to HMV Committee that SSO not suitable for recording (information from Brian Rust from EMI filing). 3 Aug 19 Free concert at People's Palace, Mile End Road, London at 3:00 p.m. ["Negro Musicians, East End Concert To-Morrow," [London] Daily Herald, August 2, 1919, 5; "Real Ragtimes By Real Darkies," Daily Herald, August 4, 1919, 3]. 8 Aug 19 Performed at a dance at the Albert Rooms, London, in honor of distinguished African visitors to London. The President of Liberia was amongst those attending [Hamnett 1984, 117-118; Hooker, 1986, 129; courtesy Val Wilmer]. 9 Aug 19 Afternoon private party for members of the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace, London ["King's Garden Party To His Servants," The Times [of London], August 11, 1919, 13; "King And His Servants, Royal Entertainment," [London] Daily Telegraph, August 11, 2919, 8]. It appears that the full orchestra appeared and that some of the singers also performed with Will Marion Cook as accompanist. A "Nigger Jazz Band" [sic] performed in the amphitheatre formed by the bed of the drained Palace lake. The personnel consisted of: William [sic] Briggs, comet; William [sic] Forrester, trombone; Sidney Bechet, clarinet; Lawrence Morris, bandoline; Robert Young, drums. 4 Sep 19 Arr. at Southampton of Charles and Martha Gilmore, William Bums, and Frank Dennie from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland [Board Of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/665]. mid-Sep 19 Small band derived from the orchestra began working for the Portman Dances at the Portman Rooms, Baker Street, London, as The Portman Syncopated Orchestra [1920 L No. 175, Affidavit 99; London Amusement Guide, October 1919, 34; Dancing Times, October 1919, 33]. This twelve-piece group was led by Frank Withers [Norris Smith, "Dear Old Lunnon," Chicago Defender, January 3, 1920, 7]4 Oct 19 Last day for which Philharmonic Hall matinees are advertised as daily [Westminster Gazette]. 6 Oct 19 Philharmonic Hall matinees, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday only [Westminster Gazette]. 14 Oct 19 Arr. at Southampton from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland of E. E. Thompson, George Smith, and Frank Tate [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/665]. 20 Oct 19 Began series of matinees at Prince of Wales Theatre, London on Mondays and Thursdays at 2:45 [advertisement, [London] Evening News, October 20, 1919]. Philharmonic Hall matinees now on Wednesdays and Fridays [advertisement, Daily Express, October 20, 1919]. 22 Oct 29 Last advertisement for Will Marion Cook as director [Daily Telegraph[. He was released on October 24, 1929 [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 542, Affidavit 304] and returned to the U.S.A. from Le Havre on November 23, 2929. by Nov 19 Philharmonic Hall matinees now on Wednesdays and Saturdays [advertisements, Sunday Times, November 9, 2929; London Amusement Guide, i/7, November 1919; London Attractions, November 12, 1919]. 11 Nov 29 Victory Ball No. 2, Royal Albert Hall, London, on behalf of the Central Council of the Infant Welfare Work. SSO played for dancing ["Brilliant Victory Ball," [London] Daily Graphic, November 12, 1919, 6; "The Victory Ball," Dancing Times, December 1929, 213]. …