The Rhythm Society Dance Orchestra is a Brisbane-based ensemble that is committed to the preservation and celebration of early jazz.
With a repertoire that extends across the 1920s, '30s and '40s, at this JMI Live! performance the Orchestra will perform music from the swing era in its expanded 13-piece setting.
Rhythm Society Dance Orchestra's Cameron Meiklejohn selects dance bands you wished you'd tapped your toes to.
1. Billo Smith's Trocadero Dance Orchestra
Not just one of the best dance bands in Brisbane, the Billo Smith Trocadero Orchestra was among the finest ensembles in Australia during the 1920s and '30s. House band at the legendary Trocadero Dansant (Melbourne St, South Brisbane) for more than 20 years, few groups could rival the musicianship, hot charts and strict tempos of this ensemble.
Billo Smith's Trocadero Dance Orchestra
2. The Ernest Rittie Orchestra
With a reputation as a fine musician, but also a top arranger, for which his reputation extended to the United States and England, Ernest Rittie was an in-demand band leader across Brisbane in the 1940s. He was particularly known for his work leading the Orchestra for the Will Mahony revue shows at the Cremorne Gardens.3. The Nessie Smith Orchestra
One of the stars of Brisbane jazz in the 1920s and '30s, there were few pianists in Australia that played better dance music than Nessie Smith. A 'good technician', and an ability to 'swing naturally', Nessie and her band performed regularly in the grand ballroom of the Belle Vue Hotel. [Ed's note: Nessie was married to Billo Smith]4. Arch Kerr's Nite Lites
A real luminary of jazz in the 1920s, Arch Kerr was at the forefront of dance music in Brisbane, and following the introduction of radio, became well known across the airwaves introducing Australian audiences to popular music from the United States and Great Britain.5. Jim Burke's Troubadours
One of the many well-travelled dance ensembles of the 1930s and '40s, the Troubadours were a nine-piece dance band that performed across much of South East Queensland. They had particular success on the Gold Coast, performing at the original Playroom.Rhythm Society Dance Orchestra play JMI Live (Brisbane) on 25 November.
