[ International Novelty Orchestra ], (20's - 30's)

21 tracks on Kingfisher INT-1014 Australia 1999

The International Novelty Quartet and The International Novelty Orchestra started appearing in record catalogues in the late 1920's and during the 1930's, becoming extremely popular with a string of best selling discs. No known serious study seems to have been made on the different groups formed solely as studio units to make records, with the xylophone and clever arrangements being always a special feature. They brought together some of the best musicians in England and also USA. Information on the participants is scant. These 'house bands' released discs in Europe under the this name also.

The International Novelty Orchestra in the USA was a pseudonym for the Victor house band that made records by a band that Nat Shilkret conducted in the Victor studios. The pseudonym was first used in March 1922. The session data for US recordings has been published in Brian Rust's 'American Dance Band Discography'. Between 1922 and 1927 a total of 135 tracks were recorded, 36 of these were rejected and 99 were released on Victor in USA. Seventeen different vocalists were used but many tracks were no vocal.

The International Novelty Quartet and The International Novelty Orchestra name was also applied to English domestic studio recordings of the same variety of music as that done in USA. The titles recorded in England seemed to be of 'foreign' material, thus giving the 'International' look. Brian Rust has been able to provide data from his journals for me, which has not been published in his books. The Bert and John Firman Orchestra directed some early sessions (1929-1930) [eg Zon T-5489 The Dickey Bird Hop]. The 'Choristers Waltz' recorded on 27th January 1930 used Sylvester Ahola (trumpet), clarinet, alto sax, Bert Read (piano), Rudy Starita (drums-vibraphone-xylophone) and was directed by John Firman. George Scott-Wood directed many later recordings. Both Rudy Starita and Harry Robbins seem likely zylophonists. George Scott Wood probably played piano and/or accordion on the discs that he directed. Harry Leader may have been involved in the mid 1930's. Few vocalists have been identified, except for two tracks by Sam Browne on RZ in 1932 and Ronnie Hill in 1937 on two tracks.

They were released in Australia on Zonophone, HMV and Regal Zonophone labels. The earliest disc listed in the 1946 EMI Australian catalogue was 'Cuckoo and Lena' on Zonophone EE67 for The International Novelty Quartet [1926 USA, matrix 8472 & 8473]. The first listed for The International Novelty Orchestra was 'Amoureuse and Jolly Fellows' on Zonophone EF27. Not all their recordings were still listed in this 1946 edition. Probably the most prized vocal recording remembered is 'Silver Bell' on RZ G-22050 recorded on 22nd January 1934 by the quartet. This track used 2 trumpets, trombone, piccolo, 2 pianos, string bass, drums/xylophone and vocal duet. It was classified as 'The Quartet'!

There were many tracks recorded. It is not known whether 'The International Concert Orchestra' (HMV & RZ), and 'International Dance Orchestra' (RZ), and 'International Orchestra' (HMV & RZ) are part of the same series. I would very much like to obtain a full listing, with data.

Frank Bristow of Melbourne has released 5 cd's of the group containing excellently restored tracks. The only known tape release contains 21 restored tracks [KINGFISHER INT-1014, 1999 Australia].

Three instrumental titles of the Quartet are included in a 3 cd set 'The Wonderful Music That Tells A Story', French EPM 984572 [Pan And The Wood Goblins Zon 5966, The Cuckoo In The Clock Zon T-5619, The Dickey Bird Hop Zon T-5489].

Australian Pressing G-24155 Matrix CAR-5548-1, 78 rpm Recorded in UK

Read about:
Zonophone & Regal Zonophone Labels
Listing on Regal Zonophone Label

Return to:
MAIN Hamilton Page