Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang

Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang - England (1)

1946-1980's - Members that were in the group from time to time: Morton Fraser (Manny Fish), Tiny Ross (Walter John), Henry Samuels (chromatic), Stan Kaye (chord), Tony Rouse (chromatic), Tony Vincent (bass), Michael Jackson (chromatic), Peter Marsh, Dave King (did comedy with Tiny), Ken Howell, Nat Lees (arranger), Harry Simms, Clem Ratcliffe (arranger-accordion), Jim Garside, Don Cameron (vocalist), Ronny Cresswell, Gordon Mills, Johnny Stafford.  

                                      The Story of Morton Fraser

by Morton Fraser

The re-birth of the National Harmonica Song Bands League is an event in my considered opinion of as great importance to harmonica players and enthusiasts as is the fact that once again; it is possible to go into any music shop and purchase a harmonica.
I say this from my, own personal experiences in pre-war days. while I toured the provincial variety theatres as a soloist. In every town harmonica players would find their way to the stage door and usually, an invitation to visit a local H.S. band vould be forthcoming. I always found these meetings most enjoyable, and was particularly impressed by the enthusiastic approach of these harmonica players, who invariably devote all their leisure and spare evenings to rehearsing and learning most avidly.

As a matter of fact, that is how the idea oy my forming a professional band was born; and when I mentioned this to Dr. Meyer one day, he lost no time in helping me to start. In the Summer of 1939, the headquarters of the H.S.B. League in Store Street. W.C.2, became my rehearsal rooms nightly, and Mr. Millard, Dr. Meyer, and Mr. Mathis (an eminent musician) gave me every assistance. I arranged to produce this band in October, 1939, but as you know, to quote a famous Scotsman who said something about the plans of mice and men, war broke out.

During the time I spent in the Forces. I did a lot of entertaining in the various theatres of war, and met several harmonica players also in battledress, and I kept in touch with them until the war ended. In the Summer of 1946, rehearsals commenced once again, and on Monday, June 3rd, 1946, Morton Fraser and his Harmonica Gang made their first public appearance, and have been "going strong" ever since.

I APPEARED with my Boys until May, 1950, when, during an engagement at Oldham Empire, I was taken ill, and could not work. The management was most helpful, and assured me that they would get by somehow. By the time that Saturday came round, I was much better, and I arrived at the Theatre just in time to see my own act from the front for the first time! I was so impressed with their performance that there and then, I decided my davs of appearing with the Band were over; and I could use my efforts to far better advantage attending to the production of the act, and to looking after the business end full time.

The results of this decision have more than emphasised the wisdom of my snap judgement. Without any fear of contradiction, I can proudly say that Morton Fraser's Harmonica Gang is one of the finest aggregations of Harmonica Players in the World. If anyone wishes to contradict this sweeping statement, go and listen to them, and try to prove me wrong.

You can't accuse me of being Stage-Struck. Remember. I don't work in the act ! I'm just making a statement of fact ! And whv shouldn't it be so? Since June, 1946, over five and a half years ago, for five mornings every week, and I mean EVERY WEEK. I have known where to find my boys. Shall I tell you were? Rehearsing from 10.30 'til I pm., they couldn't go on longer, as all theatres close at 1 p.m. The standard we have always set ourselves has been the unattainable one of perfection, and even when the Boys have come off the stage having stopped the show, and left the audience shouting for more (and this is a frequent occurence) no one has ever been guilty of saying "aren't we good."

I'm as proud of my musicians as Sir Thomas Beecham is of his- and most of my men come to me without experience, and with only one quality, though I consider this the greatest- determination to succeed! I said one quality, but I'm wrong. There is another quality they possess in great abundance, "loyalty."

I'm afraid that I have strayed completely away from what I started out to talk about, viz., the H.S.B.League, but you see, I'm the Gang's greatest fan, and once I start talking about them, I find it hard to stop! But let me stress one thing to you harmonica enthusiasts. Whenever the Gang is appearing, don't hesitate to call round at the stage door if you have any problems, or want any advice about harmonicas. The boys will talk your heads off! (it's their favourite subject).

If I can help in any way, drop me a line care of the H.S.B. League, or the B.B.C. I'll be glad to hear from you, and if you are forming a band, or thinking or doing so, let me know what I can do to assist.

In conclusion, I am always on the lookout for good harmonica players, and if you feel that your playing even remotely approaches the standard required for professional work, and you 'vould like to, as Wilfred Pickles would say "have a go, let me hear from you."

Harmonically Yours"

MORTON FRASER.