Big Bands Past

George Ross was born in London Ontario in 1937. After studying piano for three years his interests turned to band music. He was accepted into the London Police Boys Band under the direction and instruction of Martin Boundy. His choice of instrument was the trombone. This became very important to George throughout his life in High School and later when he joined the Canadian Army. Under private lessons from Capt. Ray Macleod {a graduate of Kneller Hall U.K.}, and Jock Flynn trombonist {formerly of Ted Heaths, and Freddy Gardeners Bands},

George advanced very quickly. He played in the Military Bands of the Armed Forces both on active duty and reserve duty. After leaving the armed forces George was involved with several concert bands and various dance bands. He headed a small six piece group called "Easy Street" for several years catering to the music of the Big Band Era, in a small combo style. George Ross also organised a very successful Dixieland Band called "New Orleans Masquerade" which was well known in the City of London. This band continued for several years.

In 1984 George Ross introduced a course at Fanshawe College in London Ontario called, "SOPHISTICATED SWING". This was an evening course consisting of three hours every week, dedicated to playing the music of the Big Bands of the 30's and 40's. The course was quite successful. It was made up of some keen young musicians as well as several older musicians, which had performed in many of the Big Bands of earlier years. This program ran for 30 weeks each year, finally ending in 1987.

A few years later George came up with the idea of organizing a new band of professional quality which included many of the top musicians in the city of London. It was decided that the Band would consist of Five Sax's, Four Trumpets, Four Trombones, Guitar, String Bass, Piano and Drums. After a few performances they added a female vocalist, which really enhanced the Band. This group was called "THE SOPHISTICATED SWING SOCIETY DANCE BAND" .They added many new arrangements, to the old library , of the former
College Band making it very versatile for all engagements. The band rehearsed in the Ball Room at Green Hills Country Club for a few years making several appearances, providing music for their Sunday Brunches.

The Band then moved to Wonderland Gardens Ball Room for rehearsals. It performed at large society functions like "The Bethany's Hope Fund Raising Ball", the Royal Canadian Mounted Police 125th Anniversary Ball in 1998, the Valentines Dance at the Western Fair, Wonderland Gardens Ball Room for the Royal Canadian Big Band Festival, The Band also did several appearances at the auditorium of the London Public Library, plus other occasions at Wonderland Gardens and several other memorable functions.

The last performance of George Ross with the band was the New Years Millennium Dance at Green Hills Country Club 1999-2000. George turned the Band over to George Laidlaw. The name was changed to "The Prime Time Big Band"

 

Audio Clips

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Recorded at the RCMP Ball (approx 26mins)
Hey Jude, Days Of Wine & Roses, Satin Doll, Tuxedo Junction, Twist & Shout, Music to watch Girls By, New York New York, Traces, Spanish Eyes

Recorded at London Public Library (approx 44 mins)

 

Photographs

View photographic slideshow of George Ross Orchestras