Georgia Melodians - Savannah

This short-lived band was a truly excellent orchestra which unfortunately is largely forgotten today. It was active from ca. 1923 through 1926, and was originally formed in Savannah, Georgia. It is believed that the group was really co-led by Ernie Intelhouse and Hill Hutchins, although violinist Charles Boulanger, who fronted the band, is usually listed as the leader. The original band actually broke up in December of 1924, but the name was continued into 1926. In the Spring of 1923, the band was resident at Lynchburg, North Carolina, a coastal resort town, where they spent the summer season playing in a ballroom at nights and giving concerts at the beach on Sunday afternoons. In early September 1924, the Melodians left the Cinderella where they had a contract, and moved to the Strand Roof, York, was the original group's last booking. It is not known why, but after the Hotel Alamac booking, they disbanded, and the two leaders departed. In 1926, New York bandleader W.C. Polla had become a full-time arranger. This outstanding record was made in 1924.