Savoy Orpheans - Varsity Yale Blues

This is a particularly interesting recording, since it seems to be the only one ever made of this great composition. The Savoy Orpheans recorded prolifically from the time of their formation in 1923 until the end of 1927. Debroy Somers was their first leader. On his departure in April 1926, vocalist and violinist Cyril Ramon Newton took over as musical director for nine months. Sometime during the Autumn of 1925 Billy Thorburn began to attend Savoy Orpheans' recording sessions at the HMV studios in Hayes, with new first pianist Carroll Gibbons, but it is far from clear in Brian Rust's discography which recordings actually feature Billy. That Billy Thorburn was a member of the Orpheans at this time is confirmed by his presence in photographs. He was certainly with the band when they toured theaters in 1924 - early 1925. This outstanding record was made in 1927.