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New Princes’ Toronto Band - Sunny Havana

2011-06-11 2 Dailymotion

Actually at Toronto's New Princes' Restaurant played two bands, i.e. Dave Caplan's Toronto Orchestra aka Dave Caplan & His New Princes' Band and the other, led by Hal Swain (on this 1925 record, v. Hal Swain, first photo second left), aka the New Princes' Toronto Orchestra. However, half of the members played in both outfits so it is often difficult to make a distinction. The situation is even more intricate since another, distinct outfit, aka The Toronto Band (led by Swain, later by Caplan) performed in Britain, whereas Caplan toured in Germany as The Toronto Band from Canada. The personnel of the New Princes' Toronto Band was remarkably stable throughout its more-than-two-year span. Late in 1925, Art Christmas was added to the sax section in Feb. 1926. Swain left the orchestra in Feb. 1926. Harry Hoffman, who played alto sax and violin, was brought over from Toronto to replace him. In March 1926, Caplan took over the band. It then obtained further engagements around London.

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