Violinist (and occasional saxophonist) Len Lee was a member of Fred Elizalde's band at the Savoy Hotel in 1928, having previously played at the Empress Rooms (band name unknown). In the Early 1940s he was again at the Savoy, but under Carroll Gibbons direction and subsequently took part in a number of shows for ENSA. Unfortunately, that's all I can find out about him at the moment, but his grandson, Matthew, has provided me with some photographs which I have included here. NOTE: This is not Len Lees, drummer and vocalist with Arthur Rosebery's band.

Photos 1 & 2: Len Lee himself

Photo 3: Len is on the far left with his violin and a saxophone. The band and location are unidentified.

Photo 4: With Fred Elizalde's band on the steps of the Paris Opera House.
I haven't yet managed to identify all the musicians, but here's a start:
First left: Ronnie Gubertini. Len Lee (Tall gent in hat and hands in pockets). Ben Frankel to Lee's left. Len Fillis (seated in front), possibly Al Bowlly (dark suit, hands in pockets). Adrian Rollini (far right at back).
 

Photo 5: Len with Fred Elizalde's Band. Len is to the right of the piano, sitting down.
Musicians, Standing, from left: George Hurley (violin), Nobby Knight (trumpet), Len Fillis (banjo/guitar), Norman Payne (trumpet), Mario Lorenzi (harp), Tiny Stock (bass), Chelsea Quealey (trumpet), Billy Mason (piano), Rex Owen, Phil Cardew, Bobby Davis, Harry Hayes (clarinets & saxophones), Adrian Rollini (bass sax and xylophone).
Sitting, from left: Ronnie Gubertini (drums), Al Bowlly (guitar and vocal), Fred Elizalde (at piano), Len Lee, Ben Frankel (violins).

Photo 6: Len is third from the right at the back, with Ben Frankel looking over his shoulder. Location and band not known.
Other possibles: Dick Ball (left at back), Emile Grimshaw (light suit in back row).

Photos 7 & 8: Young Len.

If you can help identify the bands and / or locations (or any of the musicians) in photographs 3, 4 or 6, please let me know.

My thanks to Matthew Lee for the photographs and information.      
Page created: July 28, 2009