The Sylvians was a short-lived band, based at the Savoy Hotel, London, in 1926 and 1927. It was one of a number of dance bands at that time which did not include a brass section, in order to give it a quieter, more subtle sound to that of the larger bands. Brass instruments were added for the purpose of making gramophone records. Here's the augmented band in 1927 playing 'Longing For Someone', composed by Frank Guarente. This recording also features Guarente's own trumpet playing, and it is notable for the inclusion of a Cor Anglais solo.
I would guess that the special arrangement on this recording was written mainly (or completely) by Peter Yorke and/or Ken Warner, who had some involvement with The Gramophone Company at that time. Assuming that they were responsible for 'dressing up' the stock arrangement of 'Lila' as played by George Fisher's Band (of which they were both members in 1928), just compare, for instance, the start of that record to the start of this one. Also, later on in the recording by The Sylvians, the melody played by the baritone saxophone alongside other instruments is a typical Peter Yorke device, which was featured on records by The Rhythm Band and other bands, the following year.
Sorry I couldn't get the photos in the video any clearer.
Howard Jacobs-as dir. Frank Guarente-Max Goldberg-t/George Chaffin-tb/Eddie Bave-ca-cl-as-bar/Johnny Helfer-cl-ts/Sydney Kyte-vn/Frank Herbin-p/Pete Mandell-bj/Jack Evetts-bb/Ronnie Gubertini-d/Arranged possibly by Peter Yorke and/or Ken Warner.
Recorded in Hayes, Middlesex on Monday, 28th November 1927.
An out of copyright record from my own collection.
