Savoy Havana Band - I Love My Chili Bom Bom

Reg Batten was a British classically-trained violinist, but is much better known as the leader of the Savoy Havana Band from September 1923 until they left the Savoy Hotel in December 1927. Originally, the orchestra was led by an American saxophonist who had traveled to London by way of Cuba after having first established his reputation in Art Hickman's band. In the spring of 1922, Bert Ralton And His Havana Band had become resident at London's Savoy Hotel, appropriately amending its name to the Savoy Havana Band. Throughout the summer of 1922 the band broadcast regularly from the Savoy, the first dance band to have a regular weekly radio broadcast in England. Apart from Batten, the band also featured Rudy Vallee and Billy Mayerl. When Ralton left at end of year, Batten took over as leader. He continued to lead and play in dance bands for a number of years. There was a short period during about 1925 when Batten "swapped" with Debroy Somers and became director of the Savoy Orpheans. Later in his career, he temporarily dedicated himself to classical music, but with limited success, so he returned to dance music, playing with Howard Jacobs' band and recording with him in 1937. Whilst with the Havana Band, he also occasionally sang. This excellent record was made in 1924.