Pukka Orchestra. The name suggests an exotic-sounding world music ensemble, rather than a bunch of creative young Canadians making sparkling pop music together in the early ‘80s. The word “Pukka” is Hindu for “genuine” or “excellent,” two adjectives that can be truthfully applied to this band. It was a popular word in the colonial India of the last century, back when Britannia ruled the waves. It lingered in the lingo of the grandfather of guitarist Tony Duggan-smith when Tony was growing up in England. Back then, the former sergeant-major was a little distressed at young Tony’s love of popular music. “You should study and practice,” he advised. “One day you’ll find yourself in a proper pukka orchestra.” The phrase resurfaces when Duggan-Smith and musical comrades Neil Chapman and Graeme Williamson were seeking a name for their fledgling group in Toronto, back at the start of the ‘80s. The “orchestra” tag wasn’t too far removed from reality either. Tony, fellow guitarist Chapman and singer/lyricist Williamson always comprised the creative core of Pukka Orchestra, but the trio often swelled to as many 10 players for gigs on the then-thriving Toronto live music circuit.