The big bands are back
in a new and exciting way!
JULY 2013 "BIG BAND NEWS"
compiled by Music Librarian CHRISTOPHER POPA
While the latest RCA Victor Glenn Miller title to be released, the 3-CD United Kingdom compilation titled "The Real... Glenn Miller: The Ultimate Glenn Miller Collection," shown above, covers familiar musical ground, Mr. Taylor gives us a detailed examination of Miller's AAF activities, now into the fall of 1944.
As he advises me, “This segment embraces the period of 13th to 21st October 1944 and also includes the AEF Band’s involvement with the much-remembered “Jazz Jamboree” at the Stoll Theatre in London, together with the interesting Melody Maker report. I have also listed the complete personnel of Major Miller’s full band – this was something I did earlier in the series when the unit was in the USA. I have started this installment with an in-depth examination concerning the activities available at the Queensberry All-Services Club for the lucky service men and women who surely must have enjoyed the varied entertainment. I never visited the Club – I was only 12 years old when Miller disappeared – but we did have a member in the UK, Dick Fothergill, who attended on several occasions, including the full band’s last appearance on 12th December ’44.”
The Chronology Continues
MILLER’S MIGHTY SERVICE BAND
The Ensemble in Focus
by Roland Taylor
D A T E L I N E 1 3 T H O C T O B E R 1 9 4 4
Major Glenn Miller’s American Band of the AEF had now fulfilled 8 broadcasts from the Queensberry All-Services Club. With the Club’s capacity seating of 2,500, it meant that 20,000 service personnel had enjoyed the magic of the Glenn Miller music. A further 10 broadcasts were scheduled in this popular venue, which would bring the attendance total to 50,000.
The Queensberry All-Services Club was the brainchild of the Marquess of Queensberry, who would become its President. It was in 1942 that the Marquess conceived the idea of opening a service club in the centre of London and the Casino Theatre situated on Old Compton Street, Soho proved to be the perfect choice. The Marquess had already accumulated £100,000 from boxing tournaments and he also approached six businessmen, including Sir Simon Marks, Mr. J. Arthur Rank, and Mr. Mark Ostrer, who, together, financially guaranteed the massive project (which was eventually liquidated). It was essential to change part of the interior of the large building to provide extensive catering facilities for the service personnel and, on this aspect, Sir Simon Marks’ guidance proved to be invaluable.
The plan was to provide non-stop entertainment 7 days per week, featuring, with the added facility for dancing, many popular dance bands. In addition, there were military bands, first-class singers, specialty acts, comedians, the appearances of film and stage stars, plus the screening of motion pictures and boxing tournaments. Countless broadcasts emanated from the Club, including those which were heard by the Armed Forces in every theatre of war.
The Marquess of Queensberry’s pre-war Manager was John Harding, who became General Manager of the Club; furthermore, he masterminded every aspect of the entertainment. The paths of John Harding and (the then) Captain Glenn Miller first crossed when the AEF Band appeared in Cecil Madden’s “Variety Bandbox” broadcast from the Club on 30th July 1944. The tremendous crowds were unable to get in for the broadcast and Miller insisted on playing an additional concert. There was an immediate rapport between Harding and Miller – the latter promised to bring his ensemble back to the Queensberry Club more regularly, but the band’s heavy schedule prevented this from happening until 14th September 1944. Thereafter, the AEF Band broadcasted from the Club on a weekly basis until mid-November, when they appeared twice each week.
The service personnel gained access to the Club by producing their membership card and received a printed programme detailing the week’s entertainment. Over 4 million visited the Club and the canteens provided as many meals.
The Queensberry All-Services Club closed in 1946. Following a period of restoration, the Casino re-opened for the public late in 1946, with a Christmas pantomime. In subsequent years, many popular musicals were featured, then for a short period Cinerama was spearheaded, utilizing three simultaneous projectors. The management then returned to their policy of musical productions, which they maintained to this day. The venue is now called the Prince Edward Theatre.
13th October 1944 (Fri) 3:45-4:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Swing Shift recording (aired 14th Oct 1944 9:30-10:00 am AEFP)
T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band
Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / Breakin’ in a New Pair of Shoes / Rainbow Rhapsody / I’m Headin’ for California (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) / It Could Happen to You (voc: Johnny Desmond) / One to Pinetop (“Boogie Woogie Trio”: Hucko, Powell, McKinley) / Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby (voc: Ray McKinley) / The Day After Forever (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Great Day / Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]
13th October 1944 (Fri) 6:15-6:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Uptown Hall broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet
My Guy’s Come Back [ opening theme ] / Stompin’ at the Savoy / Caravan / I’m Thru with Love (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Song of the Wanderer (Where Shall I Go?) / My Guy’s Come Back [ closing theme ]
14th October 1944 (Sat) 11:45 am-12:00 noon
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
Piano Parade broadcast (AEFP)
Pfc Jack Rusin
Chopsticks [ opening theme ] / Emaline / My Silent Love / I Surrender, Dear / Shadow Waltz / You and the Night and the Music / I See Your Face Before Me / Dancing in the Dark / Chopsticks [ closing theme ]
14th October 1944 (Sat) 6:15-6:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Uptown Hall broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet
guest artist: Sgt Bernie Privin
My Guy’s Come Back [ opening theme ] / Temptation / What Is There to Say / Sweet and Lovely (voc: Johnny Desmond and The Crew Chiefs) / Struttin’ with Some Barbecue (featuring Sgt Bernie Privin) / My Guy’s Come Back [ closing theme ]
15th October 1944 (Sun) 12:45-1:00 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
A Soldier and A Song broadcast (AEFP)
Sgt Johnny Desmond and the American Band of the AEF
all Johnny Desmond vocals except *
Time On My Hands [ opening theme ] / Amor / The Lamp Is Low / Begin the Beguine * / The Music Stopped / Time On My Hands [ closing theme ]
Later that evening (15th October), Major Glenn Miller and the AEF Band were top of the bill in a great music extravaganza which, for those lucky enough to be present, was talked about for a very long time. It was the 6th annual “Jazz Jamoree,” presented at the Stoll Theatre, situated in London’s Kingsway.
The massive event, presented by the Musician’s Social and Benevolent Council, was first announced in the 16th September 1944 issue of Melody Maker – they had the exclusivity of the publicity – and the tickets were immediatelt snapped up. As the Melody Maker reported in their next issue (the 23rd September), the demand could have filled the Stoll Theatre for several nights! At that point, the organizers did not know that the AEF Band would be appearing. Basically, the AEF Band was not permitted to perform at civilian engagements, except for charity events (they did appear at the charity premiere of the Bing Crosby motion picture “Going My Way” at the Plaza Cinema in London on 27th July 1944).
One of the committee members o the Benevolent Council was British bandleader Ted Heath, who had seen the AEF Band in Bedford and was mighty impressed with their performance. He told the committee that he believed that Major Miller “could be persuaded” to appear at the “Jazz Jamboree.” So Ted Heath went to the Mount Royal Hotel in London to speak to Glenn Miller. The Major listened to his suggestion and said he would see what he could do, as this was a British charity event.
Three weeks later, in their 14th October ’44 issue and, indeed, just three days before the “Jazz Jamboree,” Melody Maker announced on their front page “GLENN MILLER WILL PLAY AT SUNDAY’S JAZZ JAMBOREE.” It was great news for those who had secured tickets immediately following their 16th September news item concerning the “Jazz Jamboree,” but obviously a great disappointment for many readers who were unlucky.
15th October 1944 (Sun) evening
Stoll Theatre, Kingsway, London
Jazz Jamboree – 6th annual concert in aid of the musicians’ London branch
programme:
The London Coliseum Orchestra under the direction of Reginald Burston
Frank Deniz Spirits of Rhythm (by arrangement with Eric Whitstone)
No. 1 Balloon Centre Dance Orchestra – a band of H.M. Royal Air Force
(by kind arrangement of the Officer Commanding) directed by Paul Fenoulhet
The Feldman Trio
Ted Heath and His Music
Roberto Inglez and His Rumba Band
“Jazz Jamboree Award” (a competition for the best original jazz composition)
with the three selected entries for final judging played by the Dance Orchestra
of H.M. Royal Air Force
Judges: Stanley Black, Stanley Bowsher, George Evans, T/Sgt Jerry Gray,
and Harry Sarton
Frank Weir and His Orchestra
Geraldo and His Orchestra
Phil Green and His Dixieland Band
The Dance Orchestra of H.M. Royal Air Force (by kind permission of the Air
Council)
Vic Lewis – Jack Parnell and Their Jazzmen
All-Star Band (Melody Maker 1944 Poll)
The American Band of the AEF conducted by Major Glenn Miller
Executive Officer: Lt Don W. Haynes
Director of Programmes: Warrant Officer Paul Dudley
Piano: S/Sgt Mel Powell
Cpl Jack Rusin
Drums: T/Sgt Ray McKinley
Cpl Frank Ippolito
Guitar: Sgt Carmen Mastren
Bass: S/Sgt Trigger Alpert
Cpl Joe Shulman
Trumpets: M/Sgt Zeke Zarchy
Sgt Bob Nichols
Sgt Whitey Thomas
Sgt Bernie Privin
Cpl Jack Steele
Trombones: Sgt Jimmy Priddy
Cpl John Halliburton
Cpl Larry Hall
Pfc Nat Peck
Vocalist: Sgt Johnny Desmond
Crew Chiefs: Sgt Steve Steck
Cpl Eugene Steck
Cpl Arthur Malvin
Cpl Murray Kane
Cpl Lynn Allison
Saxophones: S/Sgt Hank Freeman
Sgt Michael Hucko
Sgt Vince Carbone
Sgt Jack Ferrier
Cpl Fred Guerra
Cpl Mannie Thaler
French Horn: Cpl Addison Collins Jr.
Violins: S/Sgt George Ockner
S/Sgt Harry Katzman
Cpl Ernest Kardos
Cpl Eugene Bergen
S/Sgt Carl Swanson
Cpl Milton Edelson
Sgt Dave Herman
Cpl Phil Coligliano
Cpl Joseph Kowalewski
Sgt Dave Schwartz
Cpl Henry Brynan
Cpl Earl Cornwell
Pfc Fred Ostrovsky
Cpl Morris Bialkin
Cpl Bob Ripley
Cpl Stanley Harris
Cpl Manuel Wishnow
Cpl Dave Sackson
Cpl Nate Kaproff
Cpl Richard Motolinski
Arrangers: T/Sgt Jerry Gray
M/Sgt Norman Leyden
S/Sgt Ralph Wilkinson
S/Sgt Jimmy Jackson
Production: T/Sgt George Voutsas
Sgt Harry Hartwick
Stage Manager: Sgt Julius Zifferblatt
Announcer: Cpl Paul Dubov
Assistant Executive Officers: T/Sgt Jack Sanderson
Cpl Tom Cochran
AEF Band programme:
In the Mood / Juke Box Saturday Night (voc: the Crew Chiefs) / Holiday for Strings / Song of the Volga Boatmen / title unknown (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Sweet Georgia Brown (quartet of Hucko, Powell, Mastren, and Alpert with guest drummer Victor Feldman)
In their 21st October 1944 issue, with a banner headline on their front page, “THE BEST JAZZ JAMBOREE EVER!,” Melody Maker featured a long review of the four-hour concert, embracing the compositions from the British bands, but the AEF Band’s performance was, of course, not overlooked:
“The seal was set on a very fine programme of dance bands by the
personal appearance of Major Glenn Miller and the American Band
of the AEF, and their friendly co-operation was very nicely referred
to by Major Miller when in introducing his band, he said: ‘We are
only too glad to show a little gesture in appreciation of the treatment
we have received here from musicians all over the country. In fact,
I’ll go as far as to say that no group has done more to make our stay
pleasant over here than the musicians.’
And he paid another tribute to this country by having ten-year-old
drum genius Victor Feldman play a number with a section of his
orchestra – the greatest honour yet conferred on this amazing child.”
After detailing the entire programme embracing all the bands, Ray Sonin, the Editor of Melody Maker, wrote:
“….the reception accorded to this band – the Melody Maker all-star
poll winners, directed by George Chisholm – seemed to me to be as
much possible noise as the packed house could make – but I was
wrong, for it made even more noise in giving Major Glenn Miller and
his Orchestra one of the most terrific I have ever heard.
What is there new that can be said about this band? It played for
half an hour with that brilliant musicianship to which we have
become accustomed, and the Major himself was in sparkling form –
dignified as ever but obviously thoroughly enjoying himself. He then
told us that he had arrived too late to hear Victor Feldman, but that
all the boys had been raving to him about the child.
He therefore brought Vic on to the stage so that he could have an
opportunity of hearing him, and he seated himself in the string
section watching with keen interest while Ray McKinley fixing up
his drums so that the diminutive percussionist could be comfortable.
Accompanied by ‘Peanuts’ Hucko on clarinet, Mel Powell on piano,
Carmen Mastren on guitar, and Trigger Alpert on bass, the ten-year-old
wizard scrashed into an impromptu version of ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’,
with the whole Miller band looking on in wonderment.
It says much for the amazing confidence of this child that he was not
at all nervous or flustered in this ordeal. He played like the little
wonder that he is, and when he had finished, Major Miller and his band
were the first to burst into spontaneous applause.
Major Miller walked to the microphone, shaking his head as if he
couldn’t believe what he had just seen. In a voice that was really
awed, he said ‘THAT’S THE GREATEST I’VE EVER HEARD’ – and
he meant it.
It was a wonderful tribute to a little British artist.”
Following the highly successful “Jazz Jamboree” some of the members of the AEF Band visited the Feldman Swing Club in Oxford Street, London – they had called in on 17th September – but on this later occasion Major Glenn Miller was present. In their issue dated 21st October ’44 Melody Maker reported the following:
“It was a natural follow-up to this year’s record, super-duper ‘Jazz
Jamboree’ that the event should be followed by one of the most
bumper nights of all time at the Feldman Club. At the head of the
big list of distinguished visitors on this great night, the Club was
honoured by the presence of Major Glenn Miller.
Major Miller, who had been frankly astounded by the prowess of
ten-year-old Victor Feldman at the Jazz Jamboree, was no
doubt given further food for thought when the young drum genius
played a brilliant with two of the famous Miller stalwarts,
Sergeant Mel Powell (piano) and Sergeant ‘Peanuts’ Hucko
(clarinet).
Just before the close of the evening’s hectic jamming, Major
Miller came to the microphone and expressed his pleasure of
visiting a spot where the jazz atmosphere was kept so
gloriously alive, and said how pleased and surprised he was
to find the jazz tradition going so strong in Britain and to find
that the type of music ‘for which we have plugged so much back
home’ was so strongly established over here. He also warmly
praised the various musicians who had contributed to the
evening’s success.”
16th October 1944 (Mon) 7:15-7:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
Strings with Wings broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section
I Sustain the Wings [ opening theme ] / I’m in the Mood for Love / You and the Night and the Music / Serenade / Bess, You Is My Woman / I Sustain the Wings [ closing theme ]
17th October 1944 (Tue) 6:30-7:00 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Swing Shift broadcast (AEFP)
T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band
Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / 7-0-5 / A String of Pearls / The Big Ones Are Eatin’ the Little Ones / How Blue the Night (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Sensation Rag (“Boogie Woogie Trio”: Hucko on tenor, Powell, McKinley) / I’ll Get By (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Wham (Re Bop Boom Bam) (voc: Ray McKinley) / Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]
18th October 1944 (Wed) 6:15-6:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Uptown Hall broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet
My Guy’s Come Back [ opening theme ] / How High the Moon / Sophisticated Lady / Don’t Blame Me (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Perdido / My Guy’s Come Back [ closing theme ]
18th October 1944 (Wed) 7:45-8:00 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
Strings with Wings broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section
I Sustain the Wings [ opening them ] / Sure Thing / Londonderry Air / Prayers (featuring Cpl Morris Bialkin cello solo) / Memories of You / I Sustain the Wings [ closing theme ]
19th October 1944 (Thu) 8:30-9:00 pm
Queensberry All-Services Club, London
American Band of the AEF recording (first aired 20th Oct ’44 10:01-10:30 am
AEFP)
Major Glenn Miller
guest star: Sally Douglas
Moonlight Serenade [ opening theme ] / Tail End Charlie / The Lamp Is Low (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Pearls On Velvet / medley: Killarney-I’ve Got a Heart Filled with Love (Voc: Johnny Desmond)-Moonlight Serenade-Wabash Blues / If I Had Only Known (voc: Sally Douglas) / Notre Dame Victory March / Moonlight Serenade [ closing theme ]
The above programme was, in fact, not heard over the air on 19th October 1944 at 8:30, but was replaced by gramophone records. The only explanation in the BBC archives was that the programme was canceled owing to an emergency. However, the recording was heard the next day (the 20th) and on the BBC-GFP on the 21st.
20th October 1944 (Fri) 3:45-4:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Swing Shift recording (aired 21st Oct ’44 9:30-10:00 am AEFP)
T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band
Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / Somebody’s Wrong / Sleepy Town Train / Peggy, the Pin-Up Girl (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) / The Eyes and Ears of the World / This I Love Above All (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Fightin’ Bitin’ Stomp (“Boogie Woogie Trio”: Hucko, Powell, McKinley) / I Dream of You (More Than You Dream I Do) (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Get Happy / Song and Dance (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]
20th October 1944 (Fri) 6:15-6:30 pm
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Uptown Hall broadcast
cancelled 15 minutes before broadcast due to sudden illness
21st October 1944 (Sat)
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
Piano Parade broadcast (AEFP)
Pfc Jack Rusin
Chopsticks [ opening theme ] / Night and Day / Louisiana Hayride / Sweet Lorraine / Beautiful Love / You Go to My Head / I’ll Get By / Hallelujah! / Chopsticks [ closing theme ]
21st October 1944 (Sat)
Co-Partners Hall, Bedford
The Uptown Hall broadcast (AEFP)
S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet
My Guy’s Come Back [ opening theme ] / You’re Lucky to Me / Meet the Band (voc: Johnny Desmond) featuring Manny Thaler (bass clarinet), Addison Collins Jr. (French horn), Nat Peck (trombone), Trigger Alpert (string bass) / I’ll Walk Alone (voc: Johnny Desmond) / Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea / My Guy’s Come Back [ closing theme ]
[ to be continued ]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Doc Severinsen, b.Jul. 7, 1927. Trumpeter with FioRito ’45; Barnet ’47-’49; S.
Donahue ’48; T. Dorsey ’50.
Larry O’Brien, b.Jul. 15, 1933. Trombonist with T. Dorsey Orch ’61-’65; leader
of Miller Orch ’81-’83 / ’88-’10.
Kay Starr, b.Jul. 21, 1922. Vocalist with Crosby ’39; Miller ’39; Venuti ’39-’42;
Barnet ’43-’45.
Michael P. Zirpolo, b.Jul. 22, 1950. Jazz historian and author (various pieces for
IAJRC Journal; Bunny Berigan Mr. Trumpet biography). See "Books" section and
below for "Breaking" Berigan news.
Gloria DeHaven, b.Jul. 13, 1925. Singer with Savitt ’42.
Ronny Lang, b.Jul. 24, 1927. Saxophonist with Ennis ’47; Brown ’49-’90? [ not
continuous ].
Peter Duchin, b.Jul. 28, 1937. Son of Eddy Duchin; pianist-leader of his own
band.
NECROLOGY
Carline Ray, 88, d.Jul. 18, 2013. Guitarist - vocalist with Int'l Sweethearts of Rhythm '46?;
E Hawkins '48?. Married bandleader Luis Russell '56.
Laroon Holt, 73, d.Jul. 28, 2013. Trumpeter with Welk '73-'82.
REMEMBERING YOU
Earl Warren, b.Jul. 1, 1914. Alto saxophonist-composer with Basie ’37-’45 / ’48-
’49 / ’49-’50. Wrote Tom Thumb, Wiggle Woogie, Circus in Rhythm, Rockin’
the Blues, and (with Buster Harding) 9:20 Special.
Billy Usselton, b.Jul. 2, 1926. Tenor saxophonist with Dunham ’47-’48; Anthony
’48-’49 / ’51-’52; T. Dorsey ’49-’50; Brown ’54-’60.
Lawrence Brown, b.Jul. 3, 1905. Trombonist with Ellington ’32-’51 / ’60-?.
Jerry Gray, b.Jul. 3, 1915. Violinist-arranger for Shaw ’36-’39; Miller ’39-’42;
Miller AAF ’43-’45; leader of own band.
Vern Friley, b.Jul. 5, 1924. Trombonist with McKinley ’46-’47, Sauter-Finegan '52-'53;
Herman '53.
Karl Kiffe, b.Jul. 6, 1927. Drummer with J. Dorsey ’45 / ’50-‘53; Auld ’48-’50;
Herman ’57; Norvo ’58-’59.
Frank Rehak, b.Jul. 6, 1926. Trombonist with Gillespie ’56-’57.
Nick Brignola, b.Jul. 7, 1936. Baritone saxophonist with Herman '63.
Bill Trujillo, b.Jul. 8, 1930. Tenor saxophonist-clarinetist with Herman ’53-’54;
Barnet ’56.
Billy Eckstine, b.Jul. 8, 1914. Vocalist with Hines ’39-’43; leader of own band.
Louis Jordan, b.Jul. 8, 1908. Alto saxophonist-vocalist with Webb ’36-’38;
leader of own band.
Johnny Mince, b.Jul. 8, 1912. Clarinetist-saxophonist with Noble ’34-’35; T.
Dorsey ’36-’41.
Irv Kluger, b.Jul. 9, 1921. Drummer with Auld ’42-’43; Slack ’43-’44; Raeburn
’45-’47; Kenton ’47-’48; Shaw ’49 / ’53-’54.
Milt Buckner, b.Jul. 10, 1915. Pianist with Hampton ’41-’48 / ’50-’52.
Dick Cary, b.Jul. 10, 1916. Trumpeter with G. Gray ’43; Butterfield ’46;
Armstrong ’47-’48; J. Dorsey ’49; Hackett ’56-’57.
Noble Sissle, b.Jul. 10, 1889. Leader of own band.
Will Bradley, b.Jul. 12, 1912. Trombonist with Noble ’35-’36; leader of own
Band.
Rusty Dedrick, b.Jul. 12, 1918. Trumpeter with Stabile ’38-’39; Norvo ’39-
’41; Thornhill ’41-’42 / ’46-’47.
Conte Candoli, b.Jul. 12, 1927. Trumpeter with Herman ’43? / ’45 / ’50; Kenton
’48 / ’52.
Paul Gonsalves, b.Jul. 12, 1920. Tenor saxophonist with Gillespie ’49-’50;
Ellington ’50-’53 / -’74?; T. Dorsey ’53.
Sam “the Man” Taylor, b.Jul. 12, 1916. Tenor saxophonist with C. Williams ’41-
43 / ’45-’46; Millinder ’44-’45; Calloway ’46-’52.
Buddy Moreno, b.Jul. 13, 1912. Vocalist with Griff Williams ’40?; Jurgens ’40-
42; James ’43-’44.
Nat Pierce, b.Jul. 16, 1925. Pianist with Clinton ’48; Herman ’51-’55.
Danny Bank, b.Jul. 17, 1922. Baritone saxophonist with Barnet ’42-’44 /
’49?; Goodman ’45-46 / ’85; Shaw ’49; Sauter-Finegan '52 / '53 / '61.
Don Bagley, b.Jul. 18, 1927. Bassist with Kenton ’50-’54.
Charlie Teagarden, b.Jul. 19, 1913. Trumpeter with J. Dorsey ’47-’51; Crosby
’54-’58. Brother of Jack Teagarden.
Ernie Wilkins, b.Jul. 20, 1922. Saxophonist-composer with Hines ’48; Basie
’51-’55; composer for T. Dorsey ’55; James ’58-’60.
Lou McGarity, b.Jul. 22, 1917. Trombonist with Bernie ’38-’40; Goodman ’40-’42
/ ’46-’47; Scott ’42-’43.
Danny Barcelona, b.Jul. 23, 1929. Drummer with Armstrong ’58-?.
Herbie Haymer, b.Jul. 24, 1915. Tenor saxophonist with Norvo ’35-’37;
Kyser '42.
Joe Thomas, b.Jul. 24, 1909. Trumpeter with F. Henderson ’34 / ’36-’37;
Carter ’39-’40.
Cootie Williams, b.Jul. 24, 1908. Trumpeter with Ellington ’29-’40 / ’62-’75;
Goodman ’40-’41; leader of own band.
Johnny Hodges, b.Jul. 25, 1906. Alto saxophonist for Ellington ’28-’51 / ’55-
‘70.
Louis Bellson, b.Jul. 26, 1924. Drummer with Goodman ’42-’43? / ’85-’86;
T. Dorsey ’47-’49; Ellington ’51-’53; Dorsey Bros. ’55-’56; leader of own band.
Erskine Hawkins, b.Jul. 26, 1914. Leader of own band.
Charlie Queener, b.Jul. 27, 1921. Pianist with Spanier ’42; Goodman ’45;
Hackett '50.
Corky Corcoran, b.Jul. 28, 1924. Tenor saxophonist with James ’41-’48 / ’49 /
’51 / ’54 / ’58?-’70s; T. Dorsey ’48.
Don Redman, b.Jul. 29, 1900. Saxophonist with F. Henderson ’23-’26;
McKinney’s Cotton Pickers ’27-’31; leader of own band.
Jimmy Blanton, b.Jul. 30, 1921. Bassist with Ellington ’39-’41?.
Hilton Jefferson, b.Jul. 30, 1903. Alto saxophonist with Hopkins ’27-’29; Webb
’29-’30; F. Henderson ’32-’33; Calloway ’40-’51; Ellington ’52-’53.
Hank Jones, b.Jul. 31, 1918. Pianist with Shaw ’53-’54; Goodman ’56-’58.
BIG BANDS IN-PERSON
Jan Garber Orchestra directed by Howard Schneider: Jul. 14, Ludington Park,
Escanaba, MI.
Harry James Orchestra directed by Fred Radke: Jul. 9, Lakeside, OH; July 10,
Cincinnati, OH; Jul. 12-13, riverboat cruise, Red Wing, MN.
Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians: Jul. 18, Cumberland County Playhouse,
Clarksville, TN; Jul. 24, DePue Men's Club, DePue, IL.
Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Nick Hilscher: Jul. 3, Jack Singer Concert
Hall, Calgary, Canada; Jul. 4, Winspear Center, Edmonton, Canada; Jul. 6,
Orpheum Theater, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Jul. 8, Arlene
Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR; Jul. 10, Bear Creek Park, Medford, OR;
Jul. 15, Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater, Reno, NV; Jul. 16, Lauren Moren
Theater, Elko, NV; Jul. 20, Fox Theatre, Newton, KS; Jul. 21, private; Jul. 24,
Lake Anna Park, Barberton, OH; Jul. 25, Mt. Zion Fine Arts Center, Oakwood
Village, OH; Jul. 26, Prouty Plaza, Troy, OH; Jul. 27, Waterfront Park,
Ludington, MI; Jul. 30, Seaside Pavilion, Old Orchard Beach, ME.
NEW IN-PRINT
Alan Luff. "Anec-dotage: . . . the centenary of the Road Father," Jazz Journal, Volume
66 No.7 / Jul. 2013, p.18. Luff comments about Woody Herman's life and career.
Michael P. Zirpolo. Mr. Trumpet: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumph of Bunny Berigan
(Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2013). Paperback edition of his 588-page book.
NEW PRINTS
Fine art limited edition prints of some of the famous jazz album cover illustrations by David Stone Martin (1913-1992) are now available from JazzArtz.com of Laguna Beach, CA.
Included are depictions of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Illinois Jacquet, and others.
The prints, which are offered in various sizes, are made using advanced archival pigments on quality heavyweight paper stock.
NEW EXHIBIT
The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, NY is presenting an exhibit titled “Swinging with the All Stars: Louis Armstrong & Baseball” now through August 31st.
Baseball was said to be Armstrong’s favorite sport and he followed it passionately. He was a longtime fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, then switched his allegiance to the New York Mets.
When Armstrong was mobbed by fans during a tour of Buenos Aires in 1957, he asked his manager, Joe Glaser, a New York Yankees fan, to have Yogi Berra send a catcher’s mask to protect his “chops.”
Besides photos and memorabilia, the exhibit contains information about Armstrong’s “Secret 9” baseball team, a New Orleans sandlot team for which he bought brand-new equipment and uniforms in 1931. In an excerpt from an unpublished 1955 manuscript, Armstrong detailed how the players were so proud of their uniforms that they refused to slide and lost every game!
NEW COMPACT DISCS
Tex Beneke. “All the Things You Are,” Sounds of YesterYear ( E ) DSOY933.
The focus of these 25 songs is love.
Duke Ellington. “The Concert at The Pleyel Paris: 1958,” Sounds of YesterYear
( E ) DSOY 932. A 2-CD set recorded on tape when the band visitied
Europe 55 years ago.
Ralph Marterie. “Mr. Music,” Montpellier ( E ) MONTCD 89. 24 selections
never-before-on-CD including Til There Was You, My Romance, Tonight, and
Maria. Arrangements are by Bill Potts and Manny Albam.
Here is another portion of a multi-part investigation tracing the day-by-day activities of The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, written by one of the most-respected Glenn Miller experts, Roland Taylor, longtime Executive Chairman of the international Glenn Miller Society.
He began his series in 2006 in the pages of the Moonlight Serenader, the journal of the Society, but the organization ceased operation in the spring of 2012. Mr. Taylor kindly consented to allow the remaining installments of his writing to be presented exclusively here.
© 2013 Sony-BMG Music Entertainment
BREAKING: BERIGAN BROADCASTS
The efforts of big band historian and author Michael P. Zirpolo are about to pay off again! By arrangement with the University of Wisconsin, which has an archival Bunny Berigan collection including rare broadcast acetates, Zirpolo has convinced the Hep label in the United Kingdom to release a great collection of Berigan performances from broadcasts eminating in New York City on compact disc.
To be titled "Bunny Berigan: Swingin' & Jumpin': Broadcasts 1937-39," the release, which will be Hep CD 96, with audio restoration by Doug Pomeroy and liner notes by Zirpolo, will be available starting the middle of next month to UK customers and in late August for USA collectors, as arranged per a distribution agreement with Allegro Music, whose corporate headquarters are in Portland, OR.
Selections on the CD are said to be You Can't Run Away From Love, Mahogany Hall Stomp, Mr. Ghost Goes to Town, They All Laughed, Big John Special, Back in Your Own Backyard, Downstream, Louisiana, Peg o'My Heart, Royal Garden Blues, Trees, How'd Ja Like to Love Me, Shanghai Shuffle, Let 'er Go, Gangbusters Holiday, Night Song, I Poured My Heart Into a Song, Swingin' and Jumpin', and Little Gates Special.
Word from Hep is that the band at the time was every bit the equal of Goodman and T. Dorsey.
go to Big Band Library homepage
