Creator of this online treasure is Christopher Popa, born in 1957, long after "the big band era" supposedly ended, and presently a Music Librarian in Chicago, one of the most frequent and famous locales for big bands.
Mr. Popa has authored feature articles, discographies, liner notes, and concert reviews of the big bands for various publications and record labels. Here, he writes with obvious interest, but without any clouds of nostalgia and sentiment.
Making a play of words on I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, one of the instantly-recognized big band melodies, he smiles and states, "I admire all the talented big band performers, but I'm getting sentimental over few."
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER POPA
May 1982
with Sammy Fain [ r. ]
The big bands are back
in a new and exciting way!
May 2008
photo by Phil Moloitis
More than 25 years ago, as shown by the image on the left, I attended a ceremony honoring the legendary songwriter Sammy Fain, held at Los Angeles Public Library.
I was there on behalf of my friend, singer Bob Grabeau, who had, over the years made the very first recordings of some of Fain's songs, as demonstration discs.
Bob did a new album which contained three of Fain's songs, and wanted to get a "pre-release" copy to him.
When Bob wasn't able to be present, he asked me to go and give it to Mr. Fain.
People may not know the name Bob Grabeau, but they should. In July 2008 I wrote an appreciation of him, which I hope that you will take the time to read (click here).
