Music Group 2021-11-18 Big Band Music

Photo above: Keith G played in the Florida Institute of Technology's Jazz Band. The director at the time was former space shuttle astronaut Winston Scott (left).

       Glenn Miller Orchestra — Moonlight Serenade (1939)

Submitted by Myndall. An amazing full stereo 'restoration'.

       Glenn Miller Orchestra — At Last (1942)

Submitted by Deb, who writes:

Twenty years before Etta James made "At Last", her signature song, another artist recorded it for the first time. It was Glenn Miller, pioneer of big band music. The unique sound of Miller’s orchestra owed to his vision of a clarinet in the lead, backed by several saxophones playing in harmony. Add trombones (Miller’s instrument), trumpets, and a whole lot more – and you’ve got that great big-band sound. When he was 38 years old he and his band was at the height of its popularity – he followed the lead of many Americans and joined the war effort. Though too old to be drafted, he was enthusiastic about serving. He did so in the perfect way: he became the leader of the Army Air Force Band. Miller was successful, helping modernize the Army band and boosting soldier morale. But his service turned to tragedy just two years later. In 1944, while traveling from England to France, Miller’s plane disappeared over the English channel. Neither he nor any fellow passengers were heard from again. Miller was just 40 years old. With the blessing of Miller’s family, his band went on, still calling themselves the Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by Tex Beneke. As the years went on, other bandleaders took Beneke’s place, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra still plays today.

       Duke Ellington — Prelude to a Kiss

Johnny Hodges and that sax sound you can not ever hear from anyone else — ever. Submitted by Alice (guest). (Note: I retracted one by Cab Calloway and replaced it with this one. — Lewis)

       Hank Levy — Passacaglia and Fugue (1966)

Performed by the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors. A bit of residual "crossover" here. Submitted by Lewis.

       Powerhouse Big Band — Jump Start Samba (2010)

Submitted by Alice. Demonstrates the Latin influence in Jazz. Her husband Mike plays in this band.

       Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band — Hunting Wabbits (2003)

Gordon Goodwin is the most prominent and interesting band leader and composer/arranger of Big Band Music today. Submitted by Alice.

Note: If you have time, you may want to revisit Hank Levy's Whiplash posted to our Jazz session back in March/April.