(Oct. 18, 2004) - Several big band leaders were among the 14 people inducted posthumously into the
Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame, opening this Thursday in Jazz At Lincoln Center's new home at the Time
Warner Center in New York City. Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie were
selected by an international voting panel as being among "the most definitive artists in the history of jazz."
Trumpeter Clark Terry [ below, l. ], a veteran of the Barnet, Basie, and Ellington bands, performed at the
Armstrong induction. The Hall of Fame, named by Jazz at Lincoln Center Board member Ahmet Ertegun in honor of his late brother and Atlantic Records partner
Nesuhi Ertegun, is "a multi-media installation featuring a 14-foot video wall,
interactive kiosks, touch-activated virtual plaques and the great sounds of jazz."
It will be free and open to the public between 10am and 4pm Tuesday through
Sunday. Others inducted into the Hall of Fame included Billie Holiday, Lester Young,
Coleman Hawkins, and Bix Beiderbecke.
(Oct. 9, 2004) - That sound of renown will soon be back on television, as part of
a new TV variety show, "Branson Jubilee," which debuts nationwide in two
weeks. Les Brown's Band of Renown, directed by his son, Les Jr., is joined
on the telecast by singing impressionist Bob Anderson. Meanwhile, they
perform together live, on-stage, through December 12th at the Mickey Gilley
Theatre, 3455 W. Hwy. 76. Dancing at the Theatre (as well as in your living
room while the band is on TV) is encouraged!
(Sept. 18, 2004) - Artie Shaw and Claude Thornhill were friends for several decades, starting in the late
1920s, and the impact of their music continues to be felt. Both were sidemen in the Austin Wylie band,
which in 1929 was playing in Cleveland (in fact, they shared an apartment there); both acted as
witnesses to one of Charlie Barnet's marriages (1936); and both served in the U.S. Navy together in
Hawaii during 1942-43 (Claude was pianist in Shaw's service band, the Rangers). In a few days, they
will have something else in common, as Hep Records releases a CD by each, of lesser-known
performances from late in their careers. "The Artistry of Artie Shaw" [Hep 78] includes 5 Thesaurus
transcription tracks by Artie and his Gramercy Five and all 12 of the Columbia "Modern Music for
Clarinet" recordings from 1949, as well as 6 performances by Shaw and the Gramercy Five made in
1953-54. "Claude Thornhill: 1949-'53 Performances" [Hep 80] gathers 11 Thesaurus cuts from 1949,
along with 14 recordings made for the Trend label in 1953. Shaw/Thornhill trivia: Claude once tried to
convince Artie to join Ray Noble's band, but Shaw was more interested in working on a manuscript,
away from music, on a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
(Sept. 9, 2004) - Count Basie's music still swings jubilantly, evidenced in an exceptional performance
by the so-called "New Kansas City 7," Fri., Sept. 3, 2004 at the annual Chicago Jazz Festival. As
Bobby Reed reported in the The Chicago Sun-Times ("Basie alumni pay sparkling homage at Jazz
Fest," 9/6), "The septet consisted of Basie alumni, and the emcee for the program was the jovial,
quick-witted tenorist Frank Foster. Seated in a row on the Petrillo Music Shell stage were Buddy
DeFranco (clarinet), Frank Wess (sax, flute), Benny Powell (trombone) and Clark Terry (flugelhorn).
Joining them were pianist George Caldwell, bassist Buddy Catlett and drummer Harold Jones. Age
may have slowed these veterans a bit, but each has plenty of youthful energy left in his playing." Foster,
who suffered a stroke in 2001, was unable to play his horn, but kept the crowd entertained with
humorous recollections of his days with Basie. Among the tunes played by the band at the Fest were
Moten Swing, Lester Leaps In, and Two for the Blues.
(Aug. 29, 2004) - Do big bands appeal to more than just the older generation? Ask the sold-out crowd
for the Mon., Aug. 23rd, 2004 performance of The Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by trombonist Larry
O'Brien, at the Civic Center in Marion, IL. Audience members ranged in age from 5 to 105, including
longtime Miller fan Bill Dwyer, who told reporter Diane Wilkins of The Marion Daily Republican ("Glenn
Miller orchestra sells out Civic Center, 8/24), "What this place needs is a dance floor . . . How can you
have this kind of music and sit quietly in your seat?" The concert, a benefit for the Civic Center
Foundation, raised nearly $9,000. Meanwhile, a former member of Miller's AAF band, Murray Wald,
age 81, led a group of twenty teenagers, billed as "The Glenn Miller Young Americans Orchestra," at
the Camarillo, CA Air Show on Sat., Aug. 28 and Sun., Aug. 29, 2004. Wald, who began rehearsing
with the players two months ago, told writer Andrea Cavanaugh in The Los Angeles Daily News
('Mood' music set at '40s air show," 8/26) that, "The idea was to expose some youngsters of this age
to some good music for a change."
OTHER CURRENT EVENTS
Armstrong, Louis. Exhibit, "Red Beans & Ricely Yours," about Louis Armstrong's "fascination with food, weight control,
and laxatives," on display at the Louis Armstrong House & Archives, Queens, NY, starting Apr. 23, 2004.
---. "Satchmo SummerFest," celebrating Louis Armstrong's birthday with educational seminars and free concerts,"
New Orleans, Aug. 4-8, 2004. 31,000 people attended the festival in 2003.
Basie, Count. The centennial tour of the Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Bill Hughes, began at Carnegie Hall, New York
City, Jan. 17, 2004. Other locales include Birdland, New York City, Mar. 17-20; Red Bank Theatre, Red Bank, NJ, Aug. 20;
and 19 Broadway Niteclub, Fairfax, CA, Sept. 6-7.
---. His hometown, Red Bank, NJ, has planned a series of commemorative events. An exhibit of photographs, records,
awards, concert programs, and other memorabilia, "The Gentleman From Red Bank: Swinging the Blues," opened July 15,
2004 and will run through Aug. 29. (About half the photos in the exhibit were borrowed from the Institute of Jazz Studies at
Rutgers University in Newark.)
---. National Public Radio (NPR) presented "Count Basie: The Man and His Music," a two-hour "Jazz Profiles" special,
and reported about Basie's centenary on its "Weekend Edition" program, Aug. 21, 2004. Many local radio stations,
such as KCLU-FM, Thousand Oaks, CA, broadcast their own tributes to Basie.
---. "Basie Centennial Ball," featuring Frank Foster and his 12-piece Swing Plus Band, Columbia University, New York City,
Oct. 9, 2004. Foster will be joined by others including Frank Wess and Dennis Rowland.
---. Proclamation by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recognizes Oct. 9, 2004 as "Count Basie Day."
---. Article, "Still Swingin' After All These Years: Basie Band Hums in Count's Hometown On Centennial Eve," by Mike Barris,
Jazz Journal International, Nov. 2004.
---. Basie Orchestra, directed by Bill Hughes, performs in concert and for dancing at Symphony Center in Chicago,
Dec. 31, 2004.
Bellson, Louis. "80th Birthday Celebration" performances, including at the new River Music Experience in Davenport, Iowa,
Jul. 8, 2004; Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI, Oct. 29-31, 2004; and Jazz Showcase, Chicago, Dec. 16-19, 2004.
Berigan, Bunny. "Bunny Berigan Jazz Jubilee," Fox Lake, WI, May 14-16, 2004.
Brown, Les. Les Brown's Band of Renown, directed by Les Brown Jr., opened at the Mickey Gilley Theatre in Branson, MO,
Mar. 31, 2004. Nearly 5,000 people saw them in the first two weeks. Band to appear through Jul. 31, then resume
on Sept. 1.
---. Band performs its "Swinging Christmas Show" through Dec. 12, 2004. The second half of the program features swing
arrangements of classic holiday songs, including The Nutcracker Suite, originally recorded by Les Brown in 1952 on Coral.
Dorsey, Jimmy. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra performs, San Francisco, CA, Oct. 9, 2004 and Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL,
Dec. 2-5, 2004.
Dorsey, Tommy. "Friday Night Live: Big Band Night," featuring The Pied Pipers and The Clambake Seven, Saginaw, MI,
Aug. 6, 2004.
Elgart, Les. "Home Game," Nike UK television commercial featuring Thierry Henry, is set to the track Skeewiff Vs Big Les
by Skeewiff, which samples Les Elgart's Columbia recording of The Jada Cha-Cha.
Ferguson, Maynard. Maynard Ferguson and His Big Bop Nouveau Band perform in Philadelphia, Jul. 22-24, 2004.
Garber, Jan. The Jan Garber Orchestra, directed by Howard Schneider, aboard the Mississippi Queen steamboat,
Apr.17-21, 2004, and Holland America's five-star luxury liner, MS Zuiderdam, Dec. 4-11, 2004.
Goodman, Benny. XM Satellite Radio ("Forties on XM," The Groove XM Channel 64) presents "The Legacy of Benny Goodman,"
a three-hour special, 11am - 2pm, May 30, 2004. Music, plus recollections from various band members, friends, critics,
and fans.
Hampton, Lionel. The Lionel Hampton Orchestra shares the bill with soul singer Chaka Khan, "Hot Sounds in the City,"
New Haven Green, New Haven, CT, July 19, 2004. Other locales include Park City Jazz Festival, Park City, UT,
Aug. 27, 2004 and Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Sept. 10, 2004.
Kaye, Sammy. The Sammy Kaye Orchestra, directed by Roger Thorpe, aboard the American Queen steamboat,
Jan. 16-21 and Feb. 16-19, 2004.
King, Wayne. Mrs. Wayne King and son Wayne King Jr. are VIPs at a dance featuring the Russ Morgan Orchestra,
Buck's Barn, Savanna, IL, Jun. 25, 2004. Other special guests are Nancy Evans, who joined Wayne King's band
in 1945, and Ed Bolton, King's last male vocalist.
---. Veterans Day Dance hosted by Scott Law in Savanna, IL, the hometown of Wayne King, features music from a recorded
1968 broadcast by King and his band from the Willowbrook Ballroom in "600 watt 6 channel surround sound," Nov. 11, 2004.
Miller, Glenn. International Glenn Miller Society recital, marking 100th anniversary of Miller's birth, draws some 120 members,
London, Mar. 7, 2004.
---. Norman Leyden leads his last concert as Associate Conductor of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and retires at age
86, Mar. 29, 2004.
---. "Glenn Miller Swingfest," sponsored by The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, Clarinda, IA, held Jun. 9-13, 2004.
The Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event, said $1.2 million was generated in the community,
but they will need more local sponsorships in 2005.
---. Sixty-minute special, "The Glenn Miller Spectacular," featuring The Glenn Miller Orchestra Directed By Larry O'Brien,
recorded at the Manhattan Center in New York City, begins to air during PBS-TV pledge drives, Aug. 2004.
---. "International Glenn Miller Festival," Historic R.A.F. Twinwood Airfield & Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire,
England, Aug. 28-30, 2004.
Monroe, Vaughn. "Still Racing with the Moon," gathering of members of the "Vaughn Monroe Appreciation Society" website,
Indiantown, FL, postponed until Jan. 2005.
Morgan, Russ. The Russ Morgan Orchestra, directed by Jack Morgan, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, Indianapolis, IN,
Jul. 11, 2004.
Shaw, Artie. Recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Feb. 2004.
---. Several classical ensembles are including Shaw's Concerto for Clarinet in their programs, including Australia's Westgate
Concert Band (with Andrew Derrett on clarinet, at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, Jun. 5, 2004); The Cleveland Orchestra
(featuring Principal Clarinetist Franklin Cohen, at Blossom Music Center, Jul. 10, 2004); and California's South Valley
Symphony (with Fr. Jon Pedigo as soloist, at Gavilan College Theater, May 21, 2005).
Waller, Fats. Program, "Jazz At the Library: Celebrating Fats Waller," with jazz vocalist Spider Saloff and pianist Jon Webber,
presented at Chicago Public Library, Jun. 18, 2004.
various. Producer - writer Orrin Keepnews recipient of a Grammy Trustees Award, Feb. 2004.
---. New National World War II Memorial opened to the public, Washington, DC, Apr. 29, 2004. Entertainment at
"The Tribute to a Generation" weekend festivites included "The Ink Spots" and The Artie Shaw Orchestra.
---. "Count Basie/Glenn Miller Centennial Blowout," concert featuring George Gee and His Swingin' Jazz Orchestra,
Indianapolis, Apr. 30, 2004.
---. "IAJRC 2004 Convention," St. Louis, MO, Jun. 16-20, 2004.
---. 16th annual "Midsummer Night Swing" series of outdoor dance parties at Lincoln Center, New York City,
Jun. 19 - Jul. 16, 2004. Performers include the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (Jul. 6), The Harry James Orchestra
led by Fred Radke (Jul. 13), and Illinois Jacquet with his big band (Jul. 16).
---. Fountains Pavilion, Johnson City, NY, closing, Aug. 2004.
---. Sony Music Entertainment and BMG merged Aug. 5, 2004, becoming Sony BMG Music Entertainment, a global recorded
music joint venture which includes a vast catalog that comprises many of the most important big band recordings in history.
---. Tributes to several bandleaders are included as the Newport Jazz Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary Aug.11-15, 2004
in Newport, R.I. The Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra salutes Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, and others on
Aug. 14, and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra plays Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and others on Aug. 15.
---. "Jazz At the Library: Celebrating Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie," featuring The Alan Gresik Swing Shift
Orchestra, Chicago Public Library, Chicago, Aug. 19, 2004.
---. Arranger - composer Ben Grasafi named Musical Director of the (Sally Bennett) Big Band Hall of Fame on the South
Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, FL, Aug. 2004. The Hall is to open there during the Fair, which runs from Jan. 14
through Jan. 30, 2005.
---. Tribute concert to women's big bands of the 1930s and '40s by the Montclair Women's Big Band, Oakland, CA,
Aug. 22, 2004.
---. XM Satellite Radio presents 7 hours of big band remote broadcasts as part of a New year's Eve big band spectacular,
Dec. 31, 2004. In addition to the remotes originally aired during the 1930s and '40s, a special 2005 welcome broadcast
by the United States Air Force Airmen of Note will originate from the XM Performance Theater.
NECROLOGY
Donald Leight, trumpeter (Rich '48-'49, Lawrence '52-'54), 80, Jan. 3, 2004, pneumonia and complications from
Parkinson's disease
Johnny Neill, violinist (Welk '37-'40), 89, Jan. 2004, complications from heart disease
Milt Bernhart, trombonist, 77, Jan. 22, 2004, multiple organ failure
Billy May, arranger - composer - trumpeter - bandleader, 87, Jan. 22, 2004, heart attack
Frank Montooth, arranger - composer, 57, Jan. 30, 2004
Cedric "Bozy" White, author - historian, 76, reported missing Feb. 12, 2004
(body discovered 4/15; his 31-year-old former female tenant booked on suspicion of murder)
Ella Johnson, singer, 80, Feb. 16, 2004
Don Cornell, singer, 84, Feb. 23, 2004, advanced emphysema and diabetes
Alvino Rey, bandleader - guitarist, 95, Feb. 24, 2004
Jack Sperling, drummer, 81, Feb. 26, 2004
Ruth Ellington Boatwright, sister of Duke Ellington, 88, Mar. 6, 2004, "after a long illness"
Chuck Niles, radio host, 76, Mar. 15, 2004, complications of a stroke
Artie Baker, saxophonist - clarinetist, 89, Mar. 25, 2004.
Gus Statiras, record producer, 81, Apr. 2, 2004
Harry Babbitt, singer, 90, Apr. 9, 2004, "old age"
Porky Cohen, trombonist, 79, Apr. 14, 2004
Claude Williams, violinist, 96, Apr. 25, 2004, pneumonia
Don Glasser, saxophonist - bandleader, 83, Apr. 26, 2004
Ralph Craig, trombonist (Flanagan '50-'54, Sam Donahue '57?-'58), 78, May 4, 2004
Barney Kessel, guitarist, 80, May 6, 2004, brain cancer
John LaPorta, clarinetist - saxophonist - composer, 84, May 12, 2004, "after a long illness"
Lloyd Ulyate, trombonist, 77, May 12, 2004
Karl Kiffe, drummer, 76, May 2004?
Gary Stevens, publicist, 88, May 17, heart attack
John R.T. Davies, musician - recording engineer, 77, May 25, 2004
Irene Manning, actress - singer, 91, May 28, 2004, congestive heart failure [recorded w/Miller AAF]
Thomas "Red" Kelly, bassist, 76, Jun. 9, 2004
Jackie Paris, singer, 79, Jun. 17, 2004, complications of bone cancer
Doris Dowling, actress - seventh wife of Artie Shaw 1952-56 (had one son together, Jonathan, b.1953), 81, Jun. 18, 2004
Lorraine Gillespie, widow of Dizzy Gillespie, 84, Jun. 19, 2004
Bill Randle, radio disc jockey, 81, Jul. 9, 2004, cancer
Sal Libero, clarinetist - saxophonist (Beneke '46-'49, Brown '51-'56), 80?, Jul. 17, 2004
Illinois Jacquet, tenor saxophonist - bandleader, 81, Jul. 22, 2004, heart attack
Don Tosti, bassist - composer, 81, Aug. 2, 2004, prostate cancer
Tony Mottola, guitarist, 86, Aug. 9, 2004, complications from double pneumonia and stroke
Maurice Bialkin, cellist (Miller AAF '43-'45), 91, Sept. 7, 2004
Gordon Brisker, tenor saxophonist - pianist - arranger (Shaw Orch), 66, Sept. 12, 2004, pancreatic cancer
Jean Hay, radio program host ("Reveille with Beverly"), 87, Sept. 18, 2004, stroke
Lucille Dixon, bassist (Hines '44), 81, Sept. 23, 2004
Vernon Alley, bassist (Hampton '40-'42, Basie '42), 89, Oct. 3, 2004, "after a long illness"
Sammy Hopkins, alto saxophonist (Millinder '46), 88, Oct. 3, 2004
Les Beigel, trumpeter (Miller '37-'38), 95, Oct. 10, 2004, pneumonia
Lester Lanin, bandleader, 97, Oct. 27, 2004
Joe Bushkin, pianist - composer (Berigan '38-'39, T Dorsey '40-'42), 87, Nov. 3, 2004, pneumonia
Lawrence "Red" Wooten, bassist (Savitt '45, Brooks '46, Pastor '47, T. Dorsey '49, Herman '51, Barnet '56, Norvo '57,
Goodman '59), 83, Nov. 4, 2004 [one day before his 84th birthday]
Danny Hayes, trumpeter (Rich '77), 58, Dec. 10, 2004, brain cancer
Frank Isola, drummer (Johnny Bothwell '47), 79, Dec. 12, 2004
Mel Davis, trumpeter (Hefti '54, Goodman '56, Oliver, '60, Light '62, "The Tonight Show" Orch), ca.77, Dec. 2004
NEW OR FORTHCOMING IN PRINT OR ONLINE
Anthony, Ray. Article, "Big band sound lives in Bentleyville native," by Brad Hundt, Washington, PA Observer-Reporter,
Sept. 20, 2004.
Armstrong, Louis. Article, "Louis Armstrong's Hot Five - A Photographic Mystery Solved?," VJM's Jazz & Blues Mart,
Autumn 2004.
---. Article, "Coda: 'Without him, there's no us.,' by David Pulizzi, Jazziz, Oct. 2004, p.82.
---. Book, Satchmo: The Louis Armstrong Encyclopedia, by Michael Meckna, (Westport, CN: Greenwood Press, 2004).
Basie, Count. Article, "Celebrating the Kid from Red Bank," by Zan Stewart, Star Ledger (NJ), Aug. 15, 2004.
---. Article, "Compilations Remember Count Basie With Celebration Of 100th," by Sherrill Fulghum,
Soul Shine Magazine, Aug. 20, 2004.
---. Article, "Celebrating Count Basie on His Centennial: Sound of Oneness," by John Janowiak, in DownBeat,
Sept. 2004, pp.38-43.
---. Article, "Zest: Basie’s legacy lives on in orchestra, theater: Count Basie Theatre reopening is one swingin’ soirée,"
by Tom Chesek, Holmdel (NJ) Independent, Sept. 1, 2004.
---. Article, "Basie disciple [drummer Harold Jones] pays tribute to 'swingingest of the swingers' only way he knows how:
let his sticks fly to that original jazz beat," by Jesse Hamlin, San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 7, 2004.
Bellson, Louis. Article, "Opening Chorus: Rim Shots & Double Bass Drums," by Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes,
Nov. 2004, pp.31-32.
Berigan, Bunny. Book, The Miracle Man of Swing: A Bio/Discography of Trumpet Great Bunny Berigan, by Bozy White,
(Oakland, CA: Shoestring Records, May 2004). NOTE: see Necrology
---. Article, "Marching to his own drum [discusses Johnny Blowers now age 93]," Long Island, NY Newsday, Apr. 30, 2004.
Dorsey, Tommy. Article, "Tommy Dorsey Interview - Part One, The Early Days," by Don Kennedy, Big Band Jump Newsletter,
Mar.-Apr. 2004 (vol.91), pp.1-3.
---. Article, "Tommy Dorsey Interview - Part Two, The Later Years," by Don Kennedy, Big Band Jump Newsletter, May-June
2004 (vol.92), pp.1-3.
Duchin, Peter. Article, "Society's Bandleader Looks Back," by Bryan Rourke, Providence, RI Journal, Jun. 16, 2004.
Ellington, Duke. Article, "Neither grief nor illness keeps drummer Dave Black from keeping time, beating odds,"
by Jesse Hamlin, San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 21, 2004.
Goodman, Benny. Book, Sittin' In with Chris Griffin: His Life and Career As Told to Warren Vache, (Lanham, MD: 2004).
---. Article about Chris Griffin, "Plenty o'horn: Famed trumpeter shares his world-renowned skill," by Robert Miller,
Danbury, CT News-Times, Aug. 22, 2004.
Flanagan, Ralph. Discography, Ralph Flanagan and His Orchestra ["3rd & complete revision"], by J.E. Knox, (Joyce Music:
2004).
Hampton, Lionel. Online article, "The Republican Who Broke the Color Barrier," by Joe Bendel, techcentralstation.com,
Aug. 30, 2004.
Herman, Woody. Article, "Jazz concerts to celebrate Herman," by Mike Drew, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oct. 20, 2004.
Hines, Earl. Article, "Memories of Earl 'Fatha' Hines," by Brian Dale, in Jazz Journal International, Apr. 2004.
Jacquet, Illinois. Article, "Remembering Illinois Jacquet," by Stephen Fratallone, jazzconnectionmag.com, Aug./Sept. 2004.
---. Article, "The Beat: Illinois Jacquet: 1922-2004," by John McDonough, DownBeat, Oct. 2004, p.24.
Kemp, Hal. Article, "The Skinnay Ennis Army Band: April 1943 - June 1944," by Evan Vail, Overture, Oct. 2004, p.8, and
Nov. 2004, p.6.
King, Wayne. Article, "Big-band concert will honor veterans, Savanna native," by Kay Luna, The Quad-City Times /
QCTimes.com, Nov. 10, 2004.
Kirby, John. Article, "John Kirby: The Forgotten Legend," by John Tumpak, Joslin's Jazz Journal, Aug. 2004, pp.4-8.
Kyser, Kay. Article, "Interviews - Kay Kyser, Georgia Carroll Kyser, Kimberly Kyser," by Don Kennedy,
Big Band Jump Newsletter, Jan.-Feb. 2004 (vol.90), pp.1-3.
Lombardo, Guy. Article, "Lombardo feud hits sour note: London promoter in legal battle with bandleader's heirs: Deal involving
centenary events collapsed in 2002," by Tracey Tyler, Toronto (Canada) Star, Sept. 9, 2004.
Lunceford, Jimmie. Book, Jimmie Lunceford, The King of Jazznocracy, by Dempsey Travis (Chicago: 2004).
McIntyre, Hal. Article, "The Band America Loves: Don Pentleton Resurrects The Hip-Sounding Hal McIntyre Orchestra,"
by Stephen Fratallone, jazzconnectionmag.com, Jun./Jul. 2004.
Miller, Glenn. Article, "Remembering Glenn: Trombonist Larry O'Brien Keeps The Glenn Miller Orchestra In A Moonlight
Serenade," by Stephen Fratallone, jazzconnectionmag.com, Feb. 2004.
---. Book, Chattanooga Choo Choo: the life and times of the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, by
Richard Grudens, (Stonybrook, NY: Celebrity Profiles Publishing, Mar. 2004).
---. Articles, "SwingFest: Miller faithful gather" and "Park in memory of Miller dedicated: SwingFest marks 100th anniversary
of Big Band leader's birth," by John La Porte, Fort Morgan Times, Jun. 21, 2004.
Prima, Louis. Article, "Sam Butera: Keeping Vegas Swing Alive," by Rush Evans, Discoveries, Bov. 2004, p.31+.
Raeburn, Boyd. Article, "The Forgotten Ones: George Handy," by Jim Burns, Jazz Journal International, Aug. 2004, p.7.
Rich, Buddy. Article, "Keeping a Rich Legacy Alive," by Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco Chronicle, Jun. 20, 2004.
Shaw, Artie. Article, "Object At Hand, The: Magic Wand: Clarinetist Artie Shaw's recordings recall the nostalgic power of
the big-band sound," by Owen Edwards, Smithsonian, Mar. 2004, pp.25-26.
---. Article, "WWII vet [Dick Johnson, leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra] blows his own horn at D.C. dedication ceremony," by
Tom Farmer, Boston Herald, May 28, 2004.
Spivak, Charlie. Article, "Garry Stevens: He's Just a Band Singer," by Stephen Fratallone, jazzconnectionmag.com,
Mar. 2004.
Teagarden, Jack. Website, created by family member Joseph C. Teagarden, formerly at TeagardenOnline.com, is now redone
and viewable at JackTeagarden.com, Dec. 2004.
Waller, Fats. Article, "Fats Waller wrote, played and laughed his way into ranks of all-time music greats," by Jesse Hamlin,
San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 5, 2004.
Article, "Thomas 'Fats' Waller at the trinity Church Stduio, Camden, New Jersey," by Gene Joslin, Joslin's Jazz Journal,
Nov. 2004, p.13.
Welk, Lawrence. Article, "Lawrence Welk Uncorked," by Michael Paoletta, Billboard, May 29, 2004, p.39.
Whiteman, Paul. Book, Louis Armstrong & Paul Whiteman: Two Kings of Jazz, by Joshua Bennett (New Haven, CT:
Yale University Press, Sept. 2004).
various. Letter-to-the-editor, "In-Box: No holiday for big band," by Christopher Popa, Chicago Tribune Magazine, Jan. 25, 2004.
---. Article, "He Was the BBAA: Big Band Academy of America's Annual Gala To Go On Without Its Biggest Champion,
Milt Bernhart," by Stephen Fratallone, jazzconnectionmag.com, Mar. 2004.
---. Article, "The Last Word: 'We Can Educate People In The Best Way To This Music,': A Q&A With Michael Brooks
[record producer]," by Bill Holland, Billboard, Jul. 3, 2004, p.70.
---. Article, "Jazz: Seen and Heard: Bluebird flies with Centennial DVD/CD combos," by Doug Ramsey, JazzTimes,
Nov. 2004, pp.38-39.
---. Article, "Henry Busse and Clyde McCoy," by Joseph E. Bennett, Joslin's Jazz Journal, Nov. 2004, p.6.
---. Book, The Later Swing Era, 1942-1955, by Lawrence McClellan, Jr., (Westport, CN: 2004).
---. Book, Living with Jazz: A Dan Morgenstern Reader, by Dan Morgenstern, (New York: 2004).
---. Book, Jazz in Black and White: The Photographs of Duncan Schiedt, by Duncan Schiedt, (Bloomington, IN: 2004).
---. Article, "The Girl in the Band: The Record of Kay Weber Sillaway's Life Is a Classic LP," Dallas Morning News,
Dec. 18, 2004.
NEW OR FORTHCOMING CDS
Anthony, Ray. "Dream Dancing VI: The Sinatra Songbook," Aerospace 1050, Apr. 2004
---. "Ray Anthony Plays the Standards," EMI 577376, Jun. 2004
---. "Live... The Sky Club in Dallas" [1952], Aerospace 1021, Sept. 2004
---. "Plays Billy May" [1950s], Mont 5011, tba
Armstrong, Louis. "The Chronological 1952-1953," Classics 1352, Apr. 2004
Auld, Georgie. "The Chronological 1945-1946," Classics 1351, Apr. 2004
---. "The Chronological 1946-1951," Classics 1371, Sept. 2004
---. "Quintet & Septet: Airmal Special 1951-1963," Fresh Sound FSRCD 366, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
Basie, Count. "Basie Land," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Basie Picks the Winners," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Basie's Beat," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Count," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Count Basie and Friends: 100th Birthday Bash," Roulette Jazz 79666, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "Count Basie Dance Session V.1," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Count Basie Dance Session V.2," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "The Count Basie Story," Roulette Jazz 79669, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "Hall Of Fame," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "On My Way Shoutin' Again," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Norman Granz Jam Session V.3," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Norman Granz Jam Session V.4," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Swinging Count," Universal Japan, Aug. 2004
---. "Good Time Blues" [previously unreleased Spring 1970 Budapest concert], Pablo 5319, Nov. 2004
---. Buck Clayton, "The Chronological 1949-1953," Classics 1362, Aug. 2004
---. Jimmy Rushing, "The Chronological 1946-1953," Classics 5085, Mar. 2004
---. Joe Williams, "Sings About You/Sentimental & Melancholy," Roulette (UK), Oct. 2004
---. various, "The Count Basie Alumni" [Tate, Dickenson, Thompson, Royal], Night Train 7029, Nov. 2004
Bellson, Louis. "Skin Deep," Exhibit, Jun. 2004
---. "Soul On Top" [soul singer James Brown w/the Louis Bellson Big Band], Verve/King, Jul. 2004
Beneke, Tex. "Tex Beneke with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1948 / Tex Beneke & His Orchestra in 1952,"
Sounds of Yesteryear 647, Aug. 2004
Berigan, Bunny. "'The Radio Years' 1937-1940," Jazz Unlimited 201 2077, Mar. 2004
Brown, Les. "Live At the Hollywood Palladium," Jasmine, Jul. 2004 (2 CDs)
Calloway, Cab. "Jukebox Hits," Acrobat 4026, Nov. 2004
Carle, Frankie. "April in Portugal/Cocktail Time," Collectables 7311, Jun. 2004
---. "Piano Style of Frankie Carle/Play for Me," Collectables 7307, Sep. 2004
---. Edwin J. McEnelly's Orchestra, "Complete Recordings 1925-1929," Rivermont 1070, Jul. 2004
Cavallaro, Carmen. "Christmas with Carmen Cavallaro," Hindsight 280, Aug. 2004
Clinton, Larry. "East Coast Clinton," Joyce 1019, Aug. 2004
Cugat, Xavier. "The Mambo Years: 1950-52," Blue Moon BMCD 2058, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
Dorsey, Jimmy. "Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra Centenary Issue 1904-2004," Sounds of Yesteryear 646, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. Helen O'Connell, "Here's Helen/Green Eyes," Collectables 7300, Jul. 2004
Dorsey, Tommy. "Young Blue Eyes: Birth of a Crooner," Bluebird 60283, Apr. 2004
Ellington, Duke. "The Chronological Duke Ellington 1952-1953," Classics 1350, Apr. 2004
---. "The Treasury Shows, Volume 9," DETS 9039009, Apr. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "Rugged Jungle," Lost Secret 1, Apr. 2004
---. "The Treasury Shows, Volume 10," DETS 9039010, Jul. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "The Jaywalker," Storyville 8390, Jul. 2004
---. "Blues in Orbit," Columbia Legacy, Jul. 2004
---. "Piano in the Background," Columbia Legacy, Jul. 2004
---. "Piano in the Foreground," Columbia Legacy, Jul. 2004
---. "1967 European Tour: The Complete Teatro Sistina Concert," Lonehill 10105, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "A Concert of Sacred Music From Grace Cathedral," Hep 2061, Aug. 2004
---. "The Centennial Collection," Bluebird 60090, Aug. 2004 (CD + DVD)
Ferguson, Maynard. "Hollywood," Wounded Bird, 7713, Jun. 2004
---. "Hot," Wounded Bird 6124, Jun. 2004
---. "It's My Time," Wounded Bird 6766, Jun. 2004
---. "New Vintage," Wounded Bird, Jun. 2004
---. "Primal Scream," Wounded Bird, Jun. 2004
---. "Ridin' High," Wounded Bird 3101, Nov. 2004
Fields, Shep. "That Old Feeling," ASV 5458, Aug. 2004
Francis, Panama. "Gettin' in the Groove," Black & Blue, Jul. 2004
Gillespie, Dizzy. "Closer to the Source," King KICJ-2078, Aug. 2004
---. "Salt Peanuts" [previously unreleased recordings from The Rising Sun, Montreal, 1981], Justin Time, Sept. 2004
---. "The Chronological 1953," Classics 1380, tba
Goodman, Benny. "The Chronological 1945," Classics 1355, May 2004
---. "Benny's Girls: Benny Goodman's Rare Songbirds," Collectors Choice Music CCM485, Jul. 2004
---. "The Chronological 1945 Vol.2," Classics 1366, Jul. 2004
---. "The Centennial Collection," Bluebird 60088, Aug. 2004 (CD + DVD)
---. "The Chronological 1946," Classics 1375, Sept. 2004
---. "Benny Goodman Today," Vocalion(UK) 4250, Nov. 2004
---. "50 Tracks in One Day - with One Hour for Lunch, of Course!" [1935 transcriptions], Jasmine 409, Nov. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. Peggy Lee, "Norma Delores Egstrom From Dakota/I'm a Woman," Capitol (UK), Sept. 2004
Gray, Glen. "Best of the Brunswick Years 1932-1934," Collectables 7574, Apr. 2004
Gray, Jerry. ---. Dick Haymes et al, "Dick Haymes' Club 15 - 1949-50," Ballad 8, Jul. 2004 (2 CDs)
Heath, Ted. "Hits of the Twenties/Hits of the Thirties," Vocalion(UK) 4224, Apr. 2004
---. "Pow!/Big Band Spirituals," Vocalion(UK) 4228, Apr. 2004
---. "The Ted Heath Band in Concert" [1977], Vocalion(UK) CDLF 8102, Aug. 2004
---. "The Big Ones/Satin Saxes/Bouncing Brass," Vocalion(UK) 4244, Nov. 2004
---. "Carnegie Hall/First American Tour," Vocalion(UK) 4248, Nov. 2004
---. "Decca Singles & Rarities," Vocalion(UK) 4251, Dec. 2004
Herman, Woody. "The Complete Columbia Recordings of Woody Herman and His Orchestra and Woodchoppers (1945-1947),"
Mosaic 223, Aug. 2004 (7 CDs)
---. "The Road Band 1948: Volumes 1 & 2," Hep 18, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "Smooth As Silk: Flip Phillips with The Woody Herman Orchestra" [1977], Hindsight 630, Aug. 2004
---. Ralph Burns, "No Strings: Original Broadway Cast," DRG 19028, Jul. 2004
---. Mary Ann McCall, "You're Mine, You: 1939-'50," Hep 76, Aug. 2004
Himber, Richard. "Stars Fell On Alabama," ASV 5440, Nov. 2004
Hines, Earl. "Have You Ever Felt That Way?," Frog 55, Aug. 2004
Jacquet, Illinois. "The Chronological 1951-1952," Classics 1376, Sept. 2004
James, Harry. "The Golden Trumpet of Harry James," Vocalion(UK) CDLF 8100, Aug. 2004
Jones, Thad/Mel Lewis Orchestra. "Central Park North," Blue Note, Apr. 2004
Jordan, Louis. "Hey Everybody - It's Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five," Jazz Unlimited 2080, Aug. 2004
Jurgens, Dick. "Your Dance Date/At the Aragon Ballroom," Collectables 7643, Sep. 2004
Kenton, Stan. "Painted Rhythm: The Complete MacGregor Transcriptions, Vol.5," Naxos Jazz Legends 8.120714, Feb. 2004
---. "Stan Kenton Plays the Standards," EMI 577373, Jun. 2004
---. "Live At the Soldiers Club, Ford Ord, California, May 11, 1955," Status 1042, Jun. 2004 (3 CDs)
---. "Stan's Singers," Dynaflow 20032, Aug. 2004
---. "Kenton for Collectors," Dynaflow 20033, Aug. 2004
---. "Radio Rarities," Dynaflow 20034, Aug. 2004
---. "Stan Kenton Live," Vocalion(UK) 4249, Nov. 2004
Krupa, Gene. "The Chronological 1949-1951," Classics 1359, May 2004
---. "Who's Rhythm?," Ocium 44, Aug. 2004
Lunceford, Jimmie. "Jukebox Hits," Acrobat 4076, Nov. 2004
May, Billy. "By Arrangement," Jasmine 406, Apr. 2004
---. "Billy May Plays the Standards," EMI 577374, Jun. 2004
---. "The Billy May Big Band in Concert: Mayhem!," Hindsight 281, Aug. 2004
Miller, Glenn. "The Centennial Collection," Bluebird 59104, Apr. 2004 (CD + DVD)
---. [Mar. 26, 1939; Apr. 4, 1939 broadcasts], Al-Tone Record Society GM-2, Apr. 2004
---. "The Glenn Miller Story: Volumes 1 to 4 (December 1926 till June 1939)," Avid ABMX139, Apr. 2004 (4 CDs)
---. "Sun Valley Serenade/Orchestra Wives," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37377, May 2004
---. "Juke Box Saturday Night," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37378, May 2004
---. "The Nearness of You," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37379, May 2004
---. "The Sound of Glenn Miller," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37380, May 2004
---. "This Is Glenn Miller," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37381, May 2004
---. "Glenn Miller Plays Selections From the Glenn Miller Story," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37382, May 2004
---. "The Glenn Miller Carnegie Hall Concert," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37383, May 2004
---. "Marvelous Miller Medleys," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37384, May 2004
---. "Great Dance Bands of the '30s and '40s," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37385, May 2004
---. "Blue Moonlight," Bluebird (Japan) BVCJ-37386, May 2004
---. "The Glenn Miller Story: Volumes 5 to 8," Avid ABMX140, May 2004 (4 CDs)
---. "The Glenn Miller Story: Volumes 9 to 12," Avid ABMX141, Jun. 2004 (4 CDs)
---. "The Glenn Miller Story: Volumes 13 to 16," Avid ABMX142, Jul. 2004 (4 CDs)
---. [Jan. 4, 1940; Jan. 6, 1940 broadcasts], Al-Tone Record Society GM-3, Jul. 2004
---. "The Glenn Miller Story: Volumes 17 to 20," Avid ABMX143, Aug. 2004 (4 CDs)
---. "The Chronological 1935-1938," Classics 1377, Sept. 2004
---. Tony Martin, "Go South Young Man/Dream a Little Dream," BMG (UK & Ireland) 82876 625952, Jul. 2004
---. The New Glenn Miller Orchestra Directed By Ray McKinley, "The Miller Sound/On Tour with The New Glenn Miller
Orchestra," BMG (UK & Ireland) 82876 625922, Jul. 2004
---. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, "On the Air" [XM Radio broadcast 8/24/02], Glenn Miller Productions, Mar. 2004
---. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, "The Glenn Miller Spectacular" [companion CD], PBS, Aug. 2004
---. The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, "Hello Young Lovers," spring 2004?
Millinder, Lucky. "Jukebox Hits," Acrobat 4029, Nov. 2004
Mills Blue Rhythm Band, The. Retrieval 79045, tba (2 CDs)
Monroe, Vaughn. "Ruby: with the Moon Maids & Music Men," Vocalion 3034, Apr. 2004
---. "The Best of Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra" ("1950s recordings"), Flare 233, Jul. 2004
Morrow, Buddy. "'A Big Band Buddy'," Jasmine 2586, May 2004
Nichols, Red. "The Red Heads Complete Recordings," Jazz Oracle 8043, May 2004 (3 CDs)
---. "The Chronological 1929-1930," Classics 1369, Jul. 2004
Norvo, Red. "The Chronological 1944-1945," Classics 1356, May 2004
---. Mildred Bailey, "The Mildred Bailey Radio Shows," Nostalgia Arts 3030, Sept. 2004
Oliver, Sy. "The Chronological 1949-1952," Classics 1365, Jul. 2004
Olsen, George. "'Who?' and 23 more classic Victor recordings by George Olsen and His Music: Volume 2 1925-1926,"
Renovation 7004, Sept. 2004
Pollack, Ben. "Volume 7: The Whoopee Makers, Remaining Ttitles," Jazz Oracle 8044, Aug. 2004
Prima, Louis. "Louis Prima Plays the Standards," EMI 577375, Jun. 2004
---. "The Chronological 1945," Classics 1374, Sept. 2004
Rey, Alvino. "King of the Guitar," ASV Living Era 5581, Dec. 2004
---. The King Sisters, "Imagination/Warm and Wonderful," Capitol (UK), Oct. 2004
---. Andy Russell, "Songs for Lovers Only," Collectors Choice Music CCM1070, Sept. 2004
Rich, Buddy. Sammy Davis, Jr. and Buddy Rich, "The Sounds of '66," Collectors Choice Music CCM493, Sept. 2004
---. "No Funny Hats" [performance at a high school in Sacramento, CA], Lightyear 54666, Sept. 2004
Scott, Raymond. "Raymond Scott's Secret 7: The Unexpected," Basta 9106, May 2004
Shaw, Artie. "'1945 Spotlight Bands Broadcasts," Jazz Unlimited 201 2088, Mar. 2004
---. "The Complete Rhythm Makers Sessions 1937-1938, Volume Two," Jazz Band 2192, May 2004
---. "The Chronological 1946-1950," Classics 1368, Jul. 2004
---. "The Centennial Collection," Bluebird 60092, Aug. 2004 (CD + DVD)
---. "The Artistry of Artie Shaw," Hep 78, Sept. 2004
Slack, Freddie. Mosaic Select, fall 2004 (3 CDs)
Teagarden, Jack. "Brunswick & Columbia Recordings 1939," Collectables 7638, Jul. 2004
Thornhill, Claude. "Play the Great Jazz Arrangements of Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan and Ralph Aldrich," Fresh Sound
FSRCD 365, Aug. 2004
---. "1949-'53 Performances," Hep 80, Sept. 2004
---. "Snowfall," ASV 5542, Nov. 2004
Trace, Al. "Early 1940s Featuring Toni Arden," Circle CCD-109, Aug. 2004
Ventura, Charlie. "The Chronological 1951-1953," Classics 1363, Aug. 2004
Waller, Fats. "The Centennial Collection," Bluebird 59951, Apr. 2004 (includes DVD)
---. "Happy Birthday Fats," Fuel 2000, Aug. 2004 (2 CDs)
Webb, Chick. Ella Fitzgerald, "Jukebox Ella: The Complete Verve Singles Vol.2," Verve, Sept. 2004
Weems, Ted. Perry Como, "I Think of You/Perry," BMG (UK & Ireland) 82876 625942, Jul. 2004
---. Perry Como, "Dream Along with Me/Dreamer's Holiday," Collectables 7316, Oct. 2004
Welk, Lawrence. "Upstairs at Larry's: Lawrence Welk Uncorked" [dance remixes], Ranwood, Aug. 2004
Whiteman, Paul. Alan Cohen, "The New Paul Whiteman Orchestra Featuring Dick Sudhalter" / "Runnin' Wild & Duke
Ellington's Black Brown & Beige," Vocalion(UK) 4252, Dec. 2004
---. Bing Crosby, "Feels Good, Feels Right," Vocalion CDLF 8107, Aug. 2004
---. The Beau Hunks, "Contrasts (arrangements previously played by Whiteman's Sax Soctette)," Basta 9128, May 2004
---. The Metropole Orchestra, "Tabloid Suite (arrangements used by Whiteman)," Basta 9119, May 2004 (2 CDs)
Wilson, Teddy. "Shades of Blue," Solo Art 128, Jul. 2004
---. "Quartets & Quintets," Jazzology 337, Jul. 2004
---. "The Noble Art of Teddy Wilson," Storyville 8371, Aug. 2004
---. "The Chronological 1952-1953," Classics 1364, Aug. 2004
various. "Live At Caesar's Palace," Concord Jazz, Apr. 2004
---. "Girls Singers of the Big Swing Bands," Fremeaux 5070, Jul. 2004 (2 CDs)
---. "Happy Birthday Newport: 50 Swinging Years!," Columbia Legacy, Jun. 2004 (3 CDs)
---. "Best of the Big Bands Vol.1," Readers Digest Association RDA 4021, Jul. 2004
---. "Best of the Big Bands Vol.2," Readers Digest Association RDA 4022, Jul. 2004
---. New reissue label, Riff City, produced by Pete Kline. Initial releases include "Count Basie: Let's Jump" (50285) and
"Tommy Dorsey: Sentimental Swing" (50283), Aug. 2004
---. "30 #1 Hits of the 30s," Collectors Choice Music CCM505 (2 CDs), Oct. 2004
---. "Music From the World War II Years - Volume 1," Collectables 7613, Oct. 2004
---. "American Dance Bands Play the Music of Irving Berlin," Jasmine 2602, Nov. 2004
---. "American Dance Bands Play the Music of Cole Porter," Jasmine 2601, Nov. 2004
---. "The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Vol.1 (1930)," Archeophone 3002, Dec. 2004
incl. Lopez, Pollack, Spitalny, etc.
NEW OR FORTHCOMING DVDs
Anthony, Ray. "Club Anthony," Aerospace 1004, Jul. 2004
Basie, Count. "Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux: Count Basie Jam '75," RED Distribution 39055, Sept. 2004
---. "Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux: Ella and Basie '79," RED Distribution 39057, Sept. 2004
Carter, Benny. "Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux: Benny Carter '77," RED Distribution 39051, Sept. 2004
Ellington, Duke. "The Classic Hollywood Years," Jazz Movie Classic 2869028, Aug. 2004?
---. "The Big Band Feeling," Stars of Jazz 2869037, Aug. 2004?
Jacquet, Illinois. "Texas Tenor: The Illinois Jacquet Story," Quantum Leap, Aug. 2004
Kenton, Stan. "Artistry in Rhythm," Aerospace 1002, Jul. 2004
Kirk, Andy. Mary Lou Williams, "Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux: Mary Lou Williams '78," RED Distribution 39053,
Sept. 2004
Krupa, Gene. "The Gene Krupa Story" [1959 movie], Columbia TriStar Entertainment, May 2004
---. Roy Eldridge, "Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux: Roy Eldridge '77," RED Distribution 39054, Sept. 2004
Miller, Glenn. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, "The Glenn Miller Spectacular" [companion DVD], PBS, Aug. 2004
Shaw, Artie. "The Band Keeps Swinging" [from "Big Bands At Disneyland"], Planet Song 8604 [European PAL format],
Jun. 2004
---. "Second Chorus" [1940 movie], Alpha Video ALP 6043D, Aug. 2004
---. "Second Chorus" [1940 movie] with "Symphony of Swing" [1939 film short], Critics Choice Video CCD001070, Aug. 2004
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"BIG BAND NEWS" 2004
compiled by Christopher Popa
(Oct. 23, 2004) -
Never should auld acquaintance be forgot!
Albert Theodore Pizzamiglio came home to his alma mater, Illinois State University in Normal, IL, tonight. He had studied music theory and composition there, graduating as a member of the class of 1954, and then earning an M.S.E. in 1958. His return was to lead Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians at the campus homecoming dance in the Bone Student Center Ballroom. Pizzamiglio, a pianist who uses the stage name Al Pierson, has conducted the Lombardo band since 1989.
(Oct. 26, 2004) -
Riders could hum or sing Take the 'A' Train tomorrow, as the New York City subway system, which opened on October 27, 1904, turns 100 years old. Billy Strayhorn's work, first done as an instrumental piece, was immortalized as the theme of Duke Ellington's band, and their recording for Victor in 1941 (featuring Ray Nance and Rex Stewart) became one of Ellington's greatest popular successes. When lyrics were added, the song recommended the A train as "the quickest way to Harlem." Originally, it was a 9.1 mile route, from City Hall to 145th Street. Now, the A route is the system's longest, stretching a total of 31 miles. For the first 44 years, the fare was 5 cents; presently, it's $2.
(Oct. 31, 2004) - Buddy Rich died in 1987, but his musical prowess at the
drums is remembered with admiration in a new Down Beat cover article
by John McDonough. Now on sale, the November 2004 issue includes
McDonough's "Raging Brilliance: Those Who Played with Buddy Rich
Remember His Temper, but Recount Numerous Tales of Musical Genius,"
as well an article by Andrew Gilbert, "Rich Legacy: Steve Smith Takes
Buddy's Buddies on the Road." For more information about his life and
career, view the official Buddy Rich website, buddyrich.com.
(Nov. 7, 2004) - Artie Shaw has been named one of the recipients of the 2005
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Fellowships, the highest honor that
the U.S. government bestows upon jazz musicians. "One of the sole surviving great
lions of the big band swing era, master clarinetist-bandleader Artie Shaw helped
define a key era in American music history," it was stated. Each recipient will
receive $25,000, with the formal presentation ceremony and concert scheduled to
be held on January 7, 2005 in Long Beach, CA. Shaw, shown [ l. ] in a 1998 photo
by Bruce Weber, is now age 94 and reportedly in frail health. Past recipients of the
Jazz Master Fellowships have included Roy Eldridge, Count Basie, Benny Carter,
Teddy Wilson, Jay McShann, Lionel Hampton, Gerald Wilson, Andy Kirk, and Louis
Bellson.
(Nov. 22, 2004) - Once again, DownBeat has asked
its readers to identify top jazz performers presently
active, and the results of the magazine's 69th annual
poll are in the December issue, now on sale. Gerald
Wilson, 86, is named among today's greats in two
different categories, big bands and arrangers.
He first caught nationwide attention when Jimmie
Lunceford hired him to fill the vacancy left by Sy
Oliver's departure in 1939. Wilson played trumpet
and composed for the Lunceford band until April
1942. He first led a group under his own name in
1944, and has been intermittently active with big
bands since 1961.
The 2004 DownBeat Reader's Poll also gave Count Basie's music double honors. The present Basie Orchestra was picked among today's big bands, while a boxed set spanning Basie ensembles which worked from 1936 to 1951, "America's #1 Band!: The Columbia Years" (Columbia/ Legacy C4K 87110), is named among top recent jazz reissues.
(Dec. 22, 2004) - Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for a big band fan? Either of these books should be perfect! The Uncrowned King of Swing: Fletcher Henderson and Big Band Jazz (New York City: Oxford University Press, 2004), by Jeffrey Magee, is a detailed study of Henderson's important contributions to jazz. That Toddlin' Town: Chicago's White Dance Bands and Orchestras, 1900-1950 (Urbana, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2004), by Charles A. Sengstock, Jr., is an economic and business history of Chicago's dance bands, packed with information. And I thank "Chuck" for mentioning me in the acknowledgements!
(Dec. 30, 2004) - Artie Shaw, 94, the last surviving major bandleader
from the swing era, died today at his home in Newbury Park, CA.
He had been in ill health for several years, and evidently passed
away from natural causes. Shaw had stopped playing in 1954,
to focus on other interests such as writing. When The British
Medical Journal asked him in 2000 for the secret of aging, he
replied, "I believe it can be summed up this way. Try to leave
things a little better than you found them. Notice the words 'little
better' -- anyone who tries to make a really major difference stands
a chance of becoming a Hitler, a Stalin, a Milosovic. As William
Blake put it some 200 years ago, 'If you wish to do good, be sure to
do so only in minute particulars.''' Mr. Shaw, thank you for making
our lives better with your remarkable artistry, while living your life
according to your own terms and desires. Rest in peace.
