Big Band | Film, Music, and Radio | Club Dahlia

I am a huge Glen Miller fan. I have a 3 CD set that has some secret recordings from during the war. I have pretty much worn it out I played it so much.

I want to get some Glenn Miller recordings. I read a book on him and it sounds like part of the reason that he had such a great band was because his musicians were in the army and they were able to rehearse much more than they could have if they were in a civilian band. I think it was for financial reasons. 

Does anyone know the details of that? I'm not sure if it was a musician's union issue involving paid rehearsals or not.

I discovered the music of Fats Waller when I saw the play "Ain't Misbehavin'". I don't think he ever had a band as large as Miller's but I was especially interested in his stride piano technique, and his arrangements for smaller combos.

The only big band I'm really familiar with is Gelnn Miller's, but I also like Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway! There are also some pretty good modern big bands that I enjoy listening to, like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. :D

Taggart said:

I have a few recordings of Duke Ellington and I especially like his compositions. I assume he wrote many of his repertoire, like Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me and Take The A Train?

In any case, I also love his arrangements.

Duke Ellington was great.  Loved that music so much.

Have an unusual story to share about the big bands which included Glenn Miller.  My Grandfather was an electroplater.  Whenever any of the big bands played in the NY area, they requested that my Grandfather plate and polish his instruments!  He got to meet some of the band members over the years, and to me, I always felt that when they played, a bit of my Grandfather was there too!

Glenn Miller is a favorite, as are the Dorseys, Les Brown and His Band of Renown, Benny Goodman, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and His Orchestra…and so many others.  It's quite difficult to choose a favorite, as they each had their own signature style.   However, it seems that Glenn Miller claims ownership of the standard for that classic, righteous big band sound, and rightfully so…he was absolutely amazing.

Zootsuit said:

Jazzy Dame, I wish someone had taken a picture, but there were none taken that I know of.  So I we had second best, and that was to sit and listen to my Grandfather retell the stories.  He came home late many nights when the Big Bands came to town.  He wanted to make sure the job was done just right, so he did each instrument himself.  

Zootsuit, you are so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to sit with your Grandfather and listen to his recollections and memories…what a blessing, indeed!  I'm sure that he took great pride in his work, and likely developed a close bond with the musicians in the band.  Thank you for sharing!