Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that I've always had a fondness for clarinetists, having been one myself (a bad one) and even claiming a sort of spiritual link to Benny Goodman. We've also featured a lot of masters of the licorice stick, but it's been a while since our last so I thought … Continue reading Buster Bailey Blew A Mean Licorice Stick
Tag: Big Band
Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
It's been a while since our last Fantastic Foursome, so I'll remind everybody how it works. I pick a classic song and tell you a little about it, and I usually include the definitive version of the song. Then I present four alternative performances and give you the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Today's … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome – Tenderness Came Late To Otis
A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
As I've said before, the big musical stars have all had plenty of stuff written about them, but what about those who were just as talented -- maybe even more so -- but never got the recognition? Guys like saxophonist Toots Mondello, who was one of the best but remains relatively unknown to most music … Continue reading A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
In spite of its name, the big band era always had room for smaller outfits. Sometimes they'd be formed from the members of a bigger band and become part of the show, as was the case with Benny Goodman's trio and quartet. But in other cases a smaller group would do just fine on its … Continue reading John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
If you're old enough to remember, or if you know a little something about the music of the past, the title of of this piece might ring a bell. But no harm done if you don't recognize it, because I'm about to tell you more. It was the catchphrase of a very popular 'sweet' band … Continue reading Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye
She Was Known As ‘Gorgeous’ Georgia Carroll
As I've said before, during the big band era the bandleaders were the superstars of their day, and just like today's big-name musical performers they often matched up romantically with glamorous actresses. In fact, Artie Shaw almost single-handedly conquered Hollywood, but today we're talking about the lady who charmed bandleader Kay Kyser. Actress/model/singer Georgia Carroll … Continue reading She Was Known As ‘Gorgeous’ Georgia Carroll
Buddy And Ella Johnson – The Rest Of The Story
A while back, one of our Anatomy of a Song posts featured the Lenny Welch classic, "Since I Fell For You." It also mentioned that the song had been written by Buddy Johnson, and was first performed by his band with a vocal by his sister Ella. I thought we should dig a little deeper … Continue reading Buddy And Ella Johnson – The Rest Of The Story
Remembering The Girls In The Band
A familiar line that has been used in live shows for years is 'let's hear it for the boys in the band'. Additionally, Boys In The Band (albeit with a different meaning) has been the title of both a play and a movie, so it has become a familiar phrase. A new documentary takes advantage … Continue reading Remembering The Girls In The Band
Blue Barron – Moving To The Front
During the big band era, one of the most popular 'sweet' bands around (as opposed to cutting-edge 'hot' bands) was the outfit whose motto was: 'the music of yesterday and today, styled the Blue Barron way'. But the leader's name wasn't originally Blue Barron, and fronting a band -- or performing in one, for that … Continue reading Blue Barron – Moving To The Front
A Lunar Fantastic Foursome
One of my favorite posts on the GMC is titled Picnics And Music –The Curious Case Of Moonglow, and it explores how "Moonglow" -- a fine song in its own right -- somehow got attached to the theme from the 1955 film Picnic, and became a best-selling record. In fact, the resulting two-song medley was … Continue reading A Lunar Fantastic Foursome
Geezer Music Club 