The Bandstand: May 2006

Thanks go out once again to John Randazzo, proprietor of the print shop we used during our run of paper newsletters. John and his late wife Leslie took my fragment of an idea for a cover parodying a famous Beatles album and brought it, spectacularly, to life. For more about John and his services, see our Jan. 1 post:



The faces on the cover represent every recipient -- to that time -- of our Golden Bandstand Award. How many faces can you identify? And do you even see yourself?

That police blotter item still makes me smile, too.

A Change at the Top

From the official newsletter of the Glenn Miller Orchestra:

"As we announced in our last edition, longtime musical director Larry O'Brien will retire at the end of 2010. There are only a few chances left to see Larry in his 'farewell tour' conducting your favorite band. Please check the Glenn Miller Orchestra itinerary today to find a performance scheduled near you!

At this time we are proud to announce that trombonist Gary Tole will be replacing Larry starting in January of 2011. Gary, the leader of his own group, Legends of Swing, has had a long and illustrious career in the big band world, including stints with the orchestras of Harry James, Tex Beneke, Les Brown, Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and many others.

Gary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, attended Duquesne University, and in 1978 relocated permanently to Southern California. On stage as well as on recordings, Gary’s smooth but dynamic style placed him in constant demand with such stars as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Rosemary Clooney, Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis.
 

He has been seen and heard on numerous television programs, backing great performers such as Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, the Pointer Sisters, Pia Zadora, Sheena Easton and many more. Gary has also spent countless hours in recording studios, appearing on everything from commercials to major motion-picture soundtracks. His recent Legends of Swing recording, 'One Kettle For Count,' was nominated for three Grammy Awards: Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, Best Instrumental Composition and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).

In addition to trombone, Gary also plays bass trombone and euphonium. An active clinician for Yamaha, Gary participated in music education programs as a judge at festivals, taught privately the low brass instruments and traveled throughout the country conducting clinics.

Upon assuming the position of musical director with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Gary will have come full circle. After graduating from Duquesne, he was offered the first trombone chair with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and toured for four years under the direction of Jimmy Henderson. 

We would like to thank Larry O'Brien for his many years of friendship and musicianship, and wish Gary Tole the very best as the next musical director of the Glenn Miller Orchestra."

Both gentlemen are also friends of the BBAA and we extend to them our sincere congratulations!

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By popular demand, Sheila Tracy will repeat interviews with Butch Stone and Van Alexander tomorrow (Sun., Sep. 19) on her "Swingtime" radio program. See our Apr. 4 post for details on how to tune in.

The Bandstand: February 2006

A three-way tie is the result of our question, "Would you attend a Big Band Reunion if the band were on film, not in person?" One-third of respondents were positive, one-third were negative and one-third couldn't decide. Here are some examples:

"Although I would prefer the traditional program with a live band, I think the idea of a film festival featuring big band shorts and excerpts from movies has a lot of merit." R.S., Upland, Calif.

"My wife and I would probably beg off ... we can watch videos at home." J.L., Glendale, Calif.

"I have mixed thoughts about the big band movies." R.C., Beverly Hills

Under the circumstances, I think we'll continue working to put together another full-fledged Big Band Reunion. But this was a worthwhile discussion and we thank you for participating.

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