Asked and Answered

No sooner did we wonder if anybody might have a signed transcription of Milt Bernhart's trombone solo on Frank Sinatra's "I've Got You Under My Skin" than Rick Gerber from Upland, Calif., came to the rescue:

"A transcription of it can be found on page 101 of the book Sessions with Sinatra by Charles Granata, ca. 1999. It's a photo reproduction of handwritten notation on a sheet of manuscript paper. In the upper right-hand corner is neatly printed 'Milt Bernhart.' Under the reproduction is 'Courtesy of Milt Bernhart.'

Apparently, Milt responded to an inquiry from Granata as he was putting the book together, sketched out the solo and sent it to him.

I remember when the record was first out and I was in high school in small-town Iowa. I was really into all the big bands and remember hearing Milt's trombone solo and thinking, 'Gee, that guy sounds like he's right out of Kenton's section,' which, of course, he was.

Cheers!"

And here, thanks to Rick's kindness, is the transcription:

Okay, technically it isn't autographed, but even this is more than I expected to find. I'm surprised at myself for not already knowing about this inclusion, because I remember quite well the period when my father was giving interviews to Chuck Granata for that book. Eventually, I might have gotten around to contacting Chuck, but the Big Band Academy sends its sincere gratitude to Rick Gerber for making further detective work unnecessary!

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Another Rick -- Rick Fleishman, guitarist in Pat Longo's band -- drops a line to let us know about his podcast:

"The podcast is called 'The Afterbeat,' the subject being jazz and roots music and musicians with a focus on players based in SoCal, and the host and producer is me.

Guests so far have included Lanny Morgan, Pete Christlieb, Roy McCurdy, Ron Anthony and more. The podcast can be found for free on the iTunes Store, as well as at www.afterbeatpod.com. I'm trying to record and post a show each week or as my schedule allows. The easiest way to keep up with the episodes is to subscribe at the iTunes store. The website contains show notes as well as photos of each guest taken at the show and news of upcoming shows and guests.

You may know me as the guitarist with Pat Longo's band. I played at the 2008 Big Band Reunion featuring Stan Freberg, among other BBAA events. I'm active as a player, songwriter, contractor and producer, and as a composer for film, TV and my own bands; more about me at www.rickfleishman.com. By the way, I'll be appearing with Pat's band at Typhoon in Santa Monica on February 6th.

Please have a look at the site and listen to a show or two. If you have questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me: rickfle@gmail.com."

The podcast sounds great, Rick. Best of success to you with it!

  

Sign Here

Tomorrow, January 22nd, will mark the eighth anniversary of the passing of Milt Bernhart, trombonist and founding president of the Big Band Academy. Eight years isn't exactly a milestone, but, still, how fast time passes.

A friend of the BBAA wondered recently if a transcription exists of Milt's solo on Frank Sinatra's 1956 recording of "I've Got You Under My Skin" and more specifically, a transcription signed by Milt himself. Well, an Internet search does turn up a transcription:

http://home.fuse.net/clymer/trom/music/under-skin.gif 

But as you see, this one isn't signed.

I'm unaware of an autographed transcription and I think I would have come into contact with it by now -- or at least have heard about it -- if there were one. Nevertheless, aren't we all surprised from time to time at the things people save? If by some incredible chance you have such a document in your possession, or know someone who might, we'd really like to hear from you.

Meanwhile, please enjoy that recording and solo once again: 

That Last-Minute Gift Idea

Looking for a perfect gift for that hard-to-please big band fan on your list? Consider "An Angel City Christmas," the new CD from the Angel City Big Band, featuring vocalist Bonnie Bowden. It's 11 tracks of yuletide favorites, along with "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and the quasi-seasonal "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm."

Check out audio samples on the band's homepage:

AngelCityBigBand.com

Information about how to purchase the CD accompanies the samples. The Big Band Academy is pleased to recommend this disc with our highest enthusiasm.

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I personally hope to receive a "nook," the new e-reader from Barnes & Noble:

Ever since I was 13, I've been asking Santa for some nook. I think this might be the year the big guy finally comes through.

Merry Christmas to all!