Airmen Of Note: the apparent entire out put of this amazing big band has been available for those used to downloading MP3 files. A modest payment ensures access to CD quality. I have most of thiese recordings (MOST) and can vouch for their quality. So I would suggest that you go to the site and listen and select $20 via Paypal is all and I know you will enjoy. Something to do on a rainy day!
The more rabid music book collectors will know of these but just in case:-
LEADER OF THE BAND: Gene Lees ISBN 0-19-505671-X The Life Of Woody Herman; Say no more than gene Lees
TOMMY DORSEY: LIVING IN A GREAT BIG WAY: Peter J Levinson ISBN 13 :0-306-81111-1 – A wonderful read which on it’s travels defines the swing era beautifully
SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN – THE LIFE OF NELSON RIDDLE: Peter J Levinson ISBN 1 58979 163 0. A complex sometime depressed human being who set te standard for swinging orchestral sounds that complimented the finest singers.
GOOD VIBES – A LIFE IN JAZZ Terry Gibbs/ Cary Ginell ISBN 0-8108 4586 5 Telling it from the shoulder, remarkably funny and candid story where we rub shoulders with all the greats
NO MINOR CHORDS; ANDRE PREVIN – MY DAYS IN HOLLYWOOD (I CAN’T SEE THE ISBN #) The book I read when I am feeling depressed. So funny, Andre’s jazz, the trial and tribulations of writing music for the movies; so entertaining.
DID THEY MENTION THE MUSIC: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF HENRY MANCINI –MANCINI AND GENE LEES. Another fabulous read concerning the rise and rise of Hank Mancini
If you read all of these you will just about know what went on before, during and after to the big band era. I don’t have it at the moment but Peter J Levinson has a book on Harry James that will compliment any of the others, another great read.
DON MENZA 'VOYAGE' WITH THE SWR BIG BAND: HANSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.189 (insert Don Menza for site search). Available from the label's site but also from Amazon. I have prepared a review please go to page click here. Briefly, when has the SWR Big Band ever let you down. Every album produced over the years has been outstanding. The new one featuring one of the plant's most exciting tenor players and arrangers is no exception. I would suggest you visit my BUY NOW site.
A NEW SERVICE: NEWS ABOUT UPCOMING RELEASES OF INTEREST TO THE BIG BAND COMMUNITY,NEW AQUISITIONS OF MINE THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
I INVITE ANYONE WHO HAS INFORMATION OR EVEN A RELEASE FOR ME TO CONSIDER, LET ME KNOW
IF APPROPRIATE I WILL INCLUDE WEB SITE INFORMATION AND SO ON.SEARCHING AND/OR PURCHASE GUIDANCE : CLICK HERE FOR 'BUY NOW' INFORMATION
SOME MORE DETAILED REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND HERE