I'm big fan of the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra and I know that Bill Finegan arranged a lot for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I didn't hear these recordings for years, so I'm really looking forward to hear your 18 examples later this evening. 🙂
Thank you for the thoughtful analysis of Glenn Miller. One of the frustrating things about him is none of his best work ever gets played. It’s always the same three tunes ad nauseam - In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Pennsylvania 6-5000, et al. Other attributes that are overlooked include the fact that Frank Sinatra thought highly enough of the band that he wanted to join it around the time he went with Tommy Dorsey. Not to mention the fact that in 1942 Miller had the most popular and highest grossing band in the country, and broke it up to serve in the armed forces. Hard to imagine anyone doing that in today’s all-for-me world.
Although I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, the sophistication of the arrangements in theses big bands so early in the recording era always surprises me.. and thanks Marc for more than those other than the too often played on the airwaves all those years ago..
I'm big fan of the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra and I know that Bill Finegan arranged a lot for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I didn't hear these recordings for years, so I'm really looking forward to hear your 18 examples later this evening. 🙂
Thank you for the thoughtful analysis of Glenn Miller. One of the frustrating things about him is none of his best work ever gets played. It’s always the same three tunes ad nauseam - In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Pennsylvania 6-5000, et al. Other attributes that are overlooked include the fact that Frank Sinatra thought highly enough of the band that he wanted to join it around the time he went with Tommy Dorsey. Not to mention the fact that in 1942 Miller had the most popular and highest grossing band in the country, and broke it up to serve in the armed forces. Hard to imagine anyone doing that in today’s all-for-me world.
Fab comment Peter. it was fun trotting out tracks that are much lesser known. Miller couldn't have done better with an arranger of his style.
Although I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, the sophistication of the arrangements in theses big bands so early in the recording era always surprises me.. and thanks Marc for more than those other than the too often played on the airwaves all those years ago..
Bruno