BOBBY'S BLOG

Testimonies from BMBB fans, articles from the local news media, and random thoughts from the pen of Bobby McCreary.


July 23, 2007
The Woody Herman Big Band Live at Concord Jazz Festival!!! The cd that was recorded in 1981. When I heard it, I did not realize that it was the Woody Herman Big  Band. The featured jazz players from the past were Woody Herman (1913 to 1987) on alto sax & clarinet, Al Cohn (1925 to 1988), tenor sax, and the great Stan Getz (1927 to 1991). The other musicians were from this generation. Woody said it best. "This is the best sounding big band album that I have been associated with in forty-six years." Incidentally, Woody is the only player older than me. The caption that fits my time is from 1924 to "who knows when." (I have no plans for this time of travel.)

All the jazz compositions and arrangements on this recording are superb. Most fascinating is John Brown's Other Body. The piccolo jazz on this one is out of sight! Tremendous tribute for Woody, Al Cohn, and Stan Getz. Many accolades to the guys from this generation that will keep this fine jazz-oriented big band on the go.                         

June 3, 2006
Recently, I added two very interesting DVDs to my DVD Library. Although many people have heard "Route 66" done by Nat "King" Cole, how many people could tell us the name of the songwriter? The first of my new acquisitions, Words and Music by Bobby Troup, highlights the career of Bobby Troup. I smiled a bit when the narrator mentioned that Bobby was a native of the "village of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania." He had considerable exposure to music in his growing years. His grandfather owned the J.H. Troup Music Store in downtown Harrisburg. His father had a pharmacy next to the music store. His father preferred that Bobby did not pursue a career in music. So Bobby attained a degree or two from the Wharton School in Philadelphia. However, music was in his heart, so he decided that it would be music all the way!!

On the DVD, Bobby performs his own hit compositions, including "Route 66," "Girl Talk," and many more. Three of the greatest names in American music (Stan Kenton, June Christy, Johnny Mercer) helped to make it music all the way. It was very good to hear Bobby make his musical statement. Great show!! And it all started in the village of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!!

The second DVD, by Artie Shaw and Friends, is titled The Best of the Big Bands. It was great to see and hear those jazz legends from the Swing Era delivering favorite classics. Artie Shaw is the first swinger. It was interesting to see Tony Pastor doing scat vocals as well as the tenor sax solos. Tony was a native of Hartford when my brother Lew and I were studying at the Hartford Conservatory. When he was in town, he usually came into our favorite bar for a six-pack or two. He would say hello and chat for a minute or two on his way out. I have a video that shows Tony and Rosemary Clooney singing together. When Lew and I were in Hartford, the Tony Pastor Orchestra featured "Rosemary and Betty Clooney" doing the vocalizing. 

Artie Shaw was followed by the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Benny did a lot of jazz, along with Harry James and Gene Krupa adding their jazz talents to the mix. It was also interesting to recognize many of the sidemen in the band. Red Norvo was featured. Georgie Auld was the tenor sax jazz person.

The next friend was Charlie Barnet, doing two fantastic jazz tunes--"Redskin Rhumba" and "Skyliner"--which were always on Charlie's agenda. Charlie had been married eleven times. More times than Artie Shaw. When other musicians had an opportunity to do their jazz solos, the comment that preceded the solo was, "You better do it right or Charlie will send you a wife for Christmas."

Jimmy Dorsey was next. He did three tunes and played jazz solos on sax and clarinet. One arrangement that was a regular request  by fans was "Long John Silver."

The finale is done by Gene Krupa. There were plenty of jazz solos happening. All the tunes were typical of the Gene Krupa Orchestra. It was a pleasure to hear the band do "Let Me Off Uptown," which featured Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day vocalizing, and Roy, who was the role model for many upcoming trumpet players, spiced it up with more than a bit of jazz. 

PMEA District 8 Jazz Festival: April 6-8, 2006
Hughesville High School is honored to host the PMEA District 8 Jazz Festival from April 6-8. This festival brings together top high school jazz instrumentalists and vocalists for a three-day event. The students are auditioned from a 44-school district area in order to participate. This year's band will be led by Mr. Andre Canniere, and the choir will be led by Mr. Thomas Shellenberger. The hosts for this event are Mrs. Joy Barto and Mr. Mark Boyer.

On April 7th at 7:00 P.M., there will be a concert presented by VJQ and featuring Andre Canniere, trumpet player, on a few charts. The concert is open to the public and will be very informal. Donations will be accepted for admission. Proceeds will help defray costs for the event.

On April 8th at 2:00 P.M., the students will present a concert featuring both the band and choir. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students/senior citizens. Tickets will be available at the door.

Both concerts will be held at Hughesville Junior/Senior High School.

Voice from the Past (Neil Rhoads), March 10, 2006
Bobby, this is a voice from your past. You were my saxophone teacher during my high school years in Selinsgrove. You came to the house basically every week and chided me on not practicing. I want you to know you were successful, however, as I made both the marching and concert Blue Bands at Penn State. I played the bass clarinet in concert band, the first I ever played that instrument. What was more interesting, however, is that they only had an e flat instrument and all the music was in b flat, so I had to transpose as much as I could.

I don't play anymore unfortunately, except once a year when I return to play in the Alumni Blue Band at Penn State.

I enjoyed reading the article about you in the Harrisburg Patriot News recently. We now live in the Hershey area where we have been for the last 38 years. Sounds as though you are keeping busy at your age when most people would have retired years ago.

Hope you continue your music making! Neil Rhoads

---Bobby's Response: It was quite a pleasure to hear from Neil. He was an excellent student. On one occasion, I was teaching and a very sudden thunderstorm decided to wreak its havoc. I had left my car windows open. I told myself that I was not crazy enough to dash out to open the windows. A few minutes later, Neil's father came into the room soaking wet from head to toe. His comment: "I closed your car windows."

A Testimony
Saturday, August 23, 2003, Genetti Ballroom, Wambolt Wedding Reception
Dear Bobbi and Band,
Thanks so much for playing at our wedding reception and especially for learning and playing "Unforgettable" for us. It was great!!! We got so many positive comments about the music. You remained true to your commitment. You made our event a very special and unique one. We hope to see you in the future.
Sincerely, Don & Alisha Wambolt