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Tribute to the Big Bands and Singers
The
Big Band era claims the late 1930s through the 1940s as
the zenith of its popularity. The legacy of the Big Bands
still lives today in movies, on television, and in the dwindling
number of dance halls across America. Although the Big Bands
will never be the same, there are fantastic university and
public school bands perpetuating the big bands in a more
jazz oriented fashion.
 In
the history of the Big Bands, a "boy singer" or
"girl singer" was often added as an afterthought
to the band's mission of providing music to the dancing
public. An early band singer was grudgingly given only a
short section in an instrumental arrangement to provide
a break from the sound of the band. When the dancers and
audiences voiced their approval of band singers, bandleaders
finally realized the drawing power of the singers, then
considered them an integral part of their bands.
One
of the most famous and influential singer scenarios was
when Tommy Dorsey hired Frank Sinatra away from the Harry
James Band. Although Harry had a contract with Frank, Harry
gave his blessings to the move because it was a great opportunity
for Frank to sing with the Dorsey Band, one of the finest
bands in America. When Frank wanted to leave Tommy's band,
however, it was a different story, and the details of that
acrimonious split have become legend. Frank Sinatra, of
course, became the flash point for changing the appeal of
strictly instrumental dance music to the domination of singers
in pop music. It is difficult to find any of today's pop
music that does not include a vocalist, proving the lasting
impact of the Big Band singers.
This
album is dedicated to the great memories that ballrooms
and big bands elicit for those fortunate enough to have
heard "the music." For Big Band fans of all ages
-- those who remember Big Band music and those who have
more recently discovered the joy of Big Band music -- I
hope this album brings you hours of listening and dancing
pleasure.
Finally,
a huge thank you to the musicians who participated in the
making of Ballroom Memories. Like the great musicians of
the Big Band era, you were magnificent.
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 The
Musicians
Bill
Shepherd: Leader, Trombone, Vocals
Alto sax: Bob Shafer, Jim Gosnell
Tenor sax: David Aguiar, Tom Barry, Chris
Merz
Baritone sax: Mike Michalicek
Trumpet: Randy Grabowski, Dwayne Johnson,
Gerald Ramsey, Bob Huinker
Trombone: Bill Scheidecker, Steve Citta,
Nancy Vogt, Bard Mackey
Rhythm: Drums - Dennis Johnson, Bass -
Sharon Anway, Piano - Terry Kroese
Guest Vocalist: Nola Rose (Daughter of
Bill Shepherd) is featured on I'll Be Seeing You and joins
Bill on You Make Me Feel So Young
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