Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: November 9, 2024

In recognition of Veterans Day, this edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion features original wind-band recordings from World War II including the original Glenn Miller recording of the “St. Louis Blues March.” As a matter of fact, you’ll not only hear the music but also the recorded voices of Glenn Miller and Irving Berlin from V-discs, V standing for “victory.” To lift the morale of troops, the military issued V-discs, made by many performers of the day. Many musicians also volunteered for the military, including Glenn Miller. So we are going to open today’s edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion with the original V-disc recording of “St. Louis Blues March.” The recording opens with a greeting from Glenn Miller himself.

More information about V-discs.

1. St. Louis Blues March (1943 recording)
   Composer:  W. C. Handy (1873-1958), arranged by Jerry Gray (1915-1976)
   Performer:  Capt. Glenn Miller & 418th AAFTC Band
   Album:  War Years
     
2. Blues in the Night (1941 recording)
   Composer:  Harold Arlen (1905-1986) & Johnny Mercer (1909-1976)
   Performer:  Woody Herman & His Orchestra
   Album:  War Years
     
3. G.I. Jive (1944 recording)
   Composer:   Johnny Mercer
   Performer:  Johnny Mercer
   Album:  War Years
     
4. How I Hate To Get up in the Morning (1942 recording)
   Composer:  Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
   Performer:  Irving Berlin and Cast of "This Is the Army"
   Album:  War Years
     
5. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (1941 recording)
   Composer:  Don Raye (lyrics, 1909-1985) & Hughie Prince (music, 1906-1960)
   Performer:  Andrews Sisters
   Album:  War Years
     
6. Gary Owen (fife & drum)
   Composer:  Traditional
   Performer:  Frederick Fennell & Eastman Wind Ensemble
   Album:  Spirit of '76
     
7. Gary Owen (band)
   Composer:  Traditional
   Performer:  U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band
   Album:  Patriotic Music to Inspire and Uplift
     
8. Armed Forces Medley
   Composer:  Arranged by Maj. Dewayne S. Milburn, Ph.D. (1963- )
   Performer:  U.S. Army Gound Forces Band
   Album:  Made in America
     
9. Band of Brothers Suite
   Composer:  Michael Kamen (1948-2003)
   Performer:  U.S. Army Gound Forces Band
   Album:  Made in America
     
10. Liberty Bell
    Composer:  John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
    Performer:  U.S. Army Field Band
    Album:  Patriotic Music to Inspire and Uplift
      
11. American Salute
    Composer:  Morton Gould (1913-1996)
    Performer:  U.S. Marine Band
    Album:  Morton Gould: An American Salute
      
12. Boys of the Old Brigade
    Composer:  W. Paris Chambers (1854-1913)
    Performer:  U.S. Marine Band
    Album:  Patriotic Music to Inspire and Uplift