Brass, Reeds, and Percussion

Bing Crosby's little brother formed a big band in 1935. That's how Bob Crosby and His Bob Cats became a major act in the world of big band music. For his work in radio and television, Bob Crosby has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During WW II, Bob Crosby lead a marine band in the Pacific theater. The Bob Cats were formed around 1935 and were a Dixieland band with many members coming from New Orleans.

In February of 1932, George Gershwin took a vacation to Havana, Cuba. The trip inspired him to write his “Cuban Overture,” which, of course, is influenced by Cuban music and dance. It also includes referenes to the folk song “La Paloma.” The New York Philharmonic orchestra debuted the piece on August 16, 1932, in an outdoor stadium concert attended by over 17,000 people. Today's edition features a wind-band arrangement of the “Cuban Overture.”

Today's edition opens with "Soul Bossa Nova," by Quincy Jones. The first several seconds of the recording has a laughing sound, produced by a percussion instrument called a cuíca (pronounced KWEE kuh). It’s a Brazilian friction drum with a large pitch range, produced by changing tension on the head of the drum. “Cuíca” is Portuguese for the gray four-eyed opossum, which is known for its high-pitched cry.

Don Elliott (1926-1984) was an American jazz trumpeter, vibraphonist, vocalist, and mellophone player. Elliott recorded over 60 albums and 5,000 advertising jingles throughout his career. Elliott played mellophone in his high school band and played trumpet for an army band. He also played the trombone, flugelhorn, and drums. He pioneered the art of multitrack recording, especially helpful in recording jingles for advertising. He made contributions to both film scores and Broadway productions.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada (BRRC) is the oldest currently functioning military band in Canada. It was founded in 1863. The Royal Regiment was formed in 1936 by amalgamating the Toronto Regiment and the 10th Royal Grenadiers. During WW I, the Toronto Regiment fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Members of the band served as stretcher bearers during this battle.

It’s difficult to find a musical composition that deals with sickness, but maybe “Fever” qualifies. We’ll open today’s edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion with a 1960 recording of “Fever” in recognition of our special guest today: Dr. Pam Hudson, CEO of Crestwood Hospital. She’ll be talking with us about COVID-19 and vaccinations.

"Goin' Out of My Head" is a song written by Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein, initially recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials in 1964. That year, their version reached number 6 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. Since that point, it’s been covered by a number of other artists including the Zombies and Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66. As part of a medley, the Letterman’s version reached number 2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1967.

Known as the French Mozart, François-Adrien Boieldieu lived from 1775 to 1834. He is mostly famous for his operas. He was born in Rouen, where he wrote his first works. During the Reign of Terror, Rouen was of the few French cities to maintain its musical life. During the revolutionary period, he went to Paris and worked as a piano tuner until he had his first big hit in 1800: The Caliph of Bagdad. Today's edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion features three wind-band arrangements to the overtures of three of Boieldieu’s operas.

This edition features music from the 1950s. Today's episode opens with recordings of Ray Anthony and His Orchestra. Anthony was born in 1922 and was a trumpeter, big-band leader, songwriter, and even an actor. During WW II, he joined the Navy and played in Glenn Miller's military big band. During the 1950s, he appeared in several movies, including one in which he portrayed Jimmy Dorsey. One of his biggest hits was his 1953 recording of the "Dragnet" theme, originally composed for a radio show.

Considered by some to the successor to John Philip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on New Year’s Day, 1878. When his father died, Edwin, his mother, and his siblings moved to New York City, where the family had musical connections. Edwin’s grandfather was a professional classical pianist. Edwin started taking trumpet lessons when he was 9 years old and eventually played in the Metropolitan Opera’s orchestra with his uncle, the concert master.