"The mating of Glenn Miller's magnificent music with Ray McKinley's very special talents began long before he lead the band. It started as sort of a mutual admiration and culminated many years later in Ray's taking over Glenn's wonderful AAF dance band when Major Miller was lost in action during World War II.
Ray McKinley first met Miller when they played together from time to time in the old Ben Pollack band and then worked together in the Miller Army Air Forces band up to the time of Glenn's disappearance over the English Channel in 1944.
There were several attempts in the past to recreate the Miller style with bands led by Tex Beneke, Ralph Flanagan, Ray Anthony and Jerry Gray. But the elusive quality that made Miller's name a sweet and swing byword in the late '30s and early '40s never was entirely captured. Ray was one of the most sought-after drummers and most respected band leaders in the history of the business.":
I picked up this CD years ago. It's obviously a bootleg of a concert outside the USA and most likely from 1956. There's some sound distortion at times, but it's a wonderful memory of the decade when McKinley fronted this terrific orchestra.
Track One: In the Mood, Rhapsody in Blue, Kalamazoo, Volga Boatmen, Hot Diggity, American Patrol, Easy to Love, Laura, Pennsylvania 6-500.
Track Two: Don't Take Your Love From Me, I'm in Love Again, Bugle Call Rag, Stardust, The Lonely One, Hallelujah I Love Her So, When Your Lover Has Gone, Chattanooga, Anvil Chorus, Moonlight Serenade.
Lenny Hambro, the fine lead alto man on Ray's own band in the early 50's is featured prominently.
Enjoy!
Terrific and totally new to me.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks.
Algy.