Review Text
ABOUT THE CD A Tribute to the Big Bands and Singers The Big Band era claims the late 1930s through the 1940s as the zenith of it's 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. 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 MAKING THE CD The master for "Ballroom Memories" was cut November 16 and 17, 2003, at Catamount Recording in Cedar Falls, Iowa, one of the Midwest's finest recording studios. Bill's daughter, Nola, flew in from Nashville over the Thanksgiving week-end to record her solo and her duet with Bill over the tracks previously laid down by the band. Bill also added his trombone solos to the mix that week-end. ABOUT BILL SHEPHERD Dedicated Educator, Professional Musician Bill's love of music as a child led to his life-long career -- teaching, and his avocation -- playing trombone. The two will be forever intertwined. After graduating from Carrollton High School, Bill earned his BA and MFA degrees in music from Ohio University. He served as high school band director at McConnelsville, Sandy Valley, Wellington and Wooster, producing outstanding concert bands which were consistently received superior ratings in Ohio Music Educators competitions. His high school marching bands were featured at many college football games and presented special half-time programs at professional football games of the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers. While teaching music in Ohio's public schools, Bill was elected Ohio State Chairman of the American Band Directors Association and served on that grou
