The Glenn Miller Story is an excellent movie. Glenn Miller (James Stewart) is a struggling trombone player who aspires to write his own arrangements and to be a band leader. He also has a girl, although she doesn't know it that he met in college, Helen Burger (June Allyson) and a friend, piano player Chummy (Harry Morgan) that he often plays with it. They eventually go on tour together, but Glen Miller still wants to develop "that sound." He moves to New York to find it, but a couple years later he still hasn't and takes work playing in the orchestra on Broadway. He invites Burger to come to New York to get married and so she does. Burger is good at saving money, and when Miller decides it is time, she has the money put aside to give him a start. But he still hasn't found the sound, even though they are opening with a big band. The trumpet soloist cracks his lip, and they bring in a clarinet to play the solo part, and find the sound. That is the start of a very prosperous career. When WWII comes, Miller wants to do his part. While in Europe, flying to set up a performance, he dies in a plane crash. I didn't know Glen Miller passed away in the war. He and Helen had two children they had adopted.
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Sunday, August 23, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Music Review: Chicago: Night and Day: Big Band (1996)
Chicago: Night and Day: Big Band, Chicago Records, 1996.
This is Chicago in a different light. They participated in a TV special for Duke Ellington, and the idea for a big band album was thus hatched. They in fact sing three Ellington songs on the CD. Other composers include Glen Miller, Cole Porter, Joe Garland and Fabian André. I enjoyed all the songs except for the last "Take the 'A' Train." This song descended into chaos. However "Dream a Little Dream," "In the Mood," :Sing, Sing Sing," and "Night and Day" are all very nice. Chicago having many parts easily covers the big band feel. Regular Chicago members Robert Lamm, Jacob Scheff and Bill Champlin provide the vocals. This album has many instrumental sections like most of their music.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Christmas Music Review: The Joy of Christmas
For me the crowning number is Julie Andrews singing "Deck the Halls." Her's is a voice that is very appealing and I enjoy listening to her. It makes me smile to listen to her. Other noteworthy numbers include Harry Belafonte and "Silent Night." His rendition is very spiritual and very simple with guitar and violin accompaniment. His voicePerry Como sings "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and John Gary "The Christmas Song." There is also "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano and "Jingle Bells" with Glen Miller and his Orchestra. These two songs really pick up the pace.

