Battle Of The Bands - Glenn Miller/Tommy Dorsey

Advantages: A composer well versed in the art of romantic music.
Disadvantages: He died over 60 years ago, so no more new songs.

...Glenn Miller was the best of his era, and the Moonlight Serenade was one of many popular songs of his immortalised in the movie, The Glenn Miller Story. Although many people think of the Big Band Era as hokey, squeakey clean, and outdated, the music is timeless and it can still be found selling at the record stores. Other artists are continually doing covers of his music, and every once in a while a Miller composition shows up in a movie score. Most of Miller's music was composed for his band to play without a singer. Later, words were added to his tunes, but I think the music can stand alone on its own merit. Moonlight Serenade, String Of Pearls, Little Brown Jug...the list goes on. And one has to wonder how Miller's music may have progressed if he were not killed in WWII. It's a shame that we'll never know.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: great big band music
Disadvantages: none

...The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK was founded by Ray McVay in the 80's . This was done after talks with the Glenn Miller Estate, who had listened to many of Ray McVay's tracks. Who is Ray McVay? Ray McVay was born in the late 30's in Scotland. He became a professional musician at the tender age of 13 as a rocking sax player. In the 50's he became a music director for many big names such as Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Conway Twitty and Billy Fury. As Rays name got bigger and better known in the music industry, and fronted his own show band known as the Ray McVay Orchestra. He started to play for the Mecca Organization playing around the country before headlining at Mecca's big venue, the Lyceum Ballroom in London's west end.. Ray McVay then became a household name in the UK when he was featured on the TV series Come... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lots of tasteful Miller arrangements, band vitality
Disadvantages: Needs more female vocals

...the groovy sax riffs! I think you'll enjoy this on the veranda with a gin and melon cocktail, dreaming of those far off halcyon days with the Boys in Blue! Nice songs, nice vocals, nice sound, nice band, nice easeeeeee list'nin'!!!! Cheers all round, Major Miller.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful