[Trombone-l] Pete Peterson's Jazz Orchestra

[Wayne Dyess]

Hey guys and gals.

Did anyone happen to play on Pete Peterson's Jazz Collection big band  
Tuesday night in the Dallas area?  Arlington, I believe it was.  If  
so, I'd like to hear about the event.  If you know who was in the  
bone section, please post that.  I'm interested.

Here is a note I got from a big band leader friend of mine from the  
Tyler area who attended.  Ray played with one of the pro touring  
bands back in the 40s.  Nice guy.  Here is his review of the Tuesday  
performance:

--Wayne

======
(snip)
Yes, we found out that it was not at the Hilton, where it had been  
for quite a while, but at the Sheraton (where Pete had emailed that  
it was to be). Most of the guys hadn't even SEEN each other for at  
least a couple of years, and it was affecting to see the obvious  
affection with which they greeted each other.

Pete made sure that I was aware that this was the "first-string", and  
we mostly knew that from our own past history.  We knew most of the  
the guys   -  mostly, except a couple of bones.  The saxes were maybe  
the best I've ever heard them. Every one of them (except Pete) is a  
REALLY good soloist, with an obvious desire for the section to be  
"right". Randy Lee, the lead alto  -- I can't decide whether he's a  
better lead man or soloist.  Both A one! 2nd alto, Tim Ishii (who has  
the jazz program at UT at Arlington), is great.  Pete Brewer (one of  
the jazz tenors) has been with the group  -- when it functions -- for  
a long time, and is wonderful. Chris McGuire may be even better than  
Pete.  And Pete P. honks along happily, and is an effective emcee.

The trumpets, led by Jay Saunders (former Herman and Kenton, now an  
instructor at NTSU) leads that section like Conrad Gozzo used to with  
the original Herd  -- except that they all play lead at various  
times.  They shift around back there like young puppies nursing, but  
when the chart calls for really powerful, really high, really "take  
charge" -- Jay is in the lead "chair". All soloists there, too.

I just can't remember all the bones' names.  Really good lead player  
(who never solos) and an outstanding 5th bone (and tuba). Two jazz  
guys -- one who plays the "Emily"solo part.  They play a unison thing  
that is basically impossible -- and they all play it.  And I -- who  
is not noted for not hearing wrong notes -- didn't hear a damned  
one!!! Virtually an impossibility..  He also has 4 French horns in  
the lineup who even have some syncopation which they accomplish.

I wish you had been there.  I recalled the PtA event, with Bill  
Rogers, which he happily recalled, along with your having been there.  
Sunny enjoyed it as much (but in a different way) as I did, which  
makes for a VERY happy situation. She's a good buddy of Pete's, too.
(snip)

Wayne Dyess
The Night & Day Orchestra
http://www.ndotex.com
Lamar University-Beaumont, Texas
Professor of Music