[Trombone-l] Earl Needham

[Bonemaster]

Happy Birthday, Earl!

-----Original Message-----
From: trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu
[mailto:trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu]On Behalf Of
michael.purdy at comcast.net
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 4:17 PM
To: Wayne Dyess; Trombone List
Subject: Re: [Trombone-l] Pete Peterson's Jazz Orchestra


For sure Eric Swanson was on the 5th chair.  He's a long time lister and a
rock solid staple of the Dallas Music scene.  Most likely the lead player
was Keith Adkins.  Keith is one of the most amazing lead players I've ever
heard and doesn't need to play jazz solos to establish himself as a MVP in
any section.  The inside players could be any one of numerous Dallas stars
but I would guess that perhaps Greg Waits might have been in the line up if
he was in town.

I had the distinct pleasure of being a "tolerated" sub in the PPJO when I
was in Dallas from the late 80's to the very early '90's.  I would  have to
say that the times I played w/ them were some of the most joyous and
intimidating gigs I've ever played.  This band was, and I am sure still is,
a juggernaut of jazz that deserves much wider recognition nationally.

Hello to the guys from up here in Philly if you are on the list.  (Pete, my
wife still plays the bass clarinet we bought from you - smile).

Mike


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Wayne Dyess <texastbone at gt.rr.com>
> 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
>
>
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