In The Christmas Mood
In The Christmas Mood II
In The Nutcracker Mood
It’s over a half century since the immortal Glenn Miller disappeared just before Christmas on December 15, 1944. His Orchestra, in the too-short run under his personal leadership, had officially recorded only one Christmas song (“Jingle Bells," October 20, 1941). Dedicated fans around the world are certain that, had he lived through World War II, he would have recorded a complete album of the best-loved music of the holiday season.
These 3 recordings were produced by this outstanding group of professional musicians, all contributing to the continuation of the Glenn Miller tradition and the joy of the music heard during the Christmas season year after year, all around the world.
Once again…the “sound” and the “swing” of the Glenn Miller sound of the Forties…the songs and holiday joys of Christmas…another celebration by dedicated alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
The first recording, “In The Christmas Mood”, was released in 1991. It was so successful that a second recording, “In The Christmas Mood II," was produced and later released in 1993. By the close of the Christmas season of 1996, “In The Christmas Mood,” received a Platinum Record Award (sales exceeded 1,000,000 units) and “In The Christmas Mood II,” received a Gold Record Award (sales exceeded 500,000 units) and to date, all three recordings have sold over 4,000,000 units.
For the first recording, a list of desirable players was compiled. There were a few requisites -- musicians had to be working currently; only alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra would be recruited; each individual had to have recognized and outstanding talent; each veteran had to be able to take a leave-of-absence from his current “gig”; and, of course, be available to come to New York City to record.
The reaction from each and every alumnus called was immediate, “Of course! Count me in. When? Where?” So they came from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Michigan, Florida, Rochester, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Sydney, Australia to join the players already in New York City.
The average age of this band at the time of the Nutcracker recording was about 50. The length of time each player performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra ranges from a little as 6 months to well over 10 years. As close as we could figure, the experience of this band recreating the authentic Miller “sound” is well over 100 years!
IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD -- 21 Christmas standards that were around when Glenn was still alive and more recent compositions he might have recorded if he had not been lost. Plus a brand-new contribution, by members of this group - the title song of the album. 65 minutes of musical memories, of good cheer.
IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD II -- 44 more minutes of Holiday music with the most enduring “sound’ of the Swing Era Big Bands.
IN THE NUTCRACKER MOOD -- Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite plus many more Christmas standards. Another 40 minutes of the most enduring “sound’ of the Swing Era Big Bands arranged and performed by dedicated alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
This 3 CD collection arranged and performed by alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra,
each musician certain that Glenn Miller would have recorded these albums….if only he had had the time. This is music that will live forever. Orchestral and vocal magnificence! Gratification! Enjoy!
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Saxes:
Ralph Olson Lead Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
Lee Lachman Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
Mark Vinci Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
Frank Perowsky Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
Richy Barz Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
Trumpets: Tom Snelson
Ken Brader
John Hoffman
Dale Thompson
Trombones:
Larry O’Brien
Eric Culver
Randy Purcell
Dennis Good
Piano: Don Edmonds
Bass: Lanny Fields
Guitar: Jay Patten
Drums: Danny D’Imperio
The Moonlight Serenaders:
Annette Sanders, Jackie Prestie, Al Dana, Dave Ragaini, Lenny Roberts
Executive Producer: WBLT, L.L.C.
Produced By: Richy Barz, Dale Thompson & Dave Wolpe
Recording Engineer: Jim Czak
Assistant Engineer: Bill Moss
Recorded and Mixed at Nola Recording Studio - New York City, NY
A very special thanks goes to Charles DeStefano., President of Glenn Miller Productions, Inc. If it were not for his cooperation, support and understanding, theses projects would never have become a reality.
This recording is dedicated to Richard and Katheleen Wilhoyte in recognition of their never ending support, dedication and love of Glenn Miller music and those musicians who have performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra throughout the years.
Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Moonlight Serenaders are registered trademarks licensed by special permission from Glenn Miller Productions, Inc.