In The Nutcracker Mood - Glenn Miller Orchestra

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. This recording was 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 under the LaserLight label 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 recordings, 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. Almost all of the musicians performing on all three of these recordings, are the same. The only differences are the piano player for the first recording, and trombonist, Larry O’Brien, the current leader of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, was unable to make the second recording due to being on tour. Larry is noticeably back on the 3rd recording as evidenced by his beautiful trombone solo on Toyland. 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! What is their motivation? Dedication? Commitment? Familiarity? Feeling? Lasting enthusiasm? Wish fulfillment? A reunion of great music with great musicians who are all friends? A celebration of the past and present? The answer is definitely “all of the above!”. The quality of the music and musicianship on these recordings speaks for itself! 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! In The Nutcracker Mood – The Glenn Miller Orchestra Saxes: Ralph Olson Lead Clarinet, Alto Saxophone & Flute Lee Lachman Clarinet, Alto Saxophone & Piccolo 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: Tony Monte Bass: Lanny Fields Guitar: Jay Patten* Drums: Danny D’Imperio The Moonlight Serenaders: Annette Sanders, Arlene Martell, Al Dana, Paul Evans, Kevin DiSimone *Tom Snelson & Dale Thompson are Yamaha Performing Artists *Jay Patten plays Epiphone Guitars Executive Producer: WBLT, L.L.C. Produced By: Richy Barz, Dale Thompson, Dave Wolpe