Search - Glenn Miller :: In a Digital Mood

Buy it for the booklet and not the music

Jeffrey J. Karpinski | King of Prussia, PA United States | 10/05/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"My number-one question is, Why did they bother to produce a recording by studio musicians who, regardless of their abilities, don't really have a feel for the Miller sound? The music is technically perfect, but lacking not just the "soul" of the original orchestra but even that of the follow-on bands led by Ray McKinley, Tex Beneke, and Larry O'Brien. Anyone who wants to hear the TRUE Miller sound would be much better served by buying any of the dozens of albums available by the original civilian and AAF orchestras. The sheer number that are for sale, some 60 years on, are a far greater tribute to Glenn Miller's talent than is this CD.I did assign 3 stars, primarily for the accompanying booklet. It goes far beyond the normal recitations of Miller's life and tragic disappearance, providing insights into his personality along with a treasure trove of little-known facts. For example, how many fans are aware that he authored a reference book about arranging techniques, or that "In the Mood" was originally titled "Tar Paper Stomp"?Unfortunately even the booklet is not without its problems. There are at least a half-dozen major factual errors, including an entire paragraph referring to Skip MARTIN, rather than Skip NELSON, as the vocalist who followed Ray Eberle in the final months of the civilian band's existence. Yes, there was a Skip Martin in the band as well, but he played sax for a while around 1940 - hardly the same role or time frame. If the music were better I might excuse the gaffes, but I can't."

Don't Do It!

hop on pop | 02/08/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Glenn Miller had several great bands. This is not one of them.

These have to be the most soulless, sterile, uninspiring versions of these songs available. Yeah, it was recorded digitally, but so what? Everything sounds close-miked and unbalanced. Did the drummer on these tracks ever even HEAR an original Miller recording?? Man...way off.

Could have been a good idea, but badly executed. The 15-track Greatest Hits CD (RCA), on the other hand, is remastered with care and sounds a lot better than this plastic recording, Hi-Fi

or not."

Big Band Swing in the Digital Age

Douglas W. Peschka | Olathe, KS USA | 08/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Big Band Sound LIVES! For years I have listened to a cassette recording of the vinyl "Glenn Miller: Pure Gold" whenever the Big Band mood struck me.



It's a breath of fresh air to ehar these great songs freshly recorded by a new generation of musicians populating the on-going Glenn Miller Orchestra.



"String Of Pearls" has always been a favorite of mine, and here it's updated very well.



I miss the vocal of Ray Eberle on "At Last", but here the band still serves up a fine instrumental rendition of a great love song.



"Pennsylvania 6-5000" retains the telephone ring, with a fun touch-tone thrown in at the end.



"Moonlight Serenade" has never sounded better.



I did not grow up during the original Big Band heyday - my parents did.

I'm a child of Rock & Roll, and I always will be. But my old man turned me on to some cool jams from his youth, too.



As somebody once said, "Back then, recording techniques were in their infancy. But today - WE can record music as it IS - as YOU hear it!

Crisp and clear with every note as bright as the stars in the eyes of the lady you're dancing with!"



Yeah. That says it, man!



Buy this CD, and dig how cool the Big Band Sound really is!



"