Search - Glenn Miller :: Swinging Mood

A Mess of Miller

David F. Donahue | Buffalo, Wyoming, USA | 07/12/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"First, let me say this is NOT a disc for Glenn Miller enthusiasts. As a GM buff for over 40 years, I know and I can't think of anyone who would be enthusiastic about this trip into "never-never land". The CD has no liner notes; no NOTHING, Nada, Zippo! It's a real Balkan Mixed Grill as to who is playing at any given time. The first number, "A String of Pearls", was apparently recorded in an echo chamber with only half the echo showing up; plenty of brass, but reeds sound like they're playing from some place in Panama. "Falling Leaves" leaves one totally guessing as to whether Glenn is turning to the right or left in his grave. Some of the tracks, like "Caribbean Clipper" and "Sun Valley Jump" are genuine Miller as evidenced by the clicking, popping and scratching going on from the record player being used to transfer the music onto disc. This is a wild guess, but some of the numers, like "Song of the Volga Boatman" and "Anvil Chorus" may possibly be from Ray McKinley's GM band of the 50"s, but I wouldn't bet the house on it. "Lover" and "My Love For You" is definitely from a Tex Beneke broadcast. "Seven-O-Five" is actually from a GMAAF Band aircheck. "Serenade in Blue" may kinda, sorta, maybe be Ray Anthony, then again, it may be Ralph Flannigan, but who knows? Possibly Larry O'Brian and the boys made "Danny Boy" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo"(non-vocal version)or it may have been that Dutch "Glenn Miller" Ork from Amsterdam, but by now I am beyond caring. So,in summation, unless you are attempting to gain immortality in the Guiness World of Records as "Having Every Record, Tape, and CD of Glenn Miller's Music (and those who copied him)", my advice is to forget this one."