By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WAS IT the words or the music? The singer or the band?
It’s part of music’s mystery that throws up partnerships that seem like they should click and those that actually do.
The synchronicity between Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra was one that saw the singer’s career blossom and the band become more successful than ever.
That legacy now falls to musical director Terry Myers who compares the best of the big band era with classical music.
“There will always be people who still appreciate the great classics. I think it’s the validity of the music that ensure it doesn’t die,” Myers says.
“While the time where big bands were at the top of the pop charts has long since passed, there are still musicians playing in them and people listening to them.
“As we travel around, usually after every performance people want to chat with me about big bands.
“It’s aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to be part of large group playing really good arrangements and playing them well.
“There’s a precision in a band of that nature that is necessary to be valid as a big band.”
Good organisation and great arrangements are at the heart of a successful big band, Myers believes.
“We’re fortunate to be playing the Tommy Dorsey library as well as some additional material, following the work of some of best arrangers who have ever lived,” Myers enthuses.
“Plus we have a band full of wonderful musicians to play them.”
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra celebrates the 100th anniversary of the legendary Frank Sinatra in 2015 with a series of commemorative centennial concert events.
Direct from the USA, the concert stars The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, appearing for the first time ever in Australia – the band that made Frank Sinatra a star.
The concert features one of America’s finest singers from the Frank Sinatra songbook, Bryan Anthony, along with 20 musicians, singers and dancers performing all the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra’s hits in a sentimental journey down memory lane.
In big band history, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognised as one of the best all-around dance bands.
The Tommy Dorsey Big Band plays Costa Hall on 11 October. Phone 5225 1210 for bookings.
GEELONG Independent is giving away five double passes to The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at Costa Hall, celebrating the Frank Sinatra 100th anniversary.
To enter visit the Independent’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.
