Bob is one of my musical idols, and I regret never having been able to see him live. Thank you so much for posting this. It's also really neat to see some of the current/recent guard (like John Mosca) back when they were in their 20s & 30s!
What a treat! Brookmeyer has long been one of my favorite players and writers, who only got better with age; Mel played drums on many of my favorite recordings, and with Thad, led the last of the truly great big bands.
It’s simply wonderful to see this footage of one of the greatest bands of all time led by one of the greatest drummers of all time rehearsing an arrangement by one of the greatest composer/ arrangers of all time. I’ve always tried visualizing the band playing the entire “Make Me Smile” album - one of my all-time favourites. To see this footage is like a dream come true. Thank you very much for sharing 😄
beautiful arrangement and lovely way to set this up where the fans viewing got to see how it all works great mel was in a class by himself as a drummer and leader
The Making of a Song, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra, August 1, 1981, ABC/Arts; 30 Min; Documents the making of Bob Brookmeyer's arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" with the Mel Lewis band. Recorded at the Village Vanguard, New York.
Wonderful to see Bob at work again! What a band!
Never gets old, does it?
Bob is one of my musical idols, and I regret never having been able to see him live. Thank you so much for posting this. It's also really neat to see some of the current/recent guard (like John Mosca) back when they were in their 20s & 30s!
Bob! One of my heroes; thanks for posting!!
What a treat! Brookmeyer has long been one of my favorite players and writers, who only got better with age; Mel played drums on many of my favorite recordings, and with Thad, led the last of the truly great big bands.
Superb upload! THANKS. 😁😁😁
Thank you so much for sharing this!
You are so welcome!
It’s simply wonderful to see this footage of one of the greatest bands of all time led by one of the greatest drummers of all time rehearsing an arrangement by one of the greatest composer/ arrangers of all time. I’ve always tried visualizing the band playing the entire “Make Me Smile” album - one of my all-time favourites. To see this footage is like a dream come true. Thank you very much for sharing 😄
Kudos to Michael Stephans for posting this, and for all of his dedicated work on Brookmeyer's behalf.
Thanks for your kind words, Bill.
beautiful arrangement and lovely way to set this up where the fans viewing got to see how it all works
great mel was in a class by himself as a drummer and leader
This is brilliant. Thanks for posting it.
My pleasure!
The Making of a Song, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra, August 1, 1981,
ABC/Arts; 30 Min; Documents the making of Bob Brookmeyer's arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" with the Mel Lewis band. Recorded at the Village Vanguard, New York.
good to see him, one of the greatest jazz musician. And lots of great memories. 10:55
glad you enjoyed it.
rare gem
Mel Lewis drumming on the Stan Kenton LP 'Kenton in Hi Fi' is truly wonderful.
What does Bob mean when he keeps saying things like: give me bar 30 major???