Format Details:
Release Date: 21 July 2003
Label: Jasmine Records
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 604988039924
Description
50 track compilation of studio recording made by big band leader Billy May and His Orchestra, between 1951 and 1953.
Billy May was born in 1916 in Pittsburgh, a city that produced a wealth of jazz musicians. At school he learned to play the tuba, trombone and trumpet. He took a keen interest in musical arranging and earned a little extra money by transcribing arrangements from recordings which he then sold to local band leaders. After a career with local bands, he joined Charlie Barnet in 1939 as an arranger and provided Barnet with many hit arrangements. When Charlie wanted to expand his trumpet section, Billy was the natural choice as he was on the spot and he knew the band's arrangements. His talent resulted in his move to Glenn Miller in 1941 where he again provided a string of hit arrangements as well as many notable trumpet solos. When Miller disbanded his orchestra to join the US Army Air Force, Billy jobbed around New York before heading west to California to await his own draft into the Armed Forces. He was found to be medically unfit and looked for work locally.
Tracklisting
Tommy Hunt
Kay Barry / Maureen Evans
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Johnnie Ray
Eddie Cochran
Various Artists
Billie Holiday
Charlie Applewhite
Klaus Gesing, Ana Pilat, Latvian Radio Big Band
Maria Schneider
Maria Schneider
Danish Radio Big Band
Sadness
Hackney Colliery Band
Etienne Charles & Creole Orchestra
Peter Vuust & Aarhus Jazz Orchestra
