Came across this video of the Concord Blue Devils (they are a college Drum and Bugle corps). Apparently they did a whole tribute to BB music. Here's a clip of their rehearsal for "I Say a Little Prayer." You'll note on the YouTube sidebar clips for other Burt tunes done by them.
Re: Fascinating! Burt and the Blue Devils
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:06 pm
by Blair N. Cummings
Steve, what this immediately evoked in me, thanks to the marimba parts, was the similar sound of all of those steel drummers around midtown 30 years ago. Granted, they usually weren`t playing Bacharach material, but they and the scent of (literally) roasting chestnuts and the December chill on the streets were a memorable part of NYC life back then. (I know; I`m off topic again).
Re: Fascinating! Burt and the Blue Devils
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 9:14 am
by Steve Schenck
Blair, there is still December chill in the air, and the sweet smell of roasting chestnuts. I was in Manhattan yesterday, and while I didn't hear any marimbas or steel drums in mid-town, the rest of the Christmas feel was present in force. A blessed New Year for you and yours. steve
Re: Fascinating! Burt and the Blue Devils
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:11 pm
by Blair N. Cummings
Thank you, Steve.
Another memory of, as it happens, exactly thirty years ago this week is that of the late, great trumpet player Benny Bailey leading a quintet that included the late, great sax player, Charlie Rouse at the Vanguard. I don`t know if you`re much of a jazz fan but if you are you know that those were among the last days one could see irreplaceable masters such as they as well as Dizzy Gillespie, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra...I could wear out my keyboard listing them. They were all still playing the clubs and you didn`t have to starve yourself for a week to see them. We won`t see their likes again and I know Burt appreciated them,too.