The Big Band Reunion
Featuring vocalist Michael Drake
Sat. July 12xxxxxxxx$28

In the old days they were called territory bands. Bands that were rooted in a certain geographic area, and understandably developing their own unique personality. The Fox Valley’s own Big Band Reunion is such a band, owing it's immediately recognizable sound to tight section work and some of the best soloists west of the Manitowoc Ferry. It’s almost unheard of these days that even a small jazz band can keep a regular gig for more than a couple years. The sixteen piece BBR has been dug in and wailing every Tuesday (Oct-May) at Frank’s Pizza Parlor in Appleton now for eleven years! - as well as performing at many clubs, concert halls and jazz fests for over sixteen years. Like a really hip oasis this musical organization has given many a thirsty jazz traveler the needed juice to re-charge the jazz electrolytes. Their two Cds - “Live At Frank’s Place” with vocalist Janet Planet and their most recent, “One For Jeannie” are all out excursions into swing.

This is the classic big band in the tradition of Basie-Ellington-Herman-Kenton-Lunceford, with a little Mingus, Maynard and Mambo thrown in for good measure. Don’t think that this band is an oldy-moldy anachronism though. When these guys (and gals) squeeze onto the Fox Note stage with their various mutes, flutes and accouterments, set up their sections in typical pyramidal formation, and come out roaring with a chart called “Count Bubba’s Revenge” - they mean business. They come to play. Says band leader Bob Levy... "If you have never heard big band jazz in a small club - be prepared to be swept away by the sheer raw power that this music generates. This is the way it’s meant to be heard”.

Performing with the Big Band Reunion this evening will be trumpeter/vocalist/composer Michael Drake.

Growing up on salsa, jazz and funk Drake was prominent in Milwaukee in the 70s and 80s in the city’s active fusion scene but also played with many local Latin musicians. Says Michael...“I always gravitated toward Latin rhythms. When it comes time for me to write my own music, I find that I understand Latin music better than anything else. It was the path of least resistance for me.”  Michael’s imaginative writing, playing and entertainment style is a perfect fit with the high energy-good times credo of the BBR.

Classic charts, smart original compositions, great singing, and seventeen swinging jazzmen in a small intimate club- what a package!

Sponsored by: Paul Metcalf and Lake Realty
                       Lehner Law Office

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