I read a book about Glenn Miller and there was an interesting anecdote that was probably more funny looking back at it. On one trip, his band was flying to a destination for a performance, and the drums and upright bass were stored in the bomb hatch, if that's the right term. The drummer and the bassist decided to ride with their instruments on that particular flight. After they landed, they learned that the doors to the hatch were actually open and the only thing supporting them was a sheet of plywood. :red:
What would have the Berliners thought if the Allies had started dropping musical instruments on them .. :silly:
I really want to find a recording of that particular band Miller had overseas. The book said that being enlisted, the musicians rehearsed much more than they would have as civilians, I think because the union rates would have been very expensive for that much rehearsal time. I think if any band member's going to get into trouble, it will be the drummer. i:
Ha ha yes we have drummer jokes here in the UK too, the land that brought the world Keith Moon... :lol: Anyway this is interesting, these recordings seem to be available. See this from Wikipedia: EDIT: Just to add this on the disappearance, was news to me, also from Wikipedia:
That is very interesting about his disappearance. The book is actually called "Next To A Letter From Home" and there's mention of Victor Feldman jamming with the Miller band on drums. I think he was 15 at the time. This was the same Victor Feldman who played on the Steely Dan album "Aja." I was surprised to learn someone who played with Miller also played with Steely Dan, although they definitely have jazz influences, too.
I love listening to Glen Miller and have exposed my kids to as much music from that time period as possible. It's so much nicer than what they listen to today!