Los Angeles Big Band 1

What do Kelsey Grammar, Rod Stewart, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20/Santana, Tony Bennett, Michael McDonald, John Travolta, Neil Diamond, Shirley Jones, Bob & Delores Hope, Rosemary Clooney and Sarah Vaughan have in common? The answer? They, and many others, have utilized the services of one of the most versatile Los Angeles Big Band in Los Angeles and in the country.

Acting as a top flight backup to vocalists, the leader of this Los Angeles Big Band also offers a broad range of entertaining and dance music. His Big Band is one of a kind in that many of its musicians have been members since its inception. A look at his history will tell you why...

Los Angeles Big Band leader

Though his initial career was banking, as a gifted saxophonist/clarinetist, he decided to focus on music full-time and joined the renowned Harry James Band when big bands were in full swing. After three years with James, along with Harry's blessing, he formed this Los Angeles Big Band. His first recording propelled the driven leader and his all-star lineup into major clubs, ballrooms and concert halls around the country.

Los Angeles Big Band recordings

Being aware of ever-changing trends, and offering a variety of styles, there followed several more notable recordings: one of this Los Angeles Big Band albums produced by Lincoln Mayorga, increased airplay by 1000+ radio stations. A second Mayorga collaboration which included vocalist Frank Sinatra Jr. was a dedication to the legendary arranger Billy May. It featured tributes by a number of America's top arrangers.

Another CD of this Los Angeles Big Band also features arrangements by some of the best, including Billy May, Sammy Nestico and Billy Byers. Sinatra Jr. is again the vocalist this time around. His latest recording is a Latin/Jazz tour de force which was produced by the late Sid Bulkin... who was Vic Damone's drummer and close friend for over 20 years.

"About 4 years ago, my late friend and manager, Sid ..decided that we should record a jazz album in a Latin Groove. We started out with 4 charts penned by top arrangers, went in the recording studio and laid down the tracks. These were "Manteca", Artistry In Rhythm", "In a Samba Mode" and "Rhapsody In Blue". Sid and I were so excited about the outcome, that Sid decided to send the four finished tracks to his former boss, singer, and friend Vic Damone. Vic said that Rhapsody In Blue" should win a grammy and the entire band should be on stage when televised. He asked Sid,"How can I get Involved?. well we needed at least $15,000.00 to finish the recording, and we already had $8,500 in the project.

To make a long story short, we had the check from Vic within the next few days....so Vic Damone and the leader of this Los Angeles Big Band are Executive Producers, and Sidney is the Producer. They have received fantastic reviews! That's how the recording got off the ground."

This Los Angeles Big Band has made many stops. It has performed at The Vintage Club, The Academy Awards Governors Ball, New Years Eve Gala at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion... along with famed conductor Zubin Mehta and the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, Caesar's Palace and The Golden Nugget. It continues to provide the music for all the Boy Scouts of America events as well.

This Los Angeles Big Band music also takes to the friendly skies as a part of United Airlines in-flight programming, as well as being a prominent feature in the hit series "The Sopranos" with his rendition of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are". This Los Angeles Big Band truly swings and draws ten of thousands to dance floors across the country. Zubin Mehta has this to say... "America's finest art form, the Big Band, makes this Hollywood Big Band most decidedly a national treasure."