On Sunday evening I got to use my birthday present from my younger son and his wife - tickets to a concert by the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK in Buxton. They couldn't have come up with anything better for me. I discovered Glenn Miller when I was about 13 in the midst of all the Tamla Motown era - I was and still am a big fan of The Temptations and Marvin Gaye etc - and I can't really remember how I came across his music now. I've been a huge Miller enthusiast ever since though and have a fairly big collection of CDs, LPs (do you all remember those!?) and tapes.
I very often do my housework to the strains of Chattanooga ChooChoo, In the Mood etc etc. One of my favourites is String of Pearls though, hence the title of this post and the photo at the top. I inherited the pearls from my dear mother-in-law and don't wear them that often but thought this was the perfect occasion for them. The band was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening out especially the rendition of Tuxedo Junction which was the best bit of the whole thing as far as I'm concerned. The last photo is of me wearing the pearls and looking rather pensive! I am a bear of very little brain tonight so the continuation of the Sussex story will have to wait until I'm feeling rather more awake.
12 comments:
I love big bands in general, but Glen Miller was a great bandsman, along with Nelson Riddle whose compositions are just amazing. Glad you had a great night, it looked lots of fun!
I grew up to Glen Miller music too. In the mid 60's I danced (not very well) to the Sid Lawrence big band orchestra at Trentham Gardens. It was brilliant. String of Pearls always gives me goosebumps! Glad you enjoyed your evening.
Rowan,
Nice photo; You are a very handsome woman Rowan..
Glen Miller??? What a thrill. Lucky you!!!! I'm happy you had a good time.
Glen Miller, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey are favorites of mine also. When ever I need to improve my mood I listen to the big band boys, and that does the trick.
Of course I remember LP's. Two years ago my middle son gave my a new crosley victrola for Christmas so I could play all my old records.
I have satellite radio in my car and most days listen to 40's music to and from work.
Have a great day, it's a treat writing with you.
rel
My late father adored Glen Millar so I grew up around his music, there is just something about it isn't there. I love to hear it. You sound as though you had a great night out.
Nice to see your beautiful and smiling face :-)
I grew up listening to Big Band music. And yes, I do remember LP's! In fact one of my first records was a 78 RPM!!
Glenn Miller had such a smooth sound. I love how you incorporated the string of pearls that you wore, with the music. And you look lovely in the photo.
The painting of the women dancing is by Elizabeth Stanhope Forbes, as is the painting of the lady in the red dress on the posting before that. Her husband was also an artist, and they are part of the Newlyn School, Cornwall from the beginning of 1900's. A group of artist's I am very fond of and of which there is a lovey collection of their work in Penzance, art gallery.
I can't find out the artist of the girl looking into the fire, I thought someone might recognize it. I only have the title.
My parents used to listen to Glenn Miller all the time so I grew up with his music. How fun you got to hear his music in such a pleasant way.
You look beautiful !
Rowan, I used to sing (not well) and play the flute in a swing band. "String of Pearls" was our big number...(perhaps because I wasn't singing, oh dear!) I love swing! I noticed that Glenn Miller tribute band are doing the rounds - they're in my town next week!
I love listening to 40s and big band music, and sometimes listen to the Swinging Standards channel on our satelite tv. I grew up listing to Glen Miller, along with other things (like the RAF Marching Band and classical music).
Funny story. My son, when he was young, would listen to almost any type of music but would beg me NOT to put on Glen Miller. Now, he and his girlfriend have different tastes in music and the only thing they can agree to listen to is ... you got it ... Glen Miller!!!
I remember going to see a big band live once and I was amazed at the energy in the room, it was fantastic and I hope to repeat the experience some day.
Jackie in ON
Oh, I grew up in London, during WWII, and near the beginning of the war we (a sister and I) were in a hospital near Aylesbury. Except for three little girls, the facility had been turned over to the Air Force, for airmen with serious burn injuries .. well, Glen Miller's Band came to play, and we got to see them ... even at four year (I think), this was a great treat ... and this makes them OUR band!
Your blog is one of a couple that gives me my Brit-fix.
God bless, Christine in Los Angeles
What a lovely excursion!
And a belated Happy Birthday ...
Jeanne :)
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