That's right, I'm doubling down. I've shown you the softer side of Glenn Miller, so now let's take a look a one of his more up tunes with I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo. I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo. The composition became an absolute spectacle in 1942 in the 20th Century Fox film Orchestra Wives and boast the talents of Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, saxophonist/singer/bandleader Tex Beneke, as well as dancers/singers The Nicholas Brothers.
It was subtlety of interpretation that made Moonlight Serenade so special for me, but this performance is the opposite side of the dime. It is extravagance incarnate. With its star studded cast, beautiful and elaborate set design, and performance in multiple disciplines it bridged the gap between film, live music, and dance in a fashion that I can't turn away from. I dig the use of the tune, and the utter talent of all the involved parties. The band is swinging, the singers have their harmonies and blend on point, and the dancers are made of rubber. It's awesome. I also love the way the timpanist glissandis up at the moment where the dancers use the stage as faux trampolines.
Maybe I don't want to live in this sound world full time, but it is a far out and renewing place to visit once and a while. It's also great to hear and see a brass section that isn't relegated to mediocre ska bands or Mahler. Give the guys props, they were kings in their day.