Search - Glenn Miller :: Candlelight Miller

The "sweet band" side of Miller

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 10/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a marvelous collection of ballads, recorded between April of 1939, and July of 1942, with Miller's civilian band. Some consider Miller's Army Air Force band, which he started in October of 1942, superior to the one heard on this disc (and from the CDs I have listened to, the sound quality is a little better on the later recordings), but nevertheless, this is fabulous music, romantic, melodic, and part of America's musical history.There are three instrumentals: "Moonlight Serenade", which was composed by Miller and became his signature piece; "Danny Boy", and an interesting arrangement of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", which was the last recording this band was to do, on 7/16/42.
The vocals by Ray Eberle are excellent, with his clear voice, and straightforward "on tempo" interpretations. I especially like four tracks where he is joined by the Modernaires, a vocal group with smooth harmonies and a great sound: "You Stepped Out of a Dream", my favorite track on the CD "I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest", "Moonlight Cocktail", and "Serenade in Blue".
One of the band's last recordings, "Moonlight Becomes You", features Skip Nelson on lead vocal with the Modernaires. This civilian band gave its final concert on September 27, 1942.The sound: Though some remastering has been done, there is an underlying crackle throughout, giving the CD a real "78s from the attic" sound, which has a charm of its own, taking us back to another era.
The insert booklet has in-depth liner notes that make fascinating reading by author Will Friedwald, and detailed recording info. Total time is 56'20."