Brekelefuw

Here is some video of my favorite big band ever: the Boss Brass. They are from Toronto, and ran for something like 30 years. They recorded quite a few albums, and I think Rob's arranging is the definitive "toronto" sound.

The sound in these videos isn't so hot, but you still can make everything out. Listen to how effortlessly the lead trumpet stuff sounds. Arnie is a master of that. Also check out Guido's tone on flugel.
Rob also does something you don't see that often. He has two french horns in the band. It gives a really nice extra texture to his charts. Nowadays when we play his charts in big bands we have flugels play those lines, although you do see french horns once in a while.

I had the good fortune of studying with Rob McConnell a few times this year in various settings. He is an interesting guy to say the least.

YouTube - ROB MCCONNELL & THE BOSS BRASS 1980 TV TAKE THE A TRAIN

YouTube - ROB MCCONNELL & THE BOSS BRASS 1980 TV GROOVIN' HIGH

gchun

That was from The Forum show, wasn't it? I remember that show with Maynard, Allen Vizzutti w/Chick Corea, Dizzy, etc. Great bands, but unfortunately, not so great audio mixes.

The Boss Brass was also one of my favorite bands. Rob's writing and humor, great soloists like Guido and Sam, not to mention Rob himself on valve bone. Arnie always made it sound easy.

I was saddened when Rob folded the band. Thankfully, he did a lot of recording and made his arrangements available.

My favorite recordings were from the Umbrella recordings, with A Train, Just Friends, etc.

Garry

djm6701

Holy cow, I think I was in the audience at that show! (I was 13 at the time). Great clips! Great to see Sam Noto, and also Moe Koffman on lead alto, who passed away 'way too early.

Also my favourite big band. I had the privilege of having some lessons and spending some time at Arnie Chycoski's house when he was still in Toronto, and he is the nicest person you'd ever want to meet.

Rob is absolutely brilliant but doesn't ever stand for any BS.

Now I'm feeling a bit older....

NickD

GREAT band!

Who is the trumpeter blowing on Groovin High? He played the daylights out of it!

Nick

Brekelefuw

That trumpet player on Groovin' High would be Sam Noto. He is a very well known name and big influence around these parts. There are quite a few video of him around. Check his myspace at myspace.com/samnoto for the videos.
I saw him play at a club last year. He is getting on in years, but he still sounds great.

Brekelefuw

Update: Here are more videos.
YouTube - ROB MCCONNELL & THE BOSS BRASS STREET OF DREAMS
YouTube - ROB MCCONNELL & THE BOSS BRASS THE WALTZ I BLEW FOR YOU
YouTube - ROB MCCONNELL & THE BOSS BRASS MY MAN BILL

The second video is a tune called The Waltz I Blew For You. It is so hard. I have had the (mis)fortune of having to sight read it at a gig or two.

gchun

Thanks for posting those Concerts By the Sea videos. I haven't seen those in a while. I remember them being released on Sony Beta. Parts were shown on our local PBS station. My understanding was that there was a second broadcast where they Just Friends. I missed that broadcast. Do you happen to have the videos from that set?

Garry

PS-love Guido on "Street of Dreams!!!!"

Bob Odneal

You got that right! My second night on Maynard's band was when we played there and on the break on GIVE IT ONE Maynard's mike was off, but you could still hear him, gee i wonder why? They could hear him in Houston! It was great weather to play a simi outdoor theater!