By By LYDIA GRIMES – Features writer
Fans of the &#8220big band” era will be treated to a special surprise performance Tuesday night when the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra will appear at Jefferson Davis Community College's Woodfin Patterson Auditorium.
The Brewton Arts Council will present the concert, which is made possible by a grant form the Curtis Finlay Foundation. The appearance will bring a &#8220blast of the past” to those who remember the Big Band Sound and will surely convert some of the younger listeners as well.
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra was recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands. Dorsey, known as &#8220the sentimental gentleman of swing,” was a master at creating warm, sentimental and musical moods.
The band's play list includes &#8220Night Train,” &#8220Once in a While,” &#8220Marie,” &#8220In the mood,” &#8220Song of India,” &#8220Opus NO. One,” &#8220Stardust,” &#8220Swanee River,” &#8220Chicago Medley,” &#8220On the Sunny Side of the Street,” &#8220I'll Never Smile Again,” &#8220Little Brown Jug,” &#8220Skylark,” &#8220Hawaiian War Chant,” &#8220Night and Day,” &#8220Chattanooga Choo Choo,” &#8220A Foggy Day,” &#8220Stardust,” &#8220Boogie Woogie,” &#8220Moten Swing,” &#8220Without a Song,” &#8220That's a Plenty,” and &#8220Don't Cry for Me, Argentina.”
Buddy Morrow, conductor of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, is recognized as one of the all-time great trombone players. He first came to prominence as a featured performer with such leading orchestras as Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman, Artie Shaw and Jimmy Dorsey.
He, as conductor of the &#8220The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra,” insists that the band retain the authentic sound and style of the late Tommy Dorsey. The band's repertoire not only includes the classics of the original Dorsey Orchestra, but it covers popular music from Dixieland, rhythm and blues, ballads, jazz and current tunes.
But what draws most of the audience members are the old familiar tunes from the 1940s. Those who loved it then still remember the era off the &#8220big band.”
Buddy Morrow is one of the rare and original Big Band leaders of today; a man whose skill on his horn is both an inspiration to his band and a thrill to audiences wherever he appears.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28. For ticket information, contact the Brewton Council of the Arts office at 867-2747.