Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Most recordings by the Glenn Miller ghost band are rather stale and predictable recreations but this concert is surprisingly effective. In 1954 after the successful release of The Glenn Miller Story, producer Gene Norman gathered together a big band that was mostly filled with alumni from Miller's Orchestra. Although there was already a ghost band, this was apparently the first time that many of the former members had had a reunion. Although sticking mostly to the old Miller songs and the original arrangements, the players felt free to improvise fresh new solos and the results are better than expected. With strong contributions made by clarinetist Willie Schwartz, tenors Babe Russin and Eddie Miller (both of whom were ringers) and trumpeters Clyde Hurley and Johnny Best, this well-recorded and nostalgic reunion (which also has a medley from a vocal group) was a success; the CD reissue is worth picking up.
