The Great Band Leader and Drummer Gene Krupa

Posted on June 1, 2011 by admin

The Great Band Leader and Drummer Gene Krupa

Article by Victor Epand

Gene Krupa was born on January 15, 1909 in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up to become best known for swing and big band music. He spent much of his musical career as a band leader and favored the drums. His career, like that of many other well-known musicians before and after him, began early in his life.

Gene made some of his first recordings before he turned twenty when he was part of Eddie Condon’s band. From there, his reputation and career grew. He continued to play with many other bands, created his own band, led trios and quartets and continued to play until he passed away in 1973.

The first band that Gene Krupa played with was the Thelma Terry band in 1927. The same year, he made some of his first recordings with Eddie Condon’s band and then made more recordings in 1928 with Thelma Terry’s band. In 1929, he joined the Red Nichols band and then became a part of Benny Goodman’s band in 1934. It was in 1938 when he left the Benny Goodman band to create his own band.

Besides his music and his influence as a drummer, he can be credited with the invention of many of the modern pieces now included in a standard drum kit. It is believed that he invented the rim shot on the snare drum, the tom-toms that could be tuned, which was the first to record using a bass drum pedal. His method of drumming was published and used as a standard.

As far as his influence in the music scene is considered, he was the inspiration for Keith Moon, Peter Crisis and John Bonham among many other musicians who have said that Gene Krupa was their inspiration.

By the end of his career, Gene Krupa was the first drummer ever to be inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, five years after his death in 1973.

He had a long musical career that had an incredible influence on many future musicians who are well-known today. His innovation in the instrument he played and the style he had, as well as the music he played, will continue to live on through many years. Even after his death, many enjoy his playing that was recorded before many were even born. New musicians today continue to be positively influenced by his playing and dream of only being half as good as a great artist like Gene Krupa.

He may have hit a few rough spots throughout his career, but these rough spots are dimmed by the talent he shared with the world. Even today he is considered to be one of the most influential drummers of the 1900s and his influence will most likely continue to affect many new musicians for generations to come. His innovation with the further development of the drum set may also influence new musicians in that no one has to play with what was used before. There is always room for improvement and always room for something new and useful.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments. You can find the best marketplace for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments at these sites for used gene krupa CDs, autographed gene krupa CDs, and used drums.

 

 

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Where Can We Listen Live Big Band Jazz Music?

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin

Where Can We Listen Live Big Band Jazz Music?

Article by Anirban Bhattacharya

 

Jazz–A musical art form was originated in the African American communities in early 20th century. It is one of the most tantalizing and distinguished forms of music and has a unique American flair to it. It embraces all other forms like rock, hip-hop. But the irony is it has now become less popular than the latter ones. The big band- also known as the jazz band, jazz ensemble, dance band, stage orchestra is an ensemble associated with playing the Jazz music. The typical instruments used are Saxophone, Clarinet, Piano, Guitar etc.

Jazz is one of the most significant contributions to the music world. Still there are many people who value its worth and love listening to it. No matter how old it grows, this is something which is agile and will always persist in the hearts of its admirers. One reason that jazz remains popular and alive is its ability to adapt to the world it lives in and yet being able to maintain its originality and touch.

There are a host of options available for the Jazz music lovers. In Chicago, you can hear some great musicians playing Jazz on nearly every street corner. Kansas City, Boston and New Orleans have great Jazz clubs where there are splendid performances of the original big band Jazz music the magic of the renowned artists is recreated. The idea is to go back to the period to feel and relive that pleasant light and easy music. They are like a holy spot for those who are passionate about this music.

For the music lovers who do not want to leave their homes want to find an economical way to live their favorite Jazz music, here is a shortcut- The Radio. Tune into some great Jazz radio stations. It may not be as mesmerizing and scintillating as hearing them live in person but close your eyes, flow with the music and imagine yourself with your favorite artists at a concert. That is the best way to enjoy it and pretty reasonable too.

About the Author

Myself webmaster of http://www.studiobypass.com – find tools for teaching jazz music, big band jazz music & Jazz Play Alongs etc.

 

 

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How Big Band Jazz Music Became Popular

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin

How Big Band Jazz Music Became Popular

Article by Anirban







Big Band Jazz Music became popular around 1930s, also called as swing era, when it was played in the music concerts held at hot spots, such as New York and Chicago. Radio stations throughout the world begun to play this music thereby becoming the top choice of youngsters and adults who craved for intermediate jazz tools so as to learn and practice jazz piano.

Historical facts suggest that jazz grew popular when the touring musicians started singing songs based on themes of big band jazz music among the natives of America especially on the streets of New Orleans from where the touring musicians started their jazz tour in America. The modern style, steady rhythm and bluesy feel of jazz music got shape in New York and Chicago. Gradually jazz became so popular that the era of 1920s is still called as “jazz age” when people attended coaching so as to know how to play and practice jazz piano. By 1930, jazz emerged as the strongest and most popular mainstream music, and standard jazz songs got composed by the popular jazz musicians of that era.

One of the most common reasons for popularity of Big Band Jazz Music is that the musicians play all intermediate jazz tools in it thereby giving audience more time to dance. Another reason which led to the popularity of jazz is that the Lindy Hop dance introduced in 1930s by Charleston promoted solo dance thereby allowing jazz musicians to play for a long time.

Gradually Big Band Jazz Music became the popular choice of almost all the premier dance clubs throughout the America. The syncopated rhythms and blue notes of jazz emerged through usual waltzes and foxtrots.

Radio was one of the most popular sources by which Big Band Jazz Music became extremely popular. The era of 1930s and 1940s witnessed sky high popularity and huge demand of Big Band Jazz Music. Some of the common Big Band legends of that era include Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie.

Till date, the Big Band jazz music is considered as a favorite of many youngsters and that is why modern bands like Squirrel Nut Zippers and The Brian Setzer Orchestra performs new and standard songs from Big Band Jazz Music. Youngsters who are passionate about jazz music opt for intermediate jazz tools so as to practice jazz piano.



About the Author

Myself webmaster of http://www.studiobypass.com – find tools for learning jazz music, intermediate jazz tools, Big Band jazz music, jazz midi files etc play about jazz music.

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Elvis Presley: The Memphis Mafia’s First Trip to Vegas and Pranks behind the Movie Scenes

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin

Elvis Presley: The Memphis Mafia’s First Trip to Vegas and Pranks behind the Movie Scenes

Article by Connie Limon

 

This is really a funny book! Elvis, Still Taking Care of Business by Sonny West tells of his adventures as part of Elvis Presley’s team of guys or better known as the “Memphis Mafia.” I think the guys with Elvis had more fun than the girls. The girls or the women in Elvis’s life probably got most of the heartaches. If I had a choice, I think I would have preferred a position within the Memphis Mafia crew.

I kind of suspect a lot of Elvis’s trouble in Hollywood with the actors and such was probably jealousy. Sonny tells a short story behind the scenes of making the G.I. Blue movie in which Juliet Prowse was his leading lady and at the same time engaged to Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra’s remark about Elvis Presley’s music was, “his music is deplorable, a rancid-smelling aphrodisiac.” “It’s the most brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious form of expression it has been my displeasure to hear.” A remark, Sonny says, Elvis never forgot.

Juliet and Elvis spent more and more time in Elvis’s trailer on the set. Sonny and Red decided to have some fun with Elvis and pounded on the door saying, “Elvis! Elvis!” Don’t try anything, Elvis! Frank’s coming around the corner!” They heard sounds of frantic scrambling from inside the trailer and then Elvis appeared at the door looking very concerned. When he asked where Frank was, Sonny and Red busted out laughing and said, “Oh we were just kidding.” Of course, Elvis said a few choice words about this little prank.Sonny and Red liked the prank so well they tried it several times until one day Frank really was on the set looking for Juliet. Sonny described Frank Sinatra as a little dapper figure strolling through the big soundstage doors with a porkpie hat and silhouette. Sonny said he knew right away it was not Mickey Rooney, but really Frank Sinatra. He ran to the trailer to warn Elvis saying, “Elvis, man, it’s Frank! Frank’s coming!” Elvis yelled back and said, “Get away from that damned door.” Sonny said, no shit, Elvis, we are serious!” Elvis said, “Go to hell!” By this time, the visitor, Frank Sinatra was at the threshold saying, “hi fellas,” do you happen to know where I can find Juliet Prowse?” Sonny replied, “why yes sir, she and Elvis are going over their lines right now” (trying to string out the words and stall for time) as he talks as loud as he can so Elvis can hear it really is Frank at the door, then it was all over, Sonny said he just could not stall Frank any longer, he just was not in the mood to shoot the shit right then. Luckily, when the door was opened, Juliet was sitting on the couch with the script on her lap.

Elvis decided to have a reading with Juliet in his bedroom at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Elvis asked Lamar to go gas up Juliet’s car, which was a rare, extremely expensive American-Italian hybrid car Sinatra purchased for her. As Lamar was filling up the tank, Sinatra pulled up in a limousine. Sinatra popped out of the rear door and asked Lamar, “What are you doing with my car?” Lamar reportedly gulped and said, “puttin’ gas in it.” Frank asked, “Where is Juliet?” Lamar told him she was back at the hotel with Elvis rehearsing their lines. Frank’s limo practically did a wheelie peeling out of there and when the smoke cleared, Lamar took off in the same direction, which was the Beverly Wilshire. Sinatra got there first and Lamar ran for the house phone to warn Elvis Sinatra was coming up. Elvis thought it was another prank, but took it serious nonetheless and he and Juliet were not caught (nobody really knew what the two of them were doing when alone studying their script).

Elvis actually saw more of and dated more Sandy Ferra who later married Wink Martindale, the Memphis deejay who also was the host of a popular TV show called “Dance Party.”

Right along in this same time period Elvis and his crew took trips from Hollywood to Las Vegas on weekends where they were see shows by Billy Ward, Red Skelton, Don Rickles and Della Reese. Elvis really admired Don Rickles and Della Reese.On their first trip to Vegas, all the guys were really excited about going and Gene just happened to forget to take along Elvis’s kit that he carried everywhere with him and contained a toothbrush, jewelry, some other items, but most important to Elvis was his medications. Gene had the sole responsibility of always remembering to bring along Elvis’s kit. As they drove along and near Barstow, California Elvis turned to Gene and asked for his kit saying he wanted to brush his teeth. When Elvis found out Gene forgot the kit Sonny said he went absolutely “ballistic.” Elvis said, “Alright everyone back in the cars, dammit” (they took two cars, Lamar and Charlie drove a white Cadillac and Elvis, Gene, Joe and Sonny went in a black Lincoln). Elvis gets behind the wheel and drives like a madman turning back into the direction of Los Angeles. He ranted and raved and then finally quieted down. In the silence now the guys began to doze off in sleep. Elvis suddenly slapped Gene across the chest so hard it made Gene groan, and said, “‘there’ll be no damned sleep!” Gene said, no cuz, no sleeping.” For the rest of the ride back to Los Angeles the guys struggled to keep their eyes opened as ordered, but Elvis knew they were faking it, and kept saying, “dammit, I said no sleeping!” When they pulled back up at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel disappointed for not going to Vegas and dead tired, they all fell into bed and right to sleep.Less than an hour later, Joe called their room and said for them to haul all asses downstairs, Elvis has decided he wants to go to Vegas again. They all got up, dressed and headed downstairs to find Elvis ready to get moving again and in a lot better mood than before. Elvis took the wheel of the Lincoln and they all barreled down the highway in the dark, all things forgotten, and Elvis’s excitement about them seeing Vegas for the first time contagious. Everyone was back in a good mood.

I guess we all know who was the boss, and one thing for sure, they better not forget his kit ever again! I still think his crew of guys that traveled with him probably had more fun than the women he loved; however, everyone involved with Elvis Presley had the mutual job of taking care of business, that is, the business of Elvis Presley.

Source: Elvis Still Taking Care of Business by Sonny West

About the Author

Written by: Connie Limon, visit my website, a fan’s journey through the past of Elvis Presley at http://smalldogs2.com/ElvisPresleyGraceland

 

 

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The Role of the Trumpet Within a Big Band

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin

The Role of the Trumpet Within a Big Band

Article by Jim Martin







The trumpet has always been an integral part of the traditional big band, both as a lead instrument and as a soloist. The section consists of four players, with the first chair being labeled the “lead” chair and the second part generally considered the “jazz” chair. Although improvised solos can be played by any of the four players, the second trumpet is usually depended upon to cover the solos within the section when needed.

It is the “lead” trumpet that carries the melody over all other musicians during full band sections. This important position carries quite a large responsibility, mainly because it is he/she who is called upon to play the highest notes within the ensemble sections.

Melodic and Harmonic Roles

In traditional big band repertoire, the trumpet section provides both melodic and harmonic roles. Melodies can be played by one or up to all four players at one time. Melodic roles are often coupled with instruments of similar timbre, such as the alto saxophone. As a melodic instrument, the trumpet is generally in the middle range when matched with other instruments. The upper register is used for full ensemble sections where the lead player must carry the melody over the rest of the band.

When fulfilling a harmonic role, the section is usually voiced in either three or four distinct parts. Since the trumpets are set in the upper register of the ensemble, they have the responsibility of covering the upper extensions of the given chord. In harmonic roles, the section often extends the basic chord tones (i.e. root, 3rd, seventh) that are played by the trombone and saxophone sections. These upper extensions often take the form of a simple triad when played alone, but create sophisticated extended chords when playing with saxophone and trombones.

Mutes and Utility Instruments

Modern trumpeters today are expected to own and carry a variety of mutes to alter the sound of the instrument. In every trumpeter’s bag are a straight mute, a cup mute, a harmon mute and plunger. Each of these “tools” are designed to alter the color and sound of the instrument by bringing out low (cup and plunger) or high (straight and harmon) overtones. The use of mutes can significantly alter the overall sound of the section with a wide variety of colors. Gil Evans was one famous arranger that used muted trumpets extensively in his arrangements and compositions.

In addition, most professional trumpeters today own a flugel horn. This instrument looks like a large trumpet, but sounds much more mellow and with a limited high range. Flugel horns are used primarily for melody, but can also be used as harmonic pads with the big band. Modern writers such as Maria Schneider utilize flugel horns in this role quite often

Famous Big Band Trumpeters and Sections

Trumpet players and big band trumpet sections can be found throughout the history of jazz. Maynard Ferguson, for example, made his debut with the Stan Kenton Orchestra during the 1950s. Maynard played lead trumpet and was featured as a high note virtuoso at a young age. He later went on to lead his own big and small bands for more than half a century. High note artists such as Stan Mark and Lynn Nicholson were members of famous Maynard Ferguson trumpet sections.

Bill Chase led one of the more famous trumpet sections in the 1960s with the Woody Herman orchestra. Known for his high range, Bill Chase provided the high note excitement for the band. In 1974, Chase met an untimely death in a plane crash near a small airport in Minnesota, Among the most famous trumpet sections of all time might have been in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Cootie Williams and Cat Anderson filled soloist and high note roles, respectively, for Duke’s band for many years. Duke often wrote entire compositions to feature Cootie (Concerto for Cootie) on trumpet.

The trumpet will always play an integral role within the realm of big band jazz ensemble music. Because of this, skilled lead players and gifted soloists will always be in demand in the jazz and commercial music industry.



About the Author

To listen and view scores of original big band jazz music by a wide range of top jazz writers, visit http://www.pdfjazzmusic.com

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Frank And Dino Of The Rat Pack: Their Later Careers

Posted on May 30, 2011 by admin

Frank And Dino Of The Rat Pack: Their Later Careers

Article by Art Gib

When people think of the “Rat Pack,” they usually think of these five stars: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. However, the truth is that this group of party animals and professional collaborators was rather fluid: ever-changing in its membership.

In fact, many of its most active members over the years were famous women such as Angie Dickinson and Shirley MacLaine. But it is the group of five men that truly captured the public’s imagination.

During the late 1950′s and early 1960′s, their Vegas shows and highly public escapades came to symbolize the glamour and excess of the “New Hollywood.” Their flame began to dim in the mid 60′s, when the Vietnam War depressed the mood of America and the activities of celebrities began to be seen as insignificant frivolities.

Here’s a short overview of the later careers of Sinatra and Martin, “post-Pack.”

Frank Sinatra

The late 1960′s saw Frank Sinatra firmly ensconced as an American icon, though the pinnacle of his career was decades behind him. He continued to perform live on stage and appeared in several TV movies. He always remained close with his friend Dean Martin and made regular appearances on The Dean Martin Show in support of his buddy.

Sinatra’s 1969 recording of “My Way” became his signature song and it is the one for which he is perhaps best remembered. After several decades of semi and complete retirement, he passed away in 1997.

Dean Martin

Perhaps no member of the Rat Pack was more famously attached to the growth of Las Vegas than Dean Martin. Indeed, he was a Strip staple for three decades where he was beloved for both his musical and comedic talents. And while doing all this he was also a popular fixture in Hollywood films, especially Westerns.

He found his post-Pack niche when his variety program “The Dean Martin Show,” a raucous combination of music and comedy, featuring appearances by some of the biggest stars of the day.

He played up his reputation as a constantly-drunk, womanizing boozer on the show, but the joke may really have been on his audience. Most of the “drunken jokes” and the shtick was well-orchestrated and meant for fun. The show was a huge success for nine years, as were his celebrity roasts which continued until 1984.

He retired from public life shortly thereafter, although he continued to be a Vegas fixture, and Dino passed away in 1995.

About the Author

DVD Hunters.com (http:////www.dvdhunters.com/deanvariety.htm) The best in Dean Martin Show. Art Gib is a freelance writer.Distributed by Content Crooner

 

 

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Sinatra’s Stamp And Fred Astaire’s Vacuum

Posted on May 30, 2011 by admin

Sinatra’s Stamp And Fred Astaire’s Vacuum

Article by James W. Smith

 

It has been a decade (May 14, 1998) since his death but the music of Frank Sinatra is still everywhere. “New York, New York can be heard at every Yankee baseball game. Evening dining at any upscale restaurant usually features a musical rendition of a famous Frank Sinatra tune. His movies can still be seen on cable television and on DVD.

Of course, the ongoing popularity of Frank Sinatra is due to a storied career that spanned six decades of time. It included the sale of more than 500 million records and a starring role in more than 50 films. Even in his final years, Francis Albert Sinatra, known as the ”Chairman of the Board” to his colleagues in the entertainment industry and “Ol’ Blue Eyes” to millions of adoring fans, could still top the charts.

Sinatra’s final public concerts were held in Japan’s Fukuoka Dome in December 1994. Three months later at a private party for 1,200 select guests on the closing night of the Frank Sinatra Desert Classic golf tournament, Sinatra sang before a live audience for the last time. Esquire Magazine would report of the show that Sinatra was “clear, tough, on the money, and in absolute control.”

Now, ten years after his death, the continued public popularity for the late singer will lead to an increased promotion for the Sinatra brand name. However, due to his death, the promotion of the brand will now be outside of the singer’s control. Already, the tenth anniversary of his death is being marked by a host of Sinatra events; a compilation of songs from his Reprise years called “Nothing But The Best” as well as new Sinatra DVD collections, and planned TV specials.

The tenth anniversary of Sinatra’s death will also include the release of a new U.S. postage stamp that bears his likeness. The design of the stamp was unveiled last December on what would have been the 92nd birthday of the entertainer. The design shows a 1950s vintage image of Sinatra, wearing a hat.

In addition to the postage stamp, there are two new major Sinatra advertising deals in place and Warner Brothers is nearing completion for two others. Soon, several products will have Frank Sinatra as its high profile salesman. The likely areas for future Sinatra promotions are in gaming, fine dining, the finest apparel and luxury items.

The promotion of celebrities in business ventures after their death always comes with a substantial degree of risk. Consider the problems with the promotion by the late Fred Astaire with vacuum cleaners. In January 1997, with Robyn Astaire’s blessing, Astaire’s image returned to television through special effects editing.

Dirt Devil inserted its vacuum cleaners into dance scenes from Astaire’s films for three of its commercials. The late star was digitally made to dance with a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner. The press immediately criticized these Astaire Dirt Devil dancing commercials. The general feeling was that replacing Ginger Rogers with a vacuum cleaner was in poor taste.

While the 1997 Dirt Devil Super Bowl commercials were trying to be clever, the fans of the late actor, dancer, and singer were not very amused. In the second quarter of the company’s fiscal year, sales of Dirt Devil vacuums actually fell. It was a costly business price to pay for an already expensive Super Bowl commercial.

Hopefully, increasing the promotion of the Frank Sinatra brand, will not succumb to such bad taste and exploitive commercial greed. Unlike the Fred Astaire vacuum cleaner commercial, a postage stamp is a good way to commemorate the life and career of Sinatra. As for the future promotional ventures of commercial products by the late entertainer, only time will tell.

However, rewriting or revising the work of a deceased celebrity for the sake of a current product promotion would be considered to be in bad taste. It is a mistake that would likely prove costly to the brand and anger the long time dedicated fan. In Sinatra’s case it would certainly run counter to the premise of the title of his final song, “The Best Is Yet To Come”.

 

About the Author

James William Smith has worked in senior management positions for some of the largest financial services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College. He enjoys writing articles on political, national, and world events. Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com

 

 

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Rat Pack Wedding Singers For Innovative Entertainment

Posted on May 30, 2011 by admin

Rat Pack Wedding Singers For Innovative Entertainment

Article by Edmund Brunetti







If you really want to give an interesting twist to a wedding ceremony, you should hire the rat pack wedding singers to make the event a memorable one. Most weddings go for the standard and traditional forms of musical entertainment which the guests have already seen a lot of times. You can take this opportunity to spring a pleasant surprise on everyone attending the wedding. No one would be prepared for such effortless innovation and the wedding ceremony is sure to be a huge hit with the guests. As long as you take the right approach, it would surely be a night to remember.

Instead of hiring a traditional band or organizing an orchestra, you could make everyone travel back in time to the era of swing band and classical ballads. The rat pack, consisting of Tommy and Jonny would have the guests in splits due to their awe inspiring chemistry and hilarious performance. Everyone would be stunned at the design and execution and enjoy it from their hearts. You can use this to give a more formal wedding a complete personal touch and make sure everyone has the time of their lives. The moment rat pack boys take the stage; there would be no looking back.

One of their most innovative and impressive performance is the one where the boys take the role of singing waiters to surprise all the guests seated at the event. Tommy and Jonny would convince everyone about their profession through the appearance, charms and even a convincing back story. However, just at the right cue, they would pair up with each other and randomly break into song and dance before your eyes. Everyone present in the room would surely be left astonished as the wedding singers serve up courses and musical numbers in perfect style.

The reason why such performances work is because the lead pair has tremendous chemistry with each other and can carry out the swing band performance perfectly. Their suave charms and smooth talking nature would have you believe all their stories before they keep springing surprises on you. They can even take the responsibility of hosting a proper musical evening with a 3 piece or 7 piece band of their own, based on your personal preference.From the classical melodies to more contemporary hits, the boys would make sure that you are entertained in a truly musical fashion on that night.

There is a lot of humor and wit in their presentation that is sure to take the performance to another level altogether. Another important advantage is their communication that allows guests to actively participate in the show themselves. The response is usually fabulous and the guests are sure to enjoy themselves right upto the brim. No matter what the occasion might be, the rat pack boys are sure to bring the entire house down for the night. They are immensely popular all over and have a lot of shows lined up so you should book your reservations a lot before the actual event. Once the talented rat pack wedding singers take the stage, the wedding would turn into a fun filled celebration like no other.



About the Author

If you are looking for wedding singers or for a swing band, you can rely on Rat Pack wedding singers.

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Wedding Bands/Music or DJ – Which is the Best Option for your Big Day

Posted on May 30, 2011 by admin

Wedding Bands/Music or DJ – Which is the Best Option for your Big Day

Article by Fred Grazier







Good wedding music holds the key to making your D-day a big success; it helps to set the right pace and mood for the entire day, one that people will remember and talk about for a long time afterwards. There are many options these days when it comes to getting the right music for your wedding day; this includes choosing and arranging for the songs and music yourself which is actually a difficult chore as there are a hundred things that will be running through your head on that day. So the next best option is to hire wedding bands/music or a DJ for the perfect entertainment.

The first thing that you and your partner must decide is whether you want a live wedding band or a DJ for your ceremony and reception. Most people still opt for live wedding bands/music especially for the main wedding ceremony because of the atmosphere that they can help create for the guests. It is often noticed that the band members are much more successful in making a rapport with the audience and can interact better with the guests than a lone DJ. Wedding bands/music score higher in popularity among the guests because of the intimacy and warmth that they can help create.

But the disadvantage with most traditional wedding bands/music is that they will not be able to offer the variety in songs and music like a professional DJ. A DJ will be better equipped to play the latest songs and music and will much more to offer in terms of variety according to the tastes of the audience. He will also be able to mix his own music and offer something new for the guests to experience at the wedding.

Unlike popular belief, wedding bands/music can tend to be more expensive than a DJ especially if you need the band to play selected songs and music. Many modern couples are hence opting to hire a DJ especially if the invited guests are younger and like to dance to hip and cool numbers instead of the traditional ones. Another big advantage with a DJ is that he will be able to easily get CDs of any special song that you request unlike a band which will have to learn to play the music or song.

Whichever option you choose, it is also important to hire the right entertainer for your wedding. It has to be someone who can understand your tastes and can also relate to the audience on a more intimate level to make the evening a success. Keep in mind to have music that will cater to all kinds of audience so that each guest gets to enjoy the entertainment. It is also important to have a rehearsal where you get to hear the songs and music so that there are no confusions on the wedding day.

Instead of just using a search engine to get a DJ or wedding band, ask for references especially to couples who have recently tied the knot so that you can hire the best name in the business.



About the Author

Are you looking for the perfect band for your wedding or just need some help with the music?

http://weddingbandsmelbourne.net.au/ is the only place to find the best Wedding Bands Melbourne!

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What do Mariah Carey, Mozart and Frank Sinatra have in common?

Posted on May 30, 2011 by admin

What do Mariah Carey, Mozart and Frank Sinatra have in common?

Article by Quince Bishop







What do you suppose great composers and musicians such as Beethoven, Mozart and others knew about music that set them apart from others in their field? Why did they go down in history while thousands of their contemporaries are long forgotten?

The answer is that they had the ability to recognize absolute and relative pitch. Understanding and using absolute and relative pitch is the prime factor that separates the top musicians from the also rans.

More recently this absolute and relative pitch recognition skill has been found in such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and hundreds of the most successful modern day talents.

The top people in the music business agree that possessing a good sense of pitch is essential to real success.

Here are some facts that you should know about pitch.

10% of students at the leading music schools, including the Julliard School of Music have absolute pitch recognition ability.

About 20% to 40% of the muscians with symphony orchestras usually can recognize absolute pitch.

Numerous surveys conclude that at least 50% of today’s top recording artists recognize either absolute pitch, relative pitch or both.

So what is absolute pitch? Quite simply it is the ability to hear a musical note or chord and name it. Some people say that the ability to have absolute pitch is genetic and can’t be learned. Fortunately for thousands of musicians, that is just not true.

Relative pitch is the ability to recognize the relationship between one note and another. In other words, a musical interval.

When you were born, did you know what the note C sounded like? Of course not. As an infant, you had no sense of music. Music and pitch recognition are learned skills, just like language. As you grow you gain a sense of rhythm and, if you study, you’ll learn the pitches of musical notes.

The happy truth is that recognizing absolute and relative pitch is something that can be learned. You are not just born with the talent. And pitch recognition can be learned by anyone regardless of their age or background. It is simply a learned skill like any other.



About the Author

Quince Bishop is a musician who loves all types of music from classical to hip hop.There’s one particular internet site that is chock full of the latest official news, blogs, videos, forums, podcasts, press releases and more that you don’t want to miss. It’s http://www.musicproductionscoop.com. For any and all of your musical interests, this is a great place to go to and a great site to bookmark. You’ll want to return often.

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