He played at Mohawk College, a small, nowhere venue in 1968? Blew our minds!!!!!! Same venue, Gordon Lightfoot played.....in Hamilton.....very blessed to see them in their prime....
I know age has nothing to do with genius but chuck was just about 30 years young when he conducted this phenomenal piece in 1970 & that’s why till today, arguably, America is one of the greatest nations when it comes to producing music where the standards of excellence is at its highest … Steve gadd, Gerry Niewood, Tony Levin, Bat McGrath, Don Potter, Stanley Watson, Gap Mangione & the whole Rochester Philharmonic… phenomenal ….
Fall of 1971, I had just started my first year at RIT in Rochester, NY, being a trumpet player myself, and the college brought in Chuck and his quartet for a concert, what a treat!
When I heard this song written by Bat McGrath, my heart flew out of my chest into Don Potter's. The moment was the most important in my lifetime. What a beautiful voice to carry this song into the future for everyone to enjoy. I love it!
It's 2024 and I still enjoy going back to listen and watch these videos of Don Potter. Not only does it bring back great memories of Rochester NY but the music scene then was thriving with coffee shops and talent galore! PS notice Tony Levin playing bass in the background. Another fine lifetime musician.~ John Guchone, Amplius Music
I've been a huge fan of this tune for decades and just discovered this video for the first time. I couldn't love it more. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Legendary album! My mum and dad used to play it to me a lot when I was a child in the early 70's. I just wish that Universal Music would re-issue it on CD as well as download for the younger generations who are getting into Chuck's music.
Chuck Mangione = one of the greatest bandleaders and composers or our generation. This performance may be his Magnum Opus :-O I do wonder why he needed a conductor score when he is the composer and soloist :-S
Hey- beautiful version of Over the Rainbow. I've played with John Labarber and I would like to accompany you on this song, with my Alto Flute. At Fort Hill & the Grange, the 10th & 12th of May... Sincerely, Tommy Gravino
Thanks from the bottom of my heart for putting this on RU-vid. I love this concert more and more each time I listen to it. Don Potter's voice, Chuck's music and arrangements...just heartbreakingly beautiful. Wish I could have been there.
This song just keeps popping into my feed every few days, and I just have to listen to it yet again. The dynamics are massive. The last 3 minutes are almost orgasmic!!!!!!
The only name missing from the rolling credits at the beginning was Steve Gadd, and the probably doesn't even bother him. He is just the locomotive driving that multicar train!!!!! No big deal....
Dang, I was only 9 years old at the time. Not even aware of this music or the man. But his music is timeless. I heard about him from a college freshman year roomate from Rochester, New York, where Chuck was a music student at Eastman Conservatory of Music.
The ending is absolutely orgasmic!!! I love how the flute player looks like she might explode in delight!!!!! To have been playing that night would have been an unforgettable experience!!!
Growing up in Rochester, NY I had the privilege of not only listening to this great music, but also playing with some of these fantastic musicians. A percussionist since 4 years old, I loved the local scene and as I got older was able to jam out in places around the city. To this day, some 50 years later, I still have fond memories of these days. Bless those who are still with us! ~ John Guchone
I first heard this piece as an into to the news on a popular AM radio station in Fort Worth, Texas. Well I was dating the DJ's daughter, and she was in the car with me. Although I will never regret being tuned in that day. BLEW ME AWAY!!!! I called the station and dropped the appropriate name to find out what that outrageous piece of music was. Not your normal 1971 AM music fare. I was instantly addicted. Stave Gadd is such a monster!
