You know watching this video again, there are no tricks or illusions, a sparce stage with some great musicians swinging the hell out of a great swing arrangement!!! I'm glad this video has been preserved!!!
I was born several months before this was broadcast. I suspect this was on in my home during my infancy. Was that where it all began for me? Listening to this piece energizes, clears the head and gives one a happy feeling. Listen to the pop music of today? Not so much imho.
Of all the classical/operatic material that was adapted during the Swing Era, this Verdi piece has to be one of the more unusual choices -- but GM's Jerry Gray made it work! As much as I like the original Miller record, I have to say that I prefer Mac's drumming to Moe's. He had a lighter touch, but still plenty of power -- one of the finest drummers of the Big Band Era.
