"Big Band Scene ...
The Classic Big Band (also
known as the Vets Big Band), is a 17-piece aggregation led by trumpeter,
Dan Odegaard, and features
the Nostalgics Vocal Quartet,
who sing like the Pied Pipers. The solo and high note trumpet playing of
Jack Gillespie, formerly a
lead trumpeter at Harrah's in Reno, is dynamic. Bill
Kotrba, who spent three years touring with the Glenn Miller
Orchestra, is terrific on tenor saxophone. Steve
Sopoci does a great job on lead and solo trombone. Bob
Dean plays lead alto sax and lead clarinet on the Glenn
Miller tunes, and plays wonderful solo clarinet on the Goodman and Shaw
numbers.
Odegaard, a dentist during
the day, has played locally with the big bands of Dick Whitbeck, the Execs
Big Band, and the Twin Cities Jazz Orchestra. He also has sat in with Bob
Crosby and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra directed by Warren Covington.
If you like to dance or listen to vintage swing music catch the Classic
Big Band at Wabasha Caves in St. Paul, ..." |
