Shelly LondonVital Stats
Age: 79.
Instruments: Tenor, alto and soprano sax, clarinet ... and for my own amusement, the flugelhorn.
Bands you perform with on a regular basis: Daytona State College Symphonic Band, Daytona Beach Concert Band and I'm now concentrating on an eleven-piece dance band I have formed called The Sound. We are the only local dance band that uses the sax section voicing of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" -- three tenor saxes and a baritone sax.
We play arrangements that utilize the versatility of our sax section who play flute, clarinet and tenor, alto and soprano saxophones. Our brass section consists of two trumpets and two trombones. These guys have vast experience playing dance and jazz charts and are great soloists. And The Sound swings!
Day job: Retired microbiologist. I worked for the U.S. Air Force (as a civilian) my entire career.
Hometown: Born in Highland Park, N.J. Spent five years at the U. of Delaware earning my Ph.D. Lived and worked 30 years in Dayton, Ohio, before retiring.
Current residence: New Smyrna Beach.
Type of music you perform: The Sound plays the music of the "Great American Song Book." These are the songs played by the great dance bands of yesteryear -- like Dorsey, James, Miller, Basie and many others. The tunes we play are great musically and perfect for dancing. Our music includes ballads, swing tempos, Latin, waltzes and even a polka or two.
Repertoire sampler: "April in Paris," "Begin the Beguine," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Shiny Stockings," "Watch What Happens," "Birdland."
Upcoming area gigs: The Sound will be playing on a monthly basis at City Island Recreation Center in Daytona Beach, and at the Ormond Beach Senior Citizens Center.
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
As a kid in high school I listened to Martin Block's "Make Believe Ballroom" and Fred Robbins' "Robbins Nest" (both radio shows). They introduced me to the music of the big bands and great jazz players of the '40s and '50s. In college I got hooked on classical music which I enjoy to this day.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
No one gig stands out. I have enjoyed playing at numerous dances, weddings and community fairs. The attraction is the wonderful connection one has with the audience -- it's a two-way street. Playing locally in the Rick Martorano Concert Jazz Band was also very rewarding.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
That's a really difficult question. I'd like to sit-in with Woody Herman, bicycle with Lance Armstrong and have dinner at the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama. I'd even walk Bo.
What was the last book you read?
"The World Is Flat" and "From Beirut to Jerusalem," both by Thomas Friedman.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Michael Buble, because of the great arrangements by David Foster played by a superb studio orchestra. The Larry McKenna Quartet, because he is an extraordinary tenor sax player. And Benny Carter's "Over the Rainbow" -- terrific sax section.
What is your favorite movie?
"The Frisco Kid."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
They range from Nigel Kennedy with the Cincinnati Symphony; the National Symphony with Rostropovich in Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July; a bar in Dayton, Ohio, listening to Chet Baker; a Duke Ellington concert in Dayton and one of the last performances of Paul Desmond playing with Dave Brubeck, also in Dayton.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Drive my wife crazy!
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Not for sale.
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
As a kid in high school I listened to Martin Block's "Make Believe Ballroom" and Fred Robbins' "Robbins Nest" (both radio shows). They introduced me to the music of the big bands and great jazz players of the '40s and '50s. In college I got hooked on classical music which I enjoy to this day.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
No one gig stands out. I have enjoyed playing at numerous dances, weddings and community fairs. The attraction is the wonderful connection one has with the audience -- it's a two-way street. Playing locally in the Rick Martorano Concert Jazz Band was also very rewarding.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
That's a really difficult question. I'd like to sit-in with Woody Herman, bicycle with Lance Armstrong and have dinner at the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama. I'd even walk Bo.
What was the last book you read?
"The World Is Flat" and "From Beirut to Jerusalem," both by Thomas Friedman.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Michael Buble, because of the great arrangements by David Foster played by a superb studio orchestra. The Larry McKenna Quartet, because he is an extraordinary tenor sax player. And Benny Carter's "Over the Rainbow" -- terrific sax section.
What is your favorite movie?
"The Frisco Kid."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
They range from Nigel Kennedy with the Cincinnati Symphony; the National Symphony with Rostropovich in Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July; a bar in Dayton, Ohio, listening to Chet Baker; a Duke Ellington concert in Dayton and one of the last performances of Paul Desmond playing with Dave Brubeck, also in Dayton.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Drive my wife crazy!
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Not for sale.
Leave a comment