Rare video footage of the "Birthday in Britain" Kenton band, taped March 1 at North Penn High School, just after the band's European and UK tour in early 1973. Bill Holman's "The Daily Dance," featuring Richard Torres on tenor sax, Bob Winniker on Flugelhorn, John Park on alto sax, John Worster on bass, Peter Erskine on drums plus the entire Kenton Orchestra (that's Dennis Noday playing lead trumpet).
You sound fantastic, Peter! Also, really dug the composition ... wish we had played it when I was in the band four years later ... cool piano part, too.
frednow 1 month ago
Jeez, too bad that Erskine kid couldn't play...lol
Pete, this was actually the first Kenton band I got to see when I was about 13. The following year I went to the Kenton camp in Costa Mesa and was disapointed that you had left the band. Gary Hobbs was there and turned out to be a great mentor as well...BUT...When it comes to drummers who influenced my career and made me want to do this for a living, YOU are the guy!
Great to see this video! Thanks for posting it!
John Akal
Denver, CO
JAImaging 1 month ago
Goog to see John on bass -- I wonder if there's any way of sending this on to him? I'll check it out. And in the meantime, I've got to send it to Damian!
schreinon 1 month ago
Wow thanks for posting, i was at the recording of " Birthday in britain" at the Fairfield Halls Croydon. i was only 13 at the time couldn't get over the wall off sound, been hooked ever since,The band came over twice in 73, the latter band had Mary Fettig with them.Seeing the band every time they came over was the highlight of my teens, i have to thank my Dad for introducing me to the Greatest big band ever. Anymore ?? from a Kenton fan in the Highlands of Scotland.
kentonjazz3 1 month ago
This is killing, Peter. Do you have any footage from the rest of the concert?
Thanks for posting!!!!!
russxdrums 1 month ago
Don't forget Willie Maiden on baritone sax!
rbrtrobb 1 month ago
I was at this concert, and despite the poor quality of the video, the audio comes through loud and clear. Bravo Peter for putting this up!
rbrtrobb 1 month ago
dayum... nice solo Peter!
damianerskine 1 month ago