Rare Tommy Banks And Big Miller Recording To Be Released as Fundraiser for the Edmonton Jazz Society
The Edmonton Jazz Society and the Yardbird Suite are pleased to host the official release of a new duet album featuring the late and legendary jazz singer, Clarence Big Miller and Canadian jazz icon, Tommy Banks on piano.
The new release, Legacy, was produced by Edmonton native George Blondheim. Blondheim is recognized internationally as a multi-award winning composer, producer and pianist.
The nine never-before heard songs were originally recorded in August 1989 at Edmontons Beta Sound Recorders. With Bigs untimely passing in 1992, the recordings remained stored away on a hard drive. Now, almost 30 years later, Legacy is being released by Chronograph Records in conjunction with the Yardbird Suites 60th Anniversary celebrations, with proceeds in support of the educational programs of the Edmonton Jazz Society and Yardbird Suite.
Those who remember Big will now be able to hear that terrific voice, warm personality and unique delivery once again. A new audience of jazz lovers will appreciate his beautiful tone and timeless style. Big and Tommy began working together in the 1970s and travelled across Canada performing in many musical settings including duo concerts and CBC broadcasts. This rare moment in studio was intended as a demo session working toward an album, but fate intervened and Big and Tommy were never able to make the final recording Blondheim envisioned.
Big could sing anything and make it work, and his vast memorized repertoire of blues, pop and jazz standards was all-encompassing. When George asked us to do a duet recording, Big and I instantly agreed. He kept those first tapes (there were tapes in those days!), and here they are. They evoke very happy memories of a great artist and a wonderfully big man. Tommy Banks
Album Details
Official release date: March 10, 2017
Available at: Chronograph Records, iTunes, Google Play and other major online retailers
Media copies available as of March 10th
March 11 Listening Party / Meet & Greet
6:30-7pm @ The Yardbird Suite, 11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton
Tommy Banks and Producer George Blondheim will be on hand to introduce Legacy to the public and press. George will be curating the event and sharing music (and stories) from the new album. A Q&A session and opportunities for autographs will follow.
At 8pm, the evening then proceeds into the SOLD OUT Yardbird Suite 60th Anniversary Celebrations:
Tommy Banks Presents Piano City with performances by Chris Andrew, Doug Organ, Glen Halls and George Blondheim. Tommy hosts a concert of some of Edmontons best piano masters.
