Jan Garber & His Orchestra

OrchestraFrom 1925Ended

Jan Garber & His Orchestra's albums, compilations, and singles and EPs discography with cataloged releases, editions, and credits

United StatesUnited States

jangarber.com

discogs.comen.wikipedia.orglast.fmallmusic.com

Jan's greatest popularity surfaced in early 1933, shortly after he took over leadership of the 'Little Freddie Large Orchestra' from Canada. With Freddie's unique lead alto saxophone captivating radio listeners from Cincinnati to Catalina Island, the Garber Band - with a sound like Lombardo but lots peppier - became an overnight sensation at Chicago's famed Trianon Ballroom. A year later, it was solidly entrenched among the most popular dance groups in the entire country. Prominent in this emergence were the imaginative musical arrangements of pianist Doug Roe; the singing of Nebraska native Lee Bennett; and a series of comic skits, special shows and mini-concerts during each dance. During World War II, Garber switched styles completely and launched a swinging big band. The experiment proved a musical success but a financial disaster. Jan mercifully cut his losses, and ended the suffering of his countless 1930s followers, by returning to his familiar 'sweet' style of music in late 1945. Freddie Large returned with him, bringing along Tony Briglia, a fellow Canadian and long-time drummer with the famed Casa Loma Orchestra. Also aiding the cause considerably were trumpeter Bill Kleeb and trombonist/arranger Frank Bettencourt. They had both joined Jan in late 1942, with Frank returning after military service to update and take charge of virtually all the band's musical library in addition to his trombone and part-time piano chores. Kleeb's classic trumpet work became a Garber trademark for the better part of a quarter-century. Memo Bernabei and prewar sideman Al Powers, together with Jo Jo Huffman, rounded out the new reed-section quartet. Jack Barrow, who had also been on the band during the latter 1930s, returned with Bettencourt on trombone, with Ernie Mathias and Vince DiBari joining Kleeb in the expanded trumpet section. Frank McCauley on string bass and pianist Jack Motch, who both helped with arranging, rounded out Jan's new postwar group. During these years, Jan Garber was to become increasingly well known as 'The Idol of The Air Lanes.' This was an informal title bestowed by announcer Pierre Andre during one of the band's countless broadcasts on Chicago's WGN Radio. In addition to superior musicians, Jan was blessed with a series of excellent vocalists from the mid-1940s onward. Tommy Traynor and Tim Reardon were early names in the postwar Garber Band, together with Alan Copeland and his 'TwinTones' singing group. Also emerging from the late 1940s were Bob Grabeau; Roy Cordell (called "the best of them all" by Jan's widow, Dorothy); Larry Dean; Julio Maro; and Marv Nielsen. Prominent among Jan's postwar female vocalists were Thelma Gracen, Julie Vernon and Janis Garber (who was billed for a time as 'Kitty Thomas').

Discography

swap_vertexpand_more
search
Filter by

Rambling Wreck From Georgia Tech / Maryland, My Maryland

1948

Studio Album

More College Medleys

1949

Studio Album

Under The Christmas Tree

1949

Studio Album

Dance Time

1950

Studio Album

Dance Time

1950

Studio Album

Among My Souvenirs

1950

Studio Album

Satin Touch

1956

Studio Album

Dance At Home

1957

Studio Album

Christmas Dance Party

1960

Studio Album

Everybody Dance

1961

Studio Album

Falling In Love Again / Dream

1961

Studio Album

Street Of Dreams

Studio Album

Dance Program

1961

Studio Album

Golden Waltzes From The Blue Room

1962

Studio Album

Melodies And Memories

1962

Studio Album

College Songs Everybody Knows

1962

Studio Album

Dance Program

1963

Studio Album

They're Playing Our Song

1964

Studio Album

Dance To The Country Hits

1965

Studio Album

The Shadow Of Your Smile

1966

Studio Album

On Stage

1966

Studio Album

Dancing Happy

1968

Studio Album

Mellow Medleys

1970

Studio Album

Moods

1973

Studio Album

The Uncollected Jan Garber, 1939-1941

1978

Studio Album

The Uncollected Jan Garber, Vol. 3, 1946-1947

1984

Studio Album

22 Original Big-Band Hits

1987

Studio Album

The 1944 Swing Band Volume Two

1999

Studio Album

The 1944 Swing Band Volume One

1999

Studio Album

You Stepped Out Of A Dream

Studio Album

Medley Time

Studio Album

Dancing Under The Stars

Studio Album

Sweet And Lovely

Studio Album

Garden of Waltzes

Studio Album

Waltzes

Studio Album

In A Dancing Mood

Studio Album

1944

Studio Album