My sister and myself were looking forward to the Glenn Miller Orchestra event at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, and some decent light music.

At last the day arrived.  This was a chance to get away from the news which becomes more horrific every day that passes and away from loud noise, including music, which is everywhere.  It was organised by A.D. Events Ltd. "progressive and creative promotors." Thank you.

 Almost everywhere I go chances are that there is piped or sometimes even live music, selected by someone who has very fixed ideas as to what he (for you can be certain that it is some thin young man) wants us to hear and this will not include anything I like. Whoever he is will have a great time; everyone else wants to kill him. At least I do. It is usually terrible music but not only, played so loudly that a conversation is impossible. 'Power' seems to go to their head. They assume that if they like it so will everyone else. How are we going to convince owners of certain establishments that loud music is simply not 'cool', a word I have come to dislike. I am becoming cantakerous... I also object to the ubiquitous 'amazing,' 'it isn't rocket science', 'enjoy', 'take care'...that's all that comes to mind for the time being. I am not compiling a list. I don't even have a bucket list.

So, this abnoxious music is generally a hindrance to those who meet a friend to talk and catch up. We have all the music we want in our homes. If they insist on playing music then let it be pleasant, background music allowing patrons to have a civilised conversation. I can make suggestions, if invited to do so. So can many of my friends.  But who is going to part with such a powerful position these young men have, where they can make people miserable without showing their face?

More than 80 years since its founding, the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to tour, performing the music of the late Glenn Miller for audiences across the world.  Today's 16-piece band provides a nostalgic ambience. This was very much so, at MCC.

We all know a little about the late Glenn Miller and how, as his musical career soared, he traded in his commercial success for a military uniform to entertain US troops during World War II. Then, on a foggy afternoon, December 15, 1944, he took off from England heading for France his plane vanished over the English Channel and he was never seen again.  Since that fatal day, his death remained a mystery. There are various conspiracy theories among them, was he involved in espionage? Who knows?

After the disappearance of Glenn Miller, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. Touring continuously since 1956, The Glenn Miller Orchestra is featured in over 200 concerts and dances per year. Each performance includes the timeless classics that made them famous the world over in a show that has moved audiences for generations.

Miller scored his first hit with Wishing Will Make It So that same year. He penned his even bigger successful single, Moonlight Serenade, which climbed the charts in 1939 as well. With their distinctive swing jazz style, Miller and his orchestra became the country's top dance band.

I reminded myself that it was Glenn Miller who invented Swing. What is it that makes his 'big band' sound so different? This is what I read: "Glenn Miller was known for his unique arrangements, which often featured a strong use of counterpoint, dissonance, and dissonant chords. He also made frequent use of unconventional voicings and dissonant harmonies, which helped to give his music a distinct and modern sound. Some of his most well-known pieces that demonstrate these techniques include In the Mood, A String of Pearls, and Moonlight Serenade...Miller often gave the clarinet section a prominent role, using it as a lead instrument in his arrangements. This was a departure from the traditional role of the clarinet in big band music, which was typically more of a supporting or background instrument. The clarinet's melodic lines, played by Miller himself, added a distinctive sound to his arrangements." There. I've learnt something.

The whole show was slick from beginning to end. It was led by Wil Salden, the orchestra's principal conductor for almost 40 years. There were no programmes made available but he gave a good running commentary, even as he played the piano, conducted and joined in the singing, occasionally, with the pretty, tall, slim (what else?) singer.  I didn't get her name. She sang several songs to our delight including It's been a long, long time, You're the Tops and Kiss me. Moonlight Cocktail was also sung by her with three of the musicians. The stage turned red and Wil Salden joined in. This song is said to have been recorded by Glenn Miller after the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December 8, 1941.

"...Follow the simple directions and they will bring

 Life of another complexion where you'll be king

You will awake in the morning and start to sing

 Moonlight Cocktails are the thing."

Pure fantasy and certainly the most difficult cocktail recipe ever.

Many of the musicians gave us their own brilliant solo mini concert.  They played with passion. Completely at ease. It was great to hear such excellent music. They must be handpicked. It cannot be easy to join this orchestra. One really has to be multi talented.

One trombone player gave us When you're smiling which resembles, Amapola, originally Spanish and one of my favourite songs ever.

Ever wondered what the popular Pennsylvania 6-5000 stands for? What an awkward mouthful.  Well, I googled it. It is a telephone number in New York City, written in the 2L+5N (two letters, five numbers) format that was common from about 1930 into the 1960s.

They played Louis Armstrong's famous It's a wonderful world. He was the innovator of  pre-war jazz. Also Tom Dorsey's arrangement of The  Song of India composed by Rimsky-Korsakov. I'll be seeing you. On the Sunny Side of the Street. Benny Goodman's Let's Dance. Moonlight serenade at the beginning of the concert and at the end, after Adios.  As encore they gave us In the Mood, what else?  

There was a 15 minute interval and we were welcomed back with In the Mood.

There's a Glenn Miller Festival coming up in June 2024. Thought you'd like to know. In America not here.

Glenn would be proud to know that so many generations still love and listen to his music. Even in tiny Malta. We were hugely entertained. Nostalgia at its best.  Let's have more of this 'light' music which gladdens our hearts.

Beats Rap any day.

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Photos: Mark Agius Photography