During WW II, Benny Goodman was overwhelmed with a patriotic spirit and wanted to write a song to help out the war effort. He arranged a peppy version of "The Marine Hymn" called "The Montezuma Swing." Excited about his creation, he offered to perform it for the troops as they departed for their overseas duty.
Unfortunately the commander turned him down, stating that this particular branch of the services was not interested in swing beat. It was difficult to march to such tunes. Not wanting to seem ungrateful, the commander asked if Benny might work up another arrangement that incorporated several melodies with slight variations.
"How about something with a little counterpoint action?" suggested the commander.
"You mean," said the band leader. "as though it were written by Bach?"
"Precisely," agreed the commander. "The Marines are looking for a fugue, Goodman."
Unfortunately the commander turned him down, stating that this particular branch of the services was not interested in swing beat. It was difficult to march to such tunes. Not wanting to seem ungrateful, the commander asked if Benny might work up another arrangement that incorporated several melodies with slight variations.
"How about something with a little counterpoint action?" suggested the commander.
"You mean," said the band leader. "as though it were written by Bach?"
"Precisely," agreed the commander. "The Marines are looking for a fugue, Goodman."
Consider the magnitude of that statement when you remember who it comes from...
Take your meds and go back to sleep, Bob.....
Comment