What do you think of this idea for my Dad's eightieth birthday?

**bassybill** · #1 09-13-2009, 05:35 AM

Some of you will know that my Dad is a great drummer and big band arranger (although he plays very little now, he's still knocking out the charts on Sibelius).

For his 80th birthday, my sister and I have decided to hire a nice venue and have a big band concert playing his best stuff for all his family and friends. I already play in a great big band so I can hand-pick the best guys for the job, including some of his oldie-but-goldie muso buddies.

We're going to keep it as a surprise (hence the lobby post - he sometimes checks out my stuff on TB but he can't get in here

).

What do you think? I'm really stoked about this, it will be very the best thing we could do for him as our Dad and he is 110% worth it.

Darkstrike · #2 09-13-2009, 05:47 AM

A fantastic idea, I love it, should be a really special birthday.

Espcially as you said, since you're into big band as well, you know what to look for in players.

Mark Latimour · #3 09-13-2009, 06:29 AM

Sounds like a really great idea. Especially if you can keep it a surprise!

JimmyM · #4 09-13-2009, 07:14 AM

Won't be a dry eye in the house! Great idea, Bill!

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #5 09-13-2009, 07:17 AM

Go for it.

René_Julien · #6 09-13-2009, 07:22 AM

WOW, that sounds like a wonderful surprise party.

Would be awesome for your dad.
If you can organize that that sounds great.

Just, between the lines... bassybill, if you're dad is almost 80 (give him my congrats btw) how old are you.

I thought you were younger.

JAUQO III-X · #7 09-13-2009, 07:37 AM

Hey Bill that sounds like a great gift overall. He will definitely have a great time and please keep us in the loop.

**bassybill** · #8 09-13-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

Just, between the lines... bassybill, if you're dad is almost 80 (give him my congrats btw) how old are you.

I thought you were younger.

I'm 47 going on 19.

Thanks for the positive responses, guys. I thought you'd like the sound of it.

Jauqo, I certainly will keep all you guys in the loop in this thread. Over the next few months, expect set lists, band line ups, pics, sound clips, videos, charts... you name it. I really hope I can pull this one off, it would be perfect for him.

JAUQO III-X · #9 09-13-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I'm 47 going on 19.

Thanks for the positive responses, guys. I thought you'd like the sound of it.

Jauqo, I certainly will keep all you guys in the loop in this thread. Over the next few months, expect set lists, band line ups, pics, sound clips, videos, charts... you name it. I really hope I can pull this one off, it would be perfect for him.

You're welcome.

You can pull it off. Because this is something that you want to do for a very special person in your life.

Brad Johnson · #10 09-13-2009, 08:11 AM

Sounds like a great idea, Bill.

I did a gig last nice with a band I work with infrequently. Mainly Jazz standards. The guitarist's father, who I'd guess is in his late 70's/80's, attended the gig and if your dad has a fraction of the good time he had, he'll have a ball. He spent a lot of time talking with several of us and reminiscing about the local music scene going back more than 50 years. Of course the local scene included most of the Jazz giants of the day so that was cool getting to hear about seeing them in their prime.

The band got his seal of approval, something his son said he doesn't hand out lightly.

René_Julien · #11 09-13-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I'm 47 going on 19.

Thanks for the positive responses, guys. I thought you'd like the sound of it.

Jauqo, I certainly will keep all you guys in the loop in this thread. Over the next few months, expect set lists, band line ups, pics, sound clips, videos, charts... you name it. I really hope I can pull this one off, it would be perfect for him.

I thought you were somewhere between 36 and 42.

You can't really tell anyones age around here, unless it's listed in his/her profile.
I saw 18y olds that seem very mature, 40y olds that acted like 15yo kids.... and 50+ seniors who are very cool and if you don't know any better you'd say they were in their late 20s: still in their prime of their life and full of wisdom (gathered and experienced).

Like me.

Nino Valenti · #12 09-13-2009, 09:09 AM

That sounds AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

mike_v_s · #13 09-13-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

Some of you will know that my Dad is a great drummer and big band arranger (although he plays very little now, he's still knocking out the charts on Sibelius).

For his 80th birthday, my sister and I have decided to hire a nice venue and have a big band concert playing his best stuff for all his family and friends. I already play in a great big band so I can hand-pick the best guys for the job, including some of his oldie-but-goldie muso buddies.

We're going to keep it as a surprise (hence the lobby post - he sometimes checks out my stuff on TB but he can't get in here

).

What do you think? I'm really stoked about this, it will be very the best thing we could do for him as our Dad and he is 110% worth it.

That looks like a very thoughtful and fitting gift and one that I'm sure will rank among his best memories. You can't say that about every birthday.

Mike

The Crusader · #14 09-13-2009, 11:58 AM

It's a no brainer Bill, go for it. If I may speak for those of us whose fathers have passed, I am sure that we all wish that we were able to do something as special as this. Do it while you can.

**bassybill** · #15 09-13-2009, 01:58 PM

Again, thanks guys. Brad, that sounds like you had a really great evening, lovely to hear stories like that.

John - very well put, nice sentiment.

I've posted this before, but here's a recording that we did a few years back when we went into a local studio to record some of my Dad's charts. The bass playing isn't stellar because I wasn't really used to swinging stuff like this at the time (excuses, excuses).

Dad on drums, me on bass, older sister on vox.

http://www.billygreen.pwp.blueyonder...Big%20Band.mp3

**Kelly Lee** · #16 09-13-2009, 02:28 PM

Awesome idea Bill! He will have a blast

Darkstrike · #17 09-13-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I've posted this before, but here's a recording that we did a few years back when we went into a local studio to record some of my Dad's charts. The bass playing isn't stellar because I wasn't really used to swinging stuff like this at the time (excuses, excuses).

Dad on drums, me on bass, older sister on vox.

http://www.billygreen.pwp.blueyonder...Big%20Band.mp3

Very nice all around, very, very nice!

MakiSupaStar · #18 09-13-2009, 06:48 PM

Not only is it a great idea, but you should take the time to set up a good recording of it, so you can hand him the cd to listen to later. Also put it on video for all of us that aren't invited.

**Kelly Lee** · #19 09-13-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Not only is it a great idea, but you should take the time to set up a good recording of it, so you can hand him the cd to listen to later. Also put it on video for all of us that aren't invited.

Yeah, making a great idea even better.

Joe Gress · #20 09-13-2009, 06:56 PM

An awesome idea!