Stars & Stripes Forever (Sousa Marches)

This recording incorporates all of the selections on the original LP "Hail Sousa" (now on CD - also available through Amazon) with the addition of several non-Sousa selections as shown on the song selection list. Which recording to buy is a personal preference - whether you want to pay a couple of dollars more for 4 additional selections. All the additions are classic marches except for Jerry Bilik's "American Civil War Fantasy". This is out-of-place in a march collection, but it is a wonderful recording nonetheless. It is taken from another old UM recording, "The University of Michigan Band On Tour".

The performances are uniformly excellent. I was always amazed at the ensemble playing of the woodwind section. Although not as "clean" as the playing of a small group like the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the overall sound of this big band, especially at high volume levels, is simply amazing. The Brass are big and boomy, and the percussion drive things along while still playing tastefully.

I have not given this recording 5 stars because some of the newer recordings by Fennell on import from Japan with the Tokyo Wind Orchestra have much better digital sound, and the old Fennell recordings on Mercury are considered THE classic recordings. However, this CD has very good analog sound, especially considering its age.


The Classic   August 9, 2000
I have heard this version of Sousa as a boy at boy scout camporees, high school football games, etc. during the 70s. Its as energized and vibrant as you would expect a major college band to be. You'll not disapointed.