Noteflight

I just discovered this notation tool. Free to use but extra features come with a subscription. Here's a good one!

guckenheimer sour kraut band

The guckenheimer sour kraut band was a San Francisco-based oompah band active in the '50s. George Lichty played drums. He was also a great cartoonist, best known for Grin and Bear it.

They had a comedy approach, but to my ear, they always managed to stay within the realm of the musical, and did some really great versions of the traditional German drinking and marching repertoire.

Just a year ago, it was hard to find any of their music online or anywhere else. Now there's plenty if you search.

Today’s tune: Gruß an Kiel

Greetings to Kiel, a port town in northern Germany. The tune was composed in 1864 by Friedrich Spohr.

The first version I found is by James Last. Mr. Last recently gave a concert on his 82nd birthday! This clip is from 1976, showing a Herb Alpert influence.




Apparently it's a tradition in Hamburg for the police to march out on New Year's morning, playing Gruß an Kiel:




What are these German boys high on? If nothing else, Gruß an Kiel.

The rehearsal and ride home gave me energy

I went in with low expectations. We're getting ready for a July 2nd performance, lots of Sousa and patriotic stuff, which isn't usually my favorite to play. It turned out to be a fun rehearsal. We've had a full trombone section lately and it sounds pretty good!

I got home and found versions of a few of the tunes we played:

The Circus Bee



Shoutin' Liza



Under the Double Eagle

scores at imslp.org

DMV could find a few things to play in here!

Ernst Mosch!

Until YouTube, I didn't know about Ernst Mosch. Thanks YouTube! There are many videos available. Here's a playlist to get you started. DMV used to play Amboss Polka (Anvil Polka) out of the grey book.

Hi Curtis.

Tonight I looked for Rehragout. There are many versions available.

First, a small group with vocal. I mainly like this one for the rhythmic feel. How can one describe that bounce? Do I hear a 12/8 under the straight 4/4?

Next: nice to see a younger group doing a lively version. They know the words, too!

Third: this distorted recording only adds to the drunken exuberence. Wonderful!

I also found a rock version and several brass bands along the lines of what we already know, but this is it for tonight.

- Brad