"Les Brown's Band Of Renown, The
Music Of Your Life!" was an outstanding
experience. There are many tribute acts in Branson, but this is the
Real
Deal baby!
THE SHOW
The music is top-notch and you won't hear anything like it in
Branson,
or elsewhere in the USA. This comes from the combination of
outstanding
musicians, those legendary Les Brown arrangements, and the
bandleader, Les
Brown Jr. (son of founder Les Brown Sr., who began playing with the
Band at
the age of 15). The songs ranged from rip-roaring swing numbers to a
beautiful voice & piano duet (In the Wee Small Hours, by Frank
Sinatra).
Les Brown Jr. is an engaging singer and host, and his stories and
conversations with the audience are warm and intimate. He tells some
wonderful stories about the Band's early days and how our favorite
songs
came into being. Les Jr. also talks about the Band's USO tours with
Bob
Hope and this is a high point for the veterans in the audience. Even
though
he grew up with people like Bob Hope and Doris Day as family
friends, he is
truly humble about the great experiences that he's had.
Someone said that the show is so comfortable that "all that was
missing was
a fireplace and a footstool!" If you enjoy Les Jr.'s radio shows on
the
Music Of Your Life radio network, you'll love hearing him in person.
DANCING!?!
The Band Of Renown is one of America's great dance bands, and
dancing is
the final ingredient of this great show. Areas are provided onstage
so you
can go up and dance right next to the band. Talk about a
"sentimental
journey" to relive old memories!
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Lorri Hafer, the female vocalist, does a number of tunes that left
the
audience cheering for more. Her voice is incredible and she radiates
a
genuine love for the music. As an added treat, her husband Mike
(piano) and son Paul (bass) come onstage for a swinging rendition of Route 66
(get your kicks).
THE PRODUCTION
Needless to say, the production of the show was at the same high
level as the performances. The sound and lights perfectly supported the
music (i.e. you never noticed them). "Star Wars" effects simply aren't
needed with
talent of this level. Sometimes, old photos and film clips were
projected
on the video system to enhance Les Jr.’s stories. They could do even
more of this.
THE FACILITIES
The Mickey Gilley Theatre is also a class act. The staff is friendly
and
professional, and the building and facilities are first-rate. They
even have ushers to help dancers on and off-stage. Parking is level and
close to the building.
WHO SHOULD SEE THIS SHOW?
This show is an obvious choice for anyone that grew up with the
music.
Younger folks that enjoy Rod Stewart or Tony Bennett (who got his
first
break singing with the Band Of Renown) doing the "Great American
Songbook"
will feel an even deeper appreciation for this music. And of course,
anyone
that loves to dance must experience moving to a world-class,
15-piece big
band!
WE'LL BE BACK
What more can I say? Les Brown Jr. is carrying on the tradition of
class, professionalism and fun that his father started over six
decades
ago. We'll be back with our friends!
PS - Be sure to pick up a video of the show. Les will sign it after
the
show, and you’ll enjoy the music and stories for years to come!
Don
Iowa
Branson Show: Les Brown's Band of Renown
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 3 of 5
Date: May 14, 2004
Time: 9:06 AM
I am a big band enthusiast and when I heard that
the Les Brown Band was coming to Branson, I just knew I had to see
it. I was impressed with the band's sound and the versatility of its
members. The Band of Renown was known as a dance band, not a jazz
band, but the improvisatory skill of several sidemen was quite good.
The history of "Sentimental Journey" was wonderful to hear from MC
Les Brown Jr., who provided a wonderful narrative of the band's
history. The female vocalist was also good and I enjoyed her voice
and the piano skills of her husband and son, who played bass. The
audience was invited up to the stage to dance, and during the
performance that I saw on May 2, several of them did. It just makes
sense for a dance band to involve the audience in this way.
The vocal skills of boy singer Les Brown, Jr. left much to be
desired, I felt. At age 60+, he just doesn't have it anymore.
Whatever tone and breath support he once had is gone and I really
felt disappointed. I also felt his presence on stage, choreographing
every accent in the band, was rather annoying. It would have been an
improvement if he would just have gotten out of the way once in a
while and let the band alone to play all by itself.
The focus should be on the band and not the director. Nevertheless,
I was glad I went to hear this band and would recommend it highly to
others who want to relive the big band era.
