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“CHASED” Band Performs in Estes Park
7/12/10
By by Lt Col Loren Johnson, USAF, retired, former USAF bandleader
With the sounds of the cascading waters of Fall River in the background, the cascading high notes of four outstanding trumpet players thrilled an appreciative audience at Performance Park under a spectacular blue sky. “CHASED” is a 1970’s style tribute band to the great Bill Chase, high note trumpet artist with Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman bands, then with his own group, an unusual ensemble of four trumpets, rhythm section, and vocalist. Bill Chase was killed in a plane crash in Minnesota on the way to a gig at the height of his popularity in August, 1974. His recording of “Get It On” topped the Billboard Charts at #1 for 13 consecutive weeks beginning in May 1971. The song features what Jim Szantor of Downbeat magazine called “the hallmark of the Chase brass—complex cascading lines; a literal waterfall of trumpet timbre and technique”. Playing record copy arrangements from the three albums recorded by the Bill Chase band in the 1970’s, the four trumpet players of “CHASED” displayed incredible stamina in the extreme upper registers of the instruments, marvelous endurance, flawless unison passages, and magical bell-tone entrances throughout the evening. The four trumpet players of “CHASED” are Scott Handler (leader), John Lake, Kevin Tague, and Jason Mabrey. Featured on nearly every selection was vocalist Stuart Dameron who displayed wonderful vocal technique, style, range, and superb intonation. The outstanding rhythm section included Estes Park’s own Gary Dempsey on two keyboards, Tim Hurley (guitar), Dave Weinand (bass) and Mike Marlier (drums).
The “CHASED” concert was the second in a series of summer concerts sponsored by SOPA (Supporters of the Performing Arts) to showcase talent from the Estes Park, front range, and Denver areas highlighting the possibilities of year-round performances when the new Performing Arts Center is built. The next SOPA sponsored concert at Performance Park is next Saturday, July 17, featuring the Denver based a capella vocal group, “McPhly”. |