Scarecrow Press
Pages: 152
•
Trim: 5¾ x 8½
978-0-8108-5001-9 • Paperback • May 2005 • $67.00 • (£52.00)
The late Warren W. Vaché was a freelance writer and jazz musician. He was a co-founder and charter member of the New Jersey Jazz Society, the co-founder of the American Federation of Jazz Societies, and founder of the American Jazz Hall of Fame.
Part 1 Editor's Foreword
Part 2 Prelude
Part 3 Introduction
Chapter 4 Binghamton
Chapter 5 White Plains
Chapter 6 Emmett Donahue
Chapter 7 Johnny Caper
Chapter 8 Scott Fisher
Chapter 9 Charlie Barnet
Chapter 10 Bouf Turner
Chapter 11 Joe Haymes
Chapter 12 Helen O'Brien
Chapter 13 Bar Harbor
Chapter 14 CBS
Chapter 15 John Hammond
Chapter 16 Ziggy Elman
Chapter 17 Benny Goodman
Chapter 18 Mrs. Stegmaier
Chapter 19 Andy Ferretti
Chapter 20 Fritz Kreisler
Chapter 21 Frank Sinatra
Chapter 22 Manny Weinstock
Chapter 23 Ray Bloch
Chapter 24 Mel Tormé
Chapter 25 Dinah Shore
Chapter 26 Benny Baker
Chapter 27 Johnny Pepper
Chapter 28 Jackie Gleason
Chapter 29 Easter Call
Chapter 30 Charles Martin Drama
Chapter 31 Tony Martin
Chapter 32 Milton Berle
Chapter 33 Kate Smith
Chapter 34 Peter Van Steeden
Chapter 35 Paul and Irene Griffin
Part 36 Discography
Part 37 About the Author
...I'm delighted that one of the unsung heroes of the Swing Era is not forgotten...
— The Jazz Rag
This small book offers Griffin's affectionate tales of Goodman, Gleason, Charlie Barnet, Frank Sinatra and others. He comes across as a modest, witty raconteur and any new first-hand testimony about those long-gone days when, for a moment, jazz was American popular music, is worth having.
— All About Jazz, March 2007
This biography of trumpet player Chris Griffin collects his reminiscences of playing with the Benny Goodman band and the Ed Sullivan Show band and working with Charlie Barnet, Ziggy Elman, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Dinah Shore, and Tony Martin. Black and white photographs and a discography are provided.
— Reference and Research Book News
About a year ago Warren told me of his new and exciting project, the story of big band trumpeter Chris Griffin. I was so excited about the news as Mr. Griffin was a true giant of the golden age of the swing era, yet never really made the 'name status' of other trumpet stars that in many respects learned from Griffin, Ziggy Elman and Harry James included. Jazz fans every where rejoice in the idea that those who should be given their dues do in fact gain some of that in historical documentation such as Warren's book, released recordings or newly found concert performances. The fact that someone such as Warren was finally putting into print the story of Chris Griffin caused many to smile. And then there is the chance that people who never knew of his great sound could finally learn of it and in doing so keep it alive. This is perhaps why I write this review, because to me this book now serves as a tribute. On February 27, 2005 Murray Davison passed away, the same week his old army buddy Warren Vaché passed. A few months later on June 18, 2005 Chris Griffin joined the two in a jazz reunion in the sky. This book therefore, is meaningful in several ways to those who knew the men behind this great story.
— Dan Del Fiorentino, NAMM, THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION