THE PEARLY GATES MARCHING BAND
Dean Norman came up with an unusual but very musical idea for the self-titled CD by The Pearly Gates Marching Band. He narrates what is billed as “a musical comedy” about a trad jazz band that plays at funerals for its members. The group gets smaller and smaller as the play progresses since one by one the musicians pass away. Despite the potentially downbeat topic, the narrative is upbeat and generally witty, with Norman joined by actors Phil and Carol Cartwright.
The full group (trombonist-leader-arranger Ben Herrick, trumpeter John Grafing, clarinetist Ray Heitger, banjoist Betsy Grafing, Andy Baker on tuba, and drummer Buddy Lopez) minus its pianist Rick Grafing (who is said to be the first to pass away) performs spirited versions of “Just A Little While To Stay Here,” “Just A Closer Walk To Thee” and a joyful “Oh Didn’t He Ramble” with vocals by Grafing and Nicole Heitger. After some narration about old-time jazz and the state of the band, the shrinking ensemble regroups at the trumpeter’s funeral with a second version of “Just A Little While To Stay Here,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and a cooking “Fifty Miles Of Elbow Room.” Those performances feature excellent playing and interplay by clarinetist Heitzer and trombonist Herrick. The next “Just A Little While To Stay Here,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and �
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