program notes by composition > S > Salute to American Jazz

Salute to American Jazz

arr. Sammy Nestico

Salute to American Jazz pays tribute to America's most notable art form with this medley of four distinct styles in the history of jazz. Selections include Dizzy Gillespie's “A Night in Tunisia,” W.C. Handy's “St. Louis Blues,” Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” and Weather Report’s “Birdland” which refers to the New York City club of the same name made popular by saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker.

Arranger Sammy Nestico (b.1924) is a prolific composer and arranger of jazz and big band swing music. He received a Bachelors degree from Duquesne University. He has arranged for the Count Basie Orchestra, the US Air Force Band and the US Marine Band in Washington DC. He has orchestrated countless works for major film, TV and recording studios.

Last updated on November 16, 2015 by Palatine Concert Band