Cool Big Band music on a chilly night

It was a pleasantly chilly early-November evening at 5:00 p.m. when the Wimberley Valley Big Band began to play. Some hot jazz was the perfect remedy to ward off the chill at the Cypress Creek Café’s backyard. The Big Band leader, Doug Gillory, is not only an amusing cut-up, he’s an amazing musician. He makes playing the saxophone seem so easy, and he said that it is.

There were a variety of singers who took to the microphone. Kathy Burnett sang a sultry rendition of “Black Coffee”. Fred Ratliff belted out “Birth of the Blues”. John Greer crooned “Route 66”, his shirt emblazoned with motorcars. Les Tucker, who turned 79 that day, sang a medley of 3 children’s songs with one of his granddaughters. The medley was a special selection that Les has sung to his children and grandchildren. It was arranged by band member, John Prickett.

Instrumentals included “Twist and Shout”, “Satin Doll”, “A String of Pearls” and a bunch more toe-tapping, dance-inducing songs. Of course, they played “Moonglow” as that was the concert’s title.

Two hours after start time, when evening turned into night and the air temperature dropped significantly, the band bravely played one last song. Had the weather been warmer, they would have played another hour. Most of the audience had stayed around to brave the temps, but when it was time to leave, surely we all left with warmed hearts.