This 1975 show celebrates band music in a more melodic mode. It features the work of such leaders as Whiteman, King, Waring, Martin and, of course, Lombardo.
What has always been problematic with the "Salute to Bands" theme is that the top-heavy number of singers over-weighs the instrumentals. The same is the case here, as there are 11 vocals, 6 instrumentals, and 3 dances. Clay Hart and Ava Barber abandon the theme completely with the Western duet of Cool Water. Ralston sticks in a very abbreviated version of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto.
The wraparound from 2000 features Barney Lidell and Henry Questa (both died in 2003) with a backup combo. They reminisce about their time with the band and tell a few anecdotes of their experiences.
A well-done show overall of an oft-done theme.