Album Notes

In 1958, four high school students asked our founder, Paul Colaluca, to help them form a band like Glenn Miller's. He agreed to work with them, but only if they could recruit 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a bass, guitar, piano and drums - the instrumentation of a full big band. To Paul's surprise, they returned a month later with a full band ready to rehearse.

For nearly forty years, Paul, assisted and ecouraged by his wife Jean, directed and managed the band. Although Paul and Jean retired in 1996, they will always be the "Father and Mother" of the Esquires. Today, the non-profit Esquire Music Foundation and its volunteer staff continue Paul's tradition of excellence. The band can be seen at frequent public performances throughout Southern California...all for the love of the music and the chance to help young people get a better start in life.

These tracks were recorded at Christ Lutheran Church and School in Rancho Palos Verdes, California over several weekends in July 2005. In order to pursue a more authentic sound, two vintage RCA 44BX ribbon microphones were employed. Vocals and solos were recorded at Fengler Studios using an RCA 44BX. We hope that you will enjoy our efforts to bring you that authentic big band sound....