‘Tonight’s’ Band(s)

Doc Severinsen reacted much too kindly (“Actually, Branford, There Was a Real ‘Tonight Show’ Band,” June 13). Severinsen had a real band, and it played “Tonight Show” themes and arrangements of the American Songbook superbly. Many of its members were world-class musicians.

Those of us who listened to Severinsen’s band will never forget “Johnny’s Theme,” played as Carson took center stage. But if we live 100 years, none of us will ever be able to hum three successive notes from the dismal theme Branford Marsalis composed for the current version of “The Tonight Show.”

Jay Leno, albeit a gifted monologuist, will never equal the scope of Carson’s comedic brilliance. Likewise, the Marsalis band, average players performing prosaic tunes, will never attain the musical brilliance of Severinsen’s organization. It seems clear, however, that Severinsen thoroughly enjoyed his run as musical director of “The Tonight Show,” whereas Marsalis projects an attitude of tolerating his very cushy job.

HUGH GLENN

East Irvine