Big-Band Phil

Regarding Don Heckman’s review of Phil Collins at the Greek Theatre (“Rocker Phil Collins Beats the Drum for Big-Band Music,” June 17).

What an insightful review--not just of Mr. Collins’ efforts at plugging big-band swing, but of the pit that so many big-band drummers can fall into: that of dominating the rest of the band’s efforts to be heard.

In the past, the drummer could easily overpower the rest of the musicians. A quick listen to Chick Webb and Gene Krupa, among others, shows that just having a large group of big-band musicians playing together isn’t enough. One must have a gifted arranger and a dedicated leader coaching the team effort. Here is where Mr. Collins may be missing the message of past real big bands.

They were a team of carefully drafted players who spent an inordinate amount of time playing together. Big bands did not go from town to town picking up players in each area. They were like a successful major-league baseball team playing together with skill and precision.

This big-band team is a very expensive organization to support and there doesn’t seem that there is any contemporary big band out there today . . . yet. Maybe Mr. Collins’ dedication and long-standing love of big bands will someday soon manifest itself in a real big band that stays and plays together. . . . At least he is adding star power to the movement but to duplicate a real big-band today is a daunting task.

Keep at it, Mr. Collins--a look back will provide you with the blueprint of real big-band artistry.

MARTIN A. CAPUNE

Newport Beach