1979 North Star Soloist All Time Best

[CaballarosJr.]

Greatest Soprano Soloists of DCI

Being a former trumpet player, I may be slightly biased, but I can’t think of anything else I would rather listen to than a skillful soprano soloist backed by a great hornline. Obviously these results are subjective and some certainly are charged by my own personal emotions when I was listening to these performers. All of these gifted individuals marched in junior drum corps during the DCI era (1972-1999).

10) Hunter Moss-Spirit of Atlanta 1984 & 1985. One word comes to mind when you listen to Hunter play-style. His velvet tone and impeccable style set him apart from most players in the activity. His clarity in the upper range rang out over the hornline.

9) Tom Meredith-Kilties 1977.

8) Greg Blum-Colts 1980 & 1981. I consider showmanship a huge part of being a great DCI soloist. In this category Greg stands alone. Known as ‘Harpo’ because of his crazy blonde afro, Greg’s rendition of Summertime from Porgy and Bess demonstrated Greg’s attention-grabbing tone quality and incredible ability to play in every register of the horn with impeccable velvet tone and crisp projection .

7) Al Chez-Garfield Cadets 1981 &1982. If high note chops were the only criteria on this list Al would probably top the list. His double F in 1982 is the highest note played in DCI history (tied in 1986 by Morgan Larson-see #9). For me, it was his solo work in 1981 that best demonstrated the power and excitement of a great performer. He now performs on the Late Show with Letterman and his high note chops are better than ever!

6) Jerry Noonan-North Star 1979 & 1980. The best trait of Jerry was the way he could make his sound pop out of an ensemble. Not pop out in a bad way, but pop out in a good (Buddy Rich Big Band lead trumpet) way. His solo work featured his tremendous upper register chops as well as his superb ability to show off his acrobatic flexibility. His solo work in Ole in both 1979 and 1980 featured every quality of this fine player.

5) Adam Rapa- East Coast Jazz 1995-2000. A huge regret I have in my collection of DCI recordings is that I do not have a recording of East Coast Jazz in the mid 90’s when they featured this amazing soloist. Adam has all the characteristics of a great player: range, tone, and technique. Adam went on to perform with Blast and because he never jumped ship and went to a “big” corps many drum corps fans missed the absolute pleasure of hearing this master.

4) Shaun Owens- Madison Scouts 1982, 1983 & 1984. Certainly the moment that put Shaun squarely on this list was his solo work in 1983’s Strawberry Soup. His command of the upper register is flawless and he plays up to a double E seemingly effortlessly. This former tuba player was not only a masterful high note specialist, but he also demonstrated his technical ability by winning the I&E solo contest in 1983.

3) Chris Metzger-Madison Scouts 1974, 1975, 1976 &1977. Chris is probably the best “all around” player on this list. He is a masterful technical player. His tone production in the lower register as well as the upper register is unparalleled. His high-note chops could rival Maynard Ferguson’s and his legit chops produced solos that sounded like Doc Severson (MacArther’s Park, West Side Story 1977). A great example of his high note chops comes at the end of Bond Street during the 1974 show when he wails up to the highest note in recorded DCI history.

2) Jeff Kevitt-Muchachos 1974 & 1975. If smoothness was the main criteria for this list then the top spot would belong to Jeff. Jeff was the master of filling a venue with his big sound. The most amazing thing about Jeff’s playing was that his tone seemed to never change no matter what register he was playing in. When I think of a player filling an entire stadium with huge, gorgeous sound the best example of this is Jeff. His use of air and support are textbook methods of how to be a great horn player. He went on to perform with Chuck Mangione as well as many other top professional musicians (as did many on this list). Jeff’s solo work in Pictures of Spain and MaryAnne are considered by many to be some of the finest solo work in the history of the activity.

1) Jim Brady-Bridgemen 1977 & 1978. I could think of no one better to christen in the advent of the 2 valve soprano bugle than with Jim’s absolute mastery of a brass instrument. His solo work in 1977 was featured in Pagliacci as the corps’ opener. This thrilling moment was only outdone by Jim, himself the next yearl. Jim’s technique is unmatched by any other horn player in the activity. Stylistically he is a god. He places each note in the exact position like it was meant to live there. His solo work in Harlem Nocturne in 1978 stole the show. If you are looking for the best combination of technical ability, tone production, style and showmanship you can end your search with Jim Brady!

These are all great "solos". But in my version of the dictionary a solo is one person playing with no one else playing. In most of these examples that I can remember right now (most of my Legacy Collections I get from the library. If any of my family is reading it's Christmas i have 19890 and 1979)other people are playing which greatly reduces the risk factor of fans or judges hearing a cracked note.

The NS solo by I guess his name is Gerry Noonan was truly all alone. The great rifle line goes to the back. Nothing else is being heard but him. He braces his legs bends his back and just let's a perfect solo whale. I can remember hearing it failing to get back from the bathroom after The Blue Stars I think. I was all the way in the corridors.

So, you are obviously well educated and I respect your opinion. But think the definition of a "solo" Elsa's solo, Carolina Crowns' 2007 "solo". reconsider your top ten with the parameters of "solo".

[Ghost]

These are all great "solos". But in my version of the dictionary a solo is one person playing with no one else playing. In most of these examples that I can remember right now (most of my Legacy Collections I get from the library. If any of my family is reading it's Christmas i have 19890 and 1979)other people are playing which greatly reduces the risk factor of fans or judges hearing a cracked note.

Seems like you're trying to justify your original opinion. My knowledge of what's being discussed is nowhere close to those posting. All I know is that I've listened to everyone mentioned many times and Brady gives me the best musical charge.

Edited December 7, 2011 by Ghost

[IllianaLancerContra]

This is another test to see if there is anything on The Net Boards that won't have people disagreeing.

Best solo of all time 1979 North Star during Ole. I think his name was Gerry Noonan or something like that.

Seriously for those who have heard it. I dare you do state anything else. Not even 1975 MacArthur Park

Maynard Ferguson was part of telecast that year (also was Rondo's first telecast); Noonan was aiming the solo straight at Maynard, and he nailed it.

[drumno5]

7) Al Chez-Garfield Cadets 1981 &1982. If high note chops were the only criteria on this list Al would probably top the list. His double F in 1982 is the highest note played in DCI history.

Respect to Al Chez, one of drum corps' all-time great soloists/screamers. But wasn't the double F (in the opening fanfare in '82, right?) played by Alan "Skeeter" Newton?

peace - holiday regards,

Fred O.

[LancerLegend]

Greatest Soprano Soloists of DCI

Being a former trumpet player, I may be slightly biased, but I can’t think of anything else I would rather listen to than a skillful soprano soloist backed by a great hornline......

2) Jeff Kevitt-Muchachos 1974 & 1975.

1) Jim Brady-Bridgemen 1977 & 1978.

I really admire your response - very well described, but what about GE ????

That's where I'd give Jeff the nod. He would be standing on one leg, twirling his other leg and the bell bottoms would be swinging.....he was a player and a showman !!!

[LancerLegend]

The bari player in 27th who played the trombone solo in the 1971 Chicago medley used as the concert number was pretty darn awesome.....

Thanks Mike - that would be Mr. Steve "Saint" Dorgan. His nickname being given to him by our drill instructor, Ike Ianessa. Steve had come to 27th from the St. Agnes CYO Band in Arlington.

Needless to say, I thought he was a "Saint" because of his abilities to make that horn sing !!!

Saint went on to teach the Rockland Defenders for many years. We marched together in the 27th Lancers Alumni Corps in 1994, and is now playing in the Defenders Alumni Corps. He's a real class act !

[Tim K]

I agree with many of the posts about great soloists, and the solos by North Star always riveted audiences, but one soloist seems to be omitted, the young man, probably about 13 or 14 at the time (I don't know his name), who does the solo in the Garfield Cadets 1980 "Elk's Parade." Now I've heard the rumor that he is just playing around and someone else is hiding in the drum line actually playing the solo. If the young man did not play the solo, whoever did certainly deserves to be among the best.

Edited December 6, 2011 by Tim K

[drumno5]

I agree with many of the posts about great soloists, and the solos by North Star always riveted audiences, but one soloist seems to be omitted, the young man, probably about 13 or 14 at the time (I don't know his name), who does the solo in the Garfield Cadets 1980 "Elk's Parade." Now I've heard the rumor that he is just playing around and someone else is hiding in the drum line actually playing the solo. If the young man did not play the solo, whoever did certainly deserves to be among the best.

I think Al Chez actually played the Elks Parade solo. Can anyone out there confirm/deny?

Fred O.

[HornsUp]

Greatest Soprano Soloists of DCI

9) Tom Meredith-Kilties 1977.

Put whatever number you want in front of his name, but Tommy will always be #1 in my book. He was the Kilties' soloist for five seasons 1973-1977 and was tagged "the Iceman" for his always-cool demeanor.

Tommy labored in the galleys of second sopranos during his formative seasons in the Kiltie Kadets. And I didn't discover him. In his rookie season in the big Kilties at age 14, he was unanimously nominated by his section mates to be the soloist.

Favorite Tommy Meredith Story: his big solo in "Roll Over Beethoven" was total improv. All I ever put on paper was a progression of chord names. (And I doubt he even looked at that.) Well, he NEVER EVER played that solo in any practice. The corps, and staff, went into the first show of the season with no idea of what Tommy was going to play. (Neither did Tommy.)

Now just in case you think he was pampering his chops . . . . . he ALWAYS played the solo work in "Don't You Worry "bout a Thing", which was written specifically to showcase his flexibility and power. In one rehearsal when the corps was cleaning M&M and doing playing run-throughs of that tune, Tommy nailed his stratospheric notes flawlessly 29 times in a row.

But here's how Tom Meredith earned the #1 in my book: In 1976 the Kilties were struggling. Seizing advantage of this were the Blue Stars, who offered Tommy a soloist slot and a $3000 cash "scholarship". They picked the wrong guy, because he believed in good old-fashioned loyalty. He accepted the Kilties' simple counter-offer of a no-parade contract and a personal valet (read:rookie).

Occasional access to cold beer may also have entered into the negotiations.

Tommy remained with the Kilties through the 1977 season, and then began his formal education as a mortician. With Tom Sr. and 5 siblings, they all operate the Marsh-Meredith funeral home.

He remains the first-call trumpeter in S.E. Wisconsin, and was the lead in my show bands for many seasons. This is a horn guy who can do it all, and still has some extra in his pocket for the next gig.

Edited December 7, 2011 by HornsUp

[rayfallon]

This is another test to see if there is anything on The Net Boards that won't have people disagreeing.

Best solo of all time 1979 North Star during Ole. I think his name was Gerry Noonan or something like that.

Seriously for those who have heard it. I dare you do state anything else. Not even 1975 MacArthur Park

OK - I get it - you're just stirring ####. Got it.

Jerry is a great player and a great guy - hell of an instructor too.

But c'mon now...

Jeff Kievits '75 Muchachos; Brady 77 or 78 Bayonne; Don't know where to start with BD;

Jerry = Great. Greatest? Not for my ear.