Willows Summer Concert Series – Vaughn Monroe Orchestra 7/27/22

While a student at New England Conservatory in Boston (Monroe’s alma mater) trombonist, arranger, and bandleader Dan Gabel discovered that Vaughn Monroe’s entire music library was at the school. As he delved deeper into Monroe, Gabel felt a strong connection to not only the music, but to the Monroe story and legacy. Trombonist/trumpeter turned vocalist, bandleader, the “local Boston boy makes it big” angle, NEC, left-handed, family values, model train hobbies: who are we talking about, Monroe or Gabel? The lifelong passion Dan Gabel has for jazz and big band music was rekindled with a goal of bringing the music back to life for performance. At a successful Masters Recital, Gabel was able to connect and form friendships with the Monroe family as well as the Vaughn Monroe Appreciation Society.
Having led his own successful big band, Dan Gabel and The Abletones, for a decade, Gabel was the obvious choice to become the leader of the new Vaughn Monroe Orchestra. However, just forming another big band to play the music would not be enough. Gabel decided after conducting many interviews with fans and people close to Monroe that something more was needed. In order to fully (re)create the Monroe Orchestra, it would have to be a show. The singers, dancers, comedian, the outfits, band fronts… the entire era. Thus, the concept for The Vaughn Monroe Show was born.
Listen to the podcast version here.

Enjoy this Summer Concert at the Willows on 7/27/22 here.