Disneyland Band at the Plaza Gardens, February, 1977
If you're like me, you've never liked the incessant, juvenile caterwauling of rock and roll and pop music. Give me a brass band any time (or an accordion as a last resort)! If it ain't John Philip Sousa, I don't want to hear it (was he the Taylor Swift of 19th Century?). I believe that the gentleman leading the band is Stan Freese, according to Wikipedia he started at Walt Disney World and transferred to Disneyland in the Spring of 1974.
Here's a bit more info about Mr. Freese (not Mr. Freeze): As leader of the Disneyland Band, Freese modernized the band's repertoire, giving the musicians more variety. In 1983, Freese became a talent booking director at Disneyland—auditioning and hiring musicians and bands for work in the park and special events, as well as forming bands and musical acts based on operational needs. Freese continued as a talent booking director for most of the rest of his Disney career, except for temporary assignments. He also served as a show director and entertainment producer at both Disneyland and the Queen Mary (Disney operated the Queen Mary for a short period in the 1980s and 1990s). In 1990, Freese returned to leading the Disneyland Band for two years, until Art Dragon was selected as the new leader. Freese was also instrumental in forming Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, a fan-favorite bluegrass band that performed at Disneyland from 1987 to 2014. In 2001, Freese became the talent booker and show director for the Downtown Disney shopping complex at the Disneyland Resort, organizing the atmosphere entertainment program. Perhaps our friend Bu knew Stan Freese?
5 comments:
Hmm, you know something strange is afoot when the bandleader is the youngest member of the band. All these 'seasoned' musicians being led by Peter Brady. Maybe Mr. Freese uses Grecian Formula and isn't as young as he appears.
I gotta say, the band looks real snazzy in their red uniforms, with Mr. Freese himself in red and white; matching the color scheme of the Plaza Gardens. I wonder if that red and white trashcan was unique to this location?
"Freese modernized the band's repertoire". I'm guessing songs such as Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and Wham!'s "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" were added to the playlist?
Colorful pics! Thanks, Major.
Major, I’m with you on music. Anything but rock and roll, please.
Good info on Mr. Freese, he had quite a career. And I bet Bu could tell us a bit more.
Thanks Major!
JG
JB, I wonder if all the old-timers in the Disneyland Band resented that young whippersnapper? “I was playing trombone when he was still wearing diapers!”. I kind of think you are right about that red and white trashcan being unique to the Plaza Gardens! Yes, Freese added Madonna and Wham!, but he also loved the Ramones and the Sex Pistols, sometimes the dance floor got pretty violent.
JG, hey, rock and roll has MANY great songs! My buddy Mr. X is no fan either, however. I hope we hear from Bu today.
Recalling an interview, probably in the old Disney News, with the fellow then in charge of recorded announcements and music throughout the park. He said one of his first projects was introducing (reinstating?) proper period music to Main Street, claiming at the time they had tunes like "Mrs. Robinson" on the speakers. Anybody recall hearing generic shopping music in the 70s or so?
Took me a while...but I'm here! I've been a bit busy and absent, but at least have a couple of minutes in the morning to at least look at the pictures :)! In any case: Stan Freese...well...I knew OF him, and certainly I saw him a lot and perhaps we would nod to each other etc backstage etc. Those musician guys pretty much kept to themselves, and Stan as well. I wouldn't really call him a "whippersnapper"...but compare to Mr. Walker: OK. Stan looked good in photos and most definitely had a "Disney Look" and smile, etc. He "fit the costume" but also (I gather) was pretty talented...and for some reason I'm remembering him as more as a music arranger...but have to do some digging. He does show up at "First Generation" reunions...I have heard, or have seen photos...There was one of Charles Boyer's (the Disney Artist) lithographs done with him in it with the band. He's wrote a book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736044656?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SQQBSN8EQ31VAEKFVKZJ . He stayed at the Park for quite a while, but I don't remember him having anything to do with the Queen Mary..certainly MANY people did and had their "hands in the cookie jar"...and everyone with an opinion! I worked with a couple of people from entertainment, and I will say that the shows that they produced were really good and had probably had more quality than ANYTHING that ship churned out after it got to Long Beach. That was a rough gig, and I think worthy of it's own book. Sonny Anderson was the talent booker when I was there, so I am assuming that Stan took his place. Fun fact: the Disneyland band "POLO" who played at Coke Terrace featured Stan's son: and I think both his kids are musicians as well. Stan plays the Sousaphone, but I never saw him do anything but conduct, and of course: march. :) Congrats to Stan on decades of sobriety, he certainly has had a journey of life. His book reviews mentions "backstage shenanigans" : and as a huge fan of that type of thing: I may need to get his book. Perhaps if I finally make it to a "first gen" reunion, I'll get the chance to say hello again to this guy. Secondarily: I miss Plaza Gardens....but am building my own....(for another time). Thanks Major!
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