Natalie Cole - Midnight Sun (who are the orchestra musicians?)

[AndrewMeronek]

Another Midnight Sun thread by me. Sorry; I guess I'm into this tune right now.

From the video description:

Natalie Cole sings "Midnight Sun" as part of a tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald called "We Love Ella". The show was taped on April 29th, 2007 at the University of Southern California's Galen Center and was co-hosted by Natalie and Quincy Jones.

I don't recognize the musicians in this orchestra. They sound Amazing! And well-rehearsed. Does anyone know who any of these musicians are?

Speaking of sounding amazing, of course so does Natalie. There is a very clear Ella Fitzgerald influence in this.

I'm also wondering: if this a Quincy Jones arrangement? It kind of sounds like him.

[AndrewMeronek]

For the curious, this is pretty much agreed to be the definitive vocal version of this tune. Natalie is great, but Ella here just transcends. This was from the Andy Williams show broadcast in 1967. Unfortunately, there was an introduction that this video chopped out.

[Vegasbound]

Wayne Bergeron is in the trumpet section!

[AndrewMeronek]

I thought it might be him, but the video resolution is not very good so I was hoping that someone had a more authentic knowledge of this gig.

[AndrewMeronek]

I ran into this version featuring Lionel, and one of the commenters helpfully listed the trombone section.

@paulbrewer2374
6 years ago
Great players in every chair. I’m a trombonist. And the trombone section in this band is so great: Jimmy Cleveland, Benny Powell, Al Grey, and Paul Lee Higaki.