Recognition: Louie Bellson was recognized as “the world’s greatest musician” by Duke Ellington.
Praise from Peers:
Oscar Peterson described him as “the epitome of musical talent and a very gifted composer and arranger.”
Tony Bennett referred to him as “the best person I ever met.”
Career Highlights:
Performed on over 200 albums with notable artists, including:
Jazz Legends: Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald.
Popular Music Icons: James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Wayne Newton.
He also performed with his first wife, Pearl Bailey.
Composed over 1,000 pieces and authored a dozen books related to drums and percussion.
Awards:
Received the prestigious American Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994.
Honored with awards from ASCAP and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Nominated for Grammy Awards six times.
Held four honorary doctorates.
Bill Yeager Jazz Orchestra (BYJO)
Description: The BYJO is known for featuring some of the finest jazz talent in Southern California.
Composition: The orchestra is primarily composed of alumni from Bill Yeager’s 36 years as the Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University and his 10 years as the Founder/Director of the Los Angeles Jazz Workshop.
Personnel of BYJO
Director: Bill Yeager
Saxes:
Alto 1: Christopher Hollyday
Alto 2: Charlie Arbelaez
Tenor 1: Tim Nunnink
Tenor 2: Chaz Cabrera
Baritone: Bradley Nash
Trumpets:
Trumpet 1: Brad Steinwehe
Trumpet 2: Jeff Beck
Trumpet 3: Billy Edwall
Trumpet 4: Karl Soukup
Trumpet 5: Derek Cannon
Trombones:
Trombone 1: Matt Hall
Trombone 2: Kevin Esposito
Trombone 3: Jordan Morita
Trombone 4: Brandon Jagow
Rhythm Section:
Piano: Markus Burger
Guitar: Louis Valenzuela
Bass: Mack Leighton
Drums: Don Kuhli
Vibes/Percussion: Chris Potente
Set List for BYJO Performance
Explosion
Arranged by: Matt Catingub
Key performers: Charlie Arbelaez (alto), Christopher Hollyday (alto), Don Kuhli (drums).
A Salute to Elvis Costello
Arranged by: Matt Catingub
Key performers: Tim Nunnink (tenor), Markus Burger (piano), Karl Soukup (flugelhorn).
Time Check
Arranged by: Don Menza
Key performers: Chaz Cabrera (tenor), Tim Nunnink (tenor), Louis Valenzuela (guitar).
Concord Blues for Blue
Arranged by: Don Menza
Key performers: Chris Potente (vibes), Christopher Hollyday (alto), Mack Leighton (bass).
Stars in a Lonely Sky
Arranged by: Paul McKee
Key performer: Matt Hall (trombone).
Cinderella’s Waltz
Arranged by: Don Menza
Key performers: Markus Burger (piano), Derek Cannon (trumpet).
Santos
Arranged by: Matt Catingub
Key performers: Chaz Cabrera (tenor), Brad Steinwehe (trumpet), Don Kuhli (drums), Billy Edwall (trumpet).
Production and Support
Producers:
Executive Producer: Bill Yeager
Produced by: San Diego State University Foundation, The Pitt Warner Endowment, KPBS Television
Location and Recording
Venue: Recorded live at SDSU Smith Recital Hall on Oct. 16, 2021
Services and Personnel:
Peggy Shannon: Dean, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.
Kevin Delgado: SDSU Director, School of Music and Dance.
Audio Production:
Recording Engineer: James Linahon, LMP Studios.
House Engineer: Nick Czerwiec.
Film Production:
Producer: Markus Burger, Septer Media.
Associate Producer: Louis Valenzuela, Electric Louie Land.
Camera Crew: Justin Joyce and Joel Ginsberg.
Film Post Production:
Film Editor: Louis Valenzuela, Electric Louie Land.
Audio Mix/Mastering: James Linahon, LMP Studios.
Bill Yeager: Overview
Background:
Diverse musical background as a conductor, performer, composer/arranger, and educator.
Emeritus Professor of Music at San Diego State University.
Professional Experience:
Renowned studio/jazz/classical trombonist, contributing to hundreds of records (notably with Ray Charles), films (e.g., Rocky), TV shows (e.g., Bob Hope), and commercials (e.g., Apple).
Collaborated with prominent artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Mel Torme, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Extensive touring experience worldwide.
Played with nearly every big band in the LA/San Diego area, including long-term associations with Louie Bellson and Les Brown.
Served as lead trombone in Louie Bellson's band for 17 years.
Contribution to Music Education:
Louie Bellson donated his entire music library to Yeager, which is now archived at SDSU.
The concert by BYJO incorporates selections from Bellson's extensive music library.