If you're a tuba player, it's almost redundant to say anything more about Bill Bell.

For the non-tubist, Bill Bell was quite simply one of the greatest tuba virtuosos who ever lived. He literally put "tuba" on the map. As principal tubist with the renowned Sousa Band, Mr. Bell set new standards for impeccable, artistic playing. He spawned generations of magnificent tubists, foremost among which is the equally legendary Harvey Phillips (who deserves an entire book to even BEGIN documenting his immense contributions to the world of music!)

"An Evening with Bill Bell and His German Band" is an incredibly rare album, a true collector's item! Fact is, I have THE ONLY COPY of this recording, so this is literally available NOWHERE else!

Our recording was made from the original vinyl recording and thus, has the SOUND inherent to that medium: warm, but occasional clicks and pops. Unlike other recordings however, you will hear Bill Bell talk, sing and play in his own inimitable way as he leads the band through an outstanding selection of tunes.

The year was 1967, and it was a balmy summer evening in the Appalachian town of Morehead , Kentucky . A very young Bison was joined by the rest of the tuba section at Cumberland Forest Music Camp's auditorium: Floyd Cooley, Chuck England and Dave Pack. Our teacher, the Legendary Bill Bell had put together a band from the faculty members at the camp, which included the New York Brass Quintet (all I can remember is Lewis Van Haney on trombone and Robert Nagle on trumpet. Thomas Beaversdorf, instructor of low brass at Indiana University , was impressed into tuba service for the occasion).

Mr. Bell's relaxed, convivial voice narrated between tunes as he counted off one perfect tempo after the next. As usual, his dynamic presence and personality soon mesmerized the audience. They knew something special was happening. He broke into song on several selections, his rich baritone lifting effortlessly above the crowd's. And the icing on the cake? He played the piccolo obbligato from "The Stars and Stripes Forever" on the sousaphone with such utter ease and fluidity that we sat in open-mouthed admiration, spellbound.