Welcome to the new Dallas Music Network podcast "The Deep Dive" with host Paul "Pappy" Middleton, grammy award-winning producer and sound engineer known for his 30 years with Bonnie Raitt, and his work with artists such as Erika Badu, Julio Iglesias, and many others. In Episode 1 of the Deep Dive, Pappy sits down with Larry Spencer, professional trumpet player and Director of Dallas's Rock Ridge Big Band.
Larry moved to Texas in 1977 from Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Capital University Conservatory of Music. While at Capital University, Larry studied with Ray Eubanks, and enjoyed playing principal trumpet in the orchestra, lead and solo trumpet in the jazz band, first cornet in the wind ensemble and brass choir, as well as performing in numerous faculty recitals. Off-campus, he was fortunate to work with Eubanks' well-known "Jazz Arts Group", playing concerts with Tom Scott, Oliver Nelson, Randy and Michael Brecker, Frank Foster, Ernie Wilkins, Manny Album, Clark Terry, and many others.
In 1977, Mr. Spencer enrolled at the University of North Texas and became a member of the famed 1:00 Lab Band, appearing on "Lab '78". He also performed in the graduate brass quintet.
His professional career was launched when he was invited to travel with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1980. Later he toured with the Woody Herman Orchestra. From 1985-1988, Larry played first trumpet at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. He was a featured soloist at the 1987 International Electronic Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, Mr. Spencer has performed with Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Lou Rawls, Cab Calloway, Billy Eckstine, and Joe Williams, among others. More recent performances include appearances with Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Rita Moreno, Toni Tenille, Marvin Hamlisch, Reba McIntyre, and Frank Sinatra.
Mr. Spencer very much enjoys wearing his "classical hat". He has played principal and section trumpet with the Richardson Symphony, Arlington Philharmonic, East Texas Symphony, Texas Wind Symphony, and Ft. Worth Symphony. He is also in demand as a soloist for weddings and various sacred concerts and services.
Larry has played and recorded with many local groups and artists, including the Collection Jazz Orchestra, with which he is a featured soloist. He is currently co-producing a CD for the popular local band, . Soul Caribe. , having been a member for 10 years. Mr. Spencer is also planning a release of his latest CD, . Mourning Passion. , in 1999. Dallas area recording artists benefitting from Larry's playing and writing abilities include:
Tony Hakim "Postcards from You"
Joe McBride "Grace"
Maurice Anderson "Steel and Brass"
Creative Opportunity Orchestra "The Heaven Line"
Maylee Thomas "Rhythm of the Blues"
The Collection Jazz Orchestra "Straight Ahead", "Night and Day"
Dixie Chicks "Little Ol' Cowgirl"
Domestic Science Club "Domestic Science Club", "3 Women"
Josh Alan "The Worst"
Trout Fishing in America with Blitzen "KERA Sound Sessions"
Dave Alexander "Tango in Durango", "Legends of Western Swing"
Greg Waits w/ Dave Liebman "Into the Light"
Brazzology "Pick Yourself Up"
Melanie Skybell . Through the Years.
A partial listing of t.v. and radio commercial clients include:
Radio Shack, Dallas Morning News, Zales Jewelry, American Airlines, ESPN, KLAX, KABC -- Los Angeles, WABC, WCBS -- New York City, Dallas Mavericks, KXTX, WFAA -- Dallas, Lone Star Park, and Daisy Dairy Products.
Mr. Spencer is an artist-clinician for CONN, a division of United Musical I
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