Product Review

Lawrence Welk's Big Band Splash is a celebration of Big Band hits performed by the great Welk Band and the talented Musical Family. The program is hosted by the bandleader and extraordinary trumpet player, Doc Severinsen, who conducted the Tonight Show Band for Johnny Carson from 1967 - 1992.

This PBS Special pays tribute to 25 legendary bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Les Brown, Count Basie, Ben Bernie, Artie Shaw, Clyde McCoy, Pete Fountain, Harry James, Bob Crosby, Sammy Kaye, Ted Lewis, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Ray Anthony and, of course, Doc Severinsen. Thirty full songs are featured on the program, offering a rich overview of the Big Band Era, including "In the Mood," "Let's Dance," "One O'Clock Jump," "Woodchopper's Ball," "Take the "A" Train," "Begin the Beguine," "Song of India," "Rhapsody in Blue" and "American Patrol." Band soloists include Henry Cuesta, Bob Havens, Johnny Zell, Kenny Trimble, Jack Imel, Bob Ralston, Johnny Klein, Jo Ann Castle and Pete Fountain.

Vocal numbers included are "You Made Me Love You" with Mary Lou Metzger and Alice Lon; "Daddy" by Tanya Welk Roberts; and "Sentimental Journey" with Guy Hovis and Ralna English. Dance numbers feature Bobby Burgess, Cissy King, Elaine Balden, Jack Imel and Arthur Duncan. Many of the Big Band numbers feature the attractive and upbeat cast, singing and dancing in the inimitable and delightful Welk style.

Also included on the program is Doc's guest appearance on the Lawrence Welk Show in 1972, playing the Oscar-winning song "Love Story." The Welk Band saluted Doc as a bandleader many times and "Johnny's Theme" is also featured on the program.

The bonus material on this DVD offers nine additional songs, and pays tribute to three more bandleaders. Some of the bonus songs are "Four Leaf Clover" (Art Mooney) and "Somebody Else Is Taking My Place" (Russ Morgan), sung by Dick Dale.