Big Band Era Jazz with Bruce Davis

KPBX 91.1, Friday, 7pm-8pm

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Think of just about any name in the Big Band days, and
chances are Bruce Davis played with them or backed 'em up with his horn. Bruce, a Spokane native, shares his memories
and the music of the time weekly on KPBX.

Bruce left Spokane after high school and toured as a trombonist with three big bands: Ted Fiorito, Vaughan Monroe, and Boyd Raeburn. He recalls touring 29 cities in 39 days, sleeping on a bus the entire time. "No schools taught jazz back then -- the only way to learn was to go do it."

After World War II, Bruce returned to Spokane and worked as a radio DJ for three stations, hosting both classical and jazz shows. Spokane had 42 night clubs at that time and concerts at Natatorium Park. "All the Big Bands played here: Glenn Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, and top soloists such as Ella Fitzgerald. I got to them all for my radio show."

In 1948, Bing Crosby (also a Spokane native) arranged a job in Los Angeles for Bruce and a band he played in, and he worked as a music director for three television shows. Soon after meeting future wife Patti, they moved to Fresno; from that home base he was the entertainment director for a chain of hotels and produced commercials for television and radio. In all those jobs, he worked with Nat King Cole, Kay Starr, Steve Allen, and other big stars of the day. He also continued to play music professionally.

In 1980, Bruce returned to the Spokane area and lives at Newman Lake. He is still in a few bands in town, including Variety Pack and the Dixie Dandies.