The Music of the Greatest Generation
Sentimental Journey Big Band follows the lives of the Greatest Generation through the music that gave them the joy, hope, and faith to persevere when confronted by tremendous challenges.
Journalist Tom Brokaw went to France in 1984 to work on a documentary of the fortieth anniversary of D- Day and returned home with the stories of many veterans that he formed into a book titled The Greatest Generation. They were men and women born before the Roaring ’20s but soon faced the Great Depression and learned austerity in the ’30s. In the 40’s they went to war and defeated two aggressive military juggernauts that threatened freedom all over the world. They returned home and built America into the strongest economy a peaceful world had ever seen.
Vocalist / Director Altha Morton has appeared throughout the East singing Big Band, Jazz, Country, Gospel, and Pop music. Some of her career highlights include national record releases, opening for Johnny Cash, Bobby Bare, Johnny Lee, and Mel Tillis. She is a professional songwriter belonging to ASCAP and has performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame celebration in New York City. Altha taught music in two public school districts and had award-winning bands.
Music Director Curt Morton brings to life the swing and jazz that lifted the spirit of a country facing tremendous challenges. His long journey as clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and conductor has visited many genres of music but the path has led him back to a place where music is partly arranged and partly improvised! His education included a study of Big Band Music with Tommy Tucker and Jazz with Gary Burton. Curt says “The Sentimental Journey Big Band brings a fresh approach to our music, yet still shows respect for the stars of the past.”
The group was formed in 1991 by Frank Richetti by gathering some of the very same musicians who played in the well-known bands of the ’30s and ’40s. Frank played trumpet with the 2nd Marine Air Wing Band during World War II and he has been touring and performing with local bands ever since. Frank organized a group of players who really love the music; he has truly carried on the tradition of the “Swing Era.”
