Be There At 5 - Glenn Osser

It All Depends On You

Be There At 5
Conversational Music For Cocktails
Mercury Records MG 20218

From the back cover: Arranger-Conductor – Glenn Osser. Popular arranger and conductor was born in Munsing, Michigan. Graduate of University of Michigan – Majored in music. Came to New York and started arranging for big bands such as Bob Crosby, Bunny Bergen, Red Nichols. Arranger and assistant conductor for Paul Whiteman. Worked on the Fred Allen Show and Prudential Show. Arranged dramatic background for several top TV shows as, U.S. Steel Hour, Alcoa and Goodyear. Presently staff conducting for the quintet featured on this album.

Piano – Andy Ackers. Born in New Haven, Connecticut. Studied at the Yale School Of Music. Came to New York and worked with top bands; Glen Gray Casa Loma Band, Jerry Wald, George Paxton, Artie Shaw. Worked as special accompanist for Kate Smith, Georgia Gibbs, Jane From an and Mindy Carson. Conductor on top networks, NBC, ABC and had his own show on CBS. Does a lot of free lance work on radio & TV shows and recording sessions. Composer and member of Ascap.

Guitar – George Barnes – composer, conductor, arranger and electronics expert, is one of the busiest guitarists around today. Hails from Chicago Heights, Illinois. From a musical family, has worked with Ted Weems, Tommy Dorsey, and Ray Noble orchestras. Staff conductor at NBC and ABC networks in Chicago for four years. Started working in New York on the Hit Parade Shows. Does free lance work and is constantly working recording dates.

Vibraharp – Phil Kraus. Born in New York City. Started playing Xylophone at the age of eight. Studied at the Julliard School Of Music. Worked with Merle Pitt Combo at Station WNEW in New York City. Army for 4 1/2 years and played in "This is The Army" show. Upon discharge, went back to WNEW to join the Roy Ross Orchestra. Has worked several radio-TV shows, including NBC's Spectaculars, Martha Ray Show and Producer's Showcase. Has recorded with Percy Faith, Andre Kostelanetz, Morton Gould, Neal Hefti, Benny Goodman and Ralph Burns Orchestra, to mention a few. Plays all the percussion instruments and currently has his own studio as an instructor.

Bass – Jack Lesberg. From Boston, Massachusetts. Had private tutoring. Come to New York in 1943. Worked with such names as Eddie Condon, Leonard Bernstein and the City Symphony for 3 years. Does a lot of free lance work. Has worked the Hit Parade and also with Gordon Jenkins and the Raymond Scott Quintet. Made a world-tour with Louis Armstrong, playing in Australia, Africa and all of Europe.

Drums – Jimmie Crawfor. Studied with Jimmy Lunceford in his home town of Memphis, Tennessee. Later on, joined the Lunceford band and worked 14 years with him. Was in Army and played in the army bands of Walter Gross and Sy Oliver for two years. Played in New York's Cafe Society, uptown and downtown, for three years. Also worked with the Harry James and Benny Goodman bands. Worked several TV shows including the Perry Como Show, Arthur Godfrey Shows, and the summer of 1955, on the Vaunghan Monroe TV Show. Has worked in many Broadway musicals including "Pal Joey," "Alive And Kickin'," Paul & Ruth Draper show and more recently, Sammy Davis' Jr. "Mr. Wonderful."

From Billboard - July 20, 1960 (Mercury-Wing MGW 12209 release review): A bright, attractive-sounding collection, played by a group consisting of vibraharp, guitar, piano, bass and drums. The first three toss the melodies around between them, the vibes helping to provide a fresh-sounding feeling to touch oldies as "Stars Fell On Alabama," Little White Lies," "Louise," Out Of Nowhere," and "Ain't Misbehaving," Good mood item.

It All Depends On You
Stars Fell On Alabama
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Little White Lies
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
I'm Glad There Is You
Louise
A Sinner Kissed An Angel
Out Of Nowhere
P.S. I Love You
Ain't Mishehavin'
When We're Alone