The Commanders

The Commanders (aka The Commanders Big Band) was formed by drummer Eddie Grady and Tutti Camarata as a recording project and "road band". Eddie Grady was a child star drummer who moved through many bands before becoming an established studio session drummer. His studio experience led to the formation of The Commanders. The Commanders toured for the 3 years between 1954 to 1957, playing the major ballrooms from coast to coast. The original band had the 4 trombones in the front row. The second row consisted of 3 trumpets and two saxes (alto and a tenor who doubled on bass sax). The rhythm section were the drums, bass, piano and guitar. Commanders Big Band: TROMBONES Al Lorraine - Lead Porky Cohen - Jazz - Some lead too. (From Providence R.I.) Morty Trautmaun - - A little lead Felix Mayerhofer - A little lead TRUMPETS 1st - Unknown - I've got a mental block Willie Gillette - Jazz - He played some lead too. Mario Bonofidi - Split lead - From N.Y. SAXES Paul Gaglio - Alto - He was featured quite often. Lou Lindholm - Tenor and Bass Sax - He was also featured on record dates on the bass saxophone. RHYTHM Drums - Eddie Grady Bass - Rudy Berser (Later replaced by Jimmy Gannon) Piano - George Cooper Guitar - Griff Howe VOCALIST Lucia Roberts - She did a recording with the band ("All By Myself") Other Members (studio and tour) Al Klink (tenor, bass instrument); Carmen Mastren (guitar); Hymie Shertzer (saxophone, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Andrew Ferretti, Carle Poole, Billy Butterfield (trumpet); Bob Cutshall, Phil Giardina, Lou McGarrity, Jack Sarrerfield (trombone); Bernie Leighton (piano); Sandy Bloch, Bob Haggart (bass instrument);