Miami Beach Rock Ensemble 50th Anniversary tribute CD
Songs In The Key Of Mr. B celebrates the legacy of the beloved music teacher Clark "Doug" Burris
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Miami Beach Sr. High School Rock Ensemble program, the current group, directed by Sammy Gonzalez, is set to host an epic concert event on May 28th at the North Beach Bandshell in Miami Beach, FL. The concert will provide an opportunity for alumni of the past 50 years to reunite and perform. Furthermore, Think Like A Key Music has compiled a CD of various recordings, including some from the Rock Ensemble's own archives as well as alumni recordings, to be released the week of the show.
The apt title, Songs In The Key Of Mr. B, pays homage to the founder of the Miami Beach Senior High School Rock Ensemble, Clark "Doug" Burris. The program that was the forerunner to "School of Rock" is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Burris, or Mr. B as he was known to his students, directed the band for the first 40 years despite becoming quadriplegic because of multiple sclerosis. It was a slow process that left him incapable of moving his arms and legs by the 1980s and requiring 24-hour care. For many of his students, Burris was a mentor and his influence extended beyond simply music. He passed away on January 28, 2016 at age 73.
The CD compilation brings together classical guitar compositions by Fernando Perdomo and Sammy Gonzalez, indie band tracks from Ex Norwegian and Ben Katzman's Degreaser, as well as solo pieces by Adam Chester and Karen Feldner. Recordings of the Rock Ensemble throughout the decades show how diverse their influences have been. From the folky rock of the very first Rock Ensemble group (1972-73) all the way to the latest rock 'n' roll from the current line-up (performing the classic "Money (That's What I Want)") the ensembles wide range of music performed over the course of its history is documented well on this set. Indeed, throughout the 25 songs, listeners get a musical perspective into each decade. All proceeds will be used to keep the Rock Ensemble music program running.
The CD is released Friday, May 27th via Think Like A Key Music.
It is available for pre-order on Amazon and other retailers from this link: https://tlak.rocks/burris
TRACKLIST
- Fernando Perdomo - Waltz For Doug Burris
- Sammy Gonzalez - ...It’s A Dirty Dirty Trick
- Rodolfo Troncoso - Movement
- The American Poets - Wings To Fly
- Rock Ensemble 2021-22 - Money (That’s What I Want)
- Ex Norwegian - Something Unreal
- The Macsters - Silly Willy
- Ben Katzman’s Degreaser - Where Have All The Good Times Gone
- Rock Ensemble 1972-73 - Love Thy Neighbor
- Rock Ensemble 1996-97 - Peace Anthem
- Adam Chester - Light Of The Moon
- Rock Ensemble 1980-81 - Fantasy
- Rock Ensemble 1980-81 - Fancy Epitaph
- Karen Feldner - Barns Burnt Down
- Emanuel Mayer - She Feels Alive
- Kevin Sgarro - Do What Feels Right
- Jamaican Me Breakfast Club (feat. Susan Cowsill) - Close To You
- Rock Ensemble 2006-07 - Ain’t No Other Man
- Rock Ensemble 1996-97 - Can’t Help Falling In Love
- Dave Silvers - 43
- Rock Ensemble 1990-91 - White Rabbit
- Rock Ensemble 1974-75 - Red Road
- The BJ Experience - I Want Cheesecake
- Rock Ensemble 2008-09 - You May Be Right
- Rock Ensemble 2011-12 (feat. Ian Rodriguez) - Mr. Burris
WEBSITES
https://www.rockensemble.info
https://www.rockensemble.com
https://www.thinklikeakey.com
CONTACT
Think Like A Key Music info@thinklikeakey.com
Rock Ensemble / Young Musicians Unite info@youngmusiciansunite.org