Them Basses

The “swinging” American march “Them Basses” goes back to the 1920s. One could even apply the Latin saying “nomen est omen” to it, as its composer sub-titled it “A March in which the Basses have the Melody throughout”. The few parts of the original edition suggest that it was composed for one of the smaller circus bands, but it was written in a way to sound complete both with a minimum number of players and with a large band. Getty Huffine grew up in Kentucky, however in no musical environment at all. He received his only formal education at a so-called bible school. His life changed when he was 18 years old, and a town band was organized in his home city. Although he later stated that at that time he was not able “to know a clarinet from a bass drum” he applied for membership, and was told to order a valve trombone and an instruction book in order to learn how to play. In spite of this adventuresome advice, Huffine not only managed to play valve trombone and later tuba, he evidently concentrated on this task that much that he also taught himself harmony, counterpoint, and composition. Huffine later moved from Kentucky to New York State where he was active as tuba player in some of the major circus bands.