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I've been listening to a 78 of "Big Joe The Tuba" by Paul Lavalle and the Band of America. It was issued on the RCA Victor Bluebird Children's Record #BY-66. Does anyone know of the exact recording date of this, (looks like early '50s to me) and who was in the tuba section, other than Joe Tarto? I know that at various times Abe Torchinsky and Fred Pfaff played in the band. They sound great whoever they are! Thanks in advance for any info.

From the liner notes of "Titan of the Tuba: Joe Tarto" (Broadway BR-108):

The second tune Joe wrote in '55 is BIG JOE: THE TUBA. It is a tribute to Joe's eight foot tall tuba that we talked about earlier. BIG JOE: THE TUBA was recorded by Paul Lavelle's "Band of America" featuring Joe on tuba for RCA (Red Seal)

I just came across this post. I have never played "Big Joe" but recall a friend mentioning this march years ago. Any idea if it's old enough that the copyright has expired. From what my friend said about it, it would be a fun piece to practice on. Thanks.

I have a copy of the tuba part and have been using it for fun during practice for years. I can't recall where or when I got it, but it does appear to be an original, not a photocopy.

My band has it, and we've played it a few times. It's a lot of fun.

Going back to the original question, I doubt that there is a way to nail down who is on the recording. My best guess is that the recording was likely the same as on the 1953 "Sunday Band Concert" recording (not to be confused with the 1957 "A Sunday Band Concert" LP), or possibly the 1956 "A Concert in the Park" recording.

During that time period, in addition to the names mentioned, Joe Novotny, Bill Bell, and Harvey Phillips (and I was once told, Jay McAllister), all also played with the band. So the section could easily have have been any 4 of those players (along with Torchinsky, Tarto and Pfaff, as mentioned).

Mike