NY Phil Tubist in a Jazz Movie

[Art Hovey]

Jim Cullum's old Riverwalk Jazz programs are now streaming online with two continuous channels, non-stop. Recently I stumbled onto one that I had not heard before. The band was part of a 1996 film called "Still Breathing", directed by Jim Robinson (not the trombonist). One of the characters is a tuba-playing grandmother. On the radio show the actress describes how she took some lessons from the "chief tubist of the NY Philharmonic" to learn how to look like she was playing. In the sound track she sounds VERY professional, but they never mention who did the actual playing. Could it have been Warren Deck? Take a listen and see what you think:
https://app.box.com/s/xsso1co496t1w93qqzf6
https://app.box.com/s/r4f5oew7hlz2eoovdjef
https://app.box.com/s/1whlq7siz8hnj3eo7ydv

[Tim_Loehr]

The Grandmother in the movie was played by Celeste Holm ( Oscar winner in 1947 ).
Due to my friendship with members of the Jim Cullem Band, I let my tuba be used for
the movie.
A Canadian Brass CB-40 (4 valve CC).
The studio had Ms. Holm study with Toby Hanks to familiarize herself with tuba playing.
Once she arrived in San Antonio for filming, it became apparent that the lessons
didn't take.
So, as well as providing the tuba, I was tasked to coach Ms. Holm for a week on the movie set.
Oh yeah, during this event Ms. Holm told how she had studied with the New York
Philharmonic's tuba player. yadda yadda .....
Anyway, Toby Hanks and I were in the credits as "tuba wranglers".

The tuba tracks were recorded by Sam Pilafian here in San Antonio.

[Art Hovey]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing the film someday from Netflix.
-Art-

[Tim_Loehr]

Hey Art,
You may want to save some NetFlix money as the entire
"Still Breathing" movie can be seen on YouTube.

I think back on the days spent with Ms. Holm as
'San Antonio, we have a problem'.
Here's a short scene - ouch!
(Anyway, thanks to Sam Pilafian for the beautiful playing!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMDYmkLJXp4