Gene Puerling - R.I.P.

[Lois Gilbert]

Remembering Gene Puerling (1929-2008)


Fans, patrons, aficionados and educators of vocal jazz, SATB choir, and choral music are carrying heavy hearts this weekend. A colleague confirmed to me FRI afternoon that famed singer/vocal arranger Gene Puerling has just passed away. Details are still forthcoming as of this writing.

I am sure many programmers out there (myself included in years past when I was on public radio) have aired recordings by either the Hi-Lo's and/or The Singers Unlimited. The latter was Puerling's epic and bravura vocal quartet, which under his musical reign set the gold standard for four-part harmony. SU’s innovations owed thanks to Puerling: sterling vocal arrangements, crisp phrasing and velvet vibrato, hallmark a capella work (there is arguably no one Puerling's equal here), and regal renditions of American standards.

The SU discography --1971-80, featuring Puerling’s tenor-bass-baritone, the extra-deep baritone (Elmore) Len Dresslar (who left us in late '05; also best-known for his singing "ho, ho, ho" as the Jolly Green Giant on Green Giant Foods commercials), Bonnie Herman’s soaring soprano, and tenor Don Shelton (Shelton and Puerling once worked as members of the Hi-Lo’s)-- offers a potpourri of elegance and personality, and bounded by extraordinary vocal techniques and vivid arrangements that catapulted Puerling into a renowned vocal music icon. In vocal jazz education, he boasts unparalleled distinction.

Throughout 14 albums Puerling and company cut some fabulous performances while keeping marvelous company. One notable association came with German recording engineer Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, who helped Puerling forge the famed Singers Unlimited sound employing multi-tracking and layered, overdubbed voices. Early on SU was signed to the German-based MPS label, which Brunner-Schwer founded, and SU did their recordings in Villingen. Puerling's charts became breakthrough achievements. He fashioned splendid collaborations with noted jazzers, including Oscar Peterson (O.P. was credited with introducing Brunner-Schwer to Puerling), accordionist Art Van Damme, British arranger Robert Farnon (and Orchestra), arranger Patrick Williams, Canadian valve trombonist/big band arranger Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass (the SU/Boss Brass record remains my favorite vocal big band jazz record), and Roger Kellaway.

Come each December Puerling's genius rises up when the traditional refrains from the SU "Christmas" CD ushers in loving, yuletide joy and peace. It's a quiet, yet blissful exhibition of 17 hallowed tunes (each around 3 minutes, or less), cloaked by the grand symmetry of four specially configured voices. I believe Puerling's stamp on that record could stand as one of his best milestones. Check out "Jesu Parvule", "Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintry Wind" or "Bright, Bright the Holly Berries”. The endless warmth contained within is the perfect complement to a glowing fireplace and an outside snowfall.

One personal note…I never will forget walking down Bloor Street during the '94 DuMaurier Jazz Festival in Toronto and, by chance rather amazingly, running into Rob McConnell amidst a street parade on a sun-filled afternoon. Graciously, Rob recognized me on the corner, walked up and tapped me on the shoulder, and extended a festive hello on Canada Day (July 1). Drawing attention to my blind side he then said, "hey Denis, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Gene Puerling." My jaw hit the concrete. As a lifetime SU fan from nearby Michigan I was nearly speechless, but I quickly put myself together and thanked Gene for his work, all the great SU music. That meeting and ensuing phone interviews with Puerling enriched my appetite for and appreciation of genuine vocal artistry.

All told, Puerling's contribution to the world of choral music and vocal jazz is legend. His brand of talent and influence extends to virtually anyone who cherishes a singing voice, especially in a vocal jazz world. He will be supremely missed.

written by
Denis Naranjo
Orange Tree Media