Three stars
Prairie Pops; Conner Prairie; Aug. 22-23

Buddy Morrow leads this authentic facsimile of the big band that, along with Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Harry James and Les Brown, enthralled the WWII generation with each of their distinctive sounds. Morrow, recognized as “one of the all-time great trombone players,” was with the Dorsey Orchestra before he formed his own group and recorded with RCA Victor. Morrow maintains Dorsey’s signature “gentle version of the rocking, rhythmic sounds” contributed by composer/arranger Sy Oliver. Rob Zappulla, “the voice” of this Dorsey group, is a very fine interpreter of the Frank Sinatra style, and a sleek standing comic. Together they tempted audience members to fill the dance floor to strains of “Marie,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Luck Be a Lady Tonight,” “Night Train” and much more. Check out Zappulla’s CD Here’s to Frank.