U.S. Atlantic Fleet Navy Show Band – Hand Clappin’ Music


Banda Unitas ’78 – Simiiar to the “Port Authority” group in concept & execution but they try harder. Released for Puerto Rican recruitement, it was not distributed as widely as other US armed forces groups. Groovy song selection includes Negro Jose, Opener (Hand Clappin’ Music), Oye Mama, synthed out Theme From Rocky and Star Wars / Cantina Band.

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9 Comments

  • Mike says:

    As a former saxophone player and later leader of Port Authority I can promise this band was similar but not close to our band in quality. John Pastin, a good friend, was the leader and I’m sure he would agree.

  • john pastin says:

    I’m the person that led the group on this lp (Hand Clappin Music). There isno way that this group can be compared to Port Authority. Totally different type of group. This lp was produced as a give-away item for the band whenthey visited countries in South America in 1978 and 79. Amazing that this is even being discussed! Hey Mike….

  • Mike says:

    Pastino! What’s up buddy? Wonder who wrote that crap- you guys tried harder? Amazing these albums are for sale now, Port’s albums also “NOT FOR SALE” huh. I feel a little bad for the guys that wrote original material for the albums. The Port Authority album “Together” is going for $200 plus in Europe. I’m glad somebody’s getting rich, huh. Stay well and come see us!

  • David Letbetter says:

    Hey Beegle- I have to admit some of those albums you see for sale in Europe might have gotten there thanks to my ebay adventures. Dad had several extra copies that were still sealed and thought they would help put food on my table while I went to med school. The high price means that people there like it… thanks to you and the rest of the band’s talents!

  • Don Letbetter says:

    Let’s re-form the Port and go on the road again…. on second thought….let’s not. It was great fun and musically rewarding to stand next to Mike Beegle ,Scottie ( Hassan) Ragsdale,and the “Boys”. I’m sure i’m not the only one that still has physicial problems from loading all that gear.
    Hi Guys !!!!
    Don

  • Corey Swinderman says:

    I was one of the trumpet players on this album and I agree with John, we were a different type of group. Hi there John, Long time. Hope you are are well. Corey

  • I also agree, the two groups were on different planes. Hey John & Corey. I hope all has been well with you two.

    rlw

  • Greetings all.

    This is an open call to Port Authority Soul Band Alum. I am working on a short article about “Together” for Wax Poetics Magazine. I recently discussed this album and other albums by military combos on WNYC, which I will supply a link for.

    http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/2010/aug/26/funkier-side-military-bands/

    Anyway, I would love to hear from any of you about this group.
    What part did you play as individuals play in the recruitment process? Did the powers that be have any input to the subject matter of your songs? I noticed iTunes is still selling a record that’s NOT FOR SALE. Any idea where that money’s going?

    Feel free to drop me an email, jon at waxpoetics dot com, nd thanks again for such a great record!

  • Mike Beegle says:

    I would be very happy to take part Jonathan. That is most kind of you to ask and take an interest in Port Authority. I’ll write to you on FB. Just so you’ll know, that is not the cover to a Port Authority album but the Navy Show Band under the direction of my good friend John Pastin. I can send you a pic of the Port album if you’d like. Thanks again for all the guys and girls of Port Authority. Port was a part of the US Navy Band in Washington, DC, the band that plays for presidents. In fact we played for President Jerry Ford’s birthday party in the East Room. Too bad they have forgotten us in the history of the band page in their website.

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