Setting himself apart from the millions of people who have thought, "I should be writing a book," Bruce Gleason does it in spades with Cold War Cadence: A Military Musician's Berlin Memoir, 1988-1991. Providing a fascinating review of not only the work of army bandsmen and women, Dr. Gleason also offers more than a glimpse of the historic city of Berlin as well as the Prussian and Nazi ghosts that still reside there. Filled with copious detail and based on exacting and beautifully assembled notes, letters, North Star News articles, and photos, Gleason's latest book of vivid recollections coupled with those of his bandmates promises to satisfy even the most discerning reader of Cold War and general European history. Along the way, he furnishes readers with an entertaining European and Asian travelogue with too many surprises to count.
Stemming from a career that has spanned all levels of instrumental and vocal music instruction, kindergarten through graduate school, Bruce Gleason is a professor of music history and music education at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along with publishing over fifty articles in music education and music history, Dr. Gleason is a former euphonium player with the 298th U.S. Army Band of the Berlin Brigade. For the past 40 years he has been researching the history of military music throughout the world.
"Elegantly and effectively written, Gleason's latest book is chock full of fascinating incidents, insights, observations, and photos of times and environments most of us know little about. And while I have no idea how or why he retained copious notes, letters, documents, and articles for 30+ years, I am beyond glad he did." — Burt Cohen, founding publisher, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine
"A fascinating exploration of one man's love of music and its history. Gleason writes with insight and compassion about his personal journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!" — Matt Goldman, New York Times bestselling author of Gone to Dust
"Acclaimed historian, Bruce Gleason has written another captivating book. This time, it's personal—a memoir of his U.S. Army enlistment while stationed in Berlin, Germany. His account of the fall of the Berlin Wall—told within the context of Nazi and Prussian history—followed by German reunification coupled with tales of his travels through Europe and Asia is a must-read for all with an interest in world history." — Jill Sullivan, PhD, author of Bands of Sisters, U.S. Women's Military Bands during World War II
"Interspersed with a multitude of photos and documents—including 30 of his penned North Star News articles—Gleason's latest work is a fascinating read for anyone interested in military, cultural, and world history." — Raoul Camus, PhD, author of Military Music of the American Revolution
"Sandwiched between the two worlds of public-school music teacher and university professor, Bruce Gleason's memoir of being a military musician is a joyful whiplashing journey through the unexpected." — Jari Villanueva, principal trumpeter emeritus of the U.S. Air Force Band, founder of Taps Across America
"Happily, Professor Gleason changes focus from his well-known historical scholarship related to military musicians. He now shares his memories of the Cold War through an atypical lens as a U.S. Army bandsman. The book is a delight to read." — John P. Langellier, PhD, co-author, The Drums Would Roll: A Pictorial History of U.S. Army Bands on the Frontier 1866 - 1900
"Bruce Gleason's well documented account of his years with the 298th Army Band is a welcome addition to all military bookshelves. He presents a rich tableau of duty in a city of great culture and political excitement. Generously peppered with historical photographs, this volume provides an interesting description of duty and play time. This is a must-read for all Cold War-era aficionados." — Louis Hurvitz, 3rd Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Bands Program
"From rural public-school music teacher to soldier-musician, Bruce Gleason's memoir covers all the elements one would expect about being stationed in Berlin during and following the Cold War—and then some. Along the way, through North Star News articles, travel itineraries, concert programs, and scores of timely original photographs, readers are treated to a glimpse of someone who was in the right place at the right time. Highly recommended." — North Star News
