Big Noise From Winnetka

Big Noise From Winnetka is a jazz composition written by composer and bass player Bob Haggart. It was first recorded in 1938 and featured Bob Haggart and drummer Ray Bauduc, both members of the swing/dixieland orchestra Bob Crosby and the Bobcats. The recording is remarkable for its unusual duet feature: Haggart whistles the melody and plays the bass, while only Bauduc accompanies him on the drums. Halfway through the solo, Ray Bauduc starts drumming on the strings of the double bass, while Haggart continues to play with his left hand, creating a very percussive bass solo. After the success of the initial recording, they performed this song frequently for the rest of their careers. They performed the song in several films, most notably in 1941's "Let's Make Music" and 1943's "Reveille with Beverly". The original recording was featured on the soundtrack of Raging Bull.

In 1964, the American instrumental rock group The Ventures introduced into their stage act a version of the Duke Ellington classic "Caravan" which featured an extended solo by drummer Mel Taylor which included a solo played with his drumsticks on the low "E" string of the bass guitar, fingered by Ventures bassist Bob Bogle, with "Big Noise from Winnetka" being the obvious inspiration.

The song was covered by Bette Midler in her concert film "Divine Madness" and is included on the soundtrack album.