Tacoma Classics Reimagined

by Wyatt Logan

Wyatt Logan & Friends: Tacoma Classics Reimagined

At the turn of the 20th century, the city of Tacoma, WA was still in developmental stages. During this time, several promotional songs were written for the purposes of advertising. These “booster songs” were sold in sheet music form, as commercial recording techniques were largely undeveloped. The songs were often sung at local celebrations or parades, but the practice died out by the mid-1920s.

In this release, I have rearranged or produced four of Tacoma’s booster songs in a more modern style, using elements of jazz and rock ‘n’ roll to continue their legacy in a form arguably more engaging with modern listeners, as well as to infuse these classics with my own stylizations so that I might contribute to that legacy.

Each song features guest musicians, either permanent residents of or visitors to Tacoma, each of whom were asked to share a word on how Tacoma has impacted their musical career, the goal being to not only share the Tacoma-praising music with the listener, but to reflect the real life impact the city has on people.

Tacoma, the Rose of the West (Shaw/Opie, arr. Logan)

• Wyatt Logan, Vocals, Percussion, Keyboards
• Katie Hayhurst, Strings

Watch Tacoma Grow (Chaffer, arr. Logan)

• Wyatt Logan, Vocals
• Dr. David Joyner, Piano

You’ll Like Tacoma (Terry, arr. Logan)

• Wyatt Logan, Vocals, Keyboards
• Chloe Montoya, Tenor Saxophone
• Bently Kalik, Trombones

The Glory of Tacoma (Sullivan, arr. Logan)

• Ryan Chernyavsky, Soprano
• Emma Grace, Alto
• Wyatt Logan, Low Vocals

Tacoma Testimonials

“For over twenty years, I have lived and worked in the Tacoma area. I have taught at two of its universities, performed with many of its talented musicians, and served on the board of directors for its public radio station. I will always feel a deep kinship with the artistic community in Tacoma.”

-Dr. David Joyner, piano

“Tacoma, specifically the University of Puget Sound School of Music has heavily influenced my musical experience as a violinist with the opportunities to perform in the symphony orchestra and the jazz strings club! I also appreciate the guidance from my teacher in exploring some jazz solo repertoire.”

-Katie Hayhurst, violin

“In my time here I have performed extensively with the University of Puget Sound School of Music and am currently interning with Symphony Tacoma, primarily on the community engagement end. Being in Tacoma allowed me to meet many musical friends, and to form a band. I feel the city has a lot to offer and I appreciate the tight-knit music community of which I am now a part.”

-Wyatt Logan, voice

“Ive always been a singer, through this love for art I have found many great communities of artists and performers who share my passion. Here in Tacoma I have continued to connect with and grow along side my fellow musicians in the Dorians chior and the rest of the artists on this wonderful campus.”

-Emma Grace, voice

“Playing in Tacoma has allowed me to meet wonderful musicians and be a part of a lively community. i have also met and had many great mentors! it has allowed me to slow down and really put effort into my playing without judgment. i have also gained many rich experiences from teaching and helping out in elementary and secondary schools!”

-Chloe Montoya, saxophone

Special Thanks

I would like to offer my thanks to the following people and entities:

-Kim Davenport, Professor of Musicology
-University of Washington Library
-Tacoma Public Library
-University of Puget Sound School of Music
-2023 Musical History of Tacoma Students 
-Dr. David Joyner & DLJ Music Services
-All participating musicians
-Musicians of Tacoma, WA, past and present

About the Project

Wyatt Logan pursued this work as his final project for MUS 227: Musical History of Tacoma, at the University of Puget Sound. At the time he took the class in Summer 2023, he was a rising junior majoring in Music.