[78-L] Total Recall: Artie Shaw

[Geoffrey Wheeler]

I think what you say, Jeff, about Shaw’s dislike of some of his 
Brunswick recordings is true. He regards them from his own perspective, 
whereas we listeners and collectors look at how and why they fit into 
the historical spectrum of his canon. Many artists, of course, were 
stuck with tunes they regarded as “crap,” but what often transformed 
them into engaging, sometimes enthralling, pieces were the arrangements 
and the solos. I regard arranging as akin to classical composition. In 
many cases, the arrangements were the tune. Very few people today may 
listen to some of the recordings Ben Pollack made for Decca with a full 
band, but I find the arrangements excellent, and the well-constructed 
solos fitting beautifully. Examples include: Naturally, So 
Unexpectedly, Meet the Beat of My Heart, What Are You Doing Tonight, 
and As Long as I Live. Vocalist Paula Gayle does a first-class job. 
Francis Hunt, who was mentioned in the context of Goodman Victor 
recordings, also recorded with Pollack for Decca.
Geoffrey Wheeler