[78-L] Total Recall: Artie Shaw

[david.diehl at hensteeth.com]

Certainly Shaw regarded everything from his own perspective (I also attended his IAJRC presentation). I would contend that his main objection to the Brunswick sides was that he himself was still perfecting his craft. There are many splendid arrangements by Jerry Gray, well executed by the band but clearly Shaw's technique was still developing. Take "Just You, Just Me" a fine outing with great work by everyone but a couple of tiny, passing fluffs offended his perfectionist ear. He was no more burdened with 'crap' than any other bandleader. I love his version of "Someday Sweetheart" and don't tell me "It ain't Right" is dross. (OK, I'll concede on the Wes Vaughn vocals).
DJD
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-----Original Message-----
From: Geoffrey Wheeler [mailto:dialjazz at verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 07:10 PM
To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
Subject: [78-L] Total Recall: Artie Shaw

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_______________________________________________78-L mailing list78-L at klickitat.78online.comhttp://klickitat.78online.com/mailman/listinfo/78-l