No, the music on The Unheard Artie Shaw does not contain new recordings by the great clarinetist. Instead, the set released by the Hep label is mostly comprised of newly recorded versions of arrangements that Shaw never got around to recording in the studio. In a few cases his band was captured on radio broadcasts playing these charts, but, other than a brief version of his theme “Nightmare” and a remake of his biggest hit “Begin The Beguine,” the music has gone largely unheard for nearly 80 years.
The arrangements were all originally written during 1937-39 when Shaw was leading his most popular orchestra. Jerry Gray and Eddie Durham are the main writers although Al Avola, Joe Garland, and Harry Rogers are also represented. The music is performed by a 14-piece group of New York all-stars with Dan Levinson in Shaw’s place and most of the other solos taken by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, tenor-saxophonist Mark Lopeman, trombonist Harvey Tibbs, and pianist Mark Shane. Molly Ryan has two pleasing vocals and there are four in the Billie Holiday style by a singer who for some reason is only identified as Moanin’ Mary; she comes close to sounding like Lady Day.
On Dan Levinson’s many previous recordings on clarinet, he never really hinted at the playing of Artie Shaw, instead ranging from Larry Shields to Benny Goodman and sometimes making me recall Jimmy Lytell. It is to h
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!
The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.
Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.
Already Registered? Log In
If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.