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Excellent introduction to one of jazz's finest clarinetists

Ryan Harvey | 05/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Artie Shaw is one of the best jazz artists of his era, leading one of the best and most popular big bands. Though he may not be as well-known or lauded as the late, great Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw is certainly one of the greatest clarinetists in jazz history. This compilation, part of a fine series of vintage jazz CD's being issued by RCA Victor (see Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman), makes an excellent introduction as well as a great sampler of Artie Shaw's best work. Every track is a gem, including a few compositions by Shaw himself. While he cut most of his hits with a big band (some of which he actually despised, feeling they were too pedestrian and commercial), his best work is really with the chamber jazz he helped pioneer. It's unfortunate that Shaw retired so early, having become sick of the business (he's still alive and well). Long time jazz enthusiasts will probably be better served by the "Last Recordings" CD's, which contain Shaw's best work and can still be found in used CD stores, but for anyone who isn't too familiar with Shaw, this is a great place to start."

Artie Shaw by Artie Shaw

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This wonderful CD entitled The Very Best Of Artie Shaw contains 18 great hits hand picked by Shaw himself. Shaw was a prolific recording artist with a crew that could swing like no other! This CD proves it.



The CD opens with "Any Old Time" featuring Billie Holiday singing with Artie Shaw on clarinet with his crew knocking 'em dead! This beautiful ballad starts the track set with strength and it holds your attention well. "Rosalie" follows "Any Old Time;" this song has Tony Pastor doing the vocals and the melody is every bit as classic as the one for "Any Old Time." It REALLY swings and you are bound to enjoy this if this is your kind of music! Awesome! Moreover, "Deep Purple" is sung flawlessly by the great Helen Forrest as Artie and His Orchestra provide a marvelous musical arrangement.



Other gems on this CD include the classic standard called "Star Dust" by Carmichael and Parish; Artie's horns and strings do a lot to enhance the beauty of this number as they perform a sensitive yet strong musical arrangement. "My Blue Heaven" gives us another instrumental track recorded at The Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City in 1939; and this number shines like a golden nugget in the brightest light ever! "'S Wonderful" gets the royal treatment with Artie once again on clarinet and Roy Eldridge on trumpet. The sound quality on this track is particularly good, too.



I also like this CD because there are three tracks recorded and broadcast live from The Hotel Pennsylvania in New York: "Everything Is Jumpin';" "My Blue Heaven" and "Diga Diga Doo." These tracks give us a certain spontaneity and zest that you don't always hear in a recording made in a studio.



"Begin The Beguine" is yet another classic instrumental penned by Cole Porter; and Artie Shaw and His Orchestra do a wonderful job of delivering this number.



The CD ends with the very upbeat "Diga Diga Doo;" this number will make you want to jump up and dance anywhere you happen to be! Dave Barbour is on the guitar but the horns carry the bulk of this melody.



The liner notes include all the song credits and Loren Schoenberg contributes an extensive, informative essay about Artie's career and personal life. The art work is very good; but on several of the tracks there is some surface noise. I had hoped not to suffer from any surface noise on a CD in this day and age; the remastering job was not well done. Therefore I must take off a star to make this a four star review.



Artie Shaw remains one of the greatest talents of the entire 20th century. His artistry can never be truly forgotten. I highly recommend this CD for Artie Shaw fans and fans of classic swing music. People who enjoy classic pop vocals will also enjoy the tracks that feature Billie Holiday, Tony Pastor and Helen Forrest.



Enjoy! Great work, everyone!!!

"