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From the Vault...
03/20/2005
#934 |
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info
Artie Shaw
"Dancing In The Dark"
© BMG Special Products Records
Year of Release: 1999
Rating:
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track listing
Frenesi
Begin The Beguine
Moonglow
Stardust
Dancing In The Dark
I Could Write A Book
I Cover The Waterfront
These Foolish Things
Remind Me Of You
Someone To Watch
Over Me
A Foggy Day
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WSVNRadio Archives
Artie Shaw related sites:
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Artie Shaw
"Dancing In The Dark"
Artie Shaw recently passed away this year, as WSVNRadio reviews his
Dancing In The Dark release, as music was music back in the late
1930s/1940s. Like Glenn Miller, Shaw's flute and orchestra inspired a great
trend in big band music, and became one of music's popular artists of
the Big Band era.
"Frenesi" would be his only #1 song from 1939-1940, as his other
popular songs are in this (only) 10-song set. (Recently his Self-Portrait
box set was released before his death.) "Begin The Beguine" -- almost
every popular artist of the Big Band era covered this song, and even in later
decades; Shaw's version is just as classic. "Moonglow" is a delightful
bouncy tune, even having a sensual sound to it, as Shaw's flute is priceless.
Another popular hit for Shaw was his version of another song that practically
everyone has done during the Big Band era and beyond -- "Stardust."
Another great version, and sensual as well. "Dancing In The Dark"
doesn't ring any memory bells, but it's just as fantastic with Shaw's smooth
flute delivery.
The remaining songs (with the exception of one) also doesn't ring any
memory bells (that is, I have heard of these songs before...) "I Could Write
A Book" has a very casual sound, then picks up in a great standard
contemporary jazz style; very enjoyable. Another pleasant casual smooth song
is "I Cover The Watefront" a great getaway of the common rock and rap
sounds of our current decade. "These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You"
also has a great sound, as Shaw's style easily matches that of Glenn Miller's.
"Someone To Watch Over Me" is another favorite of mine; most of the
versions I've heard were of a slow ballad pace. Shaw's version is very upbeat
and jazzy, having a great sound, just as all the songs contained on this album.
The album's closing song, "A Foggy Day" is a great slow jazz tune, very
sensual, and entertaining.
Dancing In The Dark is a wonderful getaway from today's contemporary
sounds. After listening to this release, you can't help but want to hear more.
Ten songs is definitely not enough, but then again you don't want too much either.
This ia great sampling of Shaw's music, and a good start in enjoying the music
of the pre-Rock era. Where most may have remembered the Glenn Miller name
than Shaw's (at least I did), Shaw's music will live with greatfulness as his
other co-band leaders. Ahh, they don't make music like this anymore, but it's
always a treat to look back, and recognize that this was music, and damn good
music too.
© WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved.
Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
BMG Special Products Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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