Search - Eddie Duchin :: The Eddy Duchin Story: 1933-38 Original Mono Recordings

Nostalgic simple music simply done!

David Hicks | 12/09/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Want to escape the myriad of complex music of the late 1990's? Why not trance back about 60 years to the 1930's. This elegant band from the depression era represents mood music at its best. Even if it is your grandparents music, you'll love it. Its not complicated. It relaxes, keeps the senses balanced and is just great to listen to. No complexities here -- or exotic beats to try and understand. Stroll to Moon over Miami! Go ahead. Be daring."

If you love to listen to good music, buy this CD

David Hicks | New Haven, CT USA | 02/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard of Eddy Duchin from a friend years ago but only recently acted on his tip. Too bad I waited so long! I now own 5 Duchin CDs (all I could get my hands on) and I love 'em all, but this one is my favorite. Sure, this is danceband music, a wheeze from the past, but don't let that throw you. The tunes are good: you probably know some or maybe a lot of them (I knew about half). Another reviewer said this music isn't complex, and while it's true that listening is effortless, this music has an almost stealth sophistication, from its surface to its depths. The arrangements are elegant, the modulations a kick in the head. (By comparison the Swing Band arrangements of a slightly later time are overrated.) Above all Duchin's piano playing is nothing short of sensational. His idol was Mozart, and darn if it doesn't show! I read somewhere one of his sidemen badmouthing Duchin as the only piano player who could make 32 clinkers in a 32 bar solo and get away with it, etc., etc. Hogwash: the inventiveness and spontaneity of Duchin's piano work are matchless. The Bottom Line: Duchin had a brilliant musical imagination. He blended it with a band that was his perfect foil, a sympathetic partner on his sweetly fanciful flights."

You got this far? buy it!

David Hicks | 01/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pop this one in your portable or your car CD and forget your problems! In that era melody was everything, and Duchin was the master. The quality of the transfer is quite reasonable too. This music may be way before my time, but I still enjoy this CD again and again! Highly recommended."