Search - Lincoln Mayorga, Al Gallodoro :: Gershwin: By Grofe- Original Orchestrations & Arrangements

Lincoln Mayorga, Al Gallodoro
Gershwin: By Grofe- Original Orchestrations & Arrangements
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
1. I Got Rhythm Variations for piano and orchestra (1934)
2. The Yankee Doodle Blues (from Spice of 1922)
3. The Yankee Doodle Blues (new acoustic recording on a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph)
4. That Certain Feeling (from Tip-Toes 1925)
5. Somebody Loves Me (from George White's Scandals of 1924)
6. Sweet and Low-down (from Tip-Toes)
7. I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise (from George White's Scandals of 1924)
8. The Man I Love (first recording of 1938 version)
9. Fascinating Rhythm (from Lady, Be Good)
10. Summertime (from Porgy and Bess, 1935)
11. Rhapsody in Blue (1924) (Original jazz band version)

CD Details

All Artists: Lincoln Mayorga, Al Gallodoro
Title: Gershwin: By Grofe- Original Orchestrations & Arrangements
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Harmonia Mundi
Original Release Date: 1/1/2010
Re-Release Date: 4/13/2010
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 093046749224

Synopsis

Product Description

In this swinging set of symphonic jazz, Steven Richman and the GRAMMY® nominated Harmonie Ensemble New York perform a fascinating selection of music by George Gershwin. In addition to a reconstruction of Gershwin s own 1934 orchestration of the I Got Rhythm Variations, Richman offers several orchestrations penned by composer and arranger Ferde Grofé in the 1920 s for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. The disc s main event is a red-hot performance of the original jazz band version of the immortal Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Lincoln Mayorga. The famous clarinet solo is played by the late, great Al Gallodoro, who was in his late nineties when the recording was made. Gallodoro played clarinet in the Whiteman Orchestra and can claim the distinction of having the world s record for the most performances of the work s iconic slide (over 10,000 times). Also included are a selection of Gershwin s Broadway tunes including Summertime in a beautiful reading by Gallodoro and Mayorga, but the album s special gem is a reading of The Yankee Doodle Blues, recorded by the Harmonie Ensemble New York on a wax cylinder (!) using a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph.

CD Reviews

Fabulous "ricky-ticky" jazz versions of Gershwin standards

B. Guerrero | 04/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lincoln Mayorga's somewhat fleet and understated approach to the solo part in "Rhapsody In Blue" might not be to everyone's liking. He plays it as though he were entertaining a smallish audience in a smaller than usual venue. I like it, but I can seen how others might prefer a heavier hand. What is totally irresistible then, is the painstaking job taken in recreating the original Ferde Grofe orchestrations for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra (I Got Rhythm Var.; Yankee Doodle Blues; That Certain Feeling; Somebody Loves Me; Sweet & Low-down: I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise; The Man I Love; Fascinating Rhythm; Summertime, etc.). This is just like listening to Gershwin as it was presented in the classic black-and-white films of the 30s and 40s - only in excellent sound (and without the distortion). You might think to yourself, "big deal; Michael Tilson Thomas did the same thing". But these arrangements go a lot farther in recreating that special "ricky-ticky" jazz flavor of the times. Reed player Al Gallodoro assisted conductor Steven Richman in producing the authentic sounds with the correct inflections, etc. He should know - he was there! I love this disc - just don't expect the "Rhapsody" to sound like Earl Wild - who I do like! - with Arthur Fiedler beside him. Instead, put on your dancing shoes and practice your society dance steps."

The Razzle-Dazzle of Gershwin's Tin Pan Alley

Pan Piper | Burbank, CA USA | 05/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sparkling new recording is a winner. For anyone who is curious what sounds Gershwin had imagined when writing his "Rhapsody in Blue", this album gives a pretty good idea. Unlike the scratchy 78s of Gershwin's own time, though, here the Jazz Age soundworld is (mercifully) recreated with 21st-century recording techniques. The Rhapsody is preceded by a snappy selection of Broadway tunes delivered with flair and style. Don't miss this magical musical trip down memory lane!"