The Birth Of Rhapsody In Blue: Paul Whiteman's Historic Aeolian Hall Concert of 1924

Maurice Peress (Artist), Paul Whiteman (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 12, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Music Masters Jazz
• ASIN: B000000FPW
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,312 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Livery Stable Blues

2. Mama Loves Papa

3. Yes, We Have No Bananas/So This Is Venice

4. Whispering

5. Limehouse Blues

6. Linger Awhile

7. Raggedy Ann

8. Kitten On The Keys

9. Three Little Oddities: Romanza

10. Three Little Oddities: Impromptu

11. Three Little Oddities: Novelette

12. Three Little Oddities: Nickel In The slot

13. Three Little Oddities: Orange Blossoms In California

14. Three Little Oddities: A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody

15. Three Little Oddities: Alexander's Ragtime Band

16. Three Little Oddities: Pomp And Circumstance

17. Three Little Oddities: Russian Rose

18. Three Little Oddities: Pale Moon

19. Three Little Oddities: To A Wild Rose

20. Three Little Oddities: Chansonette

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible for Fans of Early Jazz, October 27, 2004

By 

Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birth Of Rhapsody In Blue: Paul Whiteman's Historic Aeolian Hall Concert of 1924 (Audio CD)

My heavens - there are so many wonderful aspects to this album, I don't even know where to start. I found my copy in a discount bin at Tower, and haven't been the same since.

Firstly, this is a wonderfully important piece of history, the reconstruction of Paul Whiteman's landmark 1924 Aeolian Hall concert, at which Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue made its premiere. As the final piece, it winds up what is a grand concert unto itself - there isn't a bad bit in the bunch.

Secondly, the little "featurettes" showcasing Zez Confrey and Victor Herbert are like little musical bouquets, gems placed in the perfect setting. I came to love Confrey's work thanks to this album, and though I had long loved Herbert, his "Suite of Serenades" was new to me - a joyful discovery.

Thirdly, the great variety of great jazz works, as well as their sequence, is such a pleasure to listen to. Standards such as "Limehouse Blues" and "Whispering" are interspersed with more unusual selections, like "Mama Loves Papa" and "Russian Rose". The overall effect is most satisfying.

Finally, and most importantly, the musicians are ASTOUNDINGLY well suited to this music - they are spot on, and obviously have tremendous respect for it. Andy Stein shines through as always, Ivan Davis and Dick Hyman sparkle (especially in the Confrey pieces), and, of course, there's Vince Giordano, who I am fully convinced has the musical Midas touch - whatever the man touches turns to Gold.

Not convinced yet? Then let me tell you that there is nothing I can say to accurately depict how wonderful this album really is. It's an endless joy, and a true staple of my collection. Make it a part of yours, and you'll agree, I promise.