Paul Whiteman: Pioneer in American Music, Volume I: 1890-1930 (Studies in Jazz Series) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is the first of a two-volume set that will serve as the definitive work on the life and music of this legendary jazz leader. Covering the early years from 1890 to 1930, the text will entertain and inform the reader about the exciting life of one of the major influencers of jazz music and also provide a nostalgic glimpse of what life was like during the Roaring Twenties.

About the Author

Don Rayno is Director, Raleigh-Area Concerts of Prayer, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 840 pages
• Publisher: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810845792
• ISBN-13: 978-0810845794
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,931,432 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars King of Jazz?, December 2, 2007

By	Drew - See all my reviews

It's an oft quoted title bestowed on a man who was far more of a showman than a jazz musician. Nevertheless, through his large symphonic style showbands Whiteman was able to present a number of top jazz artistes, although purists will always debate those settings long and hard!

What is not in debate is the cavalcade of stars that passed through Whiteman's ranks at one time or another and especially during the peak years of the nineteen twenties. From the unstable genious of cornetist Bix Beiderbecke to the Dorsey Brothers (Tommy and Jimmy both) to saxist Frankie Trumbauer, the list goes on.

Then of course there was that singing fellow by the name of Bing Crosby...

Oh yes, and the arranging talents of Johnny Mercer...

What of Whiteman the man? In his heyday he was a trailblazer, inventing 'symphonic jazz'and staging the debut performance of George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' with the composer himself at the piano.

Happy days from long ago!

This book is volume 1 of the Whiteman story from Scarecrow Press and is typical of those in the genre, being a combination of both entetaining biography and learned reference work. If you want 'everything Whiteman' look no further.

Drew

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