Customer Reviews

Paul Whiteman: Pioneer in American Music, 1890-1930 (Studies in Jazz)

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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

[...]

Mr.Rayno made himself my hero, with this book. There's so much information 'packed' into over 800 pages that it's got to be kept within reach whenever Whiteman, jazz, or any music of the 1920s are the subjects at hand. Besides a fact-filled, nonjudgmental biography, you'll find mini-bios of Paul's musicians, a songs index, a musicians index, an almost day-by-day chronology of every little thing Paul did until 1930, and most fantastic of all: a finely detailed discography of every record made until 1930, complete with musicians, arranger, the key used, and a review of the actual music as recorded. I love to play my Whiteman records while reviewing Mr.Rayno's notes on each one - he increases my enjoyment and understanding every time.

Perhaps the most "light-bulb-over-my-head" moment came when I read, and understood, what Paul Whiteman meant by "Symphonic Jazz"; it wasn't just those big productions like Rhapsody in Blue or Mississippi Suite - he meant his ENTIRE APPROACH to 'Jazz" and the rest of the pop music of his day: to play it with the same precision, preparation, and perfection of his symphony orchestra, Victor Herbert, and Minetti String Quartet experience.

I have awaited Volume Two since the moment I opened Volume One!! Get this book - you'll want Volume Two, just as much as I do.