Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin

Ferde Grofe (Composer), George Gershwin (Composer), Steven Richman (Conductor), Harmonie Ensemble/New York (Orchestra), Al Gallodoro (Performer), Lincoln Mayorga (Performer), Richard Rood (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Al Gallodoro, Lincoln Mayorga, Richard Rood
• Orchestra: Harmonie Ensemble/New York
• Conductor: Steven Richman
• Composer: Ferde Grofe, George Gershwin
• Audio CD (October 24, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bridge
• ASIN: B000ION61S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,456 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #35 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Reeds & Winds > Saxophone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Hidden Gem, August 14, 2007

By 

Peter Prainito (Lombard, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin (Audio CD)

I stumbled upon the CD "Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin" and glad I did. All but one of the compositions were already well-known to me prior to my purchase, namely Grofe's Mississippi Suite and Grand Canyon Suite, and Gershwin's Second Rhapsody for Orchestra and Piano. Hearing these pieces in their original Paul Whiteman Orchestra versions was like hearing them with a new set of ears. The predominance of winds over strings makes for a very authentic jazzy sound which was so typical of the era in which they were written. Amazing sound and playing by the Harmonie Ensemble/New York. Superb.
A real treat is a work that is new to me, Gallodoro's Serenade for Saxophone and Piano. What is so unbelievable is that it's performed beautifully by the composer himself, Al Gallodoro. Get this...he was a top-notch saxophone player in Paul Whiteman's orchestra...and he is still playing at 93 years of age...no, make that youth. The man is a legend. I was dumbfounded by his beautiful tone and technique, at 93!!! Al still practices several hours a day. Talk about inspiration...wow!!!
Can you tell I love this CD? Run out and buy it before it vanishes!!! Hope this group releases more CDs like this one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well done, May 27, 2007

By 

Roger G. Horn (clarion, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin (Audio CD)

These are Whiteman band arrangements and they sound right in every way. The style is authentic and the playing is tops.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great performances ruined by conductor, March 26, 2008

By 

Alan Altman "Dr. Alan S. Altman" (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin (Audio CD)

This recording should be purchased for the Mayorga and Galladoro performances...only. Mr. Richman, the conductor, grunts and hums (ala Toscannini for RCA Victor), on litterally every musical phrase. It is unneccessary, unprofessional and a severe distraction. No one can say that using contemporary electronics at the mixing board this could not have been avoided....move the mike, move the conductor or TELL HIM TO SHUT UP!!
Buyers, purchase the Mississippi and Grand Canyon Suites elsewere. There are dozens of other, equally good performances where one does not have to listen to Mr. Richman hum along.