JUST RELEASED - a new two-CD set “The Influence of Bix Beiderbecke"
The legendary cornetist Bix Beiderbecke (1903-1931) had a determining influence on many other jazz musicians during the 1920s; some of these were lucky enough to have heard Bix first-hand, while others became familiar with his unique style through recordings. Records featuring Bix's solos were first issued in the USA in 1924, and by the late 1920s his lyrical style of playing was also becoming influential internationally through records issued in Europe and beyond.
“The Influence of Bix Beiderbecke" is a new two-CD set that includes 51 rare recordings from the 1920s and early 1930s, each of which contains solo work or arrangements that demonstrate the extent of Bix's influence during this period. The first CD concentrates on recordings made by American jazz musicians and the second on records made by European musicians under the spell of Bix.
The CD set contains a number of tracks that are being re-issued for the first time since their original release on 78 rpm record. In addition, several sides are transferred from un-issued test pressings and are being released for the first time ever. The recordings have been faithfully restored using the latest digital techniques while at the same time paying respect to sound of the original recordings. The CD set is completed by two in-depth booklets (one of 28 pages and one of 36 pages) outlining each track and providing detailed information on the bandleaders and musicians responsible for the music heard on each CD; both booklets are replete with many rare photographs, some reproduced in print for the first time.
All profits from this CD set will go towards helping to meet the medical expenses for respected author and jazz musician Richard Sudhalter, who has done much to bring Bix's life and music to wider audiences. His works include “Bix, Man and Legend", which was written in collaboration with Philip R. Evans and first published by Arlington Press in 1974, “Lost Chords: White Musicians and Their Contribution to Jazz, 1915-1945," (Oxford University Press, 1999) and “Stardust Melody: The Life and Music of Hoagy Carmichael" (Oxford University Press, 2002). Sudhalter is also a much acclaimed musician whose Bix-influenced cornet and trumpet solos have graced numerous recordings.
Sadly, Richard Sudhalter suffered a massive stroke in 2003. Although he recovered initially, in the last three years Richard's health has deteriorated considerably. He has been diagnosed as having MSA, multiple system atrophy. Currently, Richard lives in a nursing home in New York City.
“The Influence of Bix Beiderbecke" is obtainable from: Jass Masters, 71 Chalk Hill, Watford WD19 4DA, England, UK; Tel: +44-1923-237910; Fax: +44-1923-211510; E-mail: nick.dellow@gmail.
The legendary cornetist Bix Beiderbecke (1903-1931) had a determining influence on many other jazz musicians during the 1920s; some of these were lucky enough to have heard Bix first-hand, while others became familiar with his unique style through recordings. Records featuring Bix's solos were first issued in the USA in 1924, and by the late 1920s his lyrical style of playing was also becoming influential internationally through records issued in Europe and beyond.
“The Influence of Bix Beiderbecke" is a new two-CD set that includes 51 rare recordings from the 1920s and early 1930s, each of which contains solo work or arrangements that demonstrate the extent of Bix's influence during this period. The first CD concentrates on recordings made by American jazz musicians and the second on records made by European musicians under the spell of Bix.
The CD set contains a number of tracks that are being re-issued for the first time since their original release on 78 rpm record. In addition, several sides are transferred from un-issued test pressings and are being released for the first time ever. The recordings have been faithfully restored using the latest digital techniques while at the same time paying respect to sound of the original recordings. The CD set is completed by two in-depth booklets (one of 28 pages and one of 36 pages) outlining each track and providing detailed information on the bandleaders and musicians responsible for the music heard on each CD; both booklets are replete with many rare photographs, some reproduced in print for the first time.
All profits from this CD set will go towards helping to meet the medical expenses for respected author and jazz musician Richard Sudhalter, who has done much to bring Bix's life and music to wider audiences. His works include “Bix, Man and Legend", which was written in collaboration with Philip R. Evans and first published by Arlington Press in 1974, “Lost Chords: White Musicians and Their Contribution to Jazz, 1915-1945," (Oxford University Press, 1999) and “Stardust Melody: The Life and Music of Hoagy Carmichael" (Oxford University Press, 2002). Sudhalter is also a much acclaimed musician whose Bix-influenced cornet and trumpet solos have graced numerous recordings.
Sadly, Richard Sudhalter suffered a massive stroke in 2003. Although he recovered initially, in the last three years Richard's health has deteriorated considerably. He has been diagnosed as having MSA, multiple system atrophy. Currently, Richard lives in a nursing home in New York City.
“The Influence of Bix Beiderbecke" is obtainable from: Jass Masters, 71 Chalk Hill, Watford WD19 4DA, England, UK; Tel: +44-1923-237910; Fax: +44-1923-211510; E-mail: nick.dellow@gmail.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
