Artie Shaw – Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw – Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw – Artie Shaw is a 20-track collection showcasing one of the defining clarinettists and bandleaders of the Swing Era. Originally issued in the UK in 2000, this compilation brings together recordings from Shaw's celebrated late-1930s and early-1940s period, when his orchestra stood alongside Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey at the forefront of American big-band jazz.

The selection opens with the haunting “Nightmare”, one of Shaw's signature pieces, before moving through a superb collection of jazz standards and swing favourites including “I'm Coming Virginia,” “What Is This Thing Called Love,” “It Had To Be You,” “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise,” “Rosalie” and “Out Of Nowhere.” Shaw's precise, lyrical clarinet playing is central throughout, combining the power of a large dance orchestra with a notably refined and sophisticated instrumental style.

Among the highlights is Shaw's landmark version of “Begin The Beguine”, the 1938 recording that became one of the defining performances of the Swing Era and helped establish his orchestra as one of the leading bands of the period. “Stardust,” “Deep Purple” and “Chantez Les Bas” further demonstrate Shaw's ability to move between romantic balladry, intricate arrangements and energetic swing.

The closing tracks become particularly interesting for jazz collectors. “Who's Excited?”, “Prelude In C Major” and “Dr. Livingston, I Presume” represent Shaw's adventurous arranging and repertoire, while the two-part “Concerto For Clarinet” provides an impressive finale, putting Shaw's virtuosity firmly in the spotlight. These recordings form part of the same body of material later collected in extensive Bluebird and Victor archival sets covering Shaw's 1938–1945 sessions.

For listeners looking for classic 1930s and 1940s big band jazz, this is an accessible introduction to Artie Shaw's orchestra, combining major Swing Era standards with instrumental showcases and some of Shaw's best-known recordings.

Tracklist

1. Nightmare
2. I'm Coming Virginia
3. What Is This Thing Called Love
4. I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me
5. It Had To Be You
6. Non-Stop Flight
7. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
8. Snug As A Bug In A Rug
9. Rosalie
10. Out Of Nowhere
11. Deep Purple
12. You're A Lucky Guy
13. Begin The Beguine
14. If It's You
15. Chantez Les Bas
16. Stardust
17. Who's Excited?
18. Prelude In C Major
19. Dr. Livingston, I Presume
20. Concerto For Clarinet – Pts. 1 & 2