Self Portrait [Box set] [Original recording remastered]

Self Portrait [Box set] [Original recording remastered]

ASIN: B00005PJBJ

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
As a clarinetist, he was one of the best, but as a bandleader and jazz innovator, Artie Shaw was peerless. In the various ensembles he led from 1936 to 1954, Shaw pushed swing jazz into new territory. He incorporated classical instrumentation into his arrangements and pretty much invented the genre of "third stream jazz"; he ignored the color barrier by recording with Hot Lips Page in the late '20s and by touring with Billie Holiday; he created volumes of timeless, beautiful, and swinging jazz. But mostly, Shaw kept everyone on their toes, wondering what new, gorgeous sounds he'd create next. The five-CD Self Portrait is the most complete collection assembled of his vast output, and Shaw himself, 91 years young, selected the tracks. It's a fascinating snapshot: the maverick clarinetist's career-long restlessness led to musical innovation and an odd assortment of inventive lineups. Listen to "Streamline" and hear the reckless sounds of Raymond Scott combined with a classical string quartet; hear his pure and pretty clarinet tones on "Begin the Beguine" and instantly understand how it became a hit in the late '30s. The highlights abound and every band--especially the mid-'50s Gramercy Five featuring Tal Farlow on guitar and Hank Jones on piano--is consistently great. Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Self Portrait,Artie Shaw,RCA,Big Band,Box Sets (Audio Only),Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Sweet Bands

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music