I love the Big Band and Swing era - at my clarinet lesson this week, my new teacher said she was learning Artie Shaw's Concerto for Clarinet She showed me the sheet music She didn't have a recording of it so I've lent her mine and I've just thought to look up a YouTube clip to send her - this isn't the full concerto but it's great to see Artie Shaw himself playing it...

Artie Shaw, Clarinet Concerto


Who does everyone else like???

The Artie Shaw concerto isn't at all easy, but it is very good, and quite fun to play.

From that sort of era, aside from Shaw, amongst my favourite musicians/bandleaders/composers are Benny Goodman (yes, another clarinettist ) Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington.

Aaah for me it is more vocalists. Ella Fitzgerald and Dame Cleo Laine are my favourites but all of them are amazing. Sarah Vaughn, Anita day. Stacey Kent more latterly. I shall probably be scoffed at for my next remark but I do not like Billie Holiday. Her tone grates on me.

Composers: George and Ira Gershwin although Ira was a lyricist. I love big band and all the standards to sing.

Yes, I don't think it can be denied that she was good at what she did, but I wouldn't generally choose to listen to any of her recordings.



Yes, how could I forget them?

George Gershwin's Cuban Overture is one of my favourite works

[quote name='barry-clari' date='Aug 9 2008, 03:01 PM' post='731186']
[quote name='jay77' post='731139' date='Aug 9 2008, 01:29 PM']
I shall probably be scoffed at for my next remark but I do not like Billie Holiday. Her tone grates on me.
[/quote]

Yes, I don't think it can be denied that she was good at what she did, but I wouldn't generally choose to listen to any of her recordings.

Oh I completely agree; just not to my personal tastes.
Amy Winehouse reminds me of her in her tone and technique a lot - that said, on a good day I thoroughly enjoy listening to her voice. Her drink and drug habit seems to echo Billie's personal life too. Although Amy sites Sarah Vaughn as her inspiration and guidence.

Anyone here like Al Bowlly? There's a programme about him on BBC Four this evening - 10pm

It's a matter of taste. I find Billie Holiday's singing more 'raw', for want of a better word, and so more emotionally powerful and moving than some of the others mentioned. Ella FitzG I tend to find a bit syrupy, for instance, but your mileage may vary....

Ellington and Gershwin also get my thumbs up.

Watched it.........excellent programme!