Search - Ferde Grofe, George Gershwin, Steven Richman :: Symphonic Jazz: Grofé & Gershwin

A Hidden Gem

Peter Prainito | Lombard, IL USA | 08/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great performances ruined by conductor

Alan Altman | Miami, Florida | 03/27/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Very well done

Roger G. Horn | clarion, PA | 05/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

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