Search - Violinjazz, Jeremy Cohen, Larry Dunlop :: The Music of Eddie South - Violin Jazz

The Music of Eddie South - Violin Jazz
Violinjazz, Jeremy Cohen, Larry Dunlop
The Music of Eddie South - Violin Jazz
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

Jeremy Cohen and his ensemble Violinjazz shine new light on the — music of one of the greatest jazz violinists of all time, Eddie South, — giving new insight on the man know by many as the 'Dark Angel — of the Violin'. — Eddie...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Violinjazz, Jeremy Cohen, Larry Dunlop, Jim Kerwin, Dix Bruce, Andrea Liguori, Harold Jones
Title: The Music of Eddie South - Violin Jazz
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Dorian
Original Release Date: 1/1/2010
Re-Release Date: 5/25/2010
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 053479211026

Synopsis

Product Description
Jeremy Cohen and his ensemble Violinjazz shine new light on the
music of one of the greatest jazz violinists of all time, Eddie South,
giving new insight on the man know by many as the 'Dark Angel
of the Violin'.
Eddie South was one of the most widely recorded jazz violinists of
his time. He was truly one of the greats, and the greats all knew
him Joe Venuti, Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, Ray Nance,
Sven Asmussen, and Paul Nero. In fact composer and violinist Paul Nero dedicated his classic jazz fiddle tune,
Hot Canary, to Eddie South. But his name and his music aren't known to all violin-loving musicians, historians, and
seasoned music buffs.
Born in 1904, South would have been poised to be one of the great classical violinists of his time had it not been for the dreadful inequality apparent during that era. Graduating from the Chicago Music College, this violin virtuoso learned to play jazz (violin being a more common jazz instrument during the formative years of the genre) due to the lack of orchestra positions for African-Americans. South thrived in this world playing with the greats. He traveled the world and during a trip to Europe was heavily influenced by the Gypsy melodies of Budapest, which he later incorporated into his music. Upon returning to the United States, South formed his group The Alabamians. Though he never had major
commercial success South recorded for Mercury and Chess records, and has been well known by true Jazz aficionados from then until now.

Violinjazz breathes new life into Eddie South's works, by both paying homage to South's solo styles as well as adding
their own improvisations. The group consists of master violinist Jeremy Cohen (founder of the group and 1st violin of the GRAMMY® nominated ensemble Quartet San Francisco), world renowned performer, session pianist and arranger for the group Larry Dunlop, Jim Kerwin of the David Grisman Quartet on bass, and Dix Bruce on guitar, who beyond being
a well know performer has had over 35 instructional books published by Mel Bay Publications. The group is joined by
the preeminent jazz drummer Harold Jones, whose credits include performing and recording with Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughn and is currently playing with Tony Bennett.
Combine the excitement of this music, performed by such a star studded ensemble with Dorian Sono Luminus staff recording the album at world famous Skywalker Sound, and you know this album is ready to jump out of its package! The album's technical proficiency and acoustic nature will crossover to the classical listener and will excite every jazz enthusiast.
 

CD Reviews

Swingin' the changes
Dean R. Brierly | Studio City, CA | 06/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late violinist Eddie South (1904-1962) may not have the name recognition of peers like Stephane Grappelli and Joe Venuti, but the Louisiana-born musician was every bit their equal. South had a gorgeous tone and impeccable phrasing, and could play anything from classical to jazz, but the pervasive racism of the era in which he achieved artistic maturity prevented any hopes of a commercial breakthrough. South was frequently recorded during his lifetime, but sadly, there appear to be only a couple of CD compilations of his work currently in print. Contemporary jazz violinist Jeremy Cohen felt so moved by this neglect that he released this tribute album to help focus attention on South's legacy. Cohen's approach was simple: round up a cracking band of like-minded musicians (guitarist Dix Bruce, bassist Jim Kerwin, pianist Larry Dunlop, drummer Harold Jones) and record a wide range of jazz and popular tunes associated with South. Their interpretations respect the spirit of the originals while spotlighting the unique characteristics of Cohen's own playing. The results are warm, sincere and swinging, and should inspire listeners to seek out recordings of the master himself. This is musical balm for the soul. Apply frequently for best results."