The Trouble With Cinderella: An Outline of Identity

Rating:
Summary: A great musical talent writes an excellent book.
Review: An intelligent,insightful and entertaining autobiography.A delightful read. For many years I thought Artie Shaw was an old grouchy talented musician who flippantly gave up his musical profession. This book changed my mind completely and anyone who appreciates Mr. Shaw's music should read it. A great book.

Rating:
Summary: The Trouble With Cinderella: An Outline Of Identity
Review: Captures the essence of not only Artie Shaw, the man and his ideas of life, but of the big band scene of the thirties and forties. Especially for devotees of Artie Shaw, a must read.

Rating:
Summary: The Trouble With Cinderella: An Outline Of Identity
Review: Captures the essence of not only Artie Shaw, the man and his ideas of life, but of the big band scene of the thirties and forties. Especially for devotees of Artie Shaw, a must read.

Rating:
Summary: A GENIUS AND HIS MUSIC
Review: Ever since I was introduced to the world of Artie Shaw's music - at about the age of 14 - I have been a devotee of his work. Easily my favourite big band of the fabled Swing Era, I thought Artie's clarinet had a woodsy tone which was prettier than Goodman's (although Benny was undoubtedly the better clarinetist) and felt that his band sounded more swinging and modern than Goodman's. Shaw's 1938 band ("Begin the Beguine") was fantastic as was his equally famous 31 piece 194O band ("Frenesi"). His 1941 Orchestra gave us the lush classic versions of "Star Dust", "Moonglow" & "Dancing in the Dark" Classy and unforgettable records, those three sides!

Born in NYC 23 May, 191O, Arthur Issac Arshawsky somehow escaped living a life of poverty via sheer will and determination to "be somebody": perhaps the most innovative and creatively intellectual of all the big-time leaders, one can hear Shaw's genius in his music: his diversity, originality and creative tendencies are fascinating and astounding to hear.

His initial band in 1936 included strings - something which was highly unusual for a swing band. "There's Frost on the Moon" vocalised by Peg La Centra and "Japanese Sandman" are both available on CD - as good examples of his music from this period.

In 1939, at the height of his popularity, Shaw - who could never abide bobby-soxers & autograph hounds - simply walked off the bandstand one night and fled to Mexico. Shaw loved music and all its aspects - but LOATHED the business side of his career. But he couldn't stay away for good. Artie was back on top with another great hit he found south of the border: "Frenesi".

This intellectual genius - still living in Southern California - married Kathleen Winsor, who authored "Forever Amber". Lana Turner was his young bride and another wife - Ava Gardner - was crazy about him. Shaw was also married to Scarlett O' Hara's younger sister - Evelyn Keyes. Creative, frustrated, brilliant and a perfectionist, Shaw's legacy is his fabulous music - most of which is re-mastered and available to the public on CD's. Perhaps the most inspired "small group" of the entire Swing Era was Artie's terrific Gramercy Five.

My personal favourites of his records are BEGIN THE BEGUINE, MOONGLOW, STAR DUST, DANCING IN THE DARK, OCTOROON, OUT OF NOWHERE, LOVE FOR SALE, NOCTURNE, CONCERTO FOR CLARINET, TEMPTATION, COMIN' ON, BACK BAY SHUFFLE, ONE FOOT IN THE GROOVE, ONE NIGHT STAND, CHANTEZ-LES BAS, FRENESI, SUMMIT RIDGE DRIVE, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, THE MAID WITH THE FLACCID AIR, SEPTEMBER SONG, BETWEEN A KISS AND A SIGH...among many others.

Rating:
Summary: A GENIUS AND HIS MUSIC
Review: Ever since I was introduced to the world of Artie Shaw's music - at about the age of 14 - I have been a devotee of his work. Easily my favourite big band of the fabled Swing Era, I thought Artie's clarinet had a woodsy tone which was prettier than Goodman's (although Benny was undoubtedly the better clarinetist) and felt that his band sounded more swinging and modern than Goodman's. Shaw's 1938 band ("Begin the Beguine") was fantastic as was his equally famous 31 piece 194O band ("Frenesi"). His 1941 Orchestra gave us the lush classic versions of "Star Dust", "Moonglow" & "Dancing in the Dark" Classy and unforgettable records, those three sides!

Born in NYC 23 May, 191O, Arthur Issac Arshawsky somehow escaped living a life of poverty via sheer will and determination to "be somebody": perhaps the most innovative and creatively intellectual of all the big-time leaders, one can hear Shaw's genius in his music: his diversity, originality and creative tendencies are fascinating and astounding to hear.

His initial band in 1936 included strings - something which was highly unusual for a swing band. "There's Frost on the Moon" vocalised by Peg La Centra and "Japanese Sandman" are both available on CD - as good examples of his music from this period.

In 1939, at the height of his popularity, Shaw - who could never abide bobby-soxers & autograph hounds - simply walked off the bandstand one night and fled to Mexico. Shaw loved music and all its aspects - but LOATHED the business side of his career. But he couldn't stay away for good. Artie was back on top with another great hit he found south of the border: "Frenesi".

This intellectual genius - still living in Southern California - married Kathleen Winsor, who authored "Forever Amber". Lana Turner was his young bride and another wife - Ava Gardner - was crazy about him. Shaw was also married to Scarlett O' Hara's younger sister - Evelyn Keyes. Creative, frustrated, brilliant and a perfectionist, Shaw's legacy is his fabulous music - most of which is re-mastered and available to the public on CD's. Perhaps the most inspired "small group" of the entire Swing Era was Artie's terrific Gramercy Five.

My personal favourites of his records are BEGIN THE BEGUINE, MOONGLOW, STAR DUST, DANCING IN THE DARK, OCTOROON, OUT OF NOWHERE, LOVE FOR SALE, NOCTURNE, CONCERTO FOR CLARINET, TEMPTATION, COMIN' ON, BACK BAY SHUFFLE, ONE FOOT IN THE GROOVE, ONE NIGHT STAND, CHANTEZ-LES BAS, FRENESI, SUMMIT RIDGE DRIVE, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, THE MAID WITH THE FLACCID AIR, SEPTEMBER SONG, BETWEEN A KISS AND A SIGH...among many others.