Stardust, and Much More

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Stardust, and Much More is part of RCA/BMG's stellar reissue series of classic jazz and blues, sonically updated to be better than ever. The Hoagy Carmichael set concentrates on prime sessions in Chicago, Kansas City, and New York between 1927 and 1934, years when Bloomington, Indiana's favorite son achieved his first fame as a songwriter and piano player. Two early versions of "Stardust," for instance, trace his evolving relationship with this chestnut, and the CD closes with a sweet autumnal recording of the song from 1960. The pivotal "Washboard Blues" with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra is included. After hearing Red Nichols's version of this, Hoagy decided to quit law school and concentrate on his music. Thanks, Red! --Stephen M.H. Braitman

Tracks:

Stardust
Washboard Blues
So Tired
Rockin' Chair
March Of The Hoodlums
Come Easy, Go Easy Love
Rockin' Chair
Georgia On My Mind
One Night In Havana
Bessie Couldn't Help It
Lazy River
Sing It Way Down Low
Snowball
Lazybones
One Morning In May
Stardust
Cosmics
Washboard Blues
Judy
Moon Country
Stardust

Amazon.com

Stardust, and Much More is part of RCA/BMG's stellar reissue series of classic jazz and blues, sonically updated to be better than ever. The Hoagy Carmichael set concentrates on prime sessions in Chicago, Kansas City, and New York between 1927 and 1934, years when Bloomington, Indiana's favorite son achieved his first fame as a songwriter and piano player. Two early versions of "Stardust," for instance, trace his evolving relationship with this chestnut, and the CD closes with a sweet autumnal recording of the song from 1960. The pivotal "Washboard Blues" with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra is included. After hearing Red Nichols's version of this, Hoagy decided to quit law school and concentrate on his music. Thanks, Red! --Stephen M.H. Braitman

Customer Reviews:

Great Early Recordings.......2002-02-09

Carmichael was there on the ground floor of the pre-big band era when jazz was king and the men who would be giants just hung out and played together. Bix, the Dorsey brothers, Goodman, Goldkette and more. Here you can catch how jazz influenced the sound of pop in the late twenties and how perfectly suited to that sound Carmichael's compositions were, while still managing to push the envelope on new and interesting changes.

It's always a pleasure to hear him work. He was cool long before it was in vogue, relaxed and yet always in control. (Trivia note-- Carmichael was Ian Fleming's idea of what James Bond would be like.)

a great introduction to a classic.......2000-01-07

I 'discovered' Hoagy Charmichael as an undergraduate at Indiana University and this was the first piece of Charmichael's work I ever bought. My original copy was a tape I played again and again until there was nothing left but squeaks. This recording has the best collection I have found of Charmichael performing his own work. I have since purchased many recordings of Charmichael's work but this will always be my favorite.

Simply brilliant........1999-09-10

Bix! Venuti! The Dorseys! This one has it all. If you can only own one Hoagy Carmichael CD, this is the one to get. Most of the early stuff is here, and the sound quality is fine and dandy. The session notes are complete, and the accompanying narrative makes for interesting reading. If you want an early look at one of America's (now) most under-appreciated composers, buy this CD.

Music:

Music

Music