19 April 2009
New York Sax Quartet playing La Blues
22/04/09 13:18 Filed in: Stories
Gene DiNovi Talk about writing La Blues
The sax quartet "La Blues" was recorded in 1958 by the New York Saxophone Quartet. The original quartet featured Ray Beckenstein, (soprano sax) Eddie Caine (alto sax), Al Young (tenor sax) and danny Bank (baritone sax. If you have followed jazz and popular music from the 30's on you have heard these four great players on at least 20,000 records.
I was honored by their recording my piece a couple of years back, I had the opportunity to play with a sensational string quartet from the Netherlands called Zapp; another great quartet. I transcribed La Blues for them and they have recorded it as well; 50 years later!
I have wonderful memories attached to this piece in both versions.
As a young man I listened to the the New York Saxophone Quartet play "La Blues along with the great arranger Ralph Burns-- at the completion; he turned to me and said keep doing what you're doing "That's Great!". Inspiring words for a young compser.
50 years later "La Blues gave me another wonderful happening. Zapp stopped by my house (on their way to the airport) brought their instruments in -and played the string version "by heart" truly!- so I hope your Sax and Sting quartet will enjoy playing "La Blues"
Thanks, Gene
The sax quartet "La Blues" was recorded in 1958 by the New York Saxophone Quartet. The original quartet featured Ray Beckenstein, (soprano sax) Eddie Caine (alto sax), Al Young (tenor sax) and danny Bank (baritone sax. If you have followed jazz and popular music from the 30's on you have heard these four great players on at least 20,000 records.
I was honored by their recording my piece a couple of years back, I had the opportunity to play with a sensational string quartet from the Netherlands called Zapp; another great quartet. I transcribed La Blues for them and they have recorded it as well; 50 years later!
I have wonderful memories attached to this piece in both versions.
As a young man I listened to the the New York Saxophone Quartet play "La Blues along with the great arranger Ralph Burns-- at the completion; he turned to me and said keep doing what you're doing "That's Great!". Inspiring words for a young compser.
50 years later "La Blues gave me another wonderful happening. Zapp stopped by my house (on their way to the airport) brought their instruments in -and played the string version "by heart" truly!- so I hope your Sax and Sting quartet will enjoy playing "La Blues"
Thanks, Gene
Gene DiNovi will present the Benny Goodman Centennial Orchestra playing selections from “The Sound of Music”and Goodman favourites
22/04/09 13:02 Filed in: Events
Dear Music Lovers; In 1959 I recorded the music from " The Sound of Music " with Benny Goodman at the Basin Street East in New York. I contacted the Yale Music Library and they kindly sent me the Fred Karlin arrangements the group Consisted of Benny , Flip Phillips, Bill Harris, John Markham, Jack Sheldon, Red Wootten, Jim Wyble, and your truly. Benny's 100 th birthday will be celebrated at the The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre with my new group. the Benny Goodman Centennial Orchestra with James Campbell (clarinet) , Dave Young (Bass), Gene DiNovi (piano) and six new talented musicians who are terrific. Ticket are moving fast ...So if you 'd like the opportunity to celebrate Benny Goodman's 100 th birthday call 416-441-2345 x222
Saturday May 30, 2009 is the 100th birthday of the great clarinetist Benny Goodman.
Gene DiNovi will present the Benny Goodman Centennial Orchestra playing selections from “The Sound of Music”and Goodman favourites, including Let’s Dance, Memories of You, Don’t be that Way, Stompin’ at the Savoy, Sunny side of the Street, Rose Room, Moon Glow, One O’clock Jump, Sing Sing, Sing and more!
Pianist and composer DiNovi, who is one of the great icons of Canadian and American jazz, together with Order of Canada-winning musicians Campbell (clarinet) and Young (Bass), will be performing with and passing on a legacy to the next generation of premier jazz musicians who make up the rest of the Benny Goodman Centennial Orchestra This top talent includes: Bryden Baird (trumpet), Graham Campbell (guitar), Ernesto Cervini (drums and clarinet), Tara Davidson (alto saxophone and flute), David French (tenor saxophone), and RJ Satchithananthan (trombone).
Exactly 50 years ago pianist Gene Dinovi recorded the music from “The Sound of Music” with Benny Goodman at a famous New York club called “Basin Street East”. The band was a stellar “Tentet” featuring Benny Goodman (clarinet), Jack Sheldon (trumpet) ,Gerry Dodeion (alto sax), Flip Phillips (tenor sax), Bill Harris (trombone), Red Norvo; (vibes), John Markham (drums), Red Wooten (bass), Jimmy Wyble (guitar), and Gene DiNovi (piano).
DiNovi, Campbell and Producer Ted Ono all agreed that this was an opportunity to make a legacy of this music for the younger generations of jazz players. The first half of the concert will highlight the music from the perennially popular “Sound of Music”
These were (and remain) fresh and modern arrangements by a very talented young man in 1959 named Fred Karlin. Gene DiNovi served as an emissary between Benny and Fred at that time. Benny thought Fred a little young for the job at hand but Gene convinced Benny to go with the young guy. Sounds perenally familiar. In any case the Yale University library was very kind in the arrangements to DiNovi who enlisted the talented young musicians who fill out the exciting group.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 30, 2008, 7:30PM
Location: The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Z5 (Don Mills and Eglinton)
Tickets: $35 for General Public, $30 for members of the JCCC.
To purchase, call 416-441-2345 x222.
Date:
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time:
7:30pm