Ken Burns Jazz

Read About This Recording

Sidney Bechet was, with Louis Armstrong, the first great jazz soloist on records. A brilliant soprano-saxophonist and clarinetist, Bechet was making headlines in Europe as early as 1919. His wide vibrato was immediately distinctive, he played his horns with the power of a trumpet and his improvising was quite advanced, particularly in the 1920s.

Bechet made his initial impact on records during 1923-25, spent much of the next few years in Europe, had a low-profile during the first half of the swing era and then after recording a hit version of Summertime in 1939, he was quite active in the New Orleans jazz scene for the next decade. His career and life had a surprising ending, for he emigrated to France and was widely recognized in his adoptive country as a national hero and a major attraction, passing away in 1959. Throughout his career, he remained true to the New Orleans jazz that he most loved.

This sampler CD has 20 of Bechet's best recordings from 1923-47, programmed in chronological order. With assistance from the likes of Louis Armstrong, pianist Clarence Williams, Noble Sissle's Orchestra, trumpeter Tommy Ladnier, pianist Meade Lux Lewis, cornetist Muggsy Spanier, trumpeter Henry Red Allen and many others. Bechet is heard throughout at the peak of his powers. The numerous highlights include Wild Cat Blues, Mandy Make Up Your Mind (in which Bechet makes his only appearance on contrabass sarrusophone!), Shag, Polka Dot Rag, Summertime, Egyptian Fantasy and Blue Horizon.

This CD acts as a perfect introduction to the musical magic of Sidney Bechet.

-Scott Yanow

Extended Article

Sidney Bechet called his autobiography Treat It Gentle, but few jazz lives endured more tumult and wound up with such celebrity. The master soprano saxophonist left New Orleans for Chicago and then embarked on a decades-long odyssey. By 1919 he was in England and, within a few years he was starring on European concert stages. He became simultaneously the greatest exponent of his instrument - which he remained his whole life - and the first truly international U.S. jazz star.

Bechet continued to play both here and abroad, becoming an unwitting spearhead of trad-jazz movements everywhere he went. But it wasn't until 1949, during a trip to France, that he realized where home was. His last ten years were a love affair with his adoptive country, where he is recognized today as a star of the magnitude of Chevalier and Piaf.

Contents

Wild Cat Blues; Texas Moaner Blues; Mandy, Make Up Your Mind; I'm A Little Blackbird; The Basement Blues; Shag; Polka Dot Rag; Okey-Doke; Characteristic Blues; Dear Old Southland; Blackstick; Viper Mad; Chant in the Night; Jungle Drums; Summertime; Sweet Lorraine; Shake It and Break It; Egyptian Fantasy; Blue Horizon; Love For Sale.

Sidney Bechet, Clarinet; Henry 'Red' Allen, Tommy Ladnier, Trumpets; Louis Armstrong, Vocals/Trumpet; Clarence Williams, Meade Lux Lewis, Jimmy Jones, Harry Brooks, Art Hodes, Pianos; Buddy Christian, Banjo; Sid Catlett, Kenny Clarke, J.C. Heard, Zutty Singleton, Drums; Charlie Irvis, Trombone; Jimmy Miller, Guitar; Wellman Braud, Bass; Eva Taylor, Vocals; Muggsy Spanier, Cornet; Noble Sissle's Orchestra.

CD Special Features

Music From the PBS Special JAZZ, by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns.

The All-Time Most Popular Songs By The Giants of Jazz