Author: Simosko, Vladimir; Introduction: Shaw, Artie
Studies in Jazz; Hardback; Book; 52 B&w Halftones, Index
416 pages
Published: February 2000
Scarecrow Press
ISBN: 0810833972

Provides a detailed account of the famous bandleader's musical and recorded output from when he began to study saxophone until he stopped performing in 1954. Following a brief foreword by Artie Shaw himself, Simosko (music librarian at the U. of Manitoba and former curator of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers U.) begins with a summary of Shaw's career in the contexts of jazz history and social setting. The chronologically arranged sections, mirroring each phase of his activity, incorporate contemporary reviews and interview quotes. The discography lists all known recordings and preferred issues of them. The volume contains a gallery of interesting b&w posters and photos that reflect not only his personal and professional life, but also an era in jazz.Artie Shaw, the world famous clarinet-playing bandleader of the Swing Era was immersed in the music business as a performer for 30 years, from the summer of 1924 when he began to study the saxophone until the summer of 1954 when he stopped performing. This is a biography and discography.