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Home , Buddy DeSylva, Embraceable You, Fascinating Rhythm, Ira Gershwin, I Got Rhythm, Julian Bliss

Recorded in RAK Studios, , from 2nd to 4th January 2020

Producer – Miles James Recording Engineer – Mike Hatch Recording Assistant – Connor Panayi Cover Image & Design – Marshall Light Studio

2021 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Signum Records. © 2021 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records. Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable to an action by law. Licences for public performances or broadcasting may be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Signum Records Ltd.

Signum Records, Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middlesex UB6 7LQ, UK. +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 | E-mail: [email protected] | www.signumrecords.com 1 1 I Got Rhythm 1 I Got Rhythm & 3.04 Julian Bliss Septet 2 S’Wonderful George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.07 3 George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 5.40 Julian Bliss 4 Strike Up the Band George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.49 Martin Shaw 5 Airmail Special , James Mundy & 3.03 Lewis Wright Vibraphone 6 Slipped Disc Benny Goodman 3.43 Neal Thornton 7 George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 2.53 Colin Oxley Guitar 8 Rose Room Art Hickman & Harry Williams 4.22 Tim Thornton Bass 9 George Gershwin, Buddy DeSylva Ed Richardson Drums & Ballard MacDonald 2.46 10 A Smooth One Charlie Christian 3.41 11 Soon George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.48 12 Sing Sing Sing Louis Prima 3.49

Total timings 40.05

Arrangements by Neal Thornton, Lewis Wright and Julian Bliss www.signumrecords.com

3 Foreword

Ten years ago I made the decision to first programme largely-based on George Gershwin and we’ve included start playing . I had always listened the of Benny Goodman. As other tunes that Benny Goodman was to it, admiring the incredible artistry we started to explore more music associated with throughout his whole alongside such a relaxed musical together, George Gershwin came up career. I am so incredibly lucky to have approach and ability to improvise, over and over again. It was not only Lewis, Martin, Neal, Colin, Tim and Ed but had never imagined myself the huge list of fantastic works that in the band. Not only amazing to work playing any. That all changed when appealed to us, but also his love of and collaborate with, but great friends I started getting into the music of both jazz and classical – just like too. There are no dull moments when Benny Goodman (what a legend) and Benny Goodman. Some of his greatest we are on stage or on tour and I would eventually put my own band together. compositions could claim to be either like to think that comes across during classical, jazz or both genres and so we our performances. So, here we are, Being able to work and create music wanted to create a show to celebrate eight years later and back with with some of the most phenomenal this rich seam and common ground. a second ! musicians on the London jazz scene is so much fun, and over the last 10 This album is a combination of some Julian Bliss years we have been lucky enough of our favourite tunes to play and listen to tour all over the world, with our to. Some were composed by the great

4 5 I Got Rhythm

George Gershwin and Benny Goodman a global audience. Goodman loved were not exact contemporaries as playing Gershwin’s tunes in his famous Benny Goodman was about 10 years small group settings, and they also younger than George, but they were worked together with Goodman both active during the important years playing in the for the shows of the emergence of jazz music into the Strike up the Band and . mainstream and contributed to that George Gershwin was born in Brooklyn process in different ways. to Russian Jewish immigrants as Gershwin created ground-breaking Jacob Gershowitz in 1898. He had an fusions of with turn of older brother called Israel. The family the century jazz styles, resulting in his changed name and the boys became unique symphonic style. He also wrote Ira and George Gershwin. George grew When George left school at the age unbelievably, it sold more than two a seemingly never-ending catalogue up playing in streets like all other kids of 15 he found his first job as a ‘song million recordings and over a million of popular songs. Benny Goodman, and didn’t really show an interest in plugger’ on , with a brief sheets of music. known as the ‘King of Swing’, was music until age 10. His parents bought to give customers a preview of the a band leader and performer who a piano for Ira but it was George who George Gershwin was a master sheet music to encourage them to helped bring jazz to a wider audience actually used it the most. Later in his life of blurring the lines between jazz buy it. Gershwin earned the princely – ultimately creating a new ‘pop music’ he said that his early musical training and classical. In 1924 George was sum of $15 a week at this job. For of the time. was mostly coming home from hearing commissioned to write what would comparison, his first published song music played live, and doing his best to end-up being his most famous piece Both Goodman and Gershwin were earned him just 50 cents! George’s play it again from memory. Something of orchestral music, . instrumental in bringing jazz to first hit wasSwanee in 1919. Almost not every 10-year-old can do! 6 7 The perceived brilliance and success good time!”. Despite his short-life, of the piece led to him taking a trip George wrote more than 17 musicals to Europe where he wanted to study for , several film scores and with eminent classical figures like dozens of hit songs which have become Nadia Boulanger and Maurice Ravel, part of the repertoire. but Boulanger refused to help him In 1936 George developed some saying that her classical style would strange symptoms and started ruin his jazz-influenced style. Ravel behaving oddly. Doctors dismissed and Gershwin met for the first time his concerns at first, but following a when Ravel travelled to the USA and collapse he was diagnosed with a brain the respect between them was clearly tumour and passed away during an mutual. Ravel famously rebuffed operation at the age of only 38. George’s request for composition lessons by saying “It is better to write Even though George left the world good Gershwin than bad Ravel, which at an early age his music exhibits would happen if you worked with me”. his lasting greatness. Contemporary musicologist Hans Keller stated that Gershwin was very outgoing with a “Gershwin is a genius, in fact, whose magnetic personality. He was fond of style hides the wealth and complexity parties, and the longer he was left to of his invention. There are indeed play, the better he liked it. Hosts and weak spots, but who cares about hostesses would often take advantage them when there is greatness?” of his generosity. When his mother cautioned him about overdoing it, Benny Goodman was born in Chicago George replied, “You see, the trouble in 1909 into a Jewish immigrant family. is, when I don’t play, I don’t have a At the age of 12, Benny and his two

8 9 older brothers started taking music 1938 in Carnegie Hall. This was the He commissioned a number of lessons at a local synagogue. Benny first time that jazz of this calibre had composers to write pieces for him, became an accomplished clarinet been played in what was considered many of which have become firm player fairly quickly and was taken the home of classical music. Goodman favourites in the clarinet repertoire. with the New Orleans Jazz sound. was reluctant to do the concert at first Benny Goodman’s career spanned six At the age of 16 he was already part but in the end he was convinced. The decades and had a profound impact of Chicago’s biggest , the concert sold out and Goodman’s band on popular music and the importance Ben Pollack . were the stars. He was a perfectionist of the clarinet in jazz and classical and demanded the absolute best Benny started his playing career as music. Some people believe that from the musicians he worked with: a session musician but in his early there wouldn’t have been a swing sometimes regarded as being difficult 30s he decided he wanted to be a era without Goodman. He brought to work with, this drive for perfection band leader himself. Benny’s most the instrument to a completely new made his band the envy of others and famous long-term collaborations were audience and thousands of youngsters one of the most revered of its time. with Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and around the world were, and continue . His first group was On 21st August 1935, Benny Goodman In the late Benny decided he to be, inspired to play the clarinet just a trio with Wilson on piano and started a run of performances at the wanted to start playing classical because of him. Krupa on Drums, but in 1936 he heard Palomar Ballroom in . music. He took lessons with Reginald Julian Bliss & Neal Thornton Lionel Hampton play and was very With the evening not going to plan Kell and frequently met up with impressed with his lightness of touch and with little reaction from the other classical clarinettists. He re- and rhythmic accuracy which perfectly audience, Benny decided to play learnt his entire technique in order complemented Goodman and Wilson’s some original which the to play classical: he changed his style. Goodman was probably most audience loved. This concert went down embouchure, had finger calluses well-known for his Big Band, but he so well that is has been described by removed and learnt new techniques. frequently performed and recorded some as the beginning of the swing era. Like anything Benny did, he wanted with small groups with anything from One of the most famous concerts to do this properly and thoroughly. three to seven or so musicians. in jazz history took place in January 10 11 Biographies

Julian Bliss Clarinet Martin Shaw Trumpet clubs and concert halls including arrangements of Gershwin and his Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center contemporaries includes music from Lewis Wright Vibraphone (). and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue and long-time favourites – I Got Rhythm, Neal Thornton Piano The Septet’s early shows were Embraceable You and Lady Be Good: The Julian Bliss Septet was formed inspired by the great Benny Goodman Colin Oxley Guitar timeless classics. in 2010 and quickly became known whose iconic music captivated Tim Thornton Bass for their trademark inspiring jazz- Julian Bliss as a young musician. Showcasing some of the much- Ed Richardson Drums fuelled shows which have captivated Taking a fresh, modern approach loved music that has come from the audiences across the globe. Their to Goodman’s work, the Septet’s movies, the Septet has put together dazzling virtuosity, extraordinary first album “The King of Swing” and a new show “Hooray for ”. musicianship and charming humour live performances were enjoyed Starting with silent film and the early shines through their programmes of by audiences and critics alike, and 'talkies', the band echoes music swing, Latin, American and jazz music. these programmes remain in great from wartime and films, The band has played at some of the demand today. Expanding their musicals and even the classic Disney most prestigious venues and festivals repertoire and working with new blockbusters. This toe-tapping, around the world, including the genres of music, the group used their romantic programme of glorious famous Ronnie Scott’s and Wigmore mastery of Western classical, swing nostalgia and great music features Hall in London, the Concertgebouw and jazz to complement the rich tunes such as Cheek to Cheek, As Time in Amsterdam, Bermuda Jazz Festival heritage of Latin and wider American Goes By, Sing Sing Sing, Days of Wine and on multiple US tours to sold-out traditions. Their programme of new and Roses and My Favourite Things.

12 13 Chamber Orchestra of Paris, Auckland Julian Bliss Philharmonia, the London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.

Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest Album releases receive rave reviews clarinettists, excelling as a from critics, record of the week spots soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, and media attention. Projects include masterclass leader and tireless musical multiple jazz with the Julian explorer. He has inspired a generation Bliss Septet, Mozart & Weber Quintets of young players as co-creator of the with the Carducci String Quartet; Leblanc range of affordable , Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock introducing a substantial new audience with Christopher Glynn (piano) and to his instrument. Julian started playing Sophie Bevan (soprano); Steve Reich’s the clarinet aged 4, going on to study New York ; Mozart and at the University of Indiana and in Nielsen’s with the Royal Germany under , turning Northern Sinfonia; a new piece for professional aged 12. clarinet & string quartet by David Bruce, Gumboots, and a recital album In recital and he has of Russian and French composers with played at most of the world’s leading American pianist, Bradley Moore. festivals and venues, including Gstaad, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Julian has also arranged pieces Verbier, (London) for clarinet and piano, notably and Lincoln Center (New York). As a Rachmaninoff’s Sonata Op. 19, the soloist, he has appeared with a wide third movement of which has been set range of international orchestras, as a grade 6 piece on the new London including the São Paulo Symphony, College of Music clarinet syllabus.

14 15 Lewis in . Always in demand, his Colin Oxley and arranger and as well as touring Wright career has seen him perform with with some of the greats he has recorded leading jazz artists including Cleo Multi-award- three albums with his own group. He is Recipient of Laine, Jools Holland, Jamie Cullum winning also the co-founder of Karve, a pop-up multiple awards, and the BBC Big Band, also recording guitarist, Colin restaurant/jazz club fusing original jazz Lewis is one and touring with artists such as has toured and and fine dining. of the world’s Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, recorded with finest vibraphonists. He is recognised Sting and Paul Young. jazz luminaries around the world. Ed for his unique sound and approach He has appeared at the Montreux Richardson to the instrument, performing Neal and North Sea Jazz Festivals, and is Graduate of the internationally as a virtuoso improviser Thornton a member of Steve Fishwick Quartet, Royal Academy and recording artist. Lewis has Dave Newton Quartet, Stacey As a pianist, Neal of Music, Ed has been a featured soloist with Wynton Kent’s group and The John Wilson has worked with an eclectic and Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Colin is also a professor a multitude of varied career. He Orchestra as well as Hugh Masekela, at his alma mater, the Guildhall School the top musicians is equally at home as a drummer for Tony Allen and Melody Gardot. of Music in London. in London TV and film sessions, with orchestras, Martin Shaw jazz venues as well as devoting time to Tim in West End shows and with artists teaching. As arranger and composer he Thornton including John Wilson, Pixie Lott, Mica Having studied has produced albums and stage shows, Paris, Clare Teal and Gregory Porter. jazz and classical including Something Wonderful, a Winner of a British Ed’s roots are still firmly in jazz, and trumpet at the centenary tribute, Jazz Award, Tim he’s seen most often at Ronnie Scott’s Royal Academy of for North and English National is one of the most Jazz Club in London. Opera. Neal co-founded the Julian Bliss Music (London), exciting young Martin continued Septet with Julian in 2010. bass players of his studies at Berklee College of Music his generation. He is a prolific writer

16 17 Thanks & Acknowledgements

In writing a word of thanks to the all over the world for not only myself other. A true master at what he does. people who have helped to make but us as a group. I enjoy every single I always ask for Mike whenever I record this album possible, I would like to moment working with them and am a new album and I'm very thankful he start with my incredible colleagues, staggered by the tenacity and drive was part of this one too. I would like friends, and fellow-musicians in the they both show. I must also pay a to thank our producer Miles James for band: Lewis Wright, Martin Shaw, Neal huge thanks to Steph Carlesimo and his ongoing enthusiasm, attention to Thornton, Tim Thornton, Colin Oxley the team at IMG Artists in New York for detail and also some nuclear grade and Ed Richardson. My appreciation organising our tours in the USA. Being coffee! It is always a pleasure to work and admiration for their stellar able to travel across many of the with a producer that shares the same musicianship through every single beautiful states in America, playing vision and idea of sound. There are lots of people to thank moment, is matched by my thanks great venues and for some huge My brother, Adrian, came and spent and lots of people that have helped for them always being there to help, audiences is a dream come true. two days in the studio with us to get me to where I am today and I am share ideas and most importantly There would not be a recording capture some video and photographs eternally grateful to each and every being amazing friends. I couldn’t without Steve Long, Mike Hatch and during the sessions. A big thank you one of them. think of better people to be on tour Signum Records. They are some of to him for giving up his time and with than those six. Lastly and most importantly I want my favourite people in the whole sharing his creative skills. We are to thank my Mum. None of this would I am indebted to my incredible industry. Being able to record for looking forward to being able to be possible without her. There are no managers Claire and Meg. Having such a label is a pleasure and I thank release some videos to go with this words to express how amazing she is. worked with them for a number of Steve for his willingness to allow me album and hope you enjoy the behind years, they are constantly working to pursue various recording projects the scenes photos. Julian Bliss to create and cultivate opportunities and ideas. Mike is an engineer like no

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Rhythm Got I

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1 I Got Rhythm George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.04 2 S’Wonderful George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.07 3 Embraceable You George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 5.40 4 Strike Up the Band George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.49 5 Airmail Special Benny Goodman, James Mundy & Charlie Christian 3.03 6 Slipped Disc Benny Goodman 3.43 7 Fascinating Rhythm George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 2.53 8 Rose Room Art Hickman & Harry Williams 4.22 I Got Rhythm 9 Somebody Loves Me George Gershwin, Buddy DeSylva & Ballard MacDonald 2.46 125,5mm 10 A Smooth One Charlie Christian 3.41 11 Soon George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin 3.48

12 Sing Sing Sing Louis Prima 3.49 SeptetJulian Bliss

Total timings 40.05

Signum Records Ltd, Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middlesex, I Got Rhythm

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