Futuristic Rhythms: Imagining the Later Bix Beiderbecke

Futuristic Rhythms: Imagining the Later Bix BeiderbeckeIn his all too brief life, Bix Beiderbecke achieved what so many musicians aspire to: a truly unique and personal voice. He was an innovator. His pioneering use of introspection and understatement, the boldness of his harmonic language, his tone itself all would echo far downstream in the course of jazz history. His death in 1931 at age 28 has led generations of admirers to wonder what might have been. How would Bix have negotiated the changes in jazz

In his all-too-brief life, Bix Beiderbecke achieved what so many musicians aspire to: a truly unique and personal voice. He was an innovator. His pioneering use of introspection and understatement, the boldness of his harmonic language, his tone itself -- all would echo far downstream in the course of jazz history. His death in 1931 at age 28 has led generations of admirers to wonder what might have been. How would Bix have negotiated the changes in jazz and in the music business over the decades? Would he have gracefully taken a less prominent (yet certainly not less dignified) role, like his pal, Frankie Trumbauer? Would he have remained a celebrated master of his own time, as Sidney Bechet did? Would he have blended in seamlessly, his undisturbed genius soaring above any apparent changes, like, say, Coleman Hawkins? Imagine if Bix had had the chance to play with a Benny Goodman quartet, or jam with a Count Basie small group, or an Eddie Condon band. Imagine how sweet it would be to find out what that sounded like.

For this recording, cornetist Andy Schumm and an all-star group provide a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been had Bix lived longer. In his appearances across the globe, Schumm has established himself as today's foremost interpreter of the "Bix sound," able to reproduce faithfully Bix's legendary bell-like tone and his sophisticated sense of rhythm and harmony. The band includes a "who's who" of British and American musicians, including Ewan Bleach (clarinet and tenor sax), Andrew Oliver (piano), Martin Wheatley (guitar), Tom Wheatley (bass), and Nicholas D. Ball (drums). The CD includes a 12-page illustrated booklet with liner notes by Julio Schwarz Andrade. 12 selections. 54 minutes of music.

Rivermont catalogue number: BSW-2244

Formats available:

• Audio CD
  
• Apple Lossless (digital download / no physical product)
• MP3 (digital download / no physical product)
  

If you are purchasing a digital download and you do not know whether your playback device is compatible with Apple Lossless, we recommend the universally-compatible MP3 format. All digital downloads include a PDF digital booklet containing all of the text and images found in the physical CD booklet. If you select Apple Lossless or MP3, you will receive a download link by e-mail upon completion of checkout; no physical product will be mailed to you.

Track list: