Robert Rowe

As I posted earlier in the week regarding the passing of Hank Garland, it is with deep sadness and regret that I mention the passing of Artie Shaw -- superlative "Swing-era" Big-Band leader & clarinetist. This poster (and I don't play woodwinds) was captivated by his expressive and distinctive style of playing. While unfairly compared with his contemporary and peer, Bennie Goodman (who claimed he could "play circles around" Shaw), Shaw never commited to, nor, embraced the jazz-idiom (he stated that jazz was all how many notes could be played); he never-the-less went on to achieve great popular acclaim and recognition -- so much so, he "dropped out", hating the "hype"... also, needed to maintain his matrimonial activities, marrying eight times, namely to Hollywood "beauties" -- (nice work, if you can get it!).
Artie, we're gonna miss you, lad -- thanks for the music and the memories....

Robert Rowe