Stardust, And Much More

Stardust, and Much More is part of RCA/BMG's stellar reissue series of classic jazz and blues, sonically updated to be better than ever. The Hoagy Carmichael set concentrates on prime sessions in Chicago, Kansas City, and New York between 1927 and 1934, years when Bloomington, Indiana's favorite son achieved his first fame as a songwriter and piano player. Two early versions of "Stardust," for instance, trace his evolving relationship with this chestnut, and the CD closes with a sweet autumnal recording of the song from 1960. The pivotal "Washboard Blues" with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra is included. After hearing Red Nichols's version of this, Hoagy decided to quit law school and concentrate on his music. Thanks, Red! --Stephen M.H. Braitman