The Modern American Music of Ferde Grofé (From the Original Arrangements)

• Artist: The Beau Hunks
• Rating:
• Release Date: November 03, 1998
• Total Time: 53:57
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

The Beau Hunks are the foremost transcribers of eclectic jazz and classical music. They perform their expert arrangements on period instruments. The Modern American Music of Ferde Grofé is a grand-scale reproduction of the original compositions as written for Paul Whiteman's Dance Band. Grofé's music was called symphonic jazz (so was George Gershwin's). Grofé arranged his jazz compositions for symphonic performances. Those are the transcriptions that are most recognizable. (Most baby boomers will associate "On the Trail" from The Grand Canyon Suite with Elmer Fudd prospecting for gold as Bugs Bunny harasses him.) Sadly, this is a live recording and only "Cloudburst" from the suite was deemed fit for release. These symphonic jazz pieces are full of deep atmospheres and splendid humor. It is a great reminder of what a great orchestra can do with great material. The minimalism is absolutely ethereal as well. This CD, like all Beau Hunks CDs, is essential. ~ Jim Brenholts, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Broadway at Night	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(6:58)
Mississippi Suite, No. 1: Father of Waters	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(3:08)
Mississippi Suite, No. 2: Huckleberry Finn	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(2:21)
Mississippi Suite, No. 3: Old Creole Days	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(2:26)
Mississippi Suite, No. 4: Mardi Gras	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(4:06)
Three Shade of Blue: Indigo	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(4:21)
Three Shade of Blue: Alice Blue	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(3:27)
Three Shade of Blue: Heliotrope	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(2:45)
Metropolis: A Blue Fantasy	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(16:55)
Cloudburst	Ferde Grofé	Beau Hunks	(7:30)

Credits

Willem Luijt (?), Martijn Sohier (Trombone), Cornell Van Vuuren (Photography), Michael Van Dijk (?), Robert Veen (?), Hans Van Der Meer (Percussion), Leendert de Jonge (Flute), Gert-Jan Blom (Bass), Hugh Den Ouden (Engineer), Margreet Van Der Heyden (Viola), Marieke Wenink (Viola), Hugh Den Ouden (Mixing), Eelco Beinema (Cello), Koen Kaptijn (Trombone), Petra Griffioen (Choir, Chorus), Andy Bruce (Choir, Chorus), Kim Soepnel (Bass), Frank Timpe (?), Jan Willem Nelleke (Piano), Menno Daams (Choir, Chorus), Wim Jonas (?), Bert Veroorn (Engineer), Jan Willem Nelleke (Celeste), Gert-Jan Blom (Mixing), Gert-Jan Blom (Editing), Andy Bruce (Trombone), Seya Teeuwen (Violin), Rene Spierings (Percussion), Erik Van Het Groenewoud (Photography), Menno Daams (Trumpet), Tjakina Oosting (Cello), Margreet Van Der Heijden (Choir, Chorus), Jan Hollander (Trumpet), Finn Möricke (Viola), Jan Stulen (Conductor), Piet Schreuders (Graphic Design), Ronald Jansen Heijtmajer (?), Finn Möricke (Violin), Ilona de Groot (Violin), Eveline Trap (Violin), Gert-Jan Blom (Producer), Bert Veroorn (Mixing), Bas Wiegers (Violin)