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Adrian Rollini: Swing Low - His 26 Finest 1927-1938
£7.99
In stock
Catalogue Number
RTR4419
Here is a great portrait of the master of the bass saxophone, Adrian Rollini (1904-1956), giving a hugely enjoyable cross-section of his many classic jazz recordings from the 20s and 30s. Rollini was a prodigious talent (he gave a Chopin concert at the age of four!); he became a composer, arranger, bandleader and a multi-instrumentalist playing vibraphone, goofus, hot fountain pen, cello and piano – but he is famous as the man who put the huge bass saxophone on the map as a jazz instrument.
“Swing Low” is a showcase for Rollini’s unique talents. The first 16 tracks show him as a soloist with various top bands of the 20s and 30s that comprised the cream of white jazz greats: The California Ramblers (with whom he established his reputation), Red Nichols’ Five Pennies, Miff Mole’s Molers, Joe Venuti’s Blue Four, Bix Beiderbecke’s Gang and The Dorsey Brothers’ Orchestra. In the course of these, Rollini is heard on most of the instruments mentioned, including goofus and hot fountain pen, but especially on his uniquely uncumbersome-sounding brass monster sax. He was also a member of Spanish-Filipino pianist Fred Elizalde’s band (Dixie, Arkansas Blues).
From late 1933 Rollini led his own groups, and the final 10 tracks are from this source, latterly with his vibes becoming more prominent (played with four mallets). The band boasted such stars as Benny Goodman, Bunny Berigan, Wingy Manone, Jack Teagarden (the wonderful Davenport Blues), and cornettist Bobby Hackett, sounding sublime on the final two quintet tracks.
Manufacturer: Wyastone Estate Limited, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR
Email: sales@wyastone.co.uk
Reviews:
"Swing Low is a great and all consuming collection of multi instrumentalist, Adrian Rollini recordings from 1927-1938. Largely known for his innovative work on bass saxophone, Rollini also excelled on the vibes which he plays on 9 of the 26 tracks on this 78 minute compilation CD. Acclaimed jazz writer and bassist, Alyn Shipton, in his 2001 book, A New History of Jazz writes- ‘Only a handful of players in jazz have harnessed this unwieldy and gruff instrument sufficiently effectively to make any impact on the music’s history and Rollini remains its outstanding exponent.’ Rollini was clearly a major force in hot, pre swing jazz with an equal ability to bolster the rhythm section on a wind instrument in the same tessitura to that of the tuba and double bass, coupled with negotiating melodic solos with the ease and fluidity of a tenor or alto saxist. Swing Low showcases Rollini’s unique talents with leading bands of the 20s and 30s. These included The California Ramblers, Red Nichols’ Five Pennies, Joe Venuti’s Blue Four, Bix Beiderbecke’s Gang and The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. The last 10 tracks feature Rollini’s groups (largely on vibes) with the likes of Benny Goodman, Bunny Berigan, Wingy Manone, Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden. Not bad going for a gifted child prodigy who’s 30 year recording career produced in excess of 1500 titles. Sadly, he would pass way in 1956 (at 52) due to alcohol related problems. Plaudits also to Digby Fairweather’s liner note boasting copious research, anecdotes and a joyous celebration of this early period of jazz. Adrian Rollini’s important and innovative contribution to this period is well documented on Swing Low." The Jazz Rag
"Rollini was the king of the bass saxophone, an instrument that he taught himself and mastered within a few weeks. In Digby Fairweather’s liner notes to the single-CD Swing Low, he says that Rollini as a studio musician participated in over 1,500 recordings, mostly during the 1920s and ‘30s. 26 of the very best are on this entry in Nimbus’ Retrospective series… This classic music, in one form or another, belongs in every hot jazz collection." Scott Yannow, Syncopated Times