(from the CD liner notes of “Arlen Plays Arlen”)
It has always been a dream of mine to record a big band album. Like Harold, I've always loved to perform. In my late teens and early twenties, I performed with various bands at notable New York venues including the Roseland Ballroom. I loved the excitement being part of a big band - and the music that seemed such a part of me. But life sometimes has a funny way of taking you down a different path than you imagine for yourself.
I became involved in the business side of the industry and created S.A. Music Co. upon Harold's passing in 1986 to publish and promote many of my father's greatest compositions. I soon returned to playing for hours a day, studying new styles and techniques. I hadn't realized how much I missed playing on a regular basis. With a repertoire of songs focusing largely on Harold's catalog of music, I could once again satisfy my love of performing, while sharing my father's music with the world.
For the past two years S.A. Music Co. has been coordinating a celebration to honor Harold Arlen for what would have been his 100th birthday on February 15, 2005. Because his name is not as well known as his compositions, our goal with the 2005 Centennial Celebration of Harold Arlen is to bring attention to Harold's enormous catalog of music - to connect the Arlen name with the standards everyone knows so well and the rich body of music he contributed to the 20th century.
While speaking with friend and Atlanta-based record producer Edd Miller about the Centennial, he suggested that I consider making an album in tribute to Harold for the celebration. I thought it was a great idea. We decided to record in a live session to capture the spirit of the days of big bands and orchestras. In addition to recording several of Harold's well-known standards, we would include some lesser-known Arlen “gems.” Given Edd's years of experience recording live jazz and blues records, we asked him to join us in producing the album. We also called on Richie Iacona as musical arranger because of his talent and skill with this type of material.
This is primarily a big band album. Several songs were specifically arranged for small combos because I wanted to record them the way I remember Harold performing them - in a more intimate manner with minimal instrumentation. I also decided to include the lyrics in this booklet to give praise to the words that have added so much to Harold's wonderful melodies.
At last, it has all come together. With this CD, I am able to realize my dream of performing and recording an album fronting a big band, and I can finally pay tribute to my father and the beautiful music he gave to us all. Harold encouraged me to play the saxophone and to pursue my dreams. I know he would approve of the decision to make this album and that these renditions of his compositions would make him proud. May you enjoy this album and have as much fun listening to it as we did making it.
With gratitude,
Sam Arlen |
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