Gershwin and Grofé, Plus Dick Haymes

Lately it seems like there has been more action in the comments section of this blog than on the main page, thanks to my wonderful readers.

For those of you who don't pore over the comments, let me bring a few things to your attention, then add a Dick Haymes reup at the end of the post.

First, and available for only a few days yet, old friend David Federman has provided a transfer of Paul Whiteman's wonderful 1931 recording of Ferde Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite. This is the jazz band version that will surprise you if you are familiar only with the symphonic arrangement.

Then, we have two more contributions from 8H Haggis. One encompasses Whiteman's early 50s renditions of An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue, both for Capitol. Leonard Pennario is the pianist. The second set includes the fascinating Arturo Toscanini live recordings of Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris and the Concerto in F, all with the NBC Symphony. Blog favorite Oscar Levant is the pianist. This, too, is a limited-time upload.

You can find the links to these performances in the comments to my last post, Paul Whiteman's 1938 Gershwin recordings.

Finally, let me add a reup.

This excellent Dick Haymes 10-inch LP comes from the early days of the blog. I have refurbished the sound, and it is now quite good. Victor Young and Gordon Jenkins provide the support on most cuts. If you liked the other Haymes records I've shared, I am sure you will enjoy this as well. You can find the link in the comments to the original post.