EUROJAZZ Hermann Bick (Ben Berlin) Rain/Crazy Words Polydor 21769
$
35
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Description
Hermann Bick (later known as bandleader Ben Berlin) plays two energetic piano solos, "Rain" and "Crazy Words, Crazy Tune," on Polydor 21769. Recorded (in Berlin, probably) in July, 1928.
He has formidable technique. According to the invaluable grammophon-platten.de webiste, "Was man bei diesen Aufnahmen hört ist wirklich einzigartig - ein ausgebildeter Konzertpianist "hüpft" mit einer unglaublichen Leichtfertigkeit durch die Melodien und von Synkope zu Synkope. Nicht die Spur des "Novelty Piano" wie es in Amerika und England zu dieser Zeit üblich war - kleine Miniaturkonzerte mit Ragtime Einschlägen die aber das ganze Virtuose Können des Vortragenden zeigen. Niemals zuvor wurden Jazzimprovisationen am Klavier mit einem solchen Künstlerischen Ausdruck dargeboten ohne auch nur an einer Stelle ins Triviale zu gleiten." [What you hear on these recordings is really unique - a trained concert pianist "hops" through the melodies and from syncope to syncope with unbelievable abandon. Not a trace of the "Novelty Piano" as it was common in America and England at the time, but miniature concerts with ragtime touches that show the full virtuoso skills of the performer. Never before have jazz improvisations on the piano been performed with such artistic expression without ever slipping into the trivial.]
This record is looks to be in VV+ condition generally, and plays that way or better. It is well recorded. A dig near the end of the "Crazy" side ticks twice but passes. There is some label fade and a Paris shop sticker on that side as well.
I'm a longtime collector who is downsizing. I know how to pack records.
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