Adding a few spooky-themed records to my 78 rpm Halloween playlist today:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwGgF5a3aa_-7YmPtE_8PS6hY96fGhEP
Here we find an interesting composition penned by Artie Shaw and recorded by his orchestra. It was first played in 1936 and functioned as the band’s theme song that began and ended their radio appearances for nearly 20 years. Ironic that it was used as a theme song, as the tune is dark and eerie, creeping forward in a somewhat ominous fashion.
The highlight is Shaw’s assertive yet imploring clarinet solo – which report was inspired by Stravinsky’s Firebird. Shaw was quoted as saying “I was trying to sound like a violin, especially like Jascha Heifetz.”
According to one source, Bud Freeman played this record for Benny Goodman and after the record finished, Goodman (who had a healthy competitive streak with Shaw) just said “F**k” and immediately wanted to hear it again. After the second listen, Goodman dismissed it: “No one will ever listen to that – it’s got no melody.”
Recorded in New York City on September 27, 1938.
Released as Bluebird B-7875.
This copy is a slightly later repressing on the Bluebird label.
Credits:
Artie Shaw – clarinet, director
Chuck Peterson, John Best, Claude Brown – trumpet
George Arus, Russell Brown, Harry Rodgers – trombone
George Koenig, Hank Freeman – alto sax
Tony Pastor, Ronnie Perry – tenor sax
Les Burness – piano
Al Avola – guitar
Sid Weiss – string bass
Cliff Leeman – drums
Sources:
A great writeup on “Nightmare” by Mike Zirpolo can be found at Swing & Beyond: https://swingandbeyond.com/2025/04/28/nightmare-1938-artie-shaw/
Lost Chords, Richard Sudhalter