Andre Previn Plays Fats Waller

Stealin' Apples

Andre Previn Plays Fats Waller
Produced by Dave Pell
Tops Music Enterprises, Corp.
TOPS L1593

From the back cover: Andre Previn has so many musical talents, his artistry is all-encompassing. Though celebrated as a piano performer of both jazz (modern style) and classical music, he is also a staff arranger-composer at MGM and is widely respected as one of the most promising young conductors in the classical field. According to Previn, himself, as reported in an April 1957 interview in Down Beat magazine, "You know what I really want to do, what my true, deep love is" Conducting. I'd rather conduct than play, than write – than eat, almost. It's rather difficult to explain, just a need, something I must do."

This was on the occasion of his tenth anniversary as a musical executive at MGM, after he had 26 pictures to his credit, the most recent being Silk Stockings. Aside from that, the indefatigable Mr. Previn, turns out songs (e.g., title song from MGM's Designing Woman); writes music for television; is a much sought after attraction in the country's leading jazz clubs. And... Andre Previn is only 27.

His music teacher father grounded him early in the classical masters, sent him to study at conservatories in Berlin and Paris before he was 10. After fleeing Hitler Germany in 1939, he continued study in the United States, first with his father, later with Joseph Achorn and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedecco. As a mater of fact, he is still one of the latter's students. Then, when he graduated from high school, MGM was quick to snap up this flowering young genius.

Supported by an excellent bassist and drummer in this swinging tribute to Fats Waller, Previn is wholly at ease with the songs of the master. With his own tune, Fatstuff, a medium tempted romper, he takes the intriguing, cheeky line for a ride that's always pleasant, delightful in places – yet remains swinging jazz. It's a lighthearted labor of love. Were he around, Fats Waller would surely nod beaming approval.

From Billboard - March 31, 1958 (review for Zenith L 1593): Andre Previn's piano interpretations of the late Fats Waller's music are performed with great imagination, verve and feeling. Included are "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Black And Blue," "Honey Suckle Rose" and a beautiful adaptation of "Stealin' Apples." The music is light, the beat strong all the way. Use of only rhythm accompaniment adds to the lure. Good sell indicated here.

Ain't Misbehavin'
Stealin' Apples
I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling
Squeeze Me
Honeysuckle Rose
Oh, You Sweet Thing
That's Where The South Begins
Fatstuff
Black And Blue