Eckstein, Willie - Music (Makes The World Go Round) (Billy Munro, 1893-1969)

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Music (Makes The World Go Round)	02:35

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Information/Write-up

Eckstein co-wrote "Music (Makes the World Go Round)" with Billy Munro. Eckstein recorded this song in 1922 with the Montréal "hot dance band" Melody Kings, of which Munro was a member. The recording showcases a jazz-style improvisatory piano solo by Eckstein. The Melody Kings were one of the few bands making "jazz" recordings in the 1920s in Canada. (Hot dance music, usually played by bands that had piano, saxophone, and cornet or trombone, was then thought of as jazz; but in fact several characteristics distinguished it - and Eckstein's piano style - from true jazz. These included arranged solos and a more restrained swing rhythm.)

Banjo player Andy Tipaldi formed The Melody Kings in Montreal in 1921, and they played that city's best dance clubs until 1928. They also recorded a number of sides, including this jaunty 1922 tune co-written by Eckstein, Billy Munro and Sam Howard. Apparently The Melody Kings were considered a "hot dance" group, rather than a jazz band. If you're wondering what the difference is, Eckstein's entry in The Virtual Gramophone (which is an *amazing* resource) describes it thusly; "Hot dance music, usually played by bands that had piano, saxophone, and cornet or trombone, was then thought of as jazz; but in fact several characteristics distinguished it -- and Eckstein's piano style -- from true jazz. These included arranged solos and a more restrained swing rhythm." At the time of this recording, the group's lineup was Johnny Dixon (trumpet), Alex Lajoie (alto sax), Tipaldi (banjo), Eckstein (piano), Tipaldi's brother John (violin) and Rob Roy (drums), with unidentified tuba and trombone players rounding out the ensemble. Apparently, this side was recorded the night after a long party, and the group members were allowed to improvise a bit; Eckstein's dexterous runs on the piano absolutely own the track.
Willie Eckstein, piano ; Andy Tipaldi, banjo, leader; unidentified, tuba ; Rob Roy, drums / Billy Munro, Willie Eckstein, Sam Howard.

Recorded ca 1922, Montreal, QC, Compo Company Limited.
Published Sam Howard Pub. Co. Montreal.
release date Jan 1923
Willie Eckstein was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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