Static Strut: Hot Dance Rarities (1922-1930)

Paul Levi Specht (1895-1954) was one of the most popular and successful American dance band leaders of the 1920s. From his headquarters in New York City, the bold, brash, young violinist built a Transatlantic empire, with jazz-flavored dance orchestras operating under his name in the United States, England, and elsewhere. He peppered his flagship orchestra with some of the finest "hot" musicians of the day: Frank Guarente, Charlie Spivak, Sylvester Ahola, Arthur Schutt, Chauncey Morehouse, and others. They performed in upscale New York hotels, broadcast regularly over radio, and recorded prolifically. This CD features an excellent cross-sampling of Paul Specht's recorded output, with many rare selections meticulously restored from the best available sources by renowned engineer Nick Dellow for superb sound. The deluxe 40-page booklet features extensive notes with groundbreaking research by Grammy-nominated author Mark Berresford, generously illustrated with many previously unpublished photos. 26 selections, 79 minutes of music. Rivermont catalogue number: BSW-1162 (Audio CD)