Andre Previn
Biography
One of the most versatile musicians on the planet, Andre Previn has amassed considerable credentials as a jazz pianist, despite carving out separate lives first as a Hollywood arranger and composer, and then a world-class classical conductor, pianist and composer. Always fluid, melodic and swinging, with elements of Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson and Horace Silver mixed with a faultless technique, Previn hasn't changed much over the decades but can always be counted upon for polished, reliable performances at the drop of a hat.
He started piano lessons in his native Berlin before the Nazi threat forced his family to move to Paris in 1938 and the U.S. the following year. Settling in Los Angeles, the wunderkind Previn began working as a jazz pianist, an arranger for MGM, and a recording artist for Sunset Records while still in high school -- and by his 18th year, his first recordings for RCA Victor had racked up substantial sales. Originally swing-oriented, Previn discovered bop in 1950 just before his induction into the Army. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Previn went into overdrive, gigging as a jazz pianist, scoring films and playing chamber music. Forming a smooth boppish trio with Shelly Manne and Leroy Vinnegar, Previn scored a huge crossover hit with an album of jazz interpretations of My Fair Lady, which in turn led to a series of like-minded albums of Broadway scores and kicked off an industry trend.
Selected Discography
i went to beverly hills high school with him......he, at that time, only played classical piano at many of our assemblies.. . . 1 9 4 8
|
||
I grew up listening to the asstounding artist. A mellow sound that soothes my very soul. Thank You!
|
||
I had to write somewhere that baseball is the bain of my existence, if ever a sport should be wiped off the face of the earth that is the sport, I really wish that baseball was some euro past time.
|
Portions of content provided by All Music Guide © 2006 All Media Guide, LLC.