Jazz Birthday: Joe Venuti (1903)

Joe Venuti is the first of a handful of violinists who have become prominent playing jazz. Known especially for his 1926-28 recordings with guitarist Eddie Lang, he also played with many well-known musicians of the day, such as Bix Beiderbecke, Paul Whiteman, Jean Goldkette, Frankie Trumbauer, Adrian Rollini, and Red Nichols. Venuti swings at all times while calling upon an excellent mastery of his instrument. As an example, hear the Venuti-Lang recording of “Goin’ Places” dating from May 4, 1927.

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6:22 am on September 16, 2012