Shostakovich's lively and endearing forays into the popular music of his time were just that, and light years away from the work of real jazz masters such as, say Jelly Roll Morton or Duke Ellington... —
"Jazz Album" is, of course, a misleading title. Shostakovich composed his suites for salon orchestra; this album contains only the popular dance movements. His first Piano Concerto has also found its way onto the track list. Chailly and the orchestra play these entertaining small works with a a real sense of irony and plenty of colour. An album of simple pleasures.
1LP Black vinyl reissued via Decca