|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBEGUINEDance rhythm emerging around the turn of the century in French-speaking Caribbean islands of Guadelope and Martinique; orchestras antillais recorded in Paris from '29; LP Jazz And Hot Dance In Martinique 1929-1950 has six beguines made in Paris. The rhythm comes in fast triplets and could be described as a calypso-rumba; clarinets and trombones were featured solo instruments. When Cole Porter stayed at the Waldorf Astoria NYC where Xavier Cugat had a residency, the meeting resulted in "Begin The Beguine' '35, a popularised version which became an international hit '38 with recordings by Artie Shaw (instrumental swing treatment), Joe Loss in UK (Latin-flavoured dance beat with vocal by Chick Henderson); also Fred Astaire in film Broadway Melody of 1940. The beguine is now a strong element in cadence, a successful Latin style emerging in the '80s. |