SYNCOPATED CLASSIC – The lost work of a 1920s jazz composer
Created by Greg Ruby
In 1924, Seattle jazz musician Frank D. Waldron wrote 9 original compositions. These songs have now been recorded for the first time.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
SYNCOPATED CLASSIC NAMED NW RECORDING OF THE YEAR + MUSIC BOX + NEW PROJECT!!
almost 6 years ago
– Thu, May 24, 2018 at 04:52:37 PM
SYNCOPATED CLASSIC NAMED "NW RECORDING OF THE YEAR"!!
Hello friends and supporters of Syncopated Classic. Your generous support of Syncopated Classic not only brought it to life but also lead it to be awarded the "NW Recording of the Year" by Earshot magazine. This is absolutely amazing!! Additionally, it has been receiving rave reviews - just today a review was published in the Northwest Music Scene. None of this could of happened without your support. Thank you!!
PRETTY DOLL MUSIC BOX
To celebrate, I would like to share with you a video of the "Pretty Doll Music Box" that I programmed for 5 generous Kickstarter backers. The music box was a limited reward level in which I took one of Frank D. Waldron's compositions, "Pretty Doll" and programmed it into a music box. In order to make these, I had to arrange the music for the limited range of the music box, adjust the key to fit the highest and lower notes and then punch out every single hole by hand. Thank you to (you know who you are) for permission video your music box.
NEW KICKSTARTER
I also wanted to let you know that I launched a new Kickstarter campaign...I am releasing a music book of the often over-looked swing guitar master Oscar Alemán!! Check out the video and learn about the project here - The Oscar Alemán Play-Along Songbook
Thank you,
Greg
The new book "Frank D. Waldron: Seattle's Syncopated Classic" is now available!!
over 6 years ago
– Tue, Nov 07, 2017 at 01:19:45 PM
HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!
After three years of research, re-notation, arranging, performing, recording, presenting, writing and collaborating, the complete book of Waldron's music, history and photos has arrived!! I am thrilled to announce the release of Frank D. Waldron: Seattle’s Syncopated Classic. This book and music set celebrates one of Seattle’s forgotten musical treasures. Copies are now available for purchase!!
This portfolio and book set includes:
A complete reprint of Frank D. Waldron’s Syncopated Classic music book from 1924
Eleven individual lead sheets to Waldron’s original compositions
Biographical essay by Paul de Barros & Greg Ruby
Reproductions of rare photographs from Waldron’s life and career
Download codes for both the album Syncopated Classic by Greg Ruby & the Rhythm Runners (which you helped bring to production - THANK YOU) AND recordings of Syncopated Classic in its original instrumentation by Jacob Zimmerman (saxophone) and Dalton Ridenhour (piano).
Thank you for your continued support on this project!!
~Greg
EXCITING NEWS - I have created a book on Frank D. Waldron & its heading to press!!
over 6 years ago
– Thu, Oct 19, 2017 at 11:58:50 PM
I have just finished a book on Frank D. Waldron and it is heading to press!!
Frank D. Waldron: Seattle's Syncopated Classic includes:
Complete reprint Frank D. Waldron's Syncopated Classic from 1924
Lead sheets to Waldron's compositions
Biographical Essay on Waldron by Paul de Barros and Greg Ruby
Reproductions of rare photographs from Waldron's life and career
Downloads for two albums of music - The Rhythm Runners "Syncopated Classic" and Jacob Zimmerman and Dalton Ridenhour performing the manuscript of "Syncopated Classic" note for note in its original instrumentation.
I can't wait for you see it!! I will soon post a link where you can preview or pre-order the book.
Thank you,
Greg
Syncopated Classic has Shipped!!
almost 7 years ago
– Mon, Jun 19, 2017 at 07:10:52 PM
Thank you everyone for supporting this project. The records and CDs turned out beautifully & I wanted to let you know that the vinyl records, CDs & posters shipped last week - nearly 250 packages!!
You should have either already received them or will be receiving them soon!! Please let me know if you have any shipping issues (items not arriving, broken etc..).
ALSO...there are still a handful of backers who have not filled out their survey. Until you do so, I have no way to ship you your pledge rewards!! Follow this link & fill out the survey (you still need to do this to receive the digital download) : https://syncopatedclassic.backerkit.com
Thank you everyone!!
Best,
Greg
Come hear Syncopated Classic played live by Greg Ruby & the Rhythm Runners!!
almost 7 years ago
– Mon, May 22, 2017 at 08:46:16 PM
In celebration of the successful Kickstarter & the timely printing of CDs and vinyl, Greg Ruby & the Rhythm Runners will be playing Syncopated Classic live at concert & dance venues throughout the Pacific Northwest!! I hope you can make it to one of these events.
If you would like to arrange to pick up your records or CDs in person, please contact me at [email protected] to arrange details for one of these venues!!