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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

"Syncopated Classic" has shipped!!
"Syncopated Classic" has shipped!!

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

Greg Ruby & the Rhythm Runners
Greg Ruby & the Rhythm Runners

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.

Wednesday, May 24th - 7:00 pm - Astoria, OR - Jump Jive & Django concert series

Thursday, May 25th - 6:30 pm - Portland, OR - Secret Society Ballroom 

Friday, May 26th - 7:30 pm - Olympia, WA - Tradition Cafe Concert Series

Saturday, May 27th - 7:30 pm - Seattle, WA - Camp Jitterbug at Washington Hall*

*The May 27th event will have an opening presentation by Seattle jazz historian Paul de Barros.

You can see the complete calendar here

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!!

Thank you for your support!!

~Greg