Jazz
Recorded between 1935 and 1942
Benny Goodman (clarinet)
Cootie Williams (trumpet); Lionel Hampton (vibraphone); Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Jess Stacy, Fletcher Henderson (piano); Charlie Christian (guitar); Gene Krupa (drums)
* Phil Duffy - Design
* Vic Bellerby - Compilation, Compilation Producer, Liner Notes
Benny Goodman's small groups, especially the one that broke the segregation barrier, are generally regarded as his best bands. This 25-track compilation, spanning 1935-1944, is a little broader in range, and gives a good overview of several different quartets and quintets that Goodman led. Of course, the definitive mixed-race GoodmanTeddy WilsonLionel HamptonGene Krupa band is here, and Hamp sings on one number. There's another obligatory vocal track from Peggy Lee. Most of the rest are fairly essential Goodman hits, including "After You've Gone," "Moonglow," "Avalon," "Flying Home," "Stardust," "A Smooth One," "Limehouse Blues," and "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." ASV's reissue series is for the most part thoughtfully programmed, and gives you a lot of music per disc, so this one can be recommended, unless you are a Goodman completist and likely already have all of this material.
---Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide |
