Jazz
Recorded between June 12, 1944 and February 25, 1964
Benny Goodman (clarinet)
Heinie Beau, Gus Bivona, Hymie Schertzer, Jules Rubin, Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Stan Getz, Herbie Haymer, Bumps Myers, Art Rollini, Don Byas, Wardell Gray, Dave Cavanaugh (tenor saxophone); Billy Butterfield, Charlie Shavers, Fats Navarro, Mickey McMickle, John Best, George Seaburg, Frank Beach, Harry James, Ruby Braff, Irving Goodman (trumpet); Vernon Brown, Jack Satterfield (trombone); Red Norvo (vibraphone, xylophone); Lionel Hampton (vibraphone); Mel Powell, Teddy Wilson, Jess Stacy, Tommy Todd, Jimmy Rowles (piano); Allan Reuss, Irving Ashby (guitar); Sid Weiss, Harry Babasin, Red Callender (bass); Cozy Cole, Tommy Romersa, Lee Young (drums)
* Fletcher Henderson - Arranger
* Jimmy Mundy - Arranger
* Johnny Thompson - Arranger
* Loren Schoenberg - Compilation Producer, Liner Notes
* Mary Lou Williams - Arranger
* Ray Avery - Photography
The Best of Benny Goodman: The Capitol Years is an excellent 18-track overview of the clarinetist's stint at Capitol. He recorded for the label between 1944 and 1955, during which time he played in a wide variety of combinations, from his traditional big band to trios. This disc captures the variety and vitality of this era, featuring both re-recordings of '30s hits like "Sing, Sing, Sing" and relatively new songs, as well as solo spots from Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Mel Powell, and Ruby Braff. It's a good sampler of an underrated time in Goodman's career.
---Leo Stanley, All Music Guide |
