|
|
|
 
NI 2714Total Playing Time 1 hours 57 minutes DDD Stereo |
Benny GoodmanBig Band 1957 - 1964After the release of the film The Benny Goodman Story in 1956, there was a temporary resurgence of interest in Big Band music and Benny received many invitations to tour again. He had of course worked regularly with small groups up to that time, but this was for Benny a great opportunity, because most of the other Big Bands had folded and he was able to secure the services of the very best musicians around. This set of recordings from the Yale University Archives amply demonstrates what they achieved. Many things had improved since the 1930s' recordings we are all used to. The recording techniques are better and the rhythm sections really swing, as opposed to the plodding they did on the earlier recordings. The instruments were better and the musicians themselves more disciplined and experienced. Zoot Sims, for example, provides some really classy tenor solos and all the various pianists are first class. Sir Roland Hanna, Russ Freeman, John Bunch and Pete Jolly are all great soloists as well as wonderful accompanists. It does not stop there however. The excellent sleeve-notes by Loren Schoenburg provide not only useful background to the music, but very detailed personnel lists for each session. They read like a "Who's Who" of the best in the business! On CD1 there are vocals by Jimmy Rushing of Count Basie fame and Ethel Ennis. Both give first-class performances. There also some fine baritone solos from Gene Allen, but just as you would expect, it is the leader who shades it every time, Benny's gift for improvisation and his beautiful tone are a joy to listen to. Both Stompin' at the Savoy and Flying Home have fine solos from Zoot, who is instantly recognisable. CD2 contains material recorded between 1958 and 1964, most of it not from the classic Goodman library. It is likely that a lot of this music was not played again by the band, because audiences wanted to hear all the classic BG charts, which seems a shame because it is very enjoyable. Bob Wilber solos on tenor on some of these tracks, which is unusual in itself because he usually played alto as well as being an excellent clarinettist. BG's playing on Autumn Nocturne is exceptional, even for a master of the instrument. This CD is a must for Big Band fans because it shows just how great the latter-day BG bands were and that his own virtuosity was undiminished.Don Mather, MusicWeb-International |
        |
| UPC: 710357271427, £ 14.67 plus postage and packingAll rights of the producer and of the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorised copying, public performance and broadcasting of this recording prohibited. | ||