Rating:
Genre: Jazz
Release Date: 05/22/2007

One of at least seven entirely different compilations that brandish the word "Essential" in their titles, this double-disc anthology of 40 classic swing performances actually does convey the essence of Benny Goodman, and is therefore highly recommended. The recordings, most of them cut in the Victor and Columbia studios between 1934 and 1945, are laid out in four exacting categories of ten tracks apiece. A tribute to Goodman's big-band arrangers pays homage to Fletcher and Horace Henderson, Edgar Sampson, Jimmy Mundy, George Bassman, Deane Kincaide, Spud Murphy, Eddie Sauter and Mel Powell. A "Visit to Tin Pan Alley" salutes songwriters George & Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, Richard Whiting, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter and Vernon Duke. The superb lineup of vocalists includes Helen Ward, Martha Tilton, Mildred Bailey, Helen Forrest and Peggy Lee. Goodman's small groups, from trios to septets, are well represented here. Starting with the cardinal players Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton, the potent third segment of the album gradually ushers in such brilliant improvisers as Charlie Christian, Red Norvo, Cootie Williams, Georgie Auld, Johnny Guarnieri and Count Basie. This marvelous double album closes with ten examples of Goodman performing in front of live audiences. These radio broadcast airchecks document the manner in which most people in North America heard Goodman on a regular basis. Perhaps the best of these is the final track; an exciting five-and-a-half minute version of Fats Waller's "Stealin' Apples" performed on the roof of the Hotel Astor in New York City. This swinging performance demonstrates exactly why Benny Goodman was so popular before, during and after the Second World War.

~arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide

Be the first to review this product!

Bill Shine - Sax (Alto)
George Van Eps - Guitar
Addison Collins - French Horn
Manny Klein - Trumpet
Herbie Haymer - Sax (Tenor)
Gordon Griffin - Trumpet
Harry Coster - Restoration
Nick Fatool - Drums
Jimmy Mundy - Arranger
Cliff Strickland - Sax (Tenor)
Vido Musso - Sax (Tenor)
Sammy Shapiro - Trumpet
Bunny Berigan - Trumpet
Charlie Christian - Guitar (Electric)
Nate Kazebier - Trumpet
Jack Henderson - Sax (Tenor)
Mildred Bailey - Vocals
Lee Castle - Trumpet
Miff Mole - Trombone
Allan Reuss - Guitar
Irving Goodman - Trumpet
Helen Forrest - Vocals
Jimmy Maxwell - Trumpet
Bernie Leighton - Piano
Michael Brooks - Compilation Producer
Sid Weiss - Bass
Ted Vesely - Trombone
George Koenig - Sax (Alto)
Clark Dick - Sax (Tenor)
Harry Jaeger - Drums
Red Ballard - Trombone
Vernon Brown - Trombone
Michael Brooks - Producer
Benny Heller - Guitar
Noni Bernardi - Sax (Alto)
Johnny Martel - Trumpet
Louie Bellson - Drums
George Wettling - Drums
Russ Case - Trumpet
Clint Neagley - Sax (Alto)
Gene Krupa - Drums
Lou McGarity - Trombone
Robert Bamberger - Liner Notes
Ziggy Elman - Trumpet
Harry Goodman - Bass
Jimmy Blake - Trumpet
Jack Lacey - Trombone
Danny Bank - Sax (Baritone)
Spud Murphy - Arranger
Bus Bassey - Sax (Tenor)
Dave Tough - Drums
Harry James - Trumpet
Claude Thornhill - Piano
Mike Curry - Design
Bob Taylor - Sax (Tenor)
Alec FILA - Trumpet
Henri Woode - Arranger
Sam Weiss - Drums
Artie Bernstein - Bass
Murray McEachern - Trombone
Harry Geller - Trumpet
Georgie Auld - Sax (Tenor)
Steven Berkowitz - Executive Producer
Bobby Guyer - Trumpet
Cutty Cutshall - Trombone
Deane Kincaide - Arranger
Arthur Rollini - Sax (Tenor)
Vic Anesini - Digital Remastering
Lionel Hampton - Vibraphone
Eddie Rosa - Sax (Alto)
George Bassman - Arranger
Alvin Davis - Trumpet
Stephen Moore - Product Manager
Dave Matthews - Sax (Alto)
Jerry Neary - Trumpet
Liz Reilly - Photo Research
Helen Ward - Vocals
Jerry Jerome - Sax (Tenor)
Edgar Sampson - Arranger
Barney Spieler - Bass
Teddy Wilson - Piano
Benny Goodman - Clarinet
Slam Stewart - Bass
Peggy Lee - Vocals
Tom Morgan - Guitar
Johnny Guarnieri - Piano
Jess Stacy - Piano
Bob Snyder - Sax (Alto)
Gus Bivona - Sax (Alto)
Frank Froeba - Piano
Babe Russin - Sax (Tenor)
Hank Wayland - Bass
Arnold Covey - Guitar
Toots Mondello - Sax (Alto)
Hymie Schertzer - Sax (Alto)
Chuck Gentry - Sax (Baritone)
Martha Tilton - Vocals
Mike Bryan - Guitar
Mel Powell - Piano
Ralph Muzillo - Trumpet
Billy Butterfield - Trumpet
Charlie Castaldo - Trombone
Gish Gilbertson - Sax (Tenor)
Joe Rushton - Sax (Bass)
Ralph Collier - Drums
Julie Schwartz - Sax (Alto)
Morey Feld - Drums
Horace Henderson - Arranger
Fletcher Henderson - Arranger
Bernie Pivin - Trumpet
Ben Kantor - Sax (Alto)
Sabeen Ahmad - Photo Research
Cootie Williams - Trumpet
Matt Cavaluzzo - Transfers
George Berg - Sax (Tenor)
Buff Estes - Sax (Alto)
Mel Powell - Arranger
Howard Fritzson - Art Direction
Bill DePew - Sax (Alto)
Fletcher Henderson - Piano
John Prager - Sax (Alto)
Benny Goodman - Leader
Eddie Sauter - Arranger
Count Basie - Piano
Vic Anesini - Mastering
John McClanian Best Jr. - Trumpet

Fabulous Big Band Collection
    Various Artists / CD / 1998
Fun with the Ol' Professer '44-'47
    Kay Kyser / CD / 2003
Jazz Moods: Hot
    Artie Shaw / CD / 2005

Release Date: 05/22/2007
Genre: jazz