Benny Goodman Trio
– Benny
Goodman,
Clarinet – Teddy Wilson, Piano – Gene Krupa, Drums
Benny Goodman Quartet
– Benny
Goodman, Clarinet – Teddy Wilson, Piano – Lionel Hampton, Vibraphone
– Gene Krupa, Drums except on Track 14 when Dave Tough plays.
|
1
|
After
You’ve Gone (Trio)
|
8
|
Whispering
|
|
2
|
Body
and Soul (Trio)
|
9
|
Runnin’
Wild
|
|
3
|
China
Boy (Trio)
|
10
|
Avalon
|
|
4
|
Moonglow
|
11
|
Where
or When (Trio)
|
|
5
|
Dinah
|
12
|
I’m a
Ding Dong Daddy (from
Dumas)
|
|
6
|
Sweet
Sue
|
13
|
The
Blues in Your Flat
|
|
7
|
Stompin’
at the Savoy
|
14
|
Dizzy
Spells
|
With
the mass of collectable material being produced featuring present
day jazz stars it is easy to ignore the earlier recordings on which
many jazz fans were weaned. As the swing era progressed it engendered
the formation of small groups within the ‘modern’ setting – none more
popular than those led by Benny Goodman in the 1930s. The ‘Trio’ was
formed in 1935 and ‘Quartet’ in late 1936. At that time nobody, including
Artie Shaw, could compare with Goodman’s unbelievable technique and
the recordings enjoyed immense popularity.
Although Goodman had used Teddy Wilson on earlier recordings with
his band it wasn’t until they played together in an impromptu trio
that Benny became aware of Wilson’s great potential. "Teddy and
I began to play as though we were thinking with the same brain,"
was how he described that session. "It was a real kick."
Within a month they were in the recording studio.
Tracks
1 & 3 to some extent confirm Goodman’s comments and with Krupa’s
strict tempo both numbers move along at pace. ‘Body and Soul’ is one
of the most popular tunes from the period and whilst the trio treat
it with respect I feel that there is far greater appeal when it is
played on saxophone where it can receive more expressive treatment.
‘Where or When’ with Goodman staying on the melody gives Wilson the
opportunity to show his recognised talent as an accompanist. His solo
is one of the best on the disc.
The
quartet is far more appealing and adventurous than the trio. All their
tracks show just how well these musicians worked together - weaving
around the melody and chords with added quotes and breaks as they
got into the mood of things. They were renowned for their clever and
intricate introductions and there is no greater evidence of this than
on ‘Runnin’ Wild’ and ‘I’m a Ding Dong Daddy.’ Having said that I
find the most involved and exciting piece is ‘Dizzy Spells.’ Dave
Tough’s crisp brushwork lays down a presto tempo whilst the
other three excel themselves in both instrumental technique and ad
lib soloing.
Overall
Goodman and his musicians give more than a satisfactory account of
themselves and the disc is recommended.
Jack
Ashby
CD Reviews
RCA Bluebird 090266 39942 0
