Benny Goodman - Ken Burns JAZZ Collection: Benny Goodman

This 77-minute survey of Benny Goodman's music begins with a teenaged clarinet virtuoso first establishing himself in the context of late 1920s Chicago jazz, then rapidly moving on to New York. In the process, he recorded with leading bands of the day, such as Red Nichols and his Five Pennies, and masters, like pianist Fats Waller. Goodman virtually created the swing era by combining the work of the best African American arrangers, such as Fletcher Henderson and Mary Lou Williams, with the best white musicians, like himself and drummer Gene Krupa, wrapping it up in a tightly rehearsed package. Recordings like "King Porter Stomp" and the extended "Sing, Sing, Sing" retain their excitement more than 60 years after they were recorded. Goodman also broke down social barriers when he featured black musicians on stage in his small groups, and those bands are well represented here. The trio with pianist Teddy Wilson plays "Body and Soul," "Avalon" adds vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, and there are four tracks by the sextet that introduced the great electric guitarist Charlie Christian to the world. Other highlights include the hit "Why Don't You Do Right," with an insinuating vocal by a young Peggy Lee, and the modernist "Undercurrent Blues" from 1949. --Stuart Broomer Amazon.com

seven come eleven

a great retrospective of benny goodman's body of work,this collection,spans over three decades,and has some of his most memorable hits on here,such as sing,sing,sing,and benny rides again,and royal garden blues.and benny had one of the most famous,and most respected orchestras in jazz.this is a wonderful cd,and definately one to add to your collection. May 23, 2008

Well Filtered Collection

The key factor in choosing this CD over other Goodman collections is the emphasis on JAZZ. Goodman recorded a lot of if not bland, then certainly restrained commercial material in his quest for broad appeal. This has lead to the false belief by some that he lacked the ability to play with the loose emotionalism that characterize the best jazz playing. This collection should help dispel that idea, covering everything from his early, more fervent clarinet playing to his brilliance as a leader on complex, modern arrangements. Chronologically programmed, the set is still carefully varied and sequenced to play well when listening straight through. Not a dull cut in the bunch. Remastering sound quality is very good, although I've heard a little better on some Columbia reissues. January 20, 2007

Excellent Goodman and Jazz Era CD

This is one of the best examples of the golden age of clarinet and big band/jazz music that I've heard. I enjoy it a great deal and also find it helpful to me as a clarinet player when trying to improve my own style/technique. Mr. Goodman is one smooth and delightful musician. This CD has so many of his world-famous tunes that it would be hard to go wrong with it.
It also makes an excellent choice for a gift for that clarinetist in your life who is graduating from high school or college. April 29, 2006

Amazing!!

Benny Goodman is the most amazing clarinet player in the world, in my opinion. As a clarinet player myself, I know how difficult it is to move your fingers as fast as he does, for goodness sakes he regularly plays 16th notes perfectly in time and in tune. He's a genious. March 19, 2006

Meet the King of Swing

Here is a compilation which should appeal to old and new Benny Goodman collectors alike. It contains some of his most popular big-band hits and essential small-group recordings but also includes some rare recordings from his formative years before he became "The King of "Swing".
Anyone interested in exploring the development of Benny Goodman as an instrumentalist and bandleader will enjoy this CD.
Along with Goodman, this collection includes fine performances from other jazz greats such as Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden, Lionel Hampton and Charlie Christian, just to name a few.
The recordings in this collection are both historically significant and just plain enjoyable to hear. July 17, 2004

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