This three-CD set includes all of the
Benny Goodman big band's recordings from April 1935 through November 1936, a period when the orchestra became the most popular and influential in the world, making both swing and
Benny Goodman household words. Augmented by some alternate takes, this set shows just how solid and musical a unit
Goodman had from the start. Key soloists include trumpeters
Bunny Berigan and
Ziggy Elman, pianist
Jess Stacy, and the band's excellent singer
Helen Ward, but
BG usually emerges as the main star, with the tight, swinging ensembles being a close second. In addition to the hits ("King Porter Stomp," "Sometimes I'm Happy," "When Buddha Smiles," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and "Goody-Goody"), even the lesser-known numbers and pop tunes have their strong moments. This music is essential to any serious jazz collection. ~ Scott Yanow