Moving on in the listening project to Benny Goodman and Mick Goodrick.

Benny Goodman

Trio and Quartet, Live 1937-38 – It’s easy to see how jazz in the 1930s and ’40s was the pop music of its time, especially when listening to Benny Goodman.  This music is so happy!  These small group sides are a total blast.

Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert – Pivotal not only for this genre in that venue, but also because of the integrated band stand.  Of course, “Sing Sing Sing” is the classic from this record (but I like “Blue Skies” more!), but there are other really wonderful moments.  I dig the “20 Years of Jazz” section, and especially “I’m Coming Virginia,” from that portion of the show.  “Blue Room,” “Body and Soul,” and “Avalon” (the small group stuff!) are slamming, too.  But the most amazing moment must be “Honeysuckle Rose,” starring not only Goodman’s group, but a bunch of cats from Count Basie’s band.

Trio, Quartet, Quintet – Continuing the fun with more small group sessions from 1939.  Teddy Wilson!

Mick Goodrick – In Pas(s)ing – Man, this album is amazing.  What a strange leap from Goodman to Goodrick!  Such a wonderful, atmospheric, lyrical record, and the band seems to have ESP.  Magical.  Listened to it twice…

Enjoy,

R.