BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 990 (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

To a certain extent, Benny Goodman & His Orchestra were treading water during this period. Harry James and Teddy Wilson both departed to lead their own bands in early 1939 and Goodman's renditions of Fletcher Henderson arrangements, although still swinging, became more predictable than earlier. His band's music was excellent, but no longer leading the way. However, this CD still has many musical high points, including "Bach Goes to Town," "Undecided," "Blue Lou," and a Ziggy Elman/Martha Tilton hit in "And the Angels Sing." A rare quintet set on December 29, 1938 (with bassist John Kirby joining Goodman, Hampton, Wilson, and drummer Buddy Schutz), resulted in the two-part "Pick-a-Rib" and a classic rendition of "I Cried for You," and lyricist Johnny Mercer helps out with a couple vocals with the big band. Scott Yanow
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