BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1202 (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of the master takes from Benny Goodman's recordings from a two-month period in early 1941 are on this CD. Helen Forrest, one of the best big band singers, has 13 vocals, including "The Mem'ry of a Rose," "This Is New," and "Oh! Look at Me Now." Trumpeter Cootie Williams, trombonist Lou McGarity, and tenor saxophonist Georgie Auld have some brief solos with the big band, Teddy Wilson plays with the orchestra (which he did not get a chance to do during the early days), and Eddie Sauter contributes some of the arrangements. Charlie Christian is showcased on "Solo Flight," while "Scarecrow" (from Buster Harding) is memorable. But the best session included is by the Benny Goodman Sextet (Williams, Auld, Christian, bassist Artie Bernstein, and drummer Jo Jones) with Count Basie guesting on piano. "Breakfast Feud," "On the Alamo," "I Found a New Baby," and "Gone With What Draft" are all gems. Recommended. Scott Yanow
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