The magnitude of Benny Goodman's recorded legacy becomes apparent when one reflects upon the fact that this is Volume 32 in the Classics reissue label's comprehensive chronology of his complete works. Aware that the second AFM recording ban would soon paralyze commercial studio activity in the U.S., Goodman waxed quite a number of sides during December 1947 with his sextet, septet and orchestra. Three individuals who really shone during this period were vibraphonist Red Norvo, vocalist Peggy Lee, who had swiftly matured into a sultry, expressive interpreter of romantic songs, and trumpeter Jake "Vernon" Porter who added an extra dimension to Goodman's ensembles by growling through a mute like Herman Autrey or Cootie Williams. The sextet sessions of December 9 and 11 resulted in several superb instrumentals including the old Dixieland standard "That's a Plenty," Rodgers & Hart's "You Took Advantage of Me" and Fats Waller's "Henderson Stomp," here arranged by Fletcher Henderson himself. Henderson's big-band arrangement of Kid Ory's "Muskrat Ramble" yielded spectacular results; how frustrating it must have been for Goodman to know that within days he would be officially prevented from continuing this wonderful spell of creative production. Capitol chose not to issue "The Record Ban Blues," part of a subgenre of protest songs devised and recorded by artists who were disgruntled with the policies of AFM president James C. Petrillo. Goodman wasn't able to record in a studio under his own name again until August 20, 1948, when he cut a series of government-sponsored V-Discs with a stunningly cool and modern ensemble that included tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray and pianist, arranger and composer Mary Lou Williams. Four out of six sides were rejected; only "Benny's Bop" and "There's a Small Hotel" were deemed suitable for circulation among armed forces personnel. Anybody who loves Wardell Gray should be sure and latch on to the beautiful recordings that he made during the summer of 1948 with the Benny Goodman Sextet. arwulf arwulf
