BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1928-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 693 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 This CD reissues the first 22 selections led by Benny Goodman, spanning a three-year period when the clarinetist developed into a greatly in-demand studio musician during the Depression. The first ten titles feature him in hot, small groups with the likes of cornetist Jimmy McPartland, trombonist Glenn Miller, trumpeter Wingy Manone, and tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman. Included is "Wolverine Blues," "Jungle Blues" (during which Benny Goodman takes his only recorded trumpet solo), the satirical "Shirt Tail Stomp" (which makes fun of cornball bands), and a pair of trio features ("That's a Plenty" and "Clarinetitis"), recorded seven years before the Benny Goodman Trio debuted. The remaining dozen numbers, from 1930-1931, are strictly dance band performances with an emphasis on melodies and dull vocals (mostly by Scrappy Lambert and Paul Small) and only a few short spots for solos. Scott Yanow
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BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1931-1933 | The Classics Chronological Series – 719 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first half of this chronological release of Benny Goodman's 1931-1933 recordings is comprised of dance band performances from 1931 -- 12 selections with vocals from Paul Small, Smith Ballew, and Dick Robertson that have little to recommend them except excellent musicianship. The jazz content is pretty low and even Goodman is not heard from much. This is from the era when the clarinetist earned his employment as a studio musician. The final ten numbers are from 1933 and are of greater interest. Trombonist/singer Jack Teagarden is well featured on six songs, Billie Holiday makes her hesitant recording debut on "Your Mother's Son-in-Law" and "Riffin' the Scotch," and there are some fine solos along the way by both Jack and Charlie Teagarden, pianist Joe Sullivan, and Goodman. This is still Benny Goodman pre-history, for he would not attempt to lead a big band until 1934. Scott Yanow
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