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Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This two-CD set from the French RCA Jazz Tribune series (a straight reissue of a two-LP set) has the first 30 recordings by Benny Goodman and His Trio and his Quartet, groups featuring the leader-clarinetist, pianist Teddy Wilson, drummer Gene Krupa, and sometimes-vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. A special bonus of this historic set is the inclusion of five formerly rare alternate takes (including "After You've Gone" and "Body and Soul" from the first trio session). Although used by Goodman as a brief departure from his big band, his trio and quartet became famous in their own right, and their recordings are essential to any serious jazz collection. This two-fer was followed by a second one tracing Goodman's small groups into 1939.
