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Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
One of the finest groups that Benny Goodman ever led did not record. Other than a lone radio broadcast that surfaced years ago, his all-star septet from 1950 has been lost to history. Fortunately, a second radio broadcast has emerged and been made available as this CD. Goodman, who was still just a few weeks short of turning 41, is heard in prime form playing his usual swing standards. Most unusual is that trumpeter Roy Eldridge is in the band. Even though he is not featured enough, he is showcased on "Rockin' Chair," "Let Me Off Uptown," and a wild version of "Hi Ho Trailus Boot Whip" that has him singing the same lyrics of "School Days" that Dizzy Gillespie would in 1953. Tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims was an occasional member of Goodman's bands for decades, pianist Dick Hyman (featured on a blazing version of "Lover") emulates Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum in this setting, and the up-and-coming Toots Thielemans, though mostly heard on rhythm guitar, plays a brilliant version of "Stardust" on harmonica. European bassist Charlie Short (the only unknown) is steady, drummer Ed Shaughnessy adds fire to the music, and singer Nancy Reed has several excellent vocals. While the King of Swing is the main star, particularly on the numbers with just the rhythm section, he allocates a fair amount of space to his star sidemen. This TCB CD is highly recommended for both its rarity and for making available the music of a unique and short-lived band.
