Benny Goodman - Three Classic Albums Plus (2013) 2CD

AVID Jazz here presents three classic Benny Goodman albums plus including original LP liner notes on a finely re-mastered and low priced double CD. 'Benny Goodman In Moscow Records One & Two', 'Happy Session' and four tracks from 'Benny Goodman Swings Again' 'Benny Goodman In Moscow Records One & Two" - Following a visit to Moscow by George Avakian to discuss a classical music cultural exchange Benny Goodman's name came up as a musician who played classical and was also of Russian decent. This led to his being invited to tour Russia with his own orchestra to play jazz. Hearing that the Russians had great enthusiasm for American jazz Goodman chose a young band of musicians and commissioned young arrangers to write for the orchestra. These included Phil Woods on alto, Zoot Sims on tenor and Joe Newman on trumpet (who all played every solo on their respective instruments). Others included Mel Lewis on drums, Teddy Wilson on piano, Turk Van Lake on guitar and Bill Crow on bass. 'Happy Session' features Benny Goodman with Quintet and Orchestra and is what it says in the titlea happy and informal session where Benny Goodman and his musicians are clearly having a balltrying out new songs by young composers like Bobby Gutesha and arrangements by a young pianist called Andre Previn. Musicians include Russ Freeman on piano, George Duvivier on bass, Shelly Manne on drums, Milt Hinton on bass, Barney Kessel on guitar and the aforementioned Andre Previn on piano and arrangements. Our final album features 4 tracks from 'Benny Goodman Swings Again' a fine selection of Goodman favourites recorded live at Ciro's in Hollywood. Hailed as one of the greatest bands Benny had ever led, the musicians include Red Norvo on vibes, Flip Phillips on alto, Russ Freeman on piano, Jim Wyble on guitar and John Markham on drums. To quote just one of many reviews featured in the original liner notes'Benny is still the king of swing and every performer with him a superb artist.