The Centennial Collection

by Benny Goodman

Product Description:

This release includes a bonus DVD featuring movie clips and TV specials from the 1960's.

Personnel include: Benny Goodman (clarinet); Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Ward, Martha Tilton (vocals); Chu Berry (tenor saxophone); Roy Eldridge (trumpet); Lionel Hampton (vibraphone); Gene Krupa (drums).

Liner Note Author: David French.

Recording information: Victor Studio, New York, NY (1936 - 1939).

This two-disc Benny Goodman set includes not only 21 swing classics, but also a DVD of rare performance footage. The audio disc is made up of many Goodman favorites culled from 1935-1939, including "Moonglow" and "Sing, Sing, Sing." The former is a romantic selection that features Goodman's groundbreaking quartet. On this track, Goodman's clarinet renders a lonely melody, but vibraphonist Lionel Hampton spices things up midway through the tune with a snappy solo. "Sing, Sing, Sing" has a kind of jungle feel to it, as drummer Gene Krupa beats passionately on his tom-toms. Nearly nine minutes in length, "Sing, Sing, Sing" really allows the band to open up. (This is particularly true of Goodman, who plays a terrific modal clarinet solo.)

The DVD is a real bonus to THE CENTENNIAL COLLECTION. Priceless footage is included here of the Goodman Orchestra, collected from various movie appearances. By watching the band in action, one really gets a sense of the musicians' remarkable skills. Equally fascinating are clips of Goodman performing in the 1960s, just prior to his years in semi-retirement.