16 Most Requested Songs
While many greatest hits collections are satisfied with recapitulating bestsellers, this is a thoughtful selection of some genuine highlights from Benny Goodman's Columbia recordings, giving real perspective on the years when he virtually defined the swing era. He was as great a talent scout as he was a clarinetist, and fine performances byLionel Hampton,Cootie Williams,Harry James, andTeddy Wilsonabound. "Flying Home" is heard in the sextet version with the brilliantCharlie Christianon guitar, while the hit "Why Don't You Do Right?" launchedPeggy Lee's career. Four tracks come from Goodman'sLive at Carnegie Hall 1938, and they're all extended performances, climaxing with the 12-minute version of "Sing, Sing, Sing,"Gene Krupa's driving tom-toms defining the excitement of the era. The CD extends to the 1950s to include lesser-known gems such as the later sextet version of "How Am I to Know?"--a lovely ballad setting for Goodman.--Stuart Broomer