On the Air 1937 - 1938
Without question, high-octane swing was the rock & roll of the 1930s. Listening to these radio shots recorded live by Goodman's 1937-1938 orchestra (his best) and small group (also his best), one is immediately struck by the lighthearted urgency of the players as well as the animated response of the crowd. At this stage in jazz's development, the interaction between audience and artist was vital (only later to be cooled by bebop), and Goodman's band consistently delights and electrifies the crowds. WithGene Krupaproviding the heavy backbeats and the band turning up the heat behind Goodman, the music here has a vigorous "rock" quality that goes beyond mere dance music: it almost seems at times that the band is purposely trying to incite and inspire, very "rock-oriented" goals. And the trio and quartet? Simply incredible, mischievous and mirthful, yet absolutely flawless. This two-CD set (complete with a few rarities) is a thrilling snapshot of Goodman's bands in action, energizing and entertaining, more concerned with execution than innovation. Considering Goodman's reputation as a meticulous perfectionist and the bands' acute familiarity with most of these tunes, the spontaneity and spark of these cuts are amazing. Both Goodman and his fast-rising trumpeterHarry Jamesnever fail to take things to the next level either.--Marc Greilsamer