Customer Reviews

After You've Gone

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's easy to simply float along on the wonderful nostalgia of these tunes (and don't get me wrong -- that's fun too!). However, these songs are filled with incredible musicianship and it's difficult to remember that Goodman was controversial in his day. These tracks are impeccable in their reproduction and quality. In addition, the sheer number of tracks on the disk is phenomenal. I recommend this without hesitation.

I just love people who review an album they haven't listened to. Of course the samples don't sound good. They're just there to give you an idea of the music, and this music is some of the best small-group jazz ever.
Each of the players is a jazz legend in his own right. Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton. Far from being prima donnas, they had incredible chemistry, each feeding the other and producing joyful, swinging music that puts a grin on your face.

Historically, this group is important, as it was the first to break the color barrier. Goodman wasn't initially very keen on performing live with an integrated group, but some persuasion and the knowledge that they were just too darn good to stay in the studio led to his capitulation.
Do yourself a favor and buy what will become one of your favorite CDs.

I am not a fan of jazz. But the brilliant performances on this CD surpass any genre. It is simply great music wonderfully played. The atmosphere of the songs perfectly suggests the 1930s. If you listen to this CD, you will immediately understand why Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton and Gene Krupa are legends. The sound quality of the CD is excellent considering the music was recorded in the 1930s. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves music.

If you want to savor the musicianship of the greatest clarinet player of the 20th century your best bet is by listening to his work in small combos. Goodman was a superb band-leader but his own skills were often submerged in his big orchestra. Here, surrounded by a few men every bit as skillful as Goodman himself - Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton - there's no one who can touch him. The only poor efforts are "All My Life" and "Too Good to Be True" with vocals by Helen Ward, which show how a bad song can hog-tie even the biggest talents.

I would like to buy this CD, but the samples I listened to did not seem very clear - there was a lot of skipping and static in the background. So I will have to pass.