Customer Reviews

Tribute to Benny Goodman

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

 

 

First of all, a tribute to Benny without a clarinet player is like the Brat Pack without Sammy. But that said, if you're a fan of big band trumpet legend Ziggy Elman this disc is for you. If not there's not much here that's interesting or new. Recorded in the 50's, pianist Stacy has assembled a crew of good swingmen to blow on some big band standards made famous by the King of Swing. Elman easily outshines everyone on this pretty average performance. Not highly recommended but not a complete dud...some decent toe-tapping swing that will make you think of Benny but probably make you yearn for the real thing versus more from this ensemble.Oh yeah, the girl on the cover is cute.

I completely wore out my LP copy many years ago, and searched for years for a replacement LP, then a CD copy. A superb record, and "Blues For Otis Ferguson" would be my second favourite Jess Stacy performances (after the January 16th 1938 "Sing Sing Sing" of course!) Mr Stacy was listed in the Los Angeles telephone directory, and once when I passed through the airport there I rang and had a brief chat with him. John Hammond said of him "there is no nicer man in the music business."

I have to disagree without the last reviewer. I think that this is an excellent CD. Jess Stacy is playing on Top Form, and this is some of Ziggy Elman's best work. He plays with a fire and foricity not heard from his trumpet since his Tommy Dorsey Days. These Are also his last Significant recordings. Overall This is actually one of my Favorite CD's. I would recomend it to anyone who is a fan of swing, The absence of a clarinet does not take away from the music, it gives it a very distinct sound. Recommended Highly.