TERRIFIC PAIRING OF BIG BAND NOSTALGIA
A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 01/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Linking Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman together was a logical step considering both headed the leading bands of the Forties. Miller was on top form when he played Carnegie Hall in October 1939 and considered it the culmination of growing popularity in the USA and ultimate proof his band was top of the big band league. Fortunately the concert was recorded and the hits plus the LONDONDERRY AIR, THE JUMPIN' JIVE and FDR JONES highlight the talented musicians and singers to mark the auspicious occasion. Hollywood soon beckoned and SUN VALLEY SERENADE and ORCHESTRA WIVES was the outcome in 1941 and 1942 respectively with their thin storylines merely an excuse to showcase the band and various other acts in full swing for extended routines the commercially released covers were unable to duplicate owing to timing constraints. These included soundtrack versions of CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO and SERENADE IN BLUE are recommended for performance peaks and sound quality. The biopic, THE GLENN MILLER STORY released in 1954, was a vague nod to the Miller story up to his mysterious untimely death but the music, authentically recreated by the Universal International Studio Orchestra conducted by Joseph Gershenson naturally concentrates on including LITTLE BROWN JUG, MOONLIGHT SERENADE and A STRING OF PEARLS in great sound.
When it comes to Benny Goodman's much longer existence, the 1951 broadcast benefit to ailing Luther Henderson was also preserved and includes popular band numbers like RUNNIN' WILD, I FOUND A NEW BABY, MOONGLOW and I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IME IT WAS. A year later, Goodman recorded an album augmented with strings in a tasteful selection of standards IF I HAD YOU, EMBRACEABLE YOU and a more romantic take of MOONGLOW. The remaining tracks also link with the 50's and feature either Goodman's Sextet with ditties like EAST OF THE SUN, UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE and BYE, BYE BLUES or full band blasts of KING PORTER STOMP, SOUTH OF THE BORDER, MUSKAT RAMBLE and WHAT A LITTLE MOONLIGHT CAN DO.
Taking these historic recordings home means license to play two terrific but individually talented bands at any time with the four CD's fairly divided and offering nearly five hours play including the above tracks and more while serving to underline the timeless quality of performances which remain perfect despite the passing years. Highly recommended.
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Track Listings (19) - Disc #1