Clarinet á La King, Vol. 2

Read About This Recording

In 1935, Benny Goodman's band launched the Swing Era by becoming a sensation when they played at Los Angeles' Palomar Ballroom. Goodman, one of the top clarinetists of all time, had first gained notice in the jazz world in 1926 when, as a 16-year-old, he was one of the major soloists with Ben Pollack's orchestra. After having stints with Pollack and Red Nichols, Goodman became a very busy studio musician, riding out the worst years of the Depression playing anonymously in a countless number of studio and radio orchestras. Although it was a lucrative life, he became bored with the music and longed to lead his own jazz big band.

After a period of struggle, in 1935 he hit pay dirt, becoming a household name and gaining the title of "The King of Swing®." For the Victor label during 1935-39, he recorded one famous record after another. However, some of his most interesting material was made for Columbia during 1939-46, including the music that is featured here.

Goodman's 1939-41 big band is in the spotlight throughout Clarinet a la King. Trumpeter Ziggy Elman is featured on "Zaggin' With Zig," there are vocals from Helen Forrest and Peggy Lee, and the solo stars include electric guitarist Charlie Christian ("Solo Flight"), trumpeter Cootie Williams and Goodman. Among the other highlights are "Henderson Stomp," "Superman," "Scarecrow" and "The Earl."

This CD shows that there was much more to the King of Swing's® legacy than "Stompin' At the Savoy" and "Sing, Sing, Sing."

—Scott Yanow

Contents

Zaggin' With Zig; It Never Entered My Mind; Henderson Stomp; Superman; Yes! My Darling Daughter; Bewitched; Scarecrow; Solo Flight; Cherry; I Found a Million Dollar Baby; When the Sun Comes Out; Pound Ridge; How Deep Is the Ocean?; The Earl; Caprice XXIV Paganini; Clarinet a la King.

Benny Goodman, Clarinet/Leader/Vocals; Jimmy Maxwell, Ziggy Elman, Johnny Martel, Irving Goodman, Alec Fila, Billy Butterfield, Chris Griffin, Al Davis, Trumpets; Cootie Williams, Trumpet/Vocals; Red Ballard, Vernon Brown, Ted Vesely, Lou McGarity, Red Gingler, Cutty Cutshall, Trombones; Toots Mondello, Buff Estes, Gus Bivona, Bob Snyder, Les Robinson, Jimmy Horvath, Gene Kinsey, Clint Neagley, Alto Saxes; Bus Bassey, Jerry Jerome, Georgie Auld, Jack Henderson, Pete Mondello, Vido Musso, George Berg, Tenor Saxes; Skippy Martin, Alto & Baritone Saxes; Bob Snyder, Chuck Gentry, Baritone Saxes; Johnny Guarnieri, Fletcher Henderson, Bernie Layton, Teddy Wilson, Mel Powell, Pianos; Arnold Covey, Mike Bryan, Charlie Christian, Tommy Morgan, Guitars; Artie Bernstein, Walter Iooss, John Simmons, Mort Stuhlmaker, String Basses; Nick Fatool, Harry Jaeger, Dave Tough, Jo Jones, Sid Catlett, Drums; Peggy Lee, Helen Forrest, Vocals; Benny Goodman Orchestra.