BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA - 1934-1935 {CC, 744} (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the exception of the final two titles, all of the music on this CD is from 1934, a period when Benny Goodman first formed his big band and appeared regularly on the Let's Dance radio series. Still virtually unknown to the general public, Goodman at 25 was ready for stardom, but the world was not quite yet ready for swing. The first four selections are from a fascinating combo date with the great tenor Coleman Hawkins and Mildred Bailey (who has vocals on three songs, including "Ol' Pappy" and "Emaline"). Another small-group session that features trombonist/singer Jack Teagarden and pianist Teddy Wilson precedes the Goodman Music Hall Orchestra's recordings for Columbia. The band is heard gradually developing their musical identity despite the lack of any major soloists other than the leader and (starting in November 1934) trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin. Helen Ward takes three vocals, and with "The Dixieland Band" in January 1935, the Goodman sound was almost together. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1 Georgia Jubilee 2:43
Benny Goodman / Arthur Schutt
2 Junk Man 2:57
Frank Loesser / George W. Meyer
3 Ol' Pappy 3:08

Jerry Levinson / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes

4 Emaline 3:22

Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins

5 I Ain't Lazy -- I'm Just Dreaming 3:08
David Franklin
6 As Long as I Live 3:04
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
7 Moonglow 3:32
Eddie DeLange / Will Hudson / Irving Mills
8 Breakfast Ball 2:47

Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler

9 Take My Word 2:48

Benny Carter / Irving Mills / Harry Pease

10 It Happens to the Best of Friends 2:42

Rube Bloom / Mitchell Parish

11 Nit Wit Serenade 2:43
Will Hudson
12 Bugle Call Rag 2:55
Billy Meyers / Jack Pettis / Elmer Schoebel
13 Learning 2:58
Jerry Levinson / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
14 Stars Fell on Alabama 3:12
Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
15 Solitude 3:17
Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
16 I'm Getting Sentimental over You 3:06
George Bassman / Ned Washington
17 I'm a Hundred Percent for You 2:59
Irving Mills / Ben Oakland / Mitchell Parish
18 Cokey 2:54
19 Like a Bolt from the Blue 3:06
Irving Mills / Ben Oakland / Mitchell Parish
20 Music Hall Rag 3:05
Benny Goodman
21 Dixieland Band 3:05
Bernie Hanighen / Johnny Mercer
22 Blue Moon 3:11
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers