Search - Benny Goodman :: Benny in Brussels 1 & 2

Classic Benny, Rare Recording

Mark Borchers | The Woodlands, TX USA | 01/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The availability of this CD is great news for fans of the King of Swing. You won't see this hard-to-find set at your local superstore.These recordings were made during the World's Fair in Brussels around 1958. Benny put an orchestra together to play in the American pavillion. According to the liner notes, it was a tremedous hit and gave a tremendous boost to America's languishing reputation in the arts.The significant thing about this recording is that it's classic Goodman style, but the recording quality is light years better than the recordings you've heard from his heyday in the '30's and '40's. The band is crisp and driving, and Benny's virtuoso solos show even more artistry, if possible, than his earlier material. Benny's version of "One O'Clock Jump" would make Count Basie proud, and by itself makes the CD worth buying.This CD is a fantastic find for Goodman fans - don't miss it!"

Ambassador with a Clarinet

William P. Magliocco | Atlanta, GA USA | 10/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have these albums on LP, but the fact remains that these were well done, Stereo High Fidelity recordings of BG & Co. only 20+ years after his coup on West 57th Street NYC @ Carnegie Hall.



Now if only BMG/RCA could get the "Benny Goodman in Moscow" session tapes onto CD, that would be great."