Swiss Radio Days, Vol. 14/Lausanne 1950

• Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series Vol. 14 - Lausanne 1950

Clarinet wizard Benny Goodman was born 30th May 1909 in Chicago. He started his carrer in the band of Ben Pollack and in 1935 formed his own famous orchestra. The orchestra was extremely popular and earned its leader the title, "King of Swing". Because of World War II, Benny Goodman was never able to tour his orchestra outside of the US. And by the time this live recording took place (13 May 1950), Goodman had long since disbanded the orchestra. His first excursion into Europe, and the subject of this CD, clearly featured a group which was no more and no less than a "jam-band" featuring a truely all-star line-up that included Roy Eldridge, Zoot Sims, Dick Hyman, and Toots Thielemans. The songs they performed were derived from Goodman's repertoire, tunes everybody recognized from the many recordings he released in Europe. This CD captures that concert in all its brilliance and is issued now for the the very first time. A collector's gem for all Goodman and 'Swing' fans! Personnel: Benny Goodman - (clarinet), Roy Eldridge - (trumpet & vocal), Zoot Sims - (tenor sax), Dick Hyman - (piano), Jean "Toots" Thielemans - (guitar & Harmonica), Charlie Short - (bass), Ed Shaughnessy - (drums), Nancy Reed - (vocal)