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Benny Goodman - Paris Listen To The Magic (1967)
Most reviews of post-war Goodman records are based on the thesis that
"things ain't what they used to be". Obviously, at this point in time,
Goodman is not the dynamic force or leading figure he was three decades
ago so let us just accept Benny's records for what they are. Tese 12
titles are strung together (and how I loathe the now-obligatory
'programme' demanded by LP compilers!) by tenuous links with France, and
Benny sounds as if he enjoyed the session. The rhythm section is
workmanlike and comprises Goodman's pianist from the 1940 band, Bernie
Leighton, bass player George Duvivier, guitarist Attila Zoller (who gets
too little solo space for he is a fine musician) arid drummer Joe
Marshall, late of Johnny Hodges's little band. On most of the tracks the
front line comprises Goodman flanked by Joe Newman and Urbie Green. The
recorded sound is quite brilliant with a sense of presence which seems
to be part and parcel of the Command label's selling technique. There
are a few fluffs here and there during Goodman's own solos but they are
usually brought about by Benny's uninhibited approach to the faster
tempos. Marshall occasionally lifts the entire group up by its
collective boot-straps and the music takes on a purposeful resolution
which is exhilarating. Strangely enough the sextet swings hardest on the
more unlikely tunes including How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm
and Mimi. The weakest tracks are those on which Benny plays the melody
slow and fairly straight but as these tracks ate in the minority the LP
may be safely recommended to Goodman collectors and lovers of
swing-style small groups. (by Grammophone, August 1968) Personnel: George Duvivier (bass) Benny Goodman (clarinet) Urbie Green (trombone) Joe Marshall (drums) Bernie Leighton (piano) Attila Zoller (guitar) Tracklist: 01. How 'Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm (Young/Lewis/Donaldson) 4.02 02. Autumn Leaves (Kosma/Mercer/Prevert) 3.03 03. I Love Paris (Porter) 3,..26 04. April In Paris (Duke/Harburg) 2.26 05. A Man And A Woman (Barouh/Keller/Lai) 3.33 06. C'est Magnifique (Porter)) 3.09 07. Petite Fleur (Bechet) 2.56 08. I Wish You Love (Beach/Trenet) 2.33 09. Mimi (Hart/Rodgers) 3.50 10. C'est si bon (Betti/Hornez/Seelen) 3.03 11. Under Paris Skies (Gannon/Giraud) 4.08 12. I Will Wait For You (Demy/Gimbel/Legrand) 5.49
