Basel 1959

This live CD featuring Benny Goodman leading a tentet (sometimes reduced to a sextet or septet) with vibraphonist Red Norvo, trombonist Bill Harris, trumpeter Jack Sheldon, tenor saxophonist Flip Phillips and alto saxophonist Jerry Dodgion (who doubles on flute). The concert includes expected numbers like "Airmail Special," "Get Happy" and "Memories of You," but there are some twists. The leader's "Go, Margot, Go" was a brand new composition dedicated a German movie star Margot Hielscher, heard in its only known performance. Goodman sits out Al Cohn's blues "Tenbone," a sextet feature showcasing Harris and Phillips. The deterioration of the master tapes in spots proves to be a bit distracting. Omitted are three features for vocalist Anita O'Day and sextet numbers led by Norvo on which the clarinetist did not play, but the nearly hour-long set of music should be of great interest to fans of Benny Goodman. ~ Ken Dryden|