Benny Goodman - 1935 (HD Remastered) (2019)

This CD traces the evolution of Benny Goodman's orchestra from the beginning of 1935 when they were comparatively unknown to the beginning of July when they were on the brink of success, even though Benny Goodman was no longer appearing on the Let's Dance radio series and was about to embark on a risky cross-country trip. Singer Helen Ward, drummer Gene Krupa, and trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin were the key voices (along with the clarinetist/leader) at the beginning of the year, but by the time the band recorded the last eight numbers on this disc, Bunny Berigan was Benny Goodman's star trumpeter. His solos on "King Porter Stomp" and "Sometimes I'm Happy" (along with Fletcher Henderson's swinging arrangements) would make Goodman a major star. Berigan also has hot spots on "Blue Skies" and "Jingle Bells." Swing was almost ready to catch on big. -- Scott Yanow