Classic Columbia and Okeh BG Orchestra Sessions Part 1 Repeat
·59 min·5 clips
Frank Miller kicks off a two-part series exploring Benny Goodman's Columbia and Okeh sessions from 1939 to 1958.
The episode begins with Frank Miller introducing the show as part one of a two-part series focused on Benny Goodman's music from the Mosaic Records box set 'Classic Columbia and Okeh Benny Goodman Orchestra Sessions 1939-1958'. He starts with the 1939 recordings Boy Meets Horn, featuring trumpeter Chris Griffin, and Bolero. Miller explains that 1939 was a year of change for Goodman, who switched from RCA Victor to Columbia Records due to competition with Artie Shaw and dissatisfaction with his label. The next selection is Fletcher Henderson's arrangement of Felix Mendelssohn's Spring Song, followed by Crazy Rhythm with solos by Johnny Guarneri and Ziggy Ellman from April 1940. After a station promotion, Miller shares a personal story about seeing Benny Goodman perform in Cleveland in 1978 with musicians like Buddy Tate and Connie Kay. He returns to the music with Nostalgia, the only waltz recorded by Goodman's band, and Henderson Stomp from November 1940. Miller notes the box set focuses on instrumentals, mentioning vocalists Helen Forrest and Peggy Lee briefly. He plays La Rosita and Superman from 1941, both arranged by Eddie Sauter and featuring Cootie Williams, discussing Williams' move from Duke Ellington to Goodman for new music and higher pay. Next are Moonlight on the Ganges and Time on My Hands, with Miller noting the set includes master recordings and alternate takes. He highlights Scarecrow from February 1941, arranged by Buster Harding and featuring Georgie Auld and Lou McGarity, followed by Solo Flat showcasing guitarist Charlie Christian. The episode continues with Fiesta in Blue and Cherry from March 1941, arranged by Jimmy Mundy. Miller concludes part one with Pound Ridge and Benny Rides Again, the latter composed by Eddie Sauter to resemble Goodman's 1936 hit Sing, Sing, Sing. He reminds listeners to tune in for part two and promotes the Big Band Bash podcast.
