AXM2-5568 The Complete Benny Goodmann,Vol.8 1936-39
The final volume of this definitive series of Benny Goodman's Victor studio recordings not only contains his recordings from April and May 1939 but digs up a variety of alternate takes (most of them previously unissued) from the 1936-39 period. It is fascinating to hear "new" versions of such songs as "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Sing, Sing Sing," "Avalon" and "Sugarfoot Stomp," especially when one is familiar with the original released renditions. In addition, this two-fer has the two recordings (and one alternate) cut by The Metronome All-Star Band which in 1939 (with such musicians as Bunny Berigan, Jack Teagarden and Tommy Dorsey) allowed Goodman to reunite with some of his associates from the earlier days. A fitting ending to an essential series.
