Search - Benny Goodman :: Together Again

The Best Small Group Jazz

jaricco | Madison, WI USA | 01/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This legendary and historic recording documents the 1963 reunion of one of the most famous groups in jazz history. Benny Goodman reassembled his ORIGINAL quartet from the 1930s (Benny-clarinet, Teddy Wilson-piano, Lionel Hampton-vibes, and Gene Krupa-drums)to record a relaxed and inspired album that has the feeling of a late-night jam session. All parties involved are giants of jazz and are widely acknowledged as most important figures on their respective instruments. Despite the huge stature of each of these musicians, they play with such dynamic interplay and cooperation that really helped to define small group jazz as we know it today. Benny is in his most inventive and swinging mood since his forties recordings and it is obvious that he is inspired by his old friends. Lionel Hampton shines here without displaying any showmanship or lack of taste. Teddy Wilson, the sophisticated gentleman of swing who never played a bad note, plays up to his usually high standard. But the most suprising and wonderful aspect of this album is the performance of Mr. Drums himself, Gene Krupa. Recorded at a period late in Krupa's career, this album stands out as his last great artistic achievement during a time when he was in generally failing health. Krupa displays amazing sense of time and taste as he swings like mad throughout the record. More importantly, he displays a sense of subtlety lacking in his earlier recordings. Thus, Krupa never sounded better. Lastly, the sound of this recording is outstanding, and these players' gifts can be appreciated more fully here than in their earlier, poorly-recorded works. For the definition of small-group jazz, look no further than this historic recording. A copy of this record should be placed in a time capsule so that in a thousand years people will be able to understand what "swing" is all about."

Benny's best playing ever!

David S. Dutton | Audubon, NJ United States | 02/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since the original release of this album in 1963 on vinyl these cuts have taken their place at the top of my list of Benny Goodman recordings! The recording is exciting with an intimate quality and the playing by this quartet has never, ever been better... a must!!"

Together again-1963

Michael Palermo | 10/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The orginal Goodman Quartet is back again and as great as ever. Pick this one up fast. The sound is great,as is the music."