Let's Dance (ASV)

05/07/2007 | Asv Living Era 

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All Music Guide Review

One of at least ten different compilations bearing the title Let's Dance, Living Era's double-disc anthology is richly endowed with definitive swing recordings made by Benny Goodman and his orchestra between 1934 and 1945. Among the 47 tracks present, fully 32 constitute some of the best instrumental performances of his entire career. The 15 vocal tracks effectively illustrate how female singers enhanced the band's sound and guaranteed Goodman's popularity. The women represented here are Helen Ward, Helen Forrest, Martha Tilton, Peggy Lee, Jane Harvey, Louise Tobin, Mildred Bailey, and Ella Fitzgerald. The melodies themselves are emblematic not merely of an era but more importantly of a musical tradition that continues to replenish itself. At its heart are the Afro-Americans who created the music in the first place and were central to its perpetual evolution. These primal participants are present on this collection as composers, arrangers, or performers: Fletcher and Horace Henderson, Teddy Wilson, Chick Webb, Jelly Roll Morton, Edgar Sampson, Leon "Chu" Berry, Spencer Williams, King Oliver, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, Fats Waller, Charlie Christian, Big Sid Catlett, Tiny Bradshaw, Jimmy Mundy, and W.C. Handy. That's where the music came from. And Benny Goodman did a fine job of popularizing it. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide

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