Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman's discography is too large to condense into a 12-song package, but considering what is included on this CD, it's not too shabby. There's a good cross section of different bands Goodman was involved in, and the selections include all-time classics "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Don't Be That Way," "Nagasaki," and the immortal nearly nine-minute jam on "Sing, Sing, Sing." You also get two Goodman originals -- "Scarecrow" and "Rachel's Dream" -- as well as "Vibraphone Blue" with Lionel Hampton. This is not essential or something to rush out and acquire, but for a budget price (the total time checks in at under 45 minutes) it would make a good gift or starter album. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide