Although
Benny Goodman was best known for his star vocalists and big band, it is his small group recordings that stand the test of time as unadulterated jazz with no frills. Primo Records provides proof in the form of 38 classic swing performances recorded between 1935 and 1938 by
Goodman's trio and quartet, with pianist
Teddy Wilson, drummer
Gene Krupa and vibraphonist/vocalist
Lionel Hampton. This excellent collection also contains a selection of live recordings including excerpts from
Goodman's legendary 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Primo's
Trio and Quartet Showcase is highly recommended as both a tribute to
Goodman's groundbreaking racially mixed small group swing band and a useful introduction to the fundamental jazz repertoire commonly in use during the '30s.