Benny Goodman (featuring Charlie Christian): Benny's Bugle

Its significant that much of Benny Goodmans small group output for Columbia Records was reissued in 2002 as a Charlie Christian compilation. Christian was certainly the star of many of these classic recordings not only because of his innovative approach to the electrified guitar but also because his solos often prefigured the music that was soon to come. This simple blues has a distinct Kansas City feeling, not surprising given the presence of Count Basie. The iconic pianists light accompaniment and characteristically sparse solo along with Christians at times almost boppish single lines make this track sound as if it had been recorded five years later. There is riffing a-plenty and the ensemble swings like mad from start to finish. Sony deserves credit for excellent sound restoration. This is a must for any serious collection.