The Legendary Small Groups

This brief but pithy selection of trio and quartet recordings made under Benny Goodman’s leadership during the 1930s demonstrates a couple of things: first, he was just as comfortable as a soloist in the context of a small, intimate ensemble as he was leading his famous big band. In fact, if anything his solos shine more brightly here: his melodic inventiveness and magnificent sense of swing come through all the more powerfully for being more exposed. Second, he was just as skilled at leading a small group as a big one — which is not a given, as the two skills are very different. Most importantly, though, these recordings are a pure pleasure to listen to and the sound quality is quite good considering their vintage.