There are a couple of things that new collectors of 78s always hear – and some take as gospel: One is that prewar jazz is where it’s at and postwar jazz is not as interesting. The other is that there is no good music to be found on red label Columbia records.
This record handily dispels both myths in one fell swoop – an astonishing version of the 20s classic “After You’ve Gone” by the Benny Goodman Sextet which is so loaded with musical ideas that by the end you feel a need to catch your breath!
After Goodman states the theme, we get successive solos by Teddy Wilson on piano followed by Goodman on clarinet, Norvo on vibes, and Stewart on bass, complete with his characteristic melodic vocalizations.
While Goodman is the obvious standout with his breakneck solos that seem to be racing so fast they risk leaping over the guard rails, Stewart really takes this number into the stratosphere – literally pushing Benny to the cusp of bop with his driving bass. Interestingly, this was his debut with the Goodman group – and what a showing!
Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t great music on these ole’ postwar red Columbias! If you follow your ears, you’ll find the good stuff.
Recorded in New York City on February 4, 1945.
Released as Columbia 36781
Credits:
Benny Goodman – clarinet, director
Teddy Wilson – piano
Red Norvo – Vibraphone
Mike Bryan – guitar
Slam Stewart – bass
Morey Feld – drums
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