Goodman proves ‘swing’ never died
by Bryan Jackson, The Saratogian
If the music period known as the “Swing Era” had survived, it would be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
“Swing” exploded with a fireworks force in the mid-30’s and continued through World War II when it suddenly gave way to a new change in music known as “Be-Bop”, “Cool” and finally “Rock and Roll.”
Though it has been gone for many years, it is not difficult to find cheering devotees of the music who will tell you that it never left, or at least shouldn’t have.
Hundreds of those devotees filled the Saratoga Performing Arts Center last night to find that “Swing” never truly died and that the man who started it all is still playing it as though it were 1935 once more.
The man, of course, is Benny Goodman.
Goodman and his sextet finished up the bill of this weekend’s Upstate Jazz Festival at SPAC. While the attendance of the Goodman performance was fair, what the audience lacked in size it made up in enthusiasm during the brief trip back into the music that helped to make America forget about the great depression.
With his band dressed in burgundy outfits, Goodman marked his appearance on stage dressed in white and immediately drew applause. The warm welcome of the audience lasted the whole performance through and before Goodman could make his opening remarks one woman in the audience shouted “Benny you’re the king!”
The remark brought a grin to Goodman’s face and there was no doubt that the “Swing” sound would be the real king tonight.
Although most of the numbers were not announced, their familiar tunes were immediately recognized. Each of them had been heard dozens of times before, but the individual instrument solo arrangements given most tunes made them unique and enjoyable.
While each of the members of the Goodman sextet were excellent, bass player Leroy “Slam” Stewart gave the performance a special highlight. Stewart practices the unique art of humming while he plays bass and his vocal work almost outshined what he could do with his instrument. His humming and playing gave several numbers greater enjoyment and the audience responded with applause.
Also giving great performances were the rest of the members of the Goodman band. They included Ronnie Bedford on drums. Urbie Green on trombone, Hank Jones at the piano, John “Bucky” Pizzarelli on guitar, and John Haley “Zoot” Sims on saxophone. Each showed outstanding talent in backing up the man who helped to create the music that they played.
As for Benny Goodman himself, the audience expected a great deal from the master of “Swing” and they were not disappointed. His performance brought out a phenomenon that excited the fans gathered last night just as it did when “Swing” began. And, Benny Goodman’s performance at SPAC last night gave assurance that 1935 was really a very good year.
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