It seems as though we are in for a summer of Goodmania with this Corner House session perhaps a taster for next month's re-creation of the King of Swing's 1938 Carnegie Hall concert at the Sage. Over the years, clarinet players have come and gone yet none, not even my own fav. Artie Shaw, have remained as enduringly popular as BG.
Alan Barnes, whilst better known for his fiery modern alto playing, has absorbed rather than imitated the Goodman style resulting in a suggestion of how Benny may have sounded had he been receptive to the changing times which of course he wasn't.
Alan Barnes, whilst better known for his fiery modern alto playing, has absorbed rather than imitated the Goodman style resulting in a suggestion of how Benny may have sounded had he been receptive to the changing times which of course he wasn't.
Apart from his musicianship, since Humph, George Melly and Ronnie Scott went to Birdland, Alan is now the undisputed Jazz Court Jester thus guaranteeing the audience an entertaining evening irrespective of the music!
On vibes, Jim Hart was the perfect foil; his four mallet technique on a par with the past masters of his instrument. Paul Clarvis on drums completed the line-up.
On vibes, Jim Hart was the perfect foil; his four mallet technique on a par with the past masters of his instrument. Paul Clarvis on drums completed the line-up.
Ask me for a favourite number and I would opt for "My Inspiration" which, paradoxically, didn't emulate from Goodman but from another good man on clarinet; Irving Fazola.
An excellent gig although I think it could have have been even better with a bass even if it meant dispensing with drums.
An excellent gig although I think it could have have been even better with a bass even if it meant dispensing with drums.
Meanwhile, down at South Shields, Tina May was paying tribute to Edith Piaf but, in opting for Barnes and Benny, I had No Regrets.
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