The Genius Of The Electric Guitar

That these records feature Charlie Christian may not be the most important reason for acquiring them. That they represent a high point in capturing a few hours in the most important musical development in the 20th century (jazz) probably is. Getting the feel of live performance in the studio is nororiously difficult. It is managed here. The actual sound quality is superb, and consistently so throughout these four discs. The music represents a high point in the recording of jazz. The participants represent some of the greatest past master bands - Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie - and point to the future in Lester Young and Charlie Christian. Morevover some of the musicians are legends on their instruments - particular note must be made of Cootie Williams, Lionel Hampton, Benny Carter, Harry James, Gene Krupa, Dave Tough, Jack Teagarden, and of course Mr Goodman himself. It was a felicitous set of circumstances which led to this music. There was youth of course, foresight and generosity on Mr Goodman's part, love, innovation and experimentation, and a common dedication. Very important was the inspiration that great musicians provide to each other, how they lift each other. Nor should it be forgotten how Mr Goodman broke down racial barriers when it took real courage to do so. Respect for him from all musicians must be a factor in this music before you.It is worthwhile to listen to this music once just focussing on Mr Hampton. Again focussing on Mr Christian. Again focussing on Mr Goodman. But take AS LONG AS YOU LIVE as an instance, on CD 2 Track 11. It begins with the chalumeau repetition of one note by the leader and an opening solo by Mr Basie on piano followed by Cootie Williams providing a sweetly muted solo on trumpet. There is a brief interlude by Mr Christian on guitar then a solo by Georgie Auld on tenor. The solo by Mr Goodman which follows is enough to bring tears to you eyes in its sweetness and light. The piece closes with chalumeau figure repeated. A lovely performance. This is followed by BENNY'S BUGLE which grooves beyond belief - democratically it is Mr Auld's moment to provide the main solo. This is a feature of all this music - no one musician hogs the limelight. It is never just a feature for one or the other. This is part of the genius of Mr Goodman. On his instrument, in this music, he has no parallel. Sometimes he gets so fiery he heads into the territory of Edmond Hall, other times his clarinet just smiles. Although I have favourites of Mr Goodman's such as the trio playing for THE FLETCHER HENDERSON FUND c1953, these four CD's featuring Mr Christian are now my favourite Goodman records. They are so rich in content, that I can only listen to perhaps half an hour at a time. Nor is there a moment on them I would delete, including false starts, and alternate takes. This is a case where rhythm(or swing) is given some of its most delightful moments in all music taking its rightful place alongside harmony and melody. Of all my music, these four CD's take there place among my favourites such as KIND OF BLUE, AT THE BLUE NOTE (Keith Jarrett), THE WILDFLOWER SESSIONS, MONK on RIVERSIDE, THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION (Coltrane).

Great, great stuff. The packaging is cool, but not very practical. Anyone who picks up an electric guitar is standing on the ample shoulders of the giant Mr. Christian. Plus, Les Paul's contribution to the liner notes is worth the price of admission all on its own.

This is great early jazz (I don't like most modern jazz). Most of this is with Benny Goodman. You can hear where almost every jazz guitarist got his/her inspiration.

This person was a leader of his period of time, an Innovator.

Great album, not just the guitar either. I really enoyed the trumpet as well, it reminds me of one of my personal favorites-Louis Armstrong. I find the solos and songs to be very satisfying, meaning, it sounds the way it should. Highly recommended, particularly to guitarists looking for an example of how to play along with a jazz band.

TRACKS SONG TITLES RATINGS01 Rose Room 402 Seven Come Eleven 403 Till Tom Special 404 Gone with "What" Wind 405 Grand Slam (Boy Meets Goy) 406 Six Appeal 507 Wholly Cats 308 Royal Garden Blues 509 As Long As I Live 310 Benny's Bugle 411 Breakfast Feud 412 I Found a New Baby 313 Solo Flight 514 Blues in B 315 Waitin' for Benny 416 Air Mail Special 3

Great musicians and music remaster still a little"scratchy" in places.

It all started here. The genius. Charlie Cristian is owed a debt by every single person who has ever touched an electric guitar. you're playing has been touched by his shining light whether you know it or not. He did more in 2 years and forever changed the music. A true guitar god. Buy this. Listen and LEARN. Swing baby. Everything MUST swing.