Stompin’ At The Savoy and I Want To Be Happy – 1950

Benny Goodman Quintet

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From late 1950 on the Star Time television program, the Benny Goodman Quintet is featured on two of the clarinetist’s standbys: “Stompin’ At The Savoy” and “I Want To Be Happy.”

Goodman was 41 at the time but his 26 year old vibraphonist, Terry Gibbs, largely steals the show.

“Stompin’ At The Savoy” has Gibbs taking solo honors and even getting to trade off a little bit with Goodman.

During an uptempo version of “I Want To Be Happy,” Gibbs just has one solo chorus, but he plays heated riffs behind Goodman and the two play some rapid unisons that are quite stirring.

-Scott Yanow

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