Benny in Brussels, Vol. 1

AMG Review of Benny in Brussels, Vol. 1

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Benny Goodman's successful stint at the 1958 Brussels World Fair served as an excuse for him to record some albums of his new big band. With tenor-saxophonist Zoot Sims, trumpeter Taft Jordan and Goodman's new discovery, pianist Roland Hanna (who was then 26), getting some fine solos and Jimmy Rushing taking a personable vocal on "Brussels Blues," BG's backup crew was strong. As for The King himself, although no longer thought of as an innovator, at the age of 49 he was still very much in his prime and he is in fine form throughout these two volumes.