Ciribiribin

AMG Review of Ciribiribin

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This interesting LP has two complete Benny Goodman broadcasts from his Camel Caravan radio series. The Jan. 3, 1939 performance has guest pianists Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons romping with the big band on "Roll 'Em" and Lewis showcased on "Honky Tonk Train Blues." Johnny Mercer (who was working as the radio show's M.C.) takes three vocals, and Martha Tilton sings "Hurry Home." The second broadcast is quite historic, for it was trumpeter Harry James' swan song with Goodman. The trumpeter is showcased on "Ciribiribin," which would become his theme song and here has a similar arrangement as his famous recording. In addition, the Benny Goodman Trio romps through "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise"; a sextet with the obscure early electric guitarist Leonard Ware (featured eight months before Charlie Christian was discovered) plays "Umbrella Man"; Mercer sings "Sent for You Yesterday"; Tilton takes two vocals; and there is an instrumental big band version of "Sweet Sue." Benny Goodman collectors will want to pick up this generally enjoyable LP.