Benny Goodman & His Orchestra – JAZZ liverare: A Wild Ride Through Time
Alright, buckle up, because Benny Goodman’s JAZZ liverare isn’t just another dusty old jazz record—it’s a punch-in-the-gut reminder of why this genre still slaps harder than most stuff out today. Released under Jazzline in Germany (yeah, those Germans know their vinyl), this thing is straight fire. With Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) giving it that crisp, alive-as-hell sound, you feel like you’re sitting right there in 1937/38 when these tracks were originally broadcasted live. And let me tell ya, it doesn’t get more legit than Lionel Hampton and Tony Wilson jumping in on vibes and guitar for the first six tunes.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that’ll stick to your brain like gum on hot asphalt: “King Porter Stomp” and “Moonglow.” First off, “King Porter Stomp”—man, this joint hits like a freight train. It’s got that big band chaos dialed up to eleven, with Goodman blowing clarinet lines so sharp they could cut glass. The rhythm section swings so hard, you might just lose your footing if you’re not careful. This track screams energy; it’s impossible to sit still while it’s playing. You wanna talk about timeless? This is the definition.
Then there’s “Moonglow,” which flips the vibe completely. Smooth as silk but packing an emotional gut-punch, this one sneaks up on you. The way the horns swell and fade—it’s like watching clouds drift across the sky at sunset. It’s romantic without being cheesy, cool without trying too hard. When Lionel Hampton jumps in with his vibraphone, holy crap, it’s magic. Feels like someone wrapped you in a warm blanket made of nostalgia and moonlight. If you don’t stop whatever you’re doing to soak this one in, you’re either dead inside or just really bad at appreciating greatness.
The rest of the album keeps the heat turned all the way up—“Limehouse Blues” brings drama, “Bugle Call Rag” throws down some serious ragtime swagger, and “Memories of You” will have you reaching for tissues before you even realize what hit you. Every single track feels alive, raw, unfiltered. Like Goodman and his crew didn’t give a damn about perfection—they just wanted to burn the house down.
But here’s the kicker: listening to this album in 2023 makes you wonder where all that fire went. Modern music’s got its moments, sure, but nothing screams rebellion and freedom quite like this. Maybe we’ve forgotten how to swing, how to let loose without overthinking every damn note. Or maybe Benny Goodman was just from another planet entirely.
So yeah, go grab yourself a copy of JAZZ liverare. Crank it loud enough to piss off your neighbors. Let it remind you that music can—and should—kick your ass once in a while. Oh, and hey—if aliens ever invade Earth, play them this album. They’ll probably leave us alone after hearing Benny rip through “King Porter Stomp.” Peace out.
