Terry Blaine, Mark Shane, Allan Vache - Swingin' The Benny Goodman Songbook (2005)

Singer Terry Blaine, pianist Mark Shane, and clarinetist Allan Vaché had performed as a trio for several years at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee before they decided to tour as a trio and perform music from the repertoire of Benny Goodman. It was a logical move for Vaché can closely emulate Goodman, Shane's main piano influence is Teddy Wilson, and Blaine is flexible enough to hint at Helen Ward, Martha Tilton, and Mildred Bailey while still sounding like herself. While most of these songs are familiar items played by Goodman regularly sometime during 1935-1939, there are a few ringers such as "I Don't Know Why," "Junk Man" (which Goodman recorded with Mildred Bailey in 1934), "Would You Like to Take a Walk," "Cause if Feel Lowdown," and "You Can't Stop Me From Loving You" plus a couple numbers that Goodman recorded with Billie Holiday. While most of the selections are taken as trios, "Sweet Leilani" and "Time on My Hands" are played as instrumentals and Vaché sits out on the duo rendition of "Cause I Feel Low Down." The music overall is quite delightful and would have been enjoyed by the King of Swing. This is one of Terry Blaine's finest recordings to date although all are quite worthwhile. ~Scott Yanow