Tribute to Benny Goodman (Jess Stacy, Atlantic).
Recorded in 1954 and 1955 and long out-of-print, pianist Jess Stacy`s Goodman salute makes a welcome return on Atlantic`s bargain-priced Jazzlore series. The band is only nine pieces but sounds much larger than that-thanks to saxophonist Heinie Beau`s graceful arrangements and the fierce, broad-toned trumpet work of Ziggy Elman, who is a brass section all by himself.
Everyone is in top form-especially Elman, tenor saxophonist Vido Musso and drummer Nick Fatool-and the leader`s variations on Earl Hines emerge with a stately rhythmic power and a crystalline melodic clarity. Equally attractive are the album`s four trio tracks, especially ”Blues for Otis Ferguson,”
dedicated to the late jazz critic. (Reviewed on LP.)