Benny Goodman Sextet - The Maids Of Cadiz The Varsity Drag

Review by Frederick Park

The album "The Maids of Cadiz The Varsity Drag" by Benny Goodman Sextet is a masterpiece of swing jazz. The album features a mix of classic jazz standards and original compositions, all performed with the tight musicianship and infectious energy that the Goodman Sextet was known for.

From the opening track, "The Maids of Cadiz," the listener is transported to a world of vibrant, swinging jazz. Goodman's clarinet playing is virtuosic, and the rhythm section of Teddy Wilson on piano, Lionel Hampton on vibes, and Gene Krupa on drums provides a propulsive, swinging groove.

The album also features some standout vocal performances, including Martha Tilton's sultry rendition of "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" and the playful duet between Tilton and Johnny Mercer on "The Varsity Drag."

Summary by Frederick Park

"The Maids of Cadiz The Varsity Drag" is a must-have for any jazz fan. It showcases the talents of some of the greatest musicians of the swing era and captures the infectious joy and energy of the music.