Benny Goodman and his Orchestra

Camel Caravan Radio Shows Of Feb. 7 & 17, 1939

      From 1936 to 1939, Benny Goodman's stock as a bandleader grew by leaps and bounds with his weekly 30-minute broadcasts on the Camel Caravan radio show, sponsored by Camel cigarettes. While it may be "politically incorrect" these days to have tobacco manufacturers sponsor anything, back in the hey-day of radio, cigarette companies were major advertisers for radio programs.

The two Camel Caravan broadcasts on this CD are from Feb. 7, 1939, from The State Theatre in Hartford, CT, and from Feb. 14, 1939, from The Earle Theatre in Philadelphia, where "The King Of Swing" and his entourage were performing.

Featured on these broadcasts are the ever-swinging Goodman band, his thrilling quartet starring Teddy Wilson on piano and Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, the band's songstress, "Liltin'" Martha Tilton, and singer/composer Johnny Mercer, acting as Master of Ceremonies.

While Goodman was a peerless clarinetist, his vocal abilities left something to be desired. Nonetheless, he waxes no fear singing with Mercer on Everyone Knows Those Old Jokes. Then Tilton then teams up with the daring duo on Could Be. It's all in good fun and no one is going to knock the boss for trying.

These broadcasts are classic Goodman. Coupled with Mercer's good-hearted levity, these shows make for some fun listening.

Track selections:  (Feb. 7, 1939) Let's Dance, Swinging Down The Lane, Gotta Get Some Shut Eye, I Found A New Baby, Estrellita, Cock In The Clock, Everyone Knows Those Old Jokes, Hartford Stomp, Goodbye. (Feb. 14, 1939) Let's Dance, Undecided, A Home In The Clouds, Trees, You're A Sweet Little Headache, Deep Purple, Hold Tight, Could Be, Sent For You Yesterday, Goodbye.

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra Camel Caravan CD is $10 plus $2.50 shipping and handling. To order, e-mail jazzconnection@hotmail.com  

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