Swing: A Benny Goodman Story (CD Album) – The BBC Concert Orchestra

For this record, Pierre Genisson honours the legacy of the one known as the ‘King of Swing’ and his worldwide successes: Benny Goodman. Both composer and conductor, born in Chicago, Illinois, the clarinettist shared his musical life between jazz and classical music: He was the first to perform jazz music with black musicians in the famous Carnegie Hall in 1938. Though we know most of his jazz standards, he also contributed a lot to the development of the classical clarinet repertoire: for instance he distinguished himself performing Aaron Copland’s ‘Concerto’, Bernstein’s ‘Prelude, Fugue and Riffs’ or Bartok’s ‘Contrasts’. Bringing together these emblematic works with unforgettable hits like ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ or the irresistible ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, Pierre Genisson makes Benny Goodman’s star shine brighter and, alongside the brilliant musicians of the BBC Concert Orchestra, proves once again the extent of his talent.