[TPIN] Benny Goodman's trip to Russia

[Bob Romans]

Of interest to trumpet players!
 BG vs. Kenton-- Ken Dryden comments

Note to readers:  This is a compelling documentation of the BG  trip to USSR
and difficulties with dealing with BG-- from contracts to behavior at
rehearsals and on the bandstand.  It's long but detailed and informative. An
interesting read. In fact, when I received it, I was rushed for time, but
couldn't stop until I got to the end!

Wish I had read that much earlier.  Would have had opportunity to query John
Bunch, Joe Wilder (especially Joe) and Phil Woods about their recollections
of that journey.

I had opportunity to work with Hal Davis, Benny's Public Relations agent for
many years, after Hal retired to Sarasota. (Hal was one of the founders of
the American Federation of Jazz Societies, too.) His goal was to establish a
Jazz Society there.  As you know, very successful Jazz Club of Sarasota now.
Once I asked him if all those stories I'd heard about Goodman were true.
His terse reply, " And more so; there are lots more!"  Hal also accompanied
him on his later Asian tour.  Hal appears  in this USSR description, too.

Thanks, Ken.  You have enriched our jazz lives!



From: Ken Dryden [mailto:Ken-Dryden at utc.edu]
 BG vs. Stan Kenton--

I'm sure that Stan Kenton treated his musicians better than Benny Goodman
and that he had better peoples skills and manners. For a study in contrast,
read bassist Bill Crow's
"To Russia Without Love," posted on his website at:

http://billcrowbass.com/Writing/To%20Russia.htm

Ken Dryden
Chattanooga
--End--