Benny Goodman & His Sextet
Towson Center, Towson State University
Towson, MD
Apr. 8, 1978


Soundboard recording (from master cassette)


Another great torrent from Mexminute/TheCommish
(from the Mexminute archives)


**mp3 samples provided (as always) in the Comments section**


TheCommish notes: This is a VERY special show to Mexminute, so please make sure you read his background notes about this show (below).

I have to admit Benny Goodman's music is out of my league, so unfortunately--despite my research attempts--I was unable to complete the setlist below. I'm 90% sure that the titles I've listed are correct, but if any of those need correction, please post a comment. And of course, if anyone can identify the missing song titles, that would be greatly appreciated.


Setlist:
01. ??
02. Band intro
03. Here's That Rainy Day
04. ??
05. ??
06. ?? (features Wayne Andre on trombone)
07. ?? (features Warren Vaché on trumpet)
08. ?? (features Cal Collins on guitar)
09. After You've Gone
10. Sunday
11. Taking A Chance On Love
12. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
13. Send In The Clowns
14. Stompin' At The Savoy
15. Sing, Sing, Sing
16. Goodbye (Closing Theme) - includes band intro (again)

Note: Vocalist Debbie Gray on Tracks 10-12 only


Lineage:
SBD > master cassette > CDR > EAC > WAV > Editing (below) > FLAC Frontend > FLAC

Editing notes:
* Re-tracked show (combined WAV files in Nero, then re-split with CD Wave)
* Using Nero's wave editor, applied a small fade-out to the applause at the end of Track 10 and a small fade-in to the applause at the beginning of Track 11 (perhaps the tape had been paused between songs?)--smoother transition now
* Removed a small "crackle" at the 2:37 mark of Track 13 with Nero's wave editor


The band:
Benny Goodman - clarinet
Major Holley - bass
Wayne Andre - trombone
Warren Vaché - trumpet
Cal Collins - guitar
Connie Kay - drums
John Bunch - piano


USELESS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE BENNY GOODMAN SHOW (by Mexminute):
My memory of the day Benny Goodman played the Towson Center on the campus of Towson State University in Towson, Maryland is kind of vague.

You need to know that the Towson Center was a brand new complex that was built to hold basketball games, lecture series, concerts & trade shows. However, when you walked into the venue, it looks like a college gymnasium (which is actually what it was).

I was employed at the Towson Center as the Special Events Coordinator (which meant that I ran the ushering staff, and did some artist interaction). I was told to be at the venue by late morning, as Mr. Goodman & his entourage were going to show up around noon. As the stage was being set up with all the risers & “big band” equipment, one of my ushers waited outside the building for Mr. Goodman’s car to arrive (or so I thought he was….he actually was around the side of the building smoking a joint).

Low & behold, there is a thunderous banging at the stage door exit. It was Benny Goodman with his manager, trying to gain accessibility to the venue. I quickly ran over, apologized to the 2 gentlemen, and proceeded to escort them into the gym.

Mr. Goodman takes 3 steps inside, gives a quick visual scan of where he will be performing, and begins to clear his throat. Then with no concern for decorum or class, he hocks a giant lugy on the gym floor and says, “Shit, another fucking gymnasium.” I kid you not….one of the most influential jazz / big band musicians in the world spit on floor inside, dropped the f-bomb, and threw in a shit for good measure. How cool was that?

So, he puts his hat back on, turns around & walks out the building, not to return until 5 minutes before the lights went down.

I got to see very little of the show because my boss & I were held up in Mr. Goodman’s dressing room eating & drinks all the incredible food the catering service made for him.

Later that evening when the show was over, the technical director of the venue walked over to me and handed me a cassette tape. I asked what it was & he told me that it was the soundboard master of tonight’s performance, and that this recording must never, ever, ever get out into general circulation. I agreed. However I think 30 years later & ok to share.

Please enjoy this gem.


If you decide to download this show, won't you please consider posting a comment on the show's board? It only takes a moment, and believe me, it takes A LOT longer to prepare/upload a show for others to enjoy than it does to download and run.

And won't you please consider thanking Mexminute for sharing this mighty fine show with us?


Generously shared by Mexminute
and uploaded on DIME by TheCommish
January 2009