The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis often honors the iconic artists, albums, movements, and events that left distinctive marks on the jazz continuum. On this memorable night in 2018, the JLCO celebrated a single landmark performance: Benny Goodman’s legendary 1938 debut at Carnegie Hall. In the country’s most hallowed classical concert hall, the moment was about much more than Benny Goodman; it was, in many ways, a “debut” of jazz itself, an unprecedented presentation of authentic jazz and racial integration on a stage of unparalleled prestige.
True to form, the “King of Swing” celebrated the music on its own terms, introducing the public to real jazz elements and extensive improvisation during an era fixated on dance music — and by the end of the evening, the response was ecstatic. This JLCO performance consists entirely of pieces from the historic performance, including those made famous by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Fats Waller, Louis Prima, and more.

PERSONNEL
Victor Goines, Music Director, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone
Wynton Marsalis, Trumpet
Ryan Kisor, Trumpet
Kenny Rampton, Trumpet
Marcus Printup, Trumpet
Vincent Gardner, Trombone
Chris Crenshaw, Trombone
Elliot Mason, Trombone
Sherman Irby, Alto Saxophone
Ted Nash, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
Walter Blanding, Tenor Saxophone
Dan Block, Tenor Saxophone
Paul Nedzula, Baritone Saxophone
James Chirillo, Guitar, Banjo
Dan Nimmer, Piano
Carlos Henriquez, Bass
Marion Felder, Drums

WITH
Anat Cohen, Clarinet
Ken Peplowski, Clarinet
Janelle Reichman, Clarinet
Veronica Swift, Vocals
Joseph Doubleday, Vibraphone