Benny Goodman Centeninial Celebration
Chicago Jazz Ensemble under Jon Faddis
Special Guest Buddy DeFranco

Led by trumpeter Jon Faddis and his Chicago Jazz Ensemble, this Celebration also included the great clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and Northwestern University's director of jazz studies, clarinetist Victor Goines. The Ensemble's Bobbi Wilsyn was the featured vocalist.

The initial portion of the program included a half dozen selections by the Jazz Ensemble including classic standards like "Let's Dance", Stompin at the Savoy", "The King Porter Stomp", Goodman's closing number "Good Bye", "Jersey Bounce" and "Why Don't You Do Right".

It wasn't until the appearance of Mr. DeFranco that things really got "Hot". Although having been on this earth for more than 86 years,Buddy never missed a beat during his segment and the audience loved every minute of his initial set. The latter part of this set included only DeFranco, the rhythm section and vibraphonist Jim Cooper. This small group picked up the pace with some swinging numbers.

Fireworks really began when Victor Goines joined the fray. Victor certainly was THE star among stars.His five piece suite entitled "Benny:Then,Now and Forever" was simply magnificient. With Faddis at his side and directing the band, these two had everyone on the edge of their seats. Faddis , with his oh soooo high notes was at his best. It's such a pleasure to hear this maestro play as he often takes a back seat to the band.

This five part movement depicted Goodman's life with "Maxwell Street Ghetto","Dearly Beloved", "We Four Plus One", "Benny's Groove" and "Then,Now ,Forever". Perhaps the highlight of the night was Goines spell bounding performance on "Benny's Groove". He hit notes with such clarity and precision. The audience responded with a well earned standing ovation.

This outstanding evening came to a climatic conclusion with DeFranco returning to the stage as they played Goodman's signature song "Sing, Sing, Sing". They were also joined by swing dancers Margo and Riley and the audience was estactic. This was quite an appropriate way to conclude the concert as dancing during the early years of jazz was an integral component of most club sets.