All Star Swing Festival

• Artist: Various Artists
• Release Date: 1986
• Type: Collection (various artists), Video, Live
• Genre: Jazz

Review

The All Star Swing Festival was videotaped at Lincoln Center in the fall of 1972, sponsored by Timex for broadcast on NBC and later aired by public television. The odd format consists of some 16 separate, perfunctory performances by a number of different groups that were active during the heyday of the swing era, with emcee Doc Severinsen popping around various locations in the hall to introduce each band.

A rousing, if brief, rendition of "C Jam Blues" showcases solos by trumpeter Cootie Williams, baritone saxophonist Harry Carney, and clarinetist Russell Procope. Prior to playing "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," Ellington delights the audience by reciting a brief poem. Count Basie's brisk treatment of "Jumpin' at the Woodside" is full of energy. Benny Goodman reunited with his famous quartet for the occasion, including vibist Lionel Hampton, pianist Teddy Wilson, and drummer Gene Krupa, with bassist George Duvivier discretely added to Krupa's left. Though Goodman was asked about being taped a day before the October 23, 1972 concert, the clarinetist insisted it was to be done live or not at all; it is apparent other selections were taped at two different concerts. Unfortunately, Wilson's piano is poorly miked in "Avalon," while the keyboard sounds a bit muddy in "Moonglow." Goodman and Hampton wail in a rousing "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy (From Dumas)," with the ailing Krupa (who was ill with leukemia and would die the following year) adding a flourish at the end. An extended tribute to Louis Armstrong (who had died the previous year), includes Severinsen featured in "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" while trumpeter Bobby Hackett is showcased in a single chorus of "Blueberry Hill," and bopper Dizzy Gillespie in a sassy "Basin Street Blues." A larger ensemble is utilized for "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" (including trumpeter Max Kaminsky, pianist Earl Hines, clarinetist Barney Bigard, and others) and "Mack the Knife," though Ella Fitzgerald steals the show with a single chorus of "Hello Dolly." The program closes with a rare opportunity to hear Basie and Ellington jam together on "One O'clock Jump" in a live setting, backed by the Basie band. One group that was part of the original broadcast is omitted: the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring Paul Desmond, performed "Take Five," though they obviously weren't swing musicians. What's more puzzling is the omission of vocalist Joe Williams singing "It's Alright, Okay, You Win" with the Basie band, though it was also aired. It is unclear as to why they were excised from this release, though it could possibly be due to licensing issues. Also missing is an impromptu improvised encore by Goodman, though it was not a part of the original broadcast. Another shortcoming of this frustrating DVD is the failure to identify either the individual musicians or the composers. Clearly, this television special doesn't compare with the two Lincoln Center concerts from which it was excerpted. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi

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