I do love me some jazz. Although, as you’re likely to see later on, the subgenre swing does not get too much attention from me. My jazz of choice tends to veer more toward cool, hard bop, and various strands of avant-garde. Although, having played in the jazz band at my high school, I can appreciate good swing when I hear it. And for the most part, Benny Goodman’s Greatest Hits compiles good swing. At times, it teeters dangerously close to clarinet-led monotony, each composition starting to sound the same after a while.

The live cuts, however, showcase a completely different band. In the studio, the rhythm section neatly sets the pace for Goodman’s band and his neverending clarinet solo. But put the band in front of an audience, and the drummer breaks free of his bonds and lets loose. Sadly, this compilation doesn’t feature the most famous version of Sing, Sing, Sing, wherein the drummer, feeling that the band’s energy was waning, embarked on one of the most iconic drum solos ever, completely altering the mood of the song. The same principle appears on the live tracks here–Benny Goodman’s Orchestra + audience = the drummer’s gonna take it up a notch. It’s a tried-and-true formula that transforms the mostly restrained (and sometimes sleepy) orchestra into a full-fledged swing band, Charlston-dancing flappers not included.

If nothing else, this compilation shows the difference between Benny Goodman in the studio and Benny Goodman in the concert hall. The studio cuts play out more like orchestral pieces, rising and falling the right places, carefully measured and well-mannered. Live, the electricity completely changes. Band members trade playful solos with each other, the drums are about three times louder and five times more played, and the endgame is to get people dancing. One of those two Benny Goodman Orchestras is a great swing band. The other plays pleasant enough swing pieces that don’t leave much of an impression. Unfortunately, the studio cuts outnumber the live ones 7 to 4, teasing the listener with greatness.