Pioneers–Benny G, Exactly Like you

If all goes well, this will be released on Wednesday. Fingers crossed.

Our second version of “Exactly Like You” came out most likely in the 1930’s and featured the Benny Goodman Quartet, consisting of Lionel Hampton on the vibes, Gene Krupa on drums, Teddy Wilson on piano and BG playing the clarinet. It is part of the small group recordings that Goodman released, starting in the 1930’s but going on for decades. Long after big band arrangements had passed into the great beyond, BG kept recording with just a few musicians. The groups got as large as a sextet, but that was about it.

When you listen to this music, think about the difference between an orchestra and a chamber ensemble.

The group goes through the song the first time together; then around 1:10, Lionel takes the vocal. At 2:12, you will hear him hand off to Teddy on the piano. Benny comes back in at 2:43 with a clarinet solo; then the group winds it up.

However, there is one more treat if you listen carefully: starting around 3:06, Teddy starts to add a boogie-woogie sound on the piano. An absolute delight.