Charlie Christian(1916-1942), pioneer of the electric jazz guitar, is heard here on 16 tracks with the Benny Goodman Sextet/Septet and Orchestra.
The music was recorded in New York or Los Angeles between 1939 & 1941 with a collective personnel of Christian(guitar); Benny Goodman(clarinet); Alec Fila, Irving Goodman, Jimmy Maxwell, Cootie Williams(trumpet); Cutty Cutshall, Lou McGarity(trombone); Gus Bivona, Skippy Martin(alto sax); Bob Snyder(baritone sax); Lionel Hampton(vibes); Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Johnny Guarnieri, Dudley Brooks(piano); Artie Bernstein(bass); Nick Fatool, Harry Jaeger, Jo Jones, Dave Tough(drums).
The guitarist is on inspired form throughout and highlights include 'Seven Come Eleven', 'Solo Flight', 'Air Mail Special' & the boppish 'Till Tom Special'.
Charlie Christian is unjustly overlooked nowadays and the swinging jazz on this well-remastered CD is an ideal introduction to his sadly brief career.