Sidney Bechet or Benny Goodman?

Wow, you ask a tough one. Of course, I would rather not choose. But, if I must . . .

I grew up listening to Benny Goodman (my dad was really into Big Band music) and I love him, but for me it would have to be Sidney Bechet.

His instrument has such depth and such melancholy. It weeps and wails and twines its way into the listener’s soul.

Benny Goodman…no doubt

Choice C: Miles Davis.

I have to go with Benny Goodman. His sound is unique. Gene Krupa, Harry James…awesome! Nothing like Sing Sing Sing.

The influence of Benny Goodman is probably why I like White Rabbit’s Percussion Gun so much.

I love Miles Davis, but I’m having a difficult time understanding what he has at all to do with Goodman and Bechet. Do you care to elaborate?

Hands down Benny Goodman. No contest.

I still have a 10” vinyl record of Bechet’s I bought in France in 1954. it’s pretty scratched

Here’s an example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG4nPM9uxwg

This is Bechet playing the clarinet, but he was the first master of the jazz soprano sax.
Benny was also a really good classical clarinetist.

I’d make it a tie.

Another Bechet. Both are giants, but I would say Benny Goodman (I would actually say Glen Miller if I had the choice, since you are asking about cultural impact).

I would say Benny Goodman, but also actually mean Glenn Miller, too.