Bandleader and clarinettist Pete Long (Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Echoes of Ellington and ex-sax star of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra) present a superlative recreation of one of the greatest concerts in jazz history.

The 16 musicians of Pete Long and His Goodmen recreate Benny Goodman’s famous Carnegie Hall concert which took place on 16 January 1938. Benny’s lineup that night included stars such as trumpeters Harry James and Ziggy Elman, drummer Gene Krupa and pianist Jess Stacey (who, it was said, stole the show with his great solo in ‘Sing Sing Sing’).

It was also the first time ever that black and white jazz musicians appeared together on the concert stage in the USA with Lionel Hampton on vibes, Teddy Wilson on piano and stars of the Duke Ellington and Count Basie Orchestras making guest appearances.

At the original concert, the musicians played without amplification and the wonderful acoustics of Cadogan Hall make it possible for our anniversary concert to do likewise.

Programme to include ‘Don’t Be That Way’, ‘Avalon’, ‘Blue Skies’, ‘Life Goes To A Party’, ‘Sing Sing Sing’ and many more.

‘Pete Long and his musicians have gone to great lengths to re-create this concert, including original arrangements, period instruments and even the stage seating plan. The result is an evening of fabulous music that swings like crazy, it’s a great night out not to be missed!’ (Jon Hancock, author of Benny Goodman – The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert)

‘In Pete Long, reeds player, raconteur, bandleader and all-round wit, we have a genuine home-grown treasure. If his projects have attracted few column inches in the past, it is partly because Long, who knows this music inside out, appears to wear his expertise so lightly. In another life, he might easily have been a vaudeville entertainer.’ (Clive Davis, The Times)