Sing Sing Sing
Featuring Benny Goodman on the clarinet.
Listen from 1:30 to end. (Solo joined by band).
Song Analysis
The song "Sing Sing Sing" was such a success because it was also suited to not only jazz but also rock audiences due to its big, strong beat and structure with very "show off" drum breaks. Back in the 1930s and 40s Benny Goodman's version of this song was heard everywhere from television commercials to being performed by high school marching bands.
Instrumentation: (as just heard)
~ Clarinet (soloistic -Benny Goodman)
~ Trombones (with mutes)
~ Trumpets
~ Double Bass (playing walking bass line)
~ Bass Guitar (also sometimes playing walking bass)
~ Drum Kit
~ Saxophones
~ Piano
^ Pretty Stock Standard Jazz Band/ Big Band
Features of Jazz (in this song)
> walking bass
> Big Band
> swing "feel"
> solos (spread throughout)
> use of improvisation (in solos)
> use of syncopated rhythms and lots of dotted rhythms/notes.
Benny would always be in the front line - this refers to the musicians playing the lead parts in any particular configuration, which is basically everyone who is not in the rhythm section. The lead horns or singers stand on the front line and the bass, drums, and piano or guitar or other "comping" instrument are behind them.