From the Record Shelves #34

We Were the Best of Friends

CD Jazz Oracle BDW8059

This is a record with so-called “hot dance music”, well played, spiced with the jazz element. The time is early depression 1930-33. Benny Goodman is if not everywhere, here and there with his silver-toned clarinet, fluent and well expressed. With some exceptions the record contains sessions under his name. The exceptions are under different singers name and the best of these is Steve Washington who also did sessions with Washboard Rhythm Kings and who can be considered a genuine jazz singer. Sadly he died from pneumonia a couple of years later.

The theme of the song is not unusual, two friends drifting apart. The muted trumpet solo is played by Sterling Bose.

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