Never heard Benny’s first program, but I’ve long known it circulates. Didn’t know George Olsen’s band was present. Always liked Olsen’s 1924 recording of “Beale Street Blues,” but his early-30s music had gotten rather mellow for my tastes.
I think my favorite Olsen is “I’m Bringing a Red, Red Rose.” I have a mint copy—sounds cleaner than a couple of reissues I have.
And I love the Hollywood stuff—1929-30. It’s hot, but has the “California sound.” Sounds like Leroy Shield, Gus Arnheim, Jimmie Grier.
On the fragments of Benny shows from 1933-34, you can hear Frank Black’s orchestra. Awesome. One of those big-budget, elephantine, but hot, hot radio orchestras. It’s maddening that only snippets survive.