Customer Reviews

Big Band: Montreux 77

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my favorite CD ever. You will never hear Basie any better than this. I wrote a paper on this album for language arts. Everything is great. Jimmy Forrest's rendition of "Bag of Dreams" is one of the greatest jazz ballads I've ever heard. Al Grey plays "The More I See You," and, well, he's Al Grey. You probably already own some of these songs, but it doesn't matter. The performance may even make you re-think your opinion on some charts (for me, it did this on "Freckle Face" - I love it!) The band, especially drummer Butch Miles injects everything with unmatched energy. Not a low point on the whole CD. I recommend this CD for anyone - jazz afficionados, or those looking for an introduction. Buy it.

Other reviewers have examined the excellence of this CD with far more eloquence than that which I am capable. From 1975 through 1983 Basie reached his marvelous maturity with the best big band which ever existed. Although he needed mechanical aid in getting to the piano he needed no help from there on. We are talking Mozart genius at this point. However, most do not know that a DVD exists of the same gig. While the sound quality is not the same the insight into the internal dynamics of the band are displayed before us. Drive from Butch Miles, the rock of Freddie Green and the exciting, wonderful Al Grey stand out but the interface is visually apparent for the entire band. Look at Basie's face with a classic smile. He's having fun! The whole band is having fun! The result is remarkable. Buy the CD and buy the DVD as well.

The only reason I gave this a four star is that I would have liked to hear it done in a studio.It could have been controlled better. Just my opinion. Other then that,It's great stuff!