Customer Reviews

Count Plays Duke

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

 

 

I first heard "A-Train" unannounced on the radio; recognized Kenny Hing, but I didn't recognize the arrangement.But I do now. Allyn Ferguson's arrangement of this album is as remarkable, as it is unique. He interpreted each song his way , not like Duke nor Basie. Such a concept was a new challenge for each musician to navigate. Kenny Hing, my main man, plays like a man possessed: his technique, interpretation and presentation are tour-de-force. Bob Ojeda played himself, no paraphrasing some other trumpet solo. a delighful departure. And Frank Wess is the man. His infectious and ferocious improvisation are works of art. You are seduced by the subtulties of his solo, then suddenly, he is sprewing ideas with pulsating dynamics on every beat. Another stroke of genuis was Ferguson's inclusion of "Star-Crossed Lovers" and "Paris Blues;" both are less played, but so hantingly and beautifully presented in this setting. The ingratiating nature of the music; the standard of excellence of the orchestra; the leadership of Grover Mitchell and the verve Butch Miles are tantamount to having a jazz classic standard-of-excellence album. All of these ingredients mesh, making each note Count [like] Basie!

This is my first acquaintance with the Count Basie Band conducted by Grover Mitchell and it is a disappointing one. In the booklet Grover Mitchell states that his favourite arrangers amongst others are Thad Jones, Frank Foster and Ernie Wilkins. I therefore can't understand why he chose Allyn Ferguson to write the charts for this selection of 13 Ellington standards. To me this album sounds like Sunday afternoon teatime dance music. I wish Frank Foster or Frank Wess would have contributed the arrangements in order to bring more drive and vitality to the music.

I first heard Count Basie's orchestra at the recent U of Michigan Jazz Festival. WOW! They blew me away with their projection, rhythm, musicianship, and just their overall sound. A concert truly worthy of my time.

I bought this album looking for a good bunch of Count Basie tracks. I was greatly satisfied. Simply put, the Count Basie Orchestra is incredible. Fans of big band jazz, or any good jazz for that matter, will love the orchestra's upbeat, tight sound and the soloers' inspiring, soulful playing.

A must have for any music fan.