Customer Reviews

Diane Schuur & Count Basie Orchestra

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was one of Diane Schuur's first recordings and is still one of my favorites. It displays the phenomenal agility of her voice in ways that some of her subsequent recordings have not. She has a powerful, brassy instrument - so much so that some of my friends don't care for her, saying she sounds like she's screaming. (I disagree. If this is screaming, then please get right up close to my ear and do so.)

My favorite track is, without a doubt, "You Can Have It," a feverishly catchy tune written for Ms. Schuur, presumably to show off what she can do. It certainly succeeds. By the end of the song both she and the band are in jazz heaven, with Schuur scat-singing effortlessly, and then pulling out all the stops as her astonishing voice climbs a series of ascending scales. The arrangement, like all the others on the disc, is as classy a big-band sound as you will find anywhere. Other highlights are "I Just Found Out About Love" with its brassy syncopations, and a gorgeous rendition of Gershwin's "I Loves You, Porgy" that again, shows off her spectacular range and crystal-clear tone.

The program is an engaging mix of upbeat and ballads; just when you think you're exhausted by all the virtuosity, a quietly smoky number like "Only You" calms things down somewhat (but only somewhat). The energy level overall is very high, with Ms. Schuur and these incredible musicians all in top form, led by the magnificent Frank Foster. The disc was recorded live which only adds to the excitement.

Since this disc came out in 1987, Ms. Schuur has continued to produce some outstanding work, such as her stunning recent release with Maynard Ferguson. This recording, however, is a classic and cannot be recommended highly enough.

This album, released in 1987, was recorded in front of a live audience. Live recordings can sound harsh and the song selection is usually repeats of previous studio album and single cuts. This album is a collection of well recorded and performed songs not before, or since, recorded by Diane. There is an amazing energy throughout this entire cd. The audience sounds as if they were having the time of their lives, and you wish you were there. A favorite track for me is "Caught A Touch Of Your Love." Diane's vocals on this cut, and the Orchestra anticipating her delivery without competing with her makes it seem they've been together for years. This album is unusual due to the planning, it's more like a recording session in front of an audience as opposed to a concert recording. If concerts were this well planned out and recorded, I'd have a few more live recordings.

Ms Schuur's vocal range is astounding. There are few singers who could so dominate a session with the Count Basie Orchestra. I also loved "Deedles" and "Timeless". It is easy to see the influence Dinah Washington had on Ms Schuur. While some have complained that there is too much pop influence some of her recording, this CD is flat-out high impact jazz, it still sends shivers down my spine. If you buy just one CD by Diane Schuur make it this one, but why stop when she has so much to offer.

Buy it. You will not be disappointed. Diane is magical. The CBO is better than ever. "Only You" will blow you away.

So I bought this album shortly after it came out. I was a fan of the Basie Orchestra even though I was young (31). I've always kicked myself because I had the opportunity to see them live in 1983 (when the Count was still alive) and let it slip away. When I first heard it I was not sure if I liked it; Diane Schurr's voice seemed "over the top" to me. This feeling soon vanished after I played it the first few times. I realized this album was a very special performance where it all comes together. As another reviewer mentioned "Only You" is amazing. The arrangement and performances are very special.

Buy it. You will not be disappointed. Diane is magical. The CBO is better than ever. "Only You" will blow you away.

What a voice! She's soooo good, she's right up there with Ella and Sarah, in my opinion!!

I own dozens of jazz CDs, and this is one of my all-time favorites. It is one of those collections that a person can listen to time and again without growing tired of it. Recorded in a studio before a live audience, Ms. Schuur and the Basie Orchestra (under Frank Foster) are at their absolute best. The music is classy, upbeat, and it REALLY SWINGS! Highly recommended.

Diane Schuur is excellent in this set; however I think that she is better with more delicate arrangments, such as quartet or trio (like Shirley Horn); the orchestra is not totally good for her.

Great music, great singing. As a long time jazz guitarist, I also got this recording for sentimental reasons - it was rhythm guitarist Freddie Greens last. It was recorded less than a week before he died of a heart attack. Count Basies son once said that Freddie Green was probably more important to the Basie orchestra than Basie himself. This record (which was recorded years after Basie died) proves that point.