Product Details

• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Tdk DVD Video
• DVD Release Date: September 26, 2006
• Run Time: 56 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000H9HWQY
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,522 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Jazz Times

"Jazz Icons is doing for jazz what the Criterion Collection has done for classic and important films".

Product Description

Jazz Icons: Count Basie features one of the greatest big band orchestras captured at the height of their considerable powers. Billed frequently as the Â"most explosive force in jazz,Â" this recently discovered 60-minute concert, taped in Sweden in 1962, highlights the legendary musical talents of this 18-piece band which included such luminaries as Marshal Royal, Freddie Green, Quentin Â"ButterÂ" Jackson, Frank Wess and sensational drummer Sonny Payne. This is the earliest known complete concert of Count Basie and his orchestra to be released on DVD. Stellar performances include Â"Corner Pocket,Â" Â"Old Man River,Â" and Â"One OÂ’Clock Jump.Â"

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic performance, surprisingly good audio, April 11, 2007

By 

James A. Vedda (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62 (DVD)

The Jazz Icons series does a great service by preserving for us an important part of American musical heritage. I've been a Basie fan for a long time, and had the opportunity to see the band perform a couple of times with the Count at the helm, so I may be biased, but I think the Basie DVD is the best one of the series that I've seen so far. It features some of the Count's legendary sidemen. To name just a few: Frank Wess and Frank Foster in the sax section, Thad Jones and Snooky Young on trumpet, Sonny Payne on drums, and of course, Freddie Green on guitar.

Sonny Payne is on top of his game and is a delight to watch throughout the performance. Eric Dixon displays his big, warm tenor sax sound on a gorgeous interpretation of "You Are Too Beautiful." Other tunes feature impressive solo work from Wess, Foster, and Sonny Cohn on trumpet.

Any downside to this performance will be determined by personal taste. For example, the surprisingly up-tempo rendition of "Old Man River" is great, but Payne's drum solo is long and may try the patience of some listeners. Also, vocalist Irene Reid belts out her tunes with power and conviction, apparently trying to emulate the sound (and even the look) of Ella Fitzgerald, but she will not please everyone. By her third selection, I was getting tired of hearing her repeatedly shout in the same high-impact register instead of getting inventive with the melody.

For a 1962 Swedish Television recording, this session is remarkably well preserved and restored. It's in black & white, and the lighting is a bit off in some scenes, but the sound is great all the way. This is a collector's item that will be enjoyed over and over.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Basie in Sweden, October 2, 2006

By 

Curtis Erland "Curtis" (Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62 (DVD)

A beautifully photographed concert from the vaults of Swedish Television.

A dynamic rendition of the Basie aggregation at it`s peak. SONNY PAYNE is a joy to watch,he literally steals the show with his fantastic drumworks and "tricks with sticks".Wow,he`s certainly in a leading role along with the Count.

It starts off with one of Frank Foster`s best compositions `EASIN IT` with fine solos and then ,what more to say,it`s all so gorgeous to be able to have this testament from a succsessful tour on DVD.

Don`t hesitate.You won`t be disappointed!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Blast From The Past - Beautiful!, January 26, 2007

By 

Jeff Lowenthal (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62 (DVD)

At last, a DVD which has great historical value, great video quality (b & w) and good audio. Nirvana for the collector.

This is the way jazz DVD's should be produced - no stiff introductions (as the Norman Granz collection, otherwise fine), just a straightforward presentation of the music, which is great. The producers have apparently started with a pristine tape which belies its 42 years. The transfer is fine, and this is one great production, at a reasonable price too.

Five stars!