Customer Reviews

Live in Japan 1978

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

 

 

Sorry to disagree with the other review but the sonics on this CD are not the best. For a better CD try "On the Road".

Put the CD in - hit the play button. Close your eyes and you're there. A Count Basie extravaganza. LIVE and in full STEREO. The band is sharp, quick and hot. Basie doesn't hang in the background either. The sound is excellent - just as is you were sitting in the first row and the saxes are feet away from your ears. Trust me - you WILL NOT be dissapointed. You know you'll love it if you're a fan of Basie's work already - and If you're not a fan, this CD will make you one 'cause You'll be playing it over and over and over again.

From about 1977 through 1982 Basie reached his zenith. His musical maturity was suported by a fairly stable group of marvelous musicians, he owned remarkable library of charts and his personal growth allowed him to mould the band not with "stride" but with single notes of genius proportions. This concert is a classic example of the level of excellence achieved. It is a great CD! The Japanese obvioulsy loved and understood Basie and their reaction helped drive the band. The core side-men shined and drove including Butch Miles, Booty Wood and Freddie Green. Good charts contributed with probably the best "Woodside" ever recorded. Finally, the sound engineering was outstanding which in a large hall and broad stage is not normal. It is not quite studio quality but is close and is far better than Basie was affored in his many European concert recordings. Butch Miles is known to have observed "Basie is a way of life". The Japanese concert is proof.

The best Basie concert ever. Period.