Customer Reviews

In London

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

 

 

I fell in love with this recording long time ago, listened to it about zillion times and love it only more and more. Here we have a fantastic combination of the individual members of the band, where each one is the brightest solo star, and powerful Basie's baton, which make this recording absolutely unique! Frankly, the additional tracks were not necessary - I never listen after the original numbers on that vinyl record I loved SOOOOOOOOOOOO much. By the way this is absolutely greatest performance of Big Joe Williams too - especially in "Comeback..." All in all - its undisputably and absolutely #1 in Jazz recordings.

A great concert by the Basie band in Sweden (not London!) showcasing the merits of all its respective members. Here we have some of the swinginist renditions recorded in the Basie repertoire. Recorded in the mid 1950's. Tunes included, such as 'How High the Moon' and 'Plymouth Rock' are reason alone to buy this CD! This stuff is pure power swing. The additional tracks do add to the overall value of the CD. Since this original CD version is somewhat difficult to find and availability is sketchy, you may benefit from going after the Re-Mastered re-issue. The original audio of this disc, while being entirely acceptable, does show that it could perhaps lend itself to some careful re-mastering. Whatever release you buy, Enjoy!

I won't nit pick the little things about the actual recording. Suffice it to say, this is pure swing jazz at it's best. All the greats are here with Mr. Basie: Frank Wess ,Freddie Green, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Frank Foster, Joe Williams, Benny Powell, Marshall Royal & Henry Coker.

If you know jazz, you'll love this album.

The Downside: monaural recording; the add-on tracks are not as good. The Upside: The sound is relatively clear and distortion-free. These concert excerpts are a snapshot of the Basie band at its most robust, individually and collectively. The band was on a roll here. They swing both slow and fast songs quite infectiously. The ensemble precision is close to perfect, at times jaw-droppingly so: the horns play so together that one suspects some kind of psychic link connects their minds, fusing them into one being. Wonderful vocals by Joe Williams; they are my favorite versions of those songs, as are this version of Shiny Stockings and the other standards. One of my favorite jazz recordings!