Customer Reviews

Norman Granz Jazz in Montreux Presents Count Basie Big Band '77

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This DVD comes from a performance by the Count Basie Orchestra at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1977. This music is very familar to Basie buffs since it became available on record since soon after it was recorded. Now it turns out that the set was not only taped for record but was also video-recorded, apparently for a European television program.

So now we have this welcome DVD which contains a typically spirited and swinging performance by a fine edition of the Basie Band. The set list contains a couple of fairly recent charts by Sammy Nestico ("Freckle Face" is one of the set's highlights and spotlights the Basie band's great control of dynamics). Reaching back into the early Basie band repetoire we get versions of "Jumpin' at the Woodside" and the set closer, "One O'Clock Jump." There are tunes from the Basie Band's middle period such as "I Needs to Be Bee'd With", "L'il Darlin'", and a very spirited reading of "Splanky". There is also a seldom heard version of "A Night in Tunisia", featuring a sparkling fluegelhorn solo by Waymon Reed.

The other soloists are well featured, including trombonist Al Grey who impresses on his feature, "The More I See You", and really tears it up with plunger mute on "I Needs to Be Bee'd With." (Grey also acts as chief cheerleader for the band; the Basie band was not only enjoyable to hear, but entertaining to see as well, as there was a fine sense of showmanship in the band.) Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest is very forceful in his solo spots, including his ballad feature "Bag of Dreams." Trumpeters Bobby Mitchell and Sonny Cohn, along with tenor saxophonist and Eric Dixon make good use of their solo space. The band is really sparked by lead trumpeter Lyn Biviano and drummer Butch Miles. And of course, there is Basie, whose economical piano playing is a delight and sets the stage perfectly for the band's swinging charts. Despite the fact that Basie never really pushes himelf to the forefront, there is no doubt that this is his band and that he is fully in charge.

The recorded sound is excellent and well balanced, allowing us to clearly hear the various instruments and sections, including the rhythm guitar of Freddie Greene and the baritone saxophone of Charlie Fowlkes. The camera work is a little less stellar, however. I wish there had been more shots of drummer Butch Miles who not only plays like Buddy Rich, but also tries his best to look like him. As well, there could have been more shots of the full band in action, and it would be have been good to see Basie himself from more angles. Furthermore, "Whirly-Bird" (not "Fantail" as listed), cuts off just as Miles begins his drum solo. Then the DVD suddenly picks up in the middle of "Jumpin' at the Woodside." Plus one track that appeared on the LP, "Hittin' Twelve", is omitted. All this betrays the fact that the original video recording was made in order to fit the one hour TV time slot. For some reason, the full personnel details which were listed on the original recording, are no where to be found.

But even with these minor reservations, "Basie Big Band '77" is a warmly recommended DVD and reminds us why hearing and seeing the Basie band was one of jazz's enduring pleasures.

This is a great quality DVD.

The band is not as swingy as the band that you can catch on the "Count Basie: Live In '62" though and I did not find it nearly as enjoyable. It does not seem like the "real" Basie Band. Butch Miles is more intense then Sonny Payne and the band is sweating and not as relaxed as a result.

Overall, the playing and song selections are not as bluesy or groovy and I was in no hurry to hear the DVD a second time - it just does not get me off like the '62 DVD. It is not nearly as special.

My only true complaints are that I wish they did not insult the great Butch Miles by chopping out his solo on "Whirly Bird". I would have rather they chopped out the introductory comments.

I saw Count Basie in concert in the spring of 1977. It is one of the most outstanding concerts in my memory. This DVD captures the magic that I remember. Butch Miles is my 2nd favorite Basie drummer, and his performance displays his talent. Al Grey is featured, and I was blown away by his musicianship. Freddy Green is seen throughout the concert, just driving away with his fantastic rhythm guitar work. The Count himself is on camera a lot, and I was happy to observe his personality on camera. This DVD is one of my 3 favorite Basie DVDs. It is worth every penny, and I highly recommend it.

Have had this on Vinyl for nearly 30 years so was looking forward to the DVD. What a disappointment! Sound is good but the film is dark. (Compare it to shots from this concert on Youtube) "Jumping at the Woodside" is missing and one of the tracks stops and fades halfway thru then starts again a few seconds later.
"Fantail" is actually "Whirlybird".

Less "waffling" by Mr.Granz and less credits at the start may have permitted "Woodside" to be included.

A great band and concert let down by a shoddy DVD presentation

that Norman Granz took the trouble to film these concerts.
Good Jazz DVD's are rare enough but this series is a treasure.
The only fault is that on a couple of tracks they are faded in or out (no doubt because of problems with the original master tapes). However, if you've listened to The Atomic Mr Basie on CD, but weren't fortunate enough to see Basie live then get this DVD. The arrangements are great, the band swings, and Basie is as cool as cool can be.