Customer Reviews

Timeless Count Basie

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

 

 

Basie doesnt even play on this. its a rip off done after he passed away. don't buy this. Its an insult to the Count's legacy. I gave it 1 star because It wouldnt let me give it zero.

The hard part about Basie's music is that without Count Basie, the spirit seems dampened.

Very good playing here, the studio mix is okay, and there is an OUTSTANDING vocal track with some nice behind-the-beat ensemble playing that reminds us of why we all love that Basie Sound. (The track is "Bring on the Raindrops" -- a nice slow blues tour de force by singer Carmen Bradford -- a slightly fuller sounding Diane Schuur.)

While this isn't going to make anyone forget the stellar recordings of the 1950's and 1960's (with the Mills Bros.), it's an easy listen, and may be an entry point to new listeners who want a more modern sound as they dive into the jazz world.

I disagree with the poor review that someone else gave this cd.

This represents the Basie Band in the late 80's, led by legendary tenor player, Frank Foster, who was carrying on the swinging Basie Big Band tradition. I saw this band live at the time and it was as swinging and as solid in musicianship as the classic Basie Band of the 50s.

I believe that this cd is a fair representation of Foster's unit. The band swings, the sound is crisp and clean and the musicians bring a new vitality to these old arrangements. Shiny Stokings, Li' Darlin', Corner Pocket, Four Five Six and Whirly Bird are exceptional.

The cd could have done without the two vocals by Carmen Bradford. The addition of four or five more tunes would have helped to fill it out and better represent Foster's Basie Big Band of the 80's.

If you like the Basie sound, buy this cd; at current Amazon prices it's a steal!