Customer Reviews

Verve Jazz Masters 2

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Because the Count changed record labels so often, there's really no definitive greatest hits collection. This comes pretty close, though. It includes some great swing as well as 'April in Paris' and some Joe Williams standards. You can't really spend that amount of money and get 18 great tracks these days.

Although I don't feel that Basie's work in the 50's is as good as the classical "old testament" Basie orchestra, this compilation might come close to changing my mind - with great soloes and ensemble work, with three songs from the great Newport reunion with Rushing, Young and Jo Jones, with some fine small basie groups, this CD is a gem, far more valuable than any ordinary intrudaction to a stage in Basie's rich career.

Don't get me wrong, Young, Clayton, Edison and company can hardly be matched by the later bands, but just listen to Paul Quinichette or Joe Newman soloing at some of these selections ("Royal Garden Blues", "Blue and Sentimental")...
Naturally, the hits are also here - tasteful Wild Bill Davis' arrangement of "April in Paris" and, of course, "Every day (I have the blues)" with Joe Williams' vocal, but my favorites are the last three Newport tracks, with Rushings wailing voice, Young's amazing sax and "One O'Clock Jump" that adds Roy Eldridge and Illinois Jacquet to the already steaming pot full of jazz...