Basie On The Beatles - Count Basie > Reviews > Putting the Beat into the Beatles

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	Originality, great musicianship
Disadvantages:	Not that memorable, stronger Basie albums elsewhere

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

When thinking through covers of famous songs the concept of this album would not be the first to spring to mind. A big band, swinging jazz rendition of some of the Beatles finest hits.
In reviewing this album I can't speak for fans of the Beatles. Whilst recognising the musicianship of the Beatles they have never been part of my musical 'taste' . So I'm interested to know - does this come across as a suitable tribute, from one great artist to another? Can the music of the Beatles ever hope to remain great when reworked in this way?
As for me, well I love it, in concept at least. Count Basie never fails to provide the most fulfilling big band sound. With this album I can at least try to appreciate the music of a band that otherwise I would steer clear of.
Personal favourites from this collection are 'Yesterday' - a high-tempo all-swinging affair with drum solos, trumpet choruses and the definitive subtlely of Basie's piano, and 'Eleanor Rigby' - again a fast pace is supported this time with a more 60s feel to the jazz improvisation. The album is, however, dominated by a more laidback approach - 'Hey Jude', 'Penny Lane', 'Here, There & Everywhere'.
However, I would have to comment that given all this, the album is not the most listenable of Count Basie's. I am bound to attract many critics if I suggest that this is because of the Beatles' tracks themselves. Yet I cannot jump to criticise Basie, who I know to be not only one of THE best jazz orchestrators, but immensely capable of transforming music (see my review on Basie on Bond) into his own big band style. But still I cannot help but feel that this album slightly disappoints - there just aren't enough strong tunes and melodies there for me. In fact 'Yesterday' is perhaps the only really memorable piece here.
As I said, I cannot make a judgement on the behalf of Beatles fans - you will need to make up your own mind whether you want to listen to some of your favourite numbers reworked in this way.
On behalf of Basie fans, I would list this album as a possibility if you have a strong collection of his other works already, and similarly a possibility if you have some appreciation of the Beatles. Otherwise there are far stronger albums available that demonstrate Basie's great talents.