Advantages: Originality, great musicianship Disadvantages: Not that memorable, stronger Basie albums elsewhere
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. CountBasie 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 ...
Advantages: Bond and Basie, together! Disadvantages: No vocals, no new rearrangements
Few films have had such an impact as those featuring 007 himself. And this impact extends into the musical world. The instantly recognisable themes that have accompanied James Bond's exploits owe as much to the musical credentials of the artists as to the fame of the films themselves.
At first the thought of 'replaying' these numbers in a jazz style may seem like sacrilege. But considering the fact that CountBasie, one of the greatest jazz pianists, composers and conductors ever, is at the helm, we can rest assured in the ability of the musicianship. Further, the very nature of the tracks chosen make their 'jazzing up' a not unachieveable goal.
Throughout the album the instrumentation is of the highest quality. Strong solos and improvisation are supported by delicate and subtle backing from the Count and the rest of his orchestra ...
Advantages: Two greats performing together, superb tracklisting Disadvantages: None!
Frank Sinatra and CountBasie?
Together on one disc?
Genius.
This is a thoroughly superb album. Sinatra is one of the greatest singers and performers, Basie one of the next jazz musicians and orchestrators. Together they combine to provide a musical production og genuine quality.
The 'live' aspect is, perhaps unsurprisingly, what brings this album truly alive. With the raw edge that is present without studio editing there is a real sense of being there whilst this music is being created - and that is the key. This music hasn't been rehearsed and played and cut and edited and re-edited until it is 'musical perfection'. The music lives because it is there as a genuine interaction between people. Sinatra is singing for this audience, Basie is playing for Sinatra, the audience responds and all three interact in a real experience ...
Product Information for "Basie's Beatle Bag - Count Basie" »
Product details
Title
Basie's Beatle Bag
Performer
Count Basie
Genre
Jazz Instrument
Sub Genre
Big Band
Release Date
03/03/2003
Original Release Year
1966
Label / Distributor
Universal IMS / Universal Music
Engineer
Ami Hadim
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
731455745528
Catalogue Number
E5574552
Additional notes
Album Notes
Count Basie & His Orchestra: Count Basie (piano, organ); Bill Henderson (vocals); Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor saxophone); Al Aarons, Sonny Cohn, Wallace Davenport, Phil Guilbeau (trumpet); Henderson Chambers, Al Grey, Grover Mitchell (trombone); Bill Hughes (bass trombone); Bobby Plater (alto saxophone, flute); Marshall Royal (alto saxophone, clarinet); Eric Dixon (tenor saxophone, flute); Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone, flute); Freddie Green (guitar); Norman Keenan (bass); Sonny Payne (drums). Producers: Pete Spargo, Teddy Reig. Reissue producer: Jerry Rappaport. Recorded at T.T.G. Sunset Recorders, Hollywood, California on May 3-5, 1966. Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves. This is part of the Verve By Request series. Somebody forgot to tell the jazz Count that the Fab Four were the enemies. While purists may disparage Basie's crossover attempt, precedents had already been set by his Quincy Jones arranged "Hits of the '50s & '60s," and "More Hits of the '50s & '60s." On board to handle the arrangements for this Beatle fest was the multi-talented Cuban-American, Chico O'Farrill. All these tracks, whether they be slow ("Michelle"), medium ("All My Loving") or fast ("Help!"), swing hard thanks to the band that had defined the term 30 years before. Basie gives a ghostly backdrop to some of the tunes switching from piano to organ. Alto saxophonist Marshall Royall does a Johnny Hodges impersonation to the hilt with his reading of "Do You Want to Know a Secret." Yes, the British invasion was another nail in the proverbial coffin in which jazz was to remain for some time. But with combinations of material and style like this, rapprochement--maybe even a musical marriage--could not be far off.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Help
2.
Can't Buy Me Love
3.
Michelle
4.
I Wanna Be Your Man
5.
Do You Want To Know A Secret
6.
Hard Days Night
7.
All My Loving
8.
Yesterday
9.
And I Love Her
10.
Hold Me Tight
11.
She Loves You
12.
Kansas City
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
14/07/2000
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