Golden Greats - Count Basie

Advantages: Great jazz tunes from the Golden Age
Disadvantages: None

...This is real jazz, from the real Golden Age of Jazz. It's got the pace, the rhythm, the fluid trumpet playing, the relentlessly enthusiastic, rolling piano playing and the clear diction of some excellent singing of vocalists who could not only hold a tune, but who could capture your heart and soul, too… There's musicians with such great names as Muggsy Spanier, Meade Lux Lewis, King Oliver and Sidney Bechet. You do not get musicians called Muggsy nowadays. I wonder why? As well as straight out jazz such as the Dippermouth blues, there's also the dreamy and melodic April in Paris from Charlie Parker. Some jazz aficionados reckon that Charlie Parker eventually sold out. Well, perhaps he did. But some of his earlier work still stands the test of time. Jack Teagarden is on this CD, with So Many Times, a rather nice, well... Read review

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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. 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... Read review

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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 Count Basie, 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... Read review

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