Makin' Whoopee - Count Basie

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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Advantages: Two greats performing together, superb tracklisting
Disadvantages: None!

...Frank Sinatra and Count Basie? 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... Read review

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