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. The off-the-cuff comments from Sinatra, the one-liners from the audience, the real applause at each song and solo - all demonstrate that this music truly was great to the people who were there, and still is great to those that listen to it today.
Sinatra's 'monologue' halfway through, although not packed with particularly high-quality jokes, is nevertheless a demonstration of the affection with which this great man perfomed and the response he generated. We are given a small, but enlightening, insight into the man behind the music. It is something that just could not exist if the album was produced in a studio, and as such makes this compilation unique.
Count Basie and his orchestra perform magnificently throughout. It is nice that this album pays tribute to this man and does not simply cast the music into the 'backing' category. Several Basie solos and interludes are found throughout and balance with the lyrical tracks nicely.
And this album is packed full of great, great numbers. In fact I would argue that there is not a single weak track on the album. Although some are obviously more familiar, more popular and perhaps 'better', the whole collection balance each other and allow both performers the chance to show depth and range with this musical style.
'Fly me to the moon', 'Come fly with me', 'My kinda town' are big numbers that really let swing. 'I've got a crush on you', 'I've got you under my skin', and 'One for my baby' are gentler and more subtle, yet they are vocally superb and sung with real passion.
If you like Sinatra then this album will not disappoint. You may know all the track, but have you heard them sung live? Have you heard them sung live with the support of one of the finest jazz/swing orchestras? If not, then buy this album.
Count Basie fans will also find much to appreciate in this collection, as will all lovers of the swing tradition.
The album is unique - in its conception, its performance and in the experience it generates.