Count Basie - L'il Ol' Groovemaker... Basie!

So I figured it's time to get back on the Basie train, as promised.  I have prepared some really killer sides, but wanted to come out with guns a-blazin!  There's many reasons that Basie was able to stay relevant through the years.  Aside from sheer talent, he also knew the importance of taking cues from other great talent.  All throughout his catalogue you will find collaborations - Basie bringing in a composer and/or arranger to help the band shine.

Quincy Jones was by this point a jazz success,  viewed as the next generation, and lent both his writing and arranging skills to this session.  I can assure you that it was a match made in heaven.  All of the tracks found on "groovemaker" are penned by Jones, and fully arranged as well.

Overall this album has a really great vibe.  Hard swingin and heavy groovin can be found through every track.  I would suggest that everyone read the liner notes, written by Stanley Dance himself.  They really do more justice than I ever could.  It should be noted that the fidelity on this side is exceptional.  The dynamics are as good as they get.  I just love the way the brass cuts through and leaps out of the speakers.  In typical Basie fashion, the band can also play as though they are a mere trio.

Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!