Count Basie - Standing Ovation

This album was actually a request made by papycool.  

The byline on the cover says it all... 3 eras of Basie recorded live.  This album functions as a sort of "greatest hits" from the best bands Basie has put together.  I think alot of people would pass on this by virtue of the front cover.  There's a deluge of crappy Count sides on an equal amount of sub standard labels.  Dot Records has a colourful history and at this point it was a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures.  Dot was certainly not a budget label and put out top notch quality - albeit of sometimes questionable artistry.

The performance on this album is absolutely amazing.  When we look at the personnel, it's clear that this was a band in transition.  There's a few old war horses in the bandstand, but also some young blood like the incredible Oscar Brashear.  They fearlessly tackle the songs and remove certain cliches in order to bring us some fresh ideas.  One O'Clock Jump is actually done twice in order to fulfill this mandate.  Overall it's a shamefully overlooked album in Basie's discography.

Curiously enough, at least as far as I can tell, it's never made it to CD.  That makes this post extra special.  The vinyl is super minty and the fidelity is on par with any modern day live recording.  Indeed, this one is a special treat for Basie fans and jazz fans alike... big band at it's best.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!!

This 1969 recording was subtitled "Three Eras of Basie Recorded Live at the Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas," and that's what it is. This set features updated takes on the Basie songbook's greatest instrumental hits of the '30s, '40s, and '50s. Engineer Wally Heider set up the stereo mix to match the classic stage formation of the band, resulting in a potent sitting-in-front-of-the-band feeling for the listener. Besides Basie himself, featured soloists include trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, who reunited with the band for this occasion, tenor saxman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Eric Dixon on flute and tenor. Arranger Sammy Nistico has renovated several of these classics in subtle ways from their original studio recordings. The music is, of course, great, and the players respond to the excitement of the live audience. - Jim Newsome / AMG

Dot Records DLP-25938
1969

A1 Down For Double

A2 Li'l Darlin'
A3 Broadway
A4 Jive At Five
A5 Cherry Point
A6 Jumpin' At The Woodside
A7 One O'clock Jump
B1 Shiny Stockings
B2 Blue And Sentimental
B3 Every Tub
B4 Corner Pocket
B5 The Kid From Red Bank
B6 One O'clock Jump

The 20th Concord Festival All Stars

Here's a little gem to get your weekend movin the right way.  Some of you will remember the wonderful posts we had at the original Crypt, all taken from the first 300 Concord Jazz sides.  Infact, I had made it a regular feature of the blog - a look at Concord Jazz.  Perhaps with enough positive response and some input from you all, I could be prompted to put that project back on its tracks.  There were scores of titles I never got to, including this one here today.

This album is damn near perfect.  A blowing session of epic proportions, from some real legends.  There's not a single wasted note.  For me, Sweets takes first prize but Gene Harris was in a really amazing stage of his career here.  The fact is that they are all undeniably excellent on this album.

Matching the music is the excellent fidelity - typical Concord.  My copy is in absolute mint condition creating a perfect listening experience.  This is where being a vinyl fan pays off in spades.  We are treated to superb dynamics and tonally splendid analog.  I have never heard the CD but I would be interested if the vinyl egdes it at all.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, this is a post not to be missed!!!  Enjoy!!


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To celebrate the 20th Concord Jazz Festival, an all-star quintet of veterans was gathered together to play swinging jazz. With trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, Red Holloway on tenor, pianist Gene Harris, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jeff Hamilton comprising the group, it is not a surprise that this session is quite successful. Standards and ballads (along with a Ray Brown blues) make up the program and the results are satisfying. - 4.5 / 5.0 - Scott Yanow / AMG

Concord Jazz CJ-366
1989

1 Blues For Sam Nassi
2 Sophisticated Lady
3 Time After Time
4 Bye Bye Blackbird
5 I Wish I Knew
6 I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
7 Just a Closer Walk With Thee

Red Holloway (tenor saxophone), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Gene Harris (piano), Ray Brown (bass), Jeff Hamilton (drums)

Count Basie and Joe Williams - Memories Ad-Lib

As promised, we will keep the Basie train-a-rollin'.  This side is equally as monumental as the previous post, but a beast of another kind.  For those of you who haven't heard it, clear off a space on your shelf for favorites because you will be adding another title shortly.

Basie on organ?  Check.  Basie with only a small group?  Check.  Freddie Green shredding solos?  Check.  As you can see, this is a far from typical venture for Basie.  With Williams, they swing through what were at that time, old school classics.  The album has a wonderfully warm and sentimental vibe not just from the songs, but the treatment they get from the group.  Sweets appears only on a few tracks, but even still, its a rhythm driven album centered around Williams ever present voice.

I'm not sure what part of the world you are all from.  I know some are in warmer regions and some in rainy, moderate areas.  Here in Canada the snow has broken, and as of this writing I am watching a snow globe scene outside my window.  As this albums lulls in the background, I can't help but feel good.  And that folks, is the greatest part of Memories Ad-Lib.

This is another mint deluxe EMUS reissue, in stereo - a gorgeous rip.  Be sure to check out the liner notes, which were penned by none other than Leonard Feather.  Caught at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I hope this adds something to everyone's weekend, or perhaps even your holiday.  Enjoy!!!

Roullette R52021
1958

Count Basie - organ;  Freddie Green - guitar;  George Duvivier - bass;  Jimmy Crawford - drums;
Harry 'Sweets' Edison - trumpet;  Joe Williams - vocals.

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Harry "Sweets" Edison - Vol. 1

It's hard to discuss this album without gushing or sounding overbearing, but the truth of the matter is...it's a real cooker.  Recorded in Denmark, our two heroes enlisted Kenny Drew and his active trio for rhythm.  John Darville stopped by also, and cut two tracks; Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk with his trombone.  I wasn't familiar with bassist Hugo Rasmussen or drummer Svend Erik Norregard, but they affirm their skill along with Kenny Drew.

As mentioned, when the full band is playing for Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk, it's a thing of jazz beauty.  Darville brings the classic bop style 'bone to the session and it's clear that Jaws and Sweets are up for it.  I wasn't too sure about the treatment for Blues Walk, but once they are through you will want to hear it again.  Both leaders take a ballad each and deliver sublime performances.  The rest of this session is a relatively upbeat affair, on standard tunes.

There's something about Sweets that really grabs me on this set.  I can't put my finger on it, or really describe it without sounding ridiculous.  I will just chalk it up to the magic of music.  I just find it incredible how these musicians could stamp their souls onto the music, and have it touch someone all these years later.  In most cases, long after they have passed.

Not only is the music fantastic, but so is the fidelity of the recording.  I would rate it above average to be sure.  This copy is an original Storyville (SLP 4004) stereo pressing, in minty condition.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, to bring souls of old and present together...enjoy!!!

Harry Edison (tp);  Eddie Davis (ts);  *John Darville (tb);  Kenny Drew (p);
Hugo Rasmussen (b);  Svend Erik Norregard (d).

*only on Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk


Storyville SLP-4004
Recorded in Denmark, 1976

Black And Blue

 Ripped from my I Giganti Del Jazz LP... ultra minty!!

Also made available on the Italian budget label I Ganti Del Jazz, this little-known effort finds veteran trumpeter Joe Newman (55 at the time) stretching out quite effectively on four standards and two originals. In what was his first opportunity to lead a recording session since 1962, Newman and his top-notch rhythm section (pianist Hank Jones, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Alan Dawson) swing their way through such songs as "Softly As In a Morning Sunrise," "Paper Moon" and "Fiddy's Moods."  - Scott Yanow

 

 

 

 

 

Curcio Editore GJ-50 / Black and Blue 

I Giganti Del Jazz Vol. 50


Recorded 1960??, Released 1972



Joe Newman - trumpet;  Hank Jones - piano;  George Duvivier - bass;  Alan Dawson - drums

1. Softly As A Morning Sunrise
2. It's Only A Papermoon
3. I Love My Woman
4. Fiddy's Moods
5. Summertime
6. Prelude To a Kiss

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This is a mint rip from my Classic Jazz reissue, as is the review.  A killer side to be sure...enjoy!!!

Also put out on the French Black & Blue label, this is one of the more obscure LPs to team together tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison. Lockjaw and Sweets always made for an exciting combination, constantly challenging each other to play with fire. Highlights of this particular encounter include "Jim Dawg," "Intermission Riff" and "Light and Lovely"; the two distinctive horn stylists are even able to uplift "The Good Life."  - Scott Yanow

Classic Jazz CJ116 / Black and Blue 33121
1975

Recorded on July 26th 1975 in Nice.

1. Jim Dawg
2. The Good Life
3. Meditation
4. Intermission Riff
5. Land Of Dreams
6. Light And Lovely

Eddie Lockjaw Davis - ts
Harry Sweets Edison - tp
Gerry Wiggins - p

Major Holley - b
Oliver jackson - d

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This was ripped from my mint I Giganti Del Jazz reissue.  The Curcio label was an Italian imprint, they put out a set of 100 albums, all reissues or out takes.

This album is a superb set, with both Tate and Buckner as expressive as can be.  Enjoy!!

 I Giganti Del Jazz Vol. 13 / Black and Blue 33014
Paris, France
1967

A1 - When I'm Blue (Tate), 10:50
A2 - You Have Changed (Fisher, Carey), 05:10
A3 - Day by Day (Weston, Stordhal), 06:45
B1 - Them There Eyes (Tracy, Tauber, Pinkard), 10:46
B2 - Margie (Davis, Conrad, Robinson), 10:29

Buddy Tate (Tenor Sax), Milt Buckner (Organ), Wallace Bishop (Drums)

Newport in NY '72, The Jam Sessions, vols 3 & 4

Newport in NY '72, The Jam Sessions, vols 3 & 4
Cobblestone 1973

Volume 3: Radio City Music Hall July 6
1) Perdido
2) Misty
3) Now's the Time

Joe Newman, Nat Adderley trumpet; Illinois Jacquet, Budd Johnson tenor sax; Tyree Glenn trombone; Gerry Mulligan baritone sax; Jaki Byard piano; Chubby Jackson bass; Elvin Jones drums

Volume 4: Radio City Music Hall (side A July 6, side B July 3)

1) Blue N' Boogie

Clark Terry & Howard McGhee trumpet; Sonny Stitt & Dexter Gordon tenor sax; Gary Burton vibes; Jimmy Smith organ, George Duke piano; Al McKibbon bass; Art Blakey drums

2) So What

Harry 'Sweets' Edison trumpet; James Moody, Flip Phillips, Zoot Sims & Dexter Gordon tenor sax; Roland Kirk tenor sax, manzello, stritch, whistle; Kai Winding trombone, Chuck Wayne guitar, Herbie Hancock piano; Larry Ridley bass; Tony Williams drums

This may well be the best side out of all six LP's - Kirk's solo is jaw dropping!