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 Capp/Pierce Orchestra - Juggernaut Strikes Again!

Here's a re-up for our Crypt brother Jazzjet.  You're gonna enjoy this one buddy...

Sooooo...I think most everyone is familiar with Nat Pierce.  It's fair to say that at this point in his career, he has mastered the big band genre.  Pierce spent most of his career being (unfairly) criticized as a Basie clone.  This album shows that he is so much more.  Of course, any big band will give The Count a big healthy nod, but I think between his book and the stellar arrangements, Pierce IS his own man.

The material is what really stands out on this one.  Wonderfully varied and fresh, it's clear the band are stoked to be playing these numbers.  Standouts for me are Buck Clayton's Chops, Fingers and Sticks and the Billy Preston ballad, You Are So Beautiful.

The soloing really moves around from chair to chair.  Capp and Pierce clearly wanted everyone to have a voice.  Check the track listing on the back cover for solo details on each tune.  I give the nod to Pete Christlieb and Marshal Royal, they just sound fantastic and spirited.  Of course the ensemble work is wildly tight and inspiring, a real joy to listen to.  Overall a fun and enjoyable side by a seasoned group of players.  Not a typical big band album by any means.

CJ-183 is of course mint.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC...let your backbone slide Cryptheads!!  Enjoy!!

Concord Jazz (CJ-183)
1982
Recorded in Hollywood, CA - Oct/Nov 1981

Frank Capp (drums);  Nat Pierce (piano);  Ernie Andrews (vocals);
Bill Green (soprano & baritone saxophones);
Marshal Royal, Joe Roccisano, Jackie Kelso (alto saxophone);
Pete Christlieb, Bob Cooper, Bob Efford (tenor saxophone);
 Johnny Audino, Frank Szabo, Al Aarons, Warren Luening, Snooky Young, Bill Berry (trumpet);
Alan Kaplan, George Bohanon, Buster Cooper, Mel Wanzo (trombone);
Ray Pohlman (guitar);  Bob Maize (bass).