Search - Count Basie :: Basie's Basement

A tasty snack for fans of Basie or Rushing

Matthew Watters | Vietnam | 07/23/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"These ten sides from 1947 (and one from 1949) plug a discographical gap between Basie's years with Columbia and the advent of the so-called 'New Testament' band in 1950. As such, they aren't really essential. But to the Basie fanatic, they offer considerable charms, including - once again intact - the justifiably legendary Basie-Freddie Green-Walter Page-Jo Jones rhythm section. Five of the cuts here are also vocal features for Little Jimmy Rushing, whose swinging and urbanely erudite version of the blues presages Ray Charles more than a little. But Rushing also had this clear, clarion voice, a sly wit, a gentlemanly manner, and an innate sense of swing that really made him one of the all-time great jazz singers. If you're new to Basie or Rushing, you may hear this CD and wonder what all the fuss was about. This isn't really the place to start. But this music certainly belongs in the collection of any true fan, particularly at this price."