Search - Count Basie :: Live in France

The Best Solos I've Heard

04/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Basie for over 30 years having collected dozens of his vinyl albums and a growing number of his CD's. This two-CD set is one of the most hard driving, unihibited collections I've heard from the Basie Band. The band plays with an enthusiasm that surpasses even the usual Basie verve. The soloists are at peak form throughout. You will hear many of the Basie standards but the solo treatments will not be typical. The concerts taped live in Paris in 1960 and 1962 are exquisite samples of the Basie band in its prime. Perhaps the Parisian audience energized an additional supply of adrenaline and inspiration among the soloists that can clearly be sensed as one listens to this excellent collection. As I write this I'm told the set is out of production. I hope it's brought back."