Search - Jazz Icons: Count Basie Live in '62 on DVD

Classic performance, surprisingly good audio

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Jazz Icons series does a great service by preserving for us an important part of American musical heritage. I've been a Basie fan for a long time, and had the opportunity to see the band perform a couple of times with the Count at the helm, so I may be biased, but I think the Basie DVD is the best one of the series that I've seen so far. It features some of the Count's legendary sidemen. To name just a few: Frank Wess and Frank Foster in the sax section, Thad Jones and Snooky Young on trumpet, Sonny Payne on drums, and of course, Freddie Green on guitar.
Sonny Payne is on top of his game and is a delight to watch throughout the performance. Eric Dixon displays his big, warm tenor sax sound on a gorgeous interpretation of "You Are Too Beautiful." Other tunes feature impressive solo work from Wess, Foster, and Sonny Cohn on trumpet.
Any downside to this performance will be determined by personal taste. For example, the surprisingly up-tempo rendition of "Old Man River" is great, but Payne's drum solo is long and may try the patience of some listeners. Also, vocalist Irene Reid belts out her tunes with power and conviction, apparently trying to emulate the sound (and even the look) of Ella Fitzgerald, but she will not please everyone. By her third selection, I was getting tired of hearing her repeatedly shout in the same high-impact register instead of getting inventive with the melody.
For a 1962 Swedish Television recording, this session is remarkably well preserved and restored. It's in black & white, and the lighting is a bit off in some scenes, but the sound is great all the way. This is a collector's item that will be enjoyed over and over."

Basie in Sweden

Curtis Erland | Sweden | 10/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A beautifully photographed concert from the vaults of Swedish Television.
A dynamic rendition of the Basie aggregation at it`s peak. SONNY PAYNE is a joy to watch,he literally steals the show with his fantastic drumworks and "tricks with sticks".Wow,he`s certainly in a leading role along with the Count.
It starts off with one of Frank Foster`s best compositions `EASIN IT` with fine solos and then ,what more to say,it`s all so gorgeous to be able to have this testament from a succsessful tour on DVD.
Don`t hesitate.You won`t be disappointed!"

CLASSIC BASIE AT HIS BEST

RICH N | exit 156 | 10/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the Atomic band of the late 1950's early 60's which was the most dynamic of all the Basie groups after 1950. The relaxed swing with the explosive fills and breaks of Sonny Payne create an exciting tension that only Basie had the recipie for. The DVD is a great find and very special for fans of big bands. A beautiful presentation fitting the royalty of the subject."

A Blast From The Past - Beautiful!

Jeff Lowenthal | Chicago, IL United States | 01/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At last, a DVD which has great historical value, great video quality (b & w) and good audio. Nirvana for the collector.

This is the way jazz DVD's should be produced - no stiff introductions (as the Norman Granz collection, otherwise fine), just a straightforward presentation of the music, which is great. The producers have apparently started with a pristine tape which belies its 42 years. The transfer is fine, and this is one great production, at a reasonable price too.

Five stars!



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