Concord Records
2007
Basie Is Back
About This Album
Critics have often had reservations with any ghost band touring long after the death of the leader, along with the retirement or death of the musicians that helped make the band famous. But the Count Basie Orchestra has remained active since their leader's death in 1984 for one good reason: the musicians hired to take the place of previous players have been true to the band book while still offering swinging solos. Unlike the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which was handicapped by the death of the leader (who also served as an arranger and composer who wrote specifically for the strengths of individuals who played with him), Basie's band relied more on an easygoing swing and less of a personalized sound that could be comprised severely due to someone's departure.

That said, the new edition of the band, led by trombonist Bill Hughes utilizes both existing band charts and updated treatments of favorites. As a result, this concert recording proves that Basie's music is not a museum piece to be played with exactness, but with ears open to the future. Most of the repertoire, aside from obvious requests like "One O'Clock Jump" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside," come from the band's repertoire of the '50s and '60s, with a few twists.
Track List (try tracks 3,5,8,11 and 13)

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