Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 - Plak

ENGLISH

Although for many fans the equation Count Basie = big band jazz is quite undisputable, one has to agree that when one listens to these eight numbers: less is more when it comes to swing. Bob Thiele, Impulse producer - seen here on one of the photos with Count Basie - came to the conclusion that even with a meagre budget a whole lot of music with a terrific sound could be squeezed into the grooves.<br /><br /> As always, the great soloists of the Basie big band are on top form: first and foremost Frank Wess who demonstrates how rightly popular the flute is for its sound-colouring and as a solo instrument. Thad Jones on the trumpet is quite outstanding in all the numbers - and is equally important as composer and arranger. The 'All American Rhythm Group Number 1' consisting of the Count, Freddie Green, Eddie Jones and Sonny Payne deliver one adrenaline-like thrill after another - without ever neglecting the jazz beat. All in all this is an important LP from the Impulse label, whose quality is greatly enhanced by the transparent sound.<br /><br /> Older fans who omitted to buy their copy 40 years ago can at last grab the chance. And younger fans should quickly follow their good example.<br /><br /> Recording: March 1962 at Rudy Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., USA<br /><br /> by Rudy Van Gelder and Bob Arnold<br /><br /> Production: Bob Thiele