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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Yes this d.v.d really takes me back to the'60's when experiencing both the sound and vision of this great band at St Georges Hall in Bradford. Anyone wanting to recall those days must buy this d.v.d. It has all the ingredients of what was,at that time, a new big band sound which centred around extreme dynamics of Basie and the rhythm section followed by the instantanious 'wall of sound ' of the ensemble plus of course the individual soloists.
Personally speaking, there are a couple of minuses on this otherwise splendid concert performance, these being the 'shouting' style of vocalist Irene Reid and the interminable drum solo by Sonny Payne including some second rate stick juggling. This is a shame because during the rest of the concert he really drives the band along and his fill-ins were the inspiration of many big band drummers that followed. Despite these minor niggles this d.v.d is worth a five star rating.
Personally speaking, there are a couple of minuses on this otherwise splendid concert performance, these being the 'shouting' style of vocalist Irene Reid and the interminable drum solo by Sonny Payne including some second rate stick juggling. This is a shame because during the rest of the concert he really drives the band along and his fill-ins were the inspiration of many big band drummers that followed. Despite these minor niggles this d.v.d is worth a five star rating.
Format:DVD
For any jazz fan who remembers the Basie band of the early 1960s this is an excellent purchase for both sound and picture quality are good, Unfortunately the disc is limited to only one hour and too much time is spent featuring the questionable talents of the vocalist at the expense of the band. I was fortunate to attend Basie concerts and always enjoyed the Sonny Payne's drum solos. Payne has been described as a flashy and over excitable performer but for me his extended solo on the disc was a reminder of great times.
Trottman
Trottman
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
16 reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Classic performance, surprisingly good audio
12 April 2007
Format:DVD
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.
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.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Basie in Sweden
2 Oct 2006
Format:DVD
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!
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!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
A Blast From The Past - Beautiful!
27 Jan 2007
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
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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