Various - Swingin' The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:56
Size: 114.3 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:20] 1. Swingin' The Blues
[3:13] 2. Moten Swing
[5:08] 3. Blue And Sentimental
[3:49] 4. April In Paris
[5:14] 5. Lil' Darlin'
[3:36] 6. Big Noise From Winnetka
[8:09] 7. Broadway
[6:01] 8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[9:22] 9. The King

Randy Sandke's second volume of a concert salute to Count Basie is equal to the earlier CD. Sandke has long been underrated as a soloist, but he more than proves himself. These performances, utilizing both new charts by bandmembers as well as tried and true scores, have the feeling of Basie-type head arrangements, flowing easily yet swinging hard. Yet none of the music comes across as a museum-piece re-creation; rather, the selections featured here are updated treatments of favorites. Joining him are trombonist Dan Barrett, multi-reed player Brian Ogilvie, tenor saxophonist (and Basie alum) Billy Mitchell, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, drummer Joe Ascione, and the legendary bassist and composer Bob Haggart. Mitchell arranged the lush chart of "Blue and Sentimental" and Sandke shines in "April in Paris," while omitting the traditional (if trite) quote of "Pop Goes the Weasel." The one non-Basie-related track is Haggart's fun-filled duet with Ascione of "Big Noise from Winnetka," which dates from his days as a member of Bob Crosby's Bobcats. All in all, this is a very enjoyable tribute. ~ Ken Dryden

Features Randy Sandke, Dan Barrett, Brian Ogilvie, Billy Mitchell, Mark Shane, James Chirillo, Bob Haggart & Joe Ascione.

Swingin' The Blues

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