The New York Allstars - Count Basie Remembered Vol.1 And Vol.2

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:34
Size: 139,2 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:06)  1. Swingin' Back
(3:42)  2. Down For Double
(4:26)  3. Softly With Feeling
(5:32)  4. Shoe Shine Boy
(6:53)  5. Shining Stockings
(6:11)  6. I Want A Little Girl
(5:07)  7. Lester Leaps In
(8:09)  8. How Long Blues
(7:34)  9. 9:20 Special
(7:50) 10. One O'Clock Jump

Count Basie's small group dates of the 1940s are saluted on this delightful set from a strong octet comprised of leader/trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist Dan Barrett, Brian Oglivie (on clarinet, alto and tenor), Basie alumnus Billy Mitchell on tenor, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, bassist Bob Haggart and drummer Joe Ascione. It is particularly rewarding to hear the veteran Mitchell in this setting. The arrangements (by Sandke and Harry Tibbs) fit the music well, and the live concert is enthusiastically received. Among the ten tunes swung are "Down for Double," "Shoe Shine Boy," "Lester Leaps In" and, of course, "One O'Clock Jump." ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-count-basie-remembered-vol-1-mw0000059918

Personnel: Mark Shane (vocals, piano); James Chirillo (guitar); Brian Ogilvie (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Billy Mitchell (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Joe Ascione (drums).

Count Basie Remembered Vol.1

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Styles: Big Band
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:42
Size: 116,5 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:56)  1. Swingin' The Blues
(3:35)  2. Moten Swing
(5:05)  3. Blue And Sentimental
(2:45)  4. April In Paris
(5:16)  5. Li'l Darlin'
(3:50)  6. Big Noise From Winnetka
(8:32)  7. Broadway
(6:17)  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   http://www.allmusic.com/album/count-basie-remembered-vol-2-mw0000606594

Personnel: Randy Sandke (trumpet); James Chirillo (guitar); Billy Mitchell , Brian Ogilvie (tenor saxophone); Dan Barrett (trombone); Mark Shane (piano); Joe Ascione (drums).

Count Basie Remembered Vol. 2

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