Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series Vol.19

Count Basie was one of many big-band jazz leaders who had to scale back to a small group for a time around 1950, due to the lack of performing opportunities. But within a couple of years, he rebuilt his so-called "New Testament" band, with a new generation of excellent soloists, composers, and arrangers. This newly discovered concert, issued as the first of two parts by TCB in early 2009, come from a broadcast recorded for Swiss Radio during a 1956 European tour. The sound is excellent, while Basie's reserved style at the piano, together with the potent rhythm section (guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Eddie Jones, and drummer Sonny Payne), keep the band swinging. Tenor saxophonist Frank Foster's "Shiny Stockings" became a staple of the band, though this version features the magnificent trumpeter Thad Jones. Tenor saxophonist Frank Wess and trombonist Henry Coker shine in the boisterous "Sixteen Men Swinging." The band even gets on a Latin kick with Mario Bauza's "Mambo Inn." One song played during the tour is unidentified, an easygoing swinger featuring Basie with the rhythm section. This enjoyable live CD is warmly recommended to fans of Count Basie. ~ Ken Dryden|