Classics 1942

Twenty numbers recorded by Count Basie in 1942, 15 of them in a marathon July 24 session in Hollywood, intended to get as much of the band's repertory down before a recording ban by the Musicians Union went into effect. The opening number is the updated "One O'Clock Jump," which he'd previously cut for Decca Records -- Buddy Tate and Don Byas are the featured soloists in this number, which also exists as a video from a Soundies appearance made by the band. Henry Nemo shows up as a vocalist (more of a primordial soul shouter) on one number, but the principal singer on these sides, when there are any vocals, is Jimmy Rushing, in excellent form -- his signature tune "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" is just about worth the price of the CD by itself. Two other highlights on this disc are "Basie Blues" and "How Long Blues," which give the pianist the spotlight in a very quiet mode, and the chance to prove out his less-in-more approach to his instrument. The 15 sides cut at the July session range from slow blues to jump numbers -- astonishingly, none have a rushed feel about them, and as a body they're priceless as an example of creating under pressure (with a lot of grace) by one of the top bands in the business -- and Earle Warren's gorgeous, Bing Crosby-like vocal on "Time On My Hands" ought to be heard by any fan of '40s swing. In view of the fact that no comprehensive collection of Basie's Columbia Records sides exists, this CD is a double priority for fans of the band, with better sound throughout than any of the Sony reissues on Basie's work from this period have thus far displayed. ~ Bruce Eder|