Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 10/25/1990
Run Time: 46:14
A big-band date that slightly predated pianist
Gene Harris' association with
the Philip Morris Superband, this CD is ostensibly a tribute to the recently deceased
Count Basie, but surprisingly, only two of the eight songs (
"Swingin' the Blues" and "Blue and Sentimental") were played by
Basie, although one original ("Captain Bill") was written in homage of the bandleader.
Harris' 16-piece orchestra does bring back the spirit of
Basie's band in spots, with a lightly but steadily swinging rhythm section and such soloists as trumpeters
Conte Candoli and
Jon Faddis and tenors
Plas Johnson and
Bob Cooper. But in reality,
Harris dominates the solo spotlight, and the music (which includes a memorable version of "When Did You Leave Heaven") is a bit predictable.
~Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
;)
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