| | Count Basie Gifted Ones CD Count Basie Discography of CDs
 (2 Customer Reviews)
Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1996, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).
On the face of it, THE GIFTED ONES is an unlikely pairing of musicians. Though it's a collaboration between Count Basie, one of the icons of swing, and Dizzy Gillespie, one of the pioneers of bebop, their musical styles are more congruent than one might think.
Both musicians are firmly rooted in the blues, as we see most poignantly on "Back to the Land," a composition they wrote together. Here, the band plays a slow 12/8 groove, while Gillespie soliloquizes over the top with stark yet pointed melodic jabs. Basie solos in his trademark minimalistic, "swing low" fashion, while bassist Ray Brown and drummer Mickey Roker keep the tempo rock steady. On the traditional tune, "Saint James Infirmary," the quartet harks back to a kind of New Orleans funeral march. As with "Back to the Land," the song gradually changes into a 12/8 feel, but here Basie's playing retains much of the atmosphere of trad jazz; his dark, almost ominous, chord clusters conjure images of a mournful procession on a rainy day.
Recorded at Las Vegas Recording Studio, Las Vegas, Nevada on February 3, 1977.
Personnel: Count Basie (piano); Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet); Mickey Roker (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Phil DeLancie.
Liner Note Authors: Joe Pass; Norman Granz.
Recording information: Las Vegas Recording Studio, Las Vegas, NV (02/03/1977).
Photographer: Phil Stern.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Count Basie; Dizzy Gillespie; Mickey Roker; Ray Brown .
Personnel: Count Basie (piano); Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet); Ray Brown (bass); Mickey Roker (drums).
Count Basie Gifted Ones Songs Gifted Ones Music Review Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)  A semi-religeous experience.
I've never taken much notice of Dizzy Gillespie - never really liked trumpet jazz. One listening to this album converted me - the man's a genius. What instrument was Dizzy playing on track 1? It sounded like the sweet cooing of a happy, contented 12 month old baby gurgling away in his cot. The trumpet never sounded like that before. Occasionally you get an album where all the musicians just CLICK. This is one of them - the best jazz album I've ever heard. Dizzy stars. The Count is there too but exquisitely understated at all times, appearing not to want to detract from or compete with Dizzy who is inspired. The Count is all class, proving that you don't have to play a million notes a second to excel. His choice of notes is sublime. The one criticism I have of this album is that the bass player, Ray Brown, didn't get a mention on the front cover. Ray was the third genius present that day. He and the drummer, Rickey Moker, lay down such solid and exciting rythms that it's no wonder the two vituosos were inspired to play so brilliantly. Ray was not only solid, he embellished like a man possessed. Evebry single track is a true joy. The exquisite interpretation of St James Infirmary brought tears to my eyes - a religeous experience. Don't die without listening to this album.
Submitted by campbell.witt (Perth, Western Australia)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No A Miracle
Possibly one of the finest and most tasteful jazz recordings ever, right up there with Kind of Blue, A Love Supreme, Stupendous.
Submitted by Darryl Bennett (Ottawa Canada)
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Purchase Gifted Ones CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Count Basie Basie Jam 2 CD (1976)
Gifted Ones album
 $8.75  
Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1991, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).
Count Basie is best known for his big-band swing orchestras. But BASIE JAM 2 finds the legendary pianist "jamming" with an all-star octet. In truth, Basie's music has always been based around spontaneity and fun-the hallmarks of the jam session. Basie, the consummate entertainer, ...
| | Count Basie Basie Jam 3 CD (1976)
Gifted Ones CD music
$8.59
Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1992, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).
Count Basie is best known for his swing orchestras (big bands). But on BASIE JAM 3, we hear the legendary pianist "jamming" with an all-star octet. In truth, Basie's music has always been based around spontaneity and fun-the hallmarks of jamming. Basie, the consummate entertainer, always encouraged playful, extended improvisations from his sidemen.
BASIE JAM 3 is consistent with the acclaimed band leader's credo. Soloists Benny Carter, ...
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This LP (whose contents have been reissued on CD) features a reunion between tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins and clarinetist Pee Wee Russell; they revisit "If I Could Be with You," a song they had recorded together in a classic version back ...
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